During a single hour of strenuous activity, your feet absorb up to one million pounds of pressure as shock absorbers. They also sustain 1.2 times your body weight while walking and two to three times our body weight when jogging. Therefore, it is easy to see why your feet are so vulnerable to harm. What should you do if you wake up with pain in your feet? You should look for solutions and information on how to improve your situation, such as seeking a physical therapist to treat your foot discomfort. Moreover, foot discomfort is a common reason for patients to see Dr. Han Nguyen. You can harm many components in the foot since it has more than 26 bones, 33 joints, and five ligaments. When these structures are injured or overstressed, it can result in pain, limiting your ability to walk. Typical reasons for foot pain include:

  1. Lifestyle options: Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly is one of the leading causes of foot discomfort. Since they put a lot of pressure on the toes, high-heeled shoes can often cause foot pain. Also, foot discomfort can happen if you are injured while participating in high-impact exercise or sports activities like running or strenuous aerobics.
  2. Common health problems: Foot pain is linked to several medical conditions. Your feet are particularly vulnerable to arthritic discomfort. The foot has 33 joints, and arthritis can damage any of them. Diabetes mellitus can also lead to consequences, including foot problems. Diabetes patients are more likely to have blocked or hardened arteries in the legs and feet, nerve injury in the feet, and foot ulcers or sores.

When to consult a healthcare profession

Foot discomfort can be tough to deal with. It can make walking difficult and impair your ability to engage in typical job and recreational activities. Make a consultation with your doctor if you experience regular foot discomfort or if it appears to be growing worse or more frequent, especially if you detect changes in the size and look of joints. Also, inquire whether a physical therapist can assist you in overcoming foot discomfort and returning to your regular active lifestyle.

Physical treatment for foot pain

Physical therapy is frequently used to alleviate the symptoms of foot discomfort caused by a variety of factors. Gentle stretching of the foot can often assist in relieving the pain. Your physical therapist can also suggest methods for treating your discomfort and improving your foot function. An ice bottle massage, for example, may help manage pain and inflammation. Furthermore, a physical therapist may assist you in correcting walking and running mechanics, which helps reduce and prevent foot issues.

How to prevent severe foot pain

Follow these guidelines to help avoid chronic foot pain:

  • Choose shoes that are comfortable, spacious, and well-cushioned.
  • You should avoid shoes with high heels and limited toe regions.
  • Keep a healthy weight.
  • Before participating in strenuous exercise, stretch your toes.
  • Maintain proper foot hygiene.
  • Wear footwear when going outside to safeguard your feet.

Foot pain is prevalent, but it is not a normal part of life. You should consult a doctor if your foot discomfort has not gone away after a week or two of at-home therapy. Call Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates to schedule your meeting today to learn more about foot pain treatments.