Feeling Defeated by Foot Pain? Consider Some Sole-ful Solutions

It started about a month ago: my right foot hurt. I tried alternating different pairs of shoes, wearing sandals one day, aerobic shoes the next. I applied foot creams, gulped anti-inflammatories, and hobbled around on my regular routine.

A few times, the pain became so bad, however, that I resorted to elevating my foot and icing it at night (which meant an ice pack to ease my foot pain, and ice cream to ease my worries). Finally, I decided to ask an expert.

Toeing Up to the Problem

Dr. Leslie Campbell, is a practicing podiatrist on staff at the Presbyterian Hospital in Plano and Allen, Texas. Board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, Dr. Campbell suggested trying using different types of shoe cushions or other orthotics, such as arch supports.

One common foot ailment is heal pain, according to Dr. Campbell. Symptoms include "a dull or sharp pain underlying the heel most evident when arising from bed in the morning or from any period of rest. It may also occur during activities such as running or walking." If this sounds like your concern, she suggests using "a stable shoe and use of a specially designed shoe insole called an orthotic. Stretching, ice massage and anti-inflammatories may also assist in relieving pain."

Got a bunion? If you do, you'll notice "a dislocation of the great toe joint, which often results in painful bursitis. It is a result of an excessive amount of motion in the foot (abnormal pronation) and is treated conservatively with selection of a stable shoe, over the counter orthotic, and anti-inflammatories. If treatment is not adequate, a prescription orthotic prescribed by your physician may be indicated," Dr. Campbell explains.

Another problem that may occur: neuroma, which Dr. Campbell describes as "a nerve entrapment in the ball of the foot," causing a burning feeling in that area, as well as "numbness or cramping in the lesser toes, most commonly the third and fourth and pain often traveling up the outside border of the foot. Relief is often directed toward wearing a wide toe boxed, low heeled shoe and cushioning. Anti-inflammatories including cortisone as well as orthotics may reduce the need for surgical intervention."

Should You See a Doctor?

If over-the-counter solutions don't solve the problem, Dr. Campbell recommends seeking out your health provider. "As with any medical condition, if symptoms are not alleviated with over the counter remedies, it is important to consult your health care professional to ensure a proper diagnosis. With the right treatment, managing lower body pain can get you on track to a more active life style."

In my case, I decided to experiment with a few different types of cushions for my shoes, as well as wearing the low-heeled, wider toe types of shoes that Dr. Campbell suggested. The combination of what my mother used to call "sensible shoes" with Dr. Scholl's brand Massaging Gel Insoles did the trick. And now I no longer feel as if my feet are my arch enemy!

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Source: First-Person Interview with Dr. Leslie Campbell, practicing podiatrist on staff at the Presbyterian Hospital in Plano and Allen, Texas.