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Ways to Prevent Pain and Get Around

In addition to medication and surgery, there are many things you can do on your own or with your doctor or physical therapist to relieve foot pain and maintain your daily activities. Here are some techniques and devices worth trying.

Hot and cold. When feet are swollen and painful from arthritis, cold packs can numb the painful joints and reduce swelling. Cold also is helpful for reducing swelling and inflammation from a new joint injury. For aching feet without acute inflammation, heat may provide relief. For Raynaud's phenomenon, keeping the feet warm is helpful.

Learn more about using hot and cold for pain relief from Arthritis Today.

Canes and crutches. If placing weight on your foot causes pain, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend a cane. There are many different types of canes. The most common type has a single tip, but if you have trouble balancing, your doctor may recommend a quad, or four-point cane. Your doctor can advise the best way to use your cane, but generally you should hold it in the hand opposite the painful foot.

For fractures and particularly painful foot problems, crutches may be used for a short time to take more pressure off of your foot. Speak to your doctor about how – and how long – to use crutches.

Learn the right way to choose and use your cane from Arthritis Today.

Proper footwear. Shoes that cramp the toes or high heels that thrust the foot forward can lead to foot problems, particularly for women, and aggravate the pain they cause. Conversely, selecting appropriate footwear with a wide toe box, ample arch support and low heels can help ease pain.

Read these articles from Arthritis Today and the Arthritis Foundation on selecting proper footwear:

How to Ensure Walking Shoes Fit

Buying Summer Sandals

Get Square with Your Feet

Read about shoe-related foot problems in women from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Orthotic devices. Orthotic devices include foot pads and heel inserts purchased at your local pharmacy or discount store as well as custom-designed and fitted shoe inserts or braces from your doctor or physical therapist.

These devices are often used for various foot problems including:

heel pain
bunions
hammer toe or claw toe
Morton's neuroma
plantar fasciitis

Learn more about orthotic devices from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Massage. Nothing feels quiet like a good foot rub. Massaging the feet can improve circulation, reduce tension and relieve pain. If you can't afford a spa pedicure or don't have a loved one to help, you can massage your own feet.

Here's how:

Get comfortable. Sitting in a comfortable chair, raise and bend one leg and place foot on the opposite thigh.
Use moisture and pressure. Pour lotion or oil into your hand and rub it gently to your foot and massage. Knead your entire foot as if you are kneading bread. Use your knuckles or thumbs to massage the skin and underlying tissue.
Add gadgets. Rollers or other massagers from the drug store can help if your hands are also sore or you don't have time for a full massage. Another quick tip: roll your foot over a tennis ball.

Carolyn Tolson

10 May 2012, 16:47

I had a tarsal tunnel release in 08/2011 and also the plantar fascia release done at the same time. Then about 3 months later I started experiencing horrible pain that foot and it has progressed to the point I dont want to walk on it... just to grasp the foot from the top down or from either of the sides feels like something is broken in it, almost like a very severe sprain. I had x-rays, nothing shows up except a bone island on the calcaneus; two weeks ago I requested a repeat of the MRI and took the MRI from 06/11 so the radiologist could compare (different radiologist, different center)... nothing shows up. My primary care doctor is totally baffled. I had been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy about 4 years ago but just recently was changed to fibromyalgia which I do agree is more accurate. Can fibromyalgia move to the feet? Do you have any suggestions for the pain in my feet? I do make sure I wear correct shoes (no shower flip flops, good toe box, good support). Now the pain is moving into the other foot. I take both lyrica and savella. Please do not suggest a medro-dose pack... had to take that for two consecutive weeks and that about made me lose my mind.

Shannon

02 Apr 2011, 14:34

Im 18 years old and have RA. its the worst in my feet, i play lacrosse so im very active and was in pain all the time. I got custom orthodics and they helped A LOT. I also have started soaking my feet in epson salt and hot water after ever practice, and using a gel called arnica(you can get at a health food store such as vitamin cottage) and that has also helped me A BUNCH. The pain is still there just not as bad. Hope these help!! God bless

karen cook

05 Feb 2011, 13:30

I am 71 yrs. old. My weight is normal. I have been over-active for yrs. until now. I have severe srthritis in my feet, and the padding in my feet is worn way down. I have done tons of heavy aerobics in past years, so i WOULD CALL THIS OSTEOARTHERITIS. I take a muscle relaxant daily, and naproxyn 500 mg. every day. I'm in pain just walking. A podorist wants to replace the joint in my big toe, redo a bunion in my other foot, plus straighten a hammer toe, then make me orthodics.

I'm opposed to all of this, as I'm a terrible patient for long lay-ups. Also I would loose all my toning i GET FROM SWIMMING. Is this my only option? My feet are a mess, --THIS IS DEBILITATING & frustrating. Please help with suggestions.

debbie kuhar

18 Jan 2011, 18:47

I fell about 8 yrs ago. Have tytanium plate in knee to hold two bones together. AT the same time when I fell, I also shattered my heel. Doctors said that they cannot repair it at the time of surgery. Now, 8 yrs later, I wear a boot on that foot that is downright unconfortable. Ive been told that this shattered heel cannot have surgery. The parts r just too small. Is there anyhting I can do out there? Any suggestions? Not wakingright is now causing oster in my hips. Only commom sense

Sue

04 Nov 2010, 14:26

The MBT shoes worked well for my pain from plantar fascitis and now I can walk without pain;)

Claudette Bailey

28 Oct 2010, 11:01

I have an arthritic spur on my right big toe, I can't put much pressure on that foot without considerable pain. My podiatrist suggested surgery to eliminate the spur, my rheumatologist said I should get a second opinion, I saw the orthopedic foot surgeon who said he doesn't like to do this surgery as it's not always successful and has a long recovery time. He suggested I put stiffer orthotics in my walking shoes and also said I should try MBT athletic shoes so I'd walk more on my heel instead of the front of my foot. I'm having difficulty going shopping or anything else that requires walking.
Your input would be appreciated.

Wendy

16 Sep 2010, 12:07

I have R.A. and I have had surgerys on my feet.I take pain medication and anti-inflamatories and still I don't get relief from pain. I limp and I have canes. I think the last surgery made things worse instead of better. Any sugestions would be welcomed.

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Ways to Prevent Pain and Get Around

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