Guide to Foot Pain: Part 2

Continuing our Guide to Foot Pain (for Part 1, click here)

While injury and general activity such as excessive walking or playing sports can cause foot pain, sometimes it can be linked to medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or poor blood circulation. Whatever the cause, you may consider seeing your doctor for the following if you have any of the following foot conditions:

• Being unable to feel hot or cold sensations
• Changes in the nail or skin color
• Foot cannot be touched without tenderness or pain
• Foot starts to look misshapen or deformed
• Limping
• Pain area gets hot
• Pain gets worse when you move
• Pain that interferes with normal activities
• Performing desired activities is impossible without pain
• Severe swelling

Alleviating Your Foot Pain

There are a few things you could try to help with the pain in addition to visiting a doctor. First, you should try foot alignment socks. These socks create a gentle, almost massage like stretch to your toes, opening up the circulation throughout your foot including your toes and heels where they need it most. These socks also help to realign your toes towards a more natural position as this is a common issue for those with foot pain. Plantar fasciitis and hammertoes are two common problems with foot pain and can be alleviated with these socks.

You may also try the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, to lessen the pain. Use the following tips alongside any instructions or medication given to you by your physician. These include:

• Change your footwear
• Limit activities involving walking or running
• Stretch the foot muscles
• Wear shoe inserts

Ways to Prevent Foot Pain

• Don't engage in painful activities until you have gotten treatment
• Rest when you need to 
• Treat any underlying problems like arthritis, gout or diabetes
• Wear foot alignment socks while relaxing. Start wearing your socks a little at a time and progress to several hours or even overnight to coax your feet back into their rightful positions
• Wear properly sized shoes that have adequate room for you toes

There are ways to aid in the relief of your foot pain, and many of them, such as exercises or wearing foot alignment socks, can be done at home. You should still seek a doctor's diagnosis if your foot pain becomes debilitating. Don't let the pain stop you from doing the things you love for too long!