Don't Neglect Mammograms out of Fear

Natural Ways To Reduce Foot Pain

Foot pain is not something you can ignore. Indeed, with an average of 200,000 nerves just in the sole of each foot, you definitely know when your toes are throbbing. Fortunately, you can tackle the two most common causes.

Problem #1: Center of Gravity

The location of your center of gravity is very important. Good posture places your center of gravity over the muscles designed to absorb the stress of walking or jogging. Shoes with a heel 2 inches or less also keep your center of gravity in the best location, and this distributes the stress of movement equally throughout the foot.

Shoes with heels above 2 inches move your center of gravity to an area that causes problems. The ball of your foot as well as your toes are forced to withstand the full force of movement. The arch and heel are not able to assist since they are at an unnatural angle when walking.

Solution: Buy good-fitting shoes with heels no higher than two inches. Select a width that allows your toes free movement so they can work in unison with the rest of your foot. Moreover, your feet will do best with a deeply cushioned insole rather than a thin lining. Rubber soles absorb more stress than leather ones, an important consideration if your work on your feet all day.

Problem #2: Excess Weight

Your bones are designed to support your body at its normal weight. Excess pounds put a strain on the weight-bearing parts of the skeleton. As a result, your feet retaliate with pain when they are overburdened.

Solution: While losing weight is the obvious best solution, there are things you can do to relieve foot pain in the interim:

  • Buy a hassock that is the same height as the sofa. Put your feet up. Your heart can more effectively remove swelling when it doesn't have to pump against gravity.

  • If your feet are throbbing but not swollen, put them in a foot bath with Epsom salts. Please note that diabetics should check with their physician before using Epsom salts.

Before embarking on a weight loss program, ask your doctor if there are any hidden causes of weight gain. These can include prescription medications, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, or a low level of Vitamin D. Additionally, many insurance plans cover a session with a nutritionist to design a custom diet that meets your specific lifestyle needs, such as working irregular hours with a constantly changing meal schedule.

For more information, contact Family Foot & Ankle Physicians or a similar organization.


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