Merced Chiropractor

Avoiding foot pain as soon as it begins is the most effective way to prevent expensive surgeries later on. Even though many people disregard foot pain for years, pretending that the pain isn’t there or hoping it would resolve itself are not appropriate responses to the foot pain situation. Painful feet can be a thing of the past and strong, healthy feet can take their place with only a few minor lifestyle changes. Here are a few reasons why metatarsalgia occurs, how to cure foot conditions such as Achilles heel tendonitis, and how minor changes, such as using high heel insoles, can help.

High Heels Can Spell Trouble for Feet

High-heeled shoes can wreak havoc on feet when worn regularly. From the tight toe box (the part enclosing the front of the foot) to the angle of incline, these shoes can cause permanent damage to feet. First, when feet and toes are forced into a narrow shoe, as it does in a high heeled shoe, the mid-foot and toe areas are forced into an unnatural position. The tendons, muscles, and ligaments are strained into a much smaller space than what the foot requires. Over time, nerves become packed together, blood flow is restricted to areas of the foot (particularly in the toes) and painful foot issues develop.

Ball Of Foot Pain and How to Treat It

Massage is a great method for soothing aching and sore feet. The soothing movement of the muscle fibers brings vital blood to the affected areas. Massage also delivers healing, oxygen-rich blood into the entire foot. Once muscles are relaxed, irritated nervous tissue can begin to slow their firing and pain relief is achieved. If nerve endings and muscles are extremely irritated by a certain pair of shoes or an activity, swollen feet will occur. In that case, it is recommended to apply ice for 15 minutes at a time to relieve the swelling. Raising the feet above heart level during this time is also very helpful in allowing the excess fluids to be carried away from the foot.

Stretching Can Ease Foot Pain in More Than One Way

Achilles heel pain can really put a damper on anyone’s day. The constricton of this vital tendon can cause cramping in the lower leg. It can also be a major contributor to becoming so short that it eventually tears. The way to help the tendon relax and elongate in order to lessen pain is to administer gentle stretching to the region. In a seated position on the floor, extend both legs in front. Then, slowly lean the upper body forward and feel the stretch on the hamstring. Now that the muscles in your legs have sufficiently been warmed up, gently coax the feet towards the head to target the Achilles tendon. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, rest for about 60-90 seconds, and repeat 5 times.

Massage, Stretch and Insoles For High Heels Can Prevent Painful Foot Conditions

In today’s high-fashion world, lack of willingness to get rid of the painful shoes is unfortunate. However, with the use of high heel insoles, metatarsalgia can be relieved with consistent wear. It is advisable to select shoes with low-profile heels and with a wider-profile heel such as a wedge to avoid future ball-of-foot pain. If feet are sore at day’s end, consider adjusting to flat dress shoes for 3 days out of the week to allow the feet to receive maximum blood flow which will help feet heal in between wearing higher heels. Be sure to elongate foot muscles with a stretch and have them massaged to encourage maximum blood flow to the feet.