Home Remedies for Foot Pain
The first thing to try is a simple stretching exercise – sitting with the affected foot and ankle across the opposite knee. Use your hand to pull your toes back towards the shin for a count of ten; this will stretch the underside of your foot (towels, scrunching them with your toes are also good for this). The calf muscle attaches to your heel via the Achilles tendon and people who are on their feet a lot often have tight calf muscles; this can predispose to plantar fasciitis. A good calf stretch will help to reduce this tightness; a good stretch is to stand arm’s length in front of a wall with your hands on the wall. Place the leg to be stretched about a stride length behind your other leg, then keeping your back knee straight and your heel on the floor, bend the front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this stretch 10 times and do this at least 3 times a day. Massage loosens up tight muscles and encourages circulation. Try to massage your feet at the end of a day or use a frozen bottle of water and roll it under the arch of your foot for 10 minutes. A tennis ball can also be used to massage the sole of your foot. Use a golf ball to massage the area around your heel. Always throw the ball away after each use; the balls will pick up grease and dirt from your feet and this can cause them to mark your floor or bed sheets. A good massage after using one of the other remedies in this section can be very soothing and also increase the benefit of the previous treatment.
Stretching exercises
Stretching exercises are a beneficial way to lessen foot pain. There are many different kinds of stretches that can be done. The towel stretch involves sitting with the leg extended and a towel wrapped around the ball of the foot. Pulling the toes toward the body, holding this for 15-30 seconds, and repeating 3 times can help to alleviate pain. The towel should be looped around the foot, and the same action as above is performed. Next, the towel should be used to pull the toes inward, and then outward, to assist in stretching both sides of the foot. Night splints are another method of stretching. They can be custom-made or bought in stores. They work by stretching the plantar fascia while sleeping. This can help reduce the morning pain people often feel with plantar fasciitis. An additional stretch involves standing with the affected foot behind the non-affected foot. With the back knee kept straight, the heel should be on the ground and the knee bent until a stretch is felt in the calf. This should be held for 15 seconds and then repeated. Conversely, a step stretch can be done by placing the front of the foot on a step and lowering the heel until a stretch is felt. This should also be held for 15 seconds and repeated. Rolling the foot over a frozen water bottle can also help to decrease pain from these conditions. Massaging the bottom of the foot while rolling the bottle is an added benefit. These stretches can certainly help to alleviate foot pain from various conditions.
Ice therapy
According to the injury report, ice therapy may be needed to be performed instead to reduce inflammation and for pain relief. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and place a thin towel over the injured area. Apply the bag on the affected area for approximately 20 minutes once every hour. Do not apply the bag too long as that may cause further damage to the skin. Subsequently, perform ice therapy 3-4 times a day for the first 2-3 days and reduce to 3 times a day when the pain has reduced. The sooner ice is applied, the better as studies have shown that ice therapy is most effective in the acute phase of injury occurring within the first 48 hours. However, do note that ice therapy is not suitable for all kinds of foot injuries such as heel spurs and gout which may require extending the affected area. Always consult a medical professional if you are unsure what to do.
Epsom salt soak
Epsom salt soak – Epsom salt contains magnesium that helps to reduce inflammation and get relief from muscle pain. The crystal structure of Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which is readily absorbed through the skin and helps increase the magnesium and sulfate levels in the body. As we know, magnesium helps in the regulation of enzymes that assist in the overall activity of the body, and sulfate helps build and repair muscle, joints, and nervous tissue. When absorbed through the skin, it will reduce pain and make you walk better. Epsom salt is capable of extracting excess fluid, toxins, and harmful substances from the body. During the soak, some amount of Epsom salt is absorbed into the body, and some remain in the water, which has a dual benefit of reducing inflammation and drawing out harmful substances from the body. The soak also helps to improve your foot hygiene and keep it dry from excess moisture. This should be repeated 3-4 times a week for best results.
Massage techniques
Before using any of the massage techniques, remember that using massage to control foot pain is to alleviate the cause of the pain, and not just to alleviate the pain. There are specific guidelines to use massage to alleviate foot pain and to alleviate the cause of the pain. Treating the cause of the pain using massage will require the understanding of the cause of the pain, and also the anatomy of the foot. For most acute and chronic pain conditions, use the following guidelines for massaging the feet. Alter your approach as indicated for specific conditions. The guidelines are: to alleviate the cause of the pain, do not apply strong massage directly to the painful area, make a thorough assessment of both feet, give priority to massaging the sole of the foot, start and finish each massage with effleurage of the foot.
Proper footwear
A broad rule for an aligned comfortable foot is to have a shoe that is comfortable and functional. A functional shoe usually means different types of shoes for different activities. Many people wear the same shoes for work, sport and socialising where there are many different shoes which should be used to achieve a reduction in aching from foot pain. The shock absorption and support of the shoe are also vital to protecting against foot pain. High impact activities such as running or brisk walking require a shoe with a good deal of shock absorption. The comfort with the shoe is the biggest issue. Ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are worn out can cause a large amount of foot pain. Before we even get to the issue of high heels and construction boots, studies have shown that approximately 83% of the population is wearing the wrong shoe size. In some cases specific footwear may be compulsory such as steel-cap boots for work. If this is the case then it is wise to look for an orthotic version of this shoe type to gain better arch support and prevent foot pain.
The proper footwear is quite essential to get rid of foot allergies. Many different causes of foot pain can in fact be from the use of improper footwear. Examples of these are corns and calluses which are usually caused by poor fitting shoes. High heel shoes are also a cause of foot pain in many women; these shoes put a large amount of force on the toes causing bunions and pain in the ball of the foot. The alignment of the foot also comes under consideration. A converse shoe is likely to cause less arch problems than a high arched football boot. A person with flat feet also has less natural shock absorption and can be more prone to many different conditions, especially if they do not have the support within their shoe.
High Arch Foot Pain Treatment
The treatment starts from conservative options with an aim to relieve stress over the soft tissues, stretch the posterior tibialis muscle, and decrease the excessive inward motion of the foot. And it proceeds surgical treatment later only if the conservative options fail. The common treatment options are: – Arch supports and orthotics: Arch supports provide an effective and long-term way to help relieve the stresses that cause foot pain. It’s admittedly harder to accomplish this when shoes are off, but properly designed and built arch supports (both custom-created and over-the-counter) can be very helpful. Medical foot orthotics are rigid or semi-rigid devices designed to support the foot and control the position and motion in the foot. – Physical therapy: It can be used to stretch the posterior tibialis muscle and strengthen the front parts of the lower leg. – Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with a higher heel can sometimes be of benefit because they can reduce the amount of bend in the heel cord when walking.
Arch supports and orthotics
Using an arch support or an orthotic insole, convenient and inexpensive methods for treating foot pain, ensures proper foot alignment. Arch supports can help alleviate foot pain by providing the support needed to make sure the foot is properly aligned and not strained on uneven footwear. Athletic shoes are generally designed to absorb the shock of walking and running, but shoes with high heels or shoes that do not bend in the ball of the foot can cause an abnormal and destabilizing amount of torque to the foot’s arch. Arch supports come in different shapes and sizes, and can be custom fit for the foot by making a plaster mold of the foot and taking it to a podiatrist. Over the counter orthotics are less expensive than the custom made arch supports, but they are not fitted to the foot. Insoles such as Spenco insoles can add a slight increase in support and comfort in any shoe. Extremely high arched feet acting as a rigid lever during walking or running, causing the back muscles to overstrain, may necessitate the use of a foot orthotic or a hinged ankle-foot orthosis. An orthosis can be designed in many different ways, but an attempt to prevent the foot from being a rigid lever and provide a stable but normal gait pattern may help back pain very proximally or distally in the lower extremities.
Physical therapy
Proper footwear and arch supports should be worn any time a high arch foot pain treatment is not in bed or bath, and athletes should consider the nature and biomechanics of their sport in choosing specific shoe gear or orthotics. Any footwear or orthotic modification should be used in conjunction with the exercises above, and of course, solutions that do not provide pain relief should be discontinued.
Segmented foot and ankle stretching can be done barefoot, and should stretch all muscles of the lower leg and foot. This is followed by performing the exercises with the foot progressively pronated, beginning with the arch fully supported. This exercise program is best undertaken with guidance from a physical therapist, but a therapist should not be necessary to perform the exercises at home if proper form and technique are used. These types of exercises can be expected to provide temporary relief and take at least 6 weeks to show any permanent change in the foot.
Towel curls can be performed by sitting with the foot on the end of a kitchen chair and scrunching a towel with the toes. This can be done with marbles as well. Any object that is easily picked up with the toes can serve as the “weight lifting” exercise for the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Be sure to pick things up with the toes and not the entire foot. This can be made more difficult by pinning the towel down on one end with the other foot.
To stretch the plantar fascia, one should begin by using a frozen can of apple juice. Rolling the can back and forth on the bottom of the foot, pressing down with moderate pressure, can be a self-massage as well as a stretch exercise in one. It is a good idea to carry a can of apple juice in your lunch box if possible, that way it can be done several times throughout the day. A frozen can of apple juice has the added benefit of functioning as an ice application for the painful area of the arch, offering further relief. A frozen water bottle works just as well for rolling exercises and stretches.
Physical therapy: It is difficult to increase the arch of a foot that has always been high. But with time, patience, proper exercises, and proper footwear, one can expect to reduce pain and possibly halt the worsening of the foot deformity. Stretching to increase flexibility is a good start to any exercise program. A safe way to stretch the tight structures in the foot is through a daily regimen of controlled stretching, holding each stretch for at least 15 seconds.
Footwear modifications
High arched feet tend to be less functional than those with a normal arch. High arches may cause pressure and lead to pain in the metatarsals (forefoot) and heel. An orthotic designed with a metatarsal pad can provide additional support and relieve pressure on the metatarsal area. Using an orthotic with a higher heel cup to control the hindfoot and forefoot is recommended. Custom-made orthotics are also an effective solution to address foot alignment problems or inaccuracies. Using a plaster or foam impression, an orthotic can be constructed to meet the specific needs of the patient’s foot and correct any alignment abnormalities. Orthotics will often cause the arch to elevate and pressure to increase; however, this is only a temporary side effect brought on in the attempt to realign and support the foot. With time, the use of orthotics will provide more comfort and support to the foot. Due to the shape of high arched feet, a soft orthotic is often the most suitable prescription, especially for those with a flexible foot type. This will provide a cushioning effect for weight-bearing activities and provide additional shock absorption. In general, the orthotic should be properly fitted to the shoe so as to not cause the foot to fit tightly and induce pressure on the heel and metatarsal areas.
Strengthening exercises
After a patient’s symptoms of high arch foot pain are alleviated, through orthotics and modifying their shoe gear, the next step in treatment is to begin exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot. Stretching/strengthening is a very important aspect to an efficient recovery when treating symptoms of high arch foot pain and should be maintained even after the symptoms are resolved. This will help prevent the return of the foot pain. There are several stretching and strengthening exercises that can be done as effective high arch foot pain treatment. To stretch the calf, the best exercise is the wall push-up. To perform this exercise stand facing a wall with your hands touching the wall at about eye level. Place the foot to be stretched about a step behind your other leg. Keep the back foot flat on the floor, and slowly bend the front knee until you feel a stretch in the calf of the back leg. This stretch should be held for 30 seconds, and can be repeated several times. To stretch out the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot, using a frozen water bottle is very effective. Roll the frozen bottle on the ground with the arch of your foot. This helps reduce inflammation in this area, and can also be massaged on the bottom of the foot when no time is available for rolling. This is also helpful in prevention of developing foot pain. Step stretch is another way to stretch the plantar fascia. This exercise is performed by crossing the leg to be stretched over the other leg, and pulling the toes back towards the shin, until a stretch is felt in the bottom of the foot. For strengthening the foot as an effective high arch foot pain treatment, the best exercise is picking up marbles with your toes. This will help increase foot intrinsics strength and decrease the high arch in the foot. Another exercise that can be done is called doming. Doming is done by pushing the toes down towards the ground and keeping the ball of the foot and heel in place. You should notice the arch increasing while doing this exercise, and it is also helpful in preventing development of foot pain. These exercises should be done several times a day.
Pain-relieving medications
Sometimes it is required to give a foot reinforcement during high arch foot pain treatment. Expecting to redistribute weight within the foot, a cushioned arch reinforcement could be beneficial. For that, working with a podiatrist is best to acquire the perfect fit. If one has a flexible foot and pronation, a custom-made orthotic designed to stabilize the foot and cut down on rigidity may grant pain relief by repositioning the foot to an anatomically correct stance. This will provide a change in your shoe gear and activities. Over time, as the foot and legs adjust to the change in position, a normal level of activity can be resumed. This will cause problems in adaptation of the foot to the correct position. A good supportive shoe with a more rigid inner sole can be an effective substitute for the custom orthotic. Often an over-the-counter orthotic will not suffice for pain relief during daily and/or specific activities. Physiotherapy can be helpful with hands-on techniques and mobilization of the foot joints. But more importantly, an evolution of a specific exercise program designed to increase foot stability and flexibility can lead to pain reduction and in some cases an arch height alteration. Alterations to the shape and structure of footwear can be crucial in high arch foot pain treatment. This can range from a simple tongue pad to reduce pressure on the top of the foot, to a shoe with a rockered sole to reduce rigidity within the foot and ankle. The effect of sole hardness on foot function and injury has had recent spotlight in research and can be viewed as an important variable in the trainers of athletes.
Professional Foot Pain Treatment in Singapore
Outlined below are the types of professionals and specialists found in Singapore with expertise in foot pain treatment at home remedies. Podiatrists are allied health professionals who can diagnose and treat foot problems. They are trained to assess the underlying cause of specific foot and lower limb problems and can provide a tailor-made treatment plan. This may involve corrective treatment, prescribing orthotic therapy or footwear, and education to prevent further problems.
By the time you have to seek professional foot pain treatment home remedies in Singapore, home remedies and basic exercises would not suffice to provide alleviation from the pain. There are occasions when the pain can be so severe that it affects the daily activities not to mention your quality of life will suffer. When this happens, you need to consult professional help for therapy and treatment. Similar to treatment services found in hospitals, there are specialists and professionals in the field of foot and ankle health with the expertise to obtain an accurate diagnosis of your state of health and provide treatment or therapy specific to your condition.
Podiatry services
When we make reference to foot pain treatment, there is a place in Singapore that is the professional who has expertise in foot health and is able to be the most effective person to take care of any of your foot related problems. Gone through 4 years of foot health check in a podiatry school and a strong clinical practice from your junior foot care to the advance mode. A podiatrist has the capacity to give look after numerous foot problems from it is possible to to painful and debilitating medical conditions. The foot is a crucial body part with intricate structures however usually neglected. People feel discomfort in their feet, sometimes over search the symptoms and selects to self-medicate. This may be due to the fact that there is general lack of understanding of what the issue actually is. Most think that all foot pains are standard. But with the right diagnosis, a very simple inexpensive treatment can results in the speedy recovery of the condition. Self medication might be more expensive ultimately. Podiatrists are trained to look at, assess and diagnosis any abnormal conditions of the lower limb. A radical evaluation of ones feet’s condition may involve the patient to have an X-Ray or ultrasound .These services are often available in the clinic. After which an effective treatment plan can be put forth. The point of the treatment would be to permit and prevent further deformity and lessening of pain, using a cost effective way. Podiatrist treat a variety of lower limb and foot problems.
Orthopedic clinics
At an orthopaedic clinic, the patient with high arches is most likely to meet the orthopaedic surgeon or the sports physician. Orthopaedic surgeons will be able to perform reconstructive surgeries for high arches if it is caused by a nerve condition. Surgery is designed to produce a flat foot with the sole aim of reducing foot pain and preventing further complications. This may be considered radical and may not be appropriate for the patient with flexible high-arched feet. Surgeons may use very complex surgical procedures to remove metatarsal pain secondary to increased pressure under the balls of the feet. This is common in patients with high arches. High arches are also indicative of an unstable ankle and can be a risk factor for ankle sprains. An unstable ankle can be reconstructed using tenodesis surgery. Measures should be taken to understand the effects of these surgeries in relation to the expected benefits for the patient. This is considered a form of prevention for future complications often at a time when they are not apparent. An example would be an ankle fusion procedure to prevent arthritic changes in an unstable arthritic ankle joint. An operation would fuse the ankle joint together resulting in the inability to move the joint but with reduced pain. This is all tailored towards getting rid of foot and ankle pain, something very common and greatly distressing for people with high arches.
Orthopaedic clinics have many specialists in foot-related conditions. They may be highly skilled in a select few areas of orthopaedics, which may include foot and ankle surgery. Here, they can offer medical and surgical treatments for many conditions such as high-arched feet, flat feet, bunions, and other foot-related conditions. A downside to this is that it may be too specific and result in the need for referral to another specialist.
Physiotherapy centers
Physiotherapy center is also a great place to visit to get treatment for your foot pain. The treatment is mainly focused on relieving pain and improving the mobility of the injured and imbalanced foot. A physiotherapist will do a check and screen to see if he/she is able to help you. This can be done by improving the way you step or stand with the use of insoles, braces or crutches to offload the higher pressured areas on the feet. The physiotherapist can also use taping to help improve the foot posture and redistribute the weight through the feet to reduce foot pain. Exercises is the main tool a physiotherapist would give to you to improve the foot condition. There are strengthening and stretching exercises to improve the muscle strength and flexibility, and also improve your balance. This will in turn help reduce the overpronation or supination of the foot. A physiotherapist would also guide you through specific exercises to improve your foot arch. This is crucial because it has to be carefully monitored to prevent the flattening or reversing of the foot arch. Failure to do so will result in worsening of the foot condition. Physiotherapy treatment is a gradual and long term process so it is great for people who do not wish to undergo invasive procedures or looking for a quick fix solution to their foot pain.
Sports medicine specialists
Sports medicine specialist has received advanced training and deals mostly with sports and exercise-related foot and lower leg problems. However, some sports medicine doctors do have orthotics training and are able to provide this service. They are best consulted when the cause of injury is known, and the athlete would like to explore surgical options. In the case of elite-level athletes, a sports medicine specialist may provide the best treatment options. This may include a more in-depth analysis of the problem using biomechanical equipment, such as pressure plates or video gait analysis. He may communicate with a physiotherapist or podiatrist to develop a training plan to resolve the problem. Tintinalli et al. (2004) advise that medico-legal issues affecting the elite athlete should be referred to a specialist with expertise in sports medicine. These include disputes on fitness to compete, rules of competition, and athletic injuries that occur in the setting of recreational sports and affect the competitive athlete.
Prevention and Self-Care for Foot Pain
Exercise, combined with a healthy diet, is the most effective way to lose weight. But, before starting any new exercise program, it is essential to get the all-clear from your GP in case your condition requires a special type of exercise program. A simple way to start losing weight is to walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Walking burns calories and tones muscles. Low impact swimming and cycling are also good alternative exercise options for improving foot pain due to the non-weight bearing activities. Consider consulting a nutritionist for advice on a healthy long-term diet plan. An unhealthy diet can cause a number of health problems including diabetes which can lead to foot pain.
When you weigh too much, it increases the pressure on your feet and can cause your arch to collapse. If your arch collapses, it can cause a very unstable foot. When your foot is unstable, the muscles and tendons work harder to try and stabilize your foot. This increased pressure can cause inflammation and pain in the foot. By reducing your weight to an acceptable level, you can prevent foot pain.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight
Increased physical activity is a significant way of achieving calorie balance. This can be activity of daily life, planned exercise, or a combination of both. Cardiology recommendations for exercise are usually expressed in activity units. Usually, 1000 kcal/week expenditure is recommended for prevention of weight gain and 1500-3000 kcal/week to lose weight. This can be obtained from 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all days of the week. The most benefit comes from progression to higher intensities and higher amounts of activity.
Limiting high fat and high-calorie foods requires less effort if you never stock them in the house – using a shopping list and only shopping for food when you are not hungry are useful techniques. The most painless way of reducing calorie intake is to eat smaller portions and decrease meal frequency. Skipping a meal may seem like an automatic method of calorie reduction, but the hunger may lead to snacking on less nutritious foods – it is best to replace high-calorie snacks with something like raw vegetable sticks. Changing patterns of behavior can be difficult, but with set goals, support from family and friends, and the use of a food diary, it is feasible.
It is a fact that those who are anything from a little to a lot overweight tend to have more foot problems. If you need to lose weight but have been finding it too difficult, there are steps you can take to help make it easier to shed some pounds. Dieting usually results in a cycle of weight loss and gain – try to make permanent changes to your lifestyle to sustain your ideal weight. This will involve understanding how many calories you consume from different foods and what is a healthy amount of food to eat. It is too easy to reward yourself with food after being good about dieting – instead, reward yourself with a non-food item.
Proper foot hygiene
Certain people, especially the female population, are often asked about their hygiene regarding pedicures. It may come as a surprise, but pedicures can actually be detrimental to the health of the foot if done incorrectly and in unsanitary conditions. They are not bad if done correctly, says Kurtz, but every time extra care is vital. Make sure the salon has done a good job of cleaning and sterilizing their instruments because if not, you run the risk of spreading diseases, such as warts and fungi, from the instruments to the foot. Certain instruments like razors and cuticle cutters can cut and break the skin, which is then an open doorway for infections. Also, be aware that foot baths in salons can also be a source of contamination. Often, jets and bath walls are not thoroughly cleaned, and this is an area where bacteria can thrive. It can be quite dangerous for someone with diabetes because if any bacteria enters a sore, the chances of infection are much higher.
People think about hygiene routines in terms of caring for their hands, face, and body, but the foot also deserves attention when considering one’s health. Wash your feet frequently, says Kurtz, who is also a podiatrist. When you think about what your feet go through each day, taking a bath or shower to give them a quick once-over only makes sense, he says. Any generic good hygiene soap is fine, and make sure to dry the feet afterwards well to prevent the formation of fungus.
Regular foot exercises
Allow the underside of your foot to pull your body ahead and always land on your heel. Rise up the other leg and keep it straight, then you need to bend the knee. This gives the muscle a good exercise and also helps to improve balance and coordination in the foot and ankle. Repetition of the exercise will lead to an increase in strength and flexibility in these muscles. The recommended way to do this exercise is to do it 1-2 times every day, and performing 15-20 repetitions each time. The toe curl is an exercise to help flexor muscles of the foot to regain strength. Begin on the floor, place a towel and crumple it with your toes. This exercise can be done at a convenient time, be it during TV or when reading newspapers. People can repeat the exercise until they feel that their strength has increased and maintained at an optimal level.
Choosing the right footwear
Choosing the right footwear is an essential aspect of foot care, yet is often overlooked. The selection of proper footwear can keep your feet properly aligned and supported, reducing abnormal biomechanics and preventing many foot problems. There are many different types of footwear, and the needs of an individual’s feet vary. The best time to shop for your new pair of shoes is at the end of the day. This is because at the end of the day, your feet are larger from all the day’s activities. This means that if the shoe feels good on your foot at the end of the day, it will be a great fit at any time during the day. Always try on both shoes and don’t rely on what you currently wear. Often your left and right feet are different sizes and the size of your feet can change over time due to age and other factors. So always check the fit of the shoe. When selecting the right pair of shoes, you must also get the right advice and this means shopping somewhere with knowledgeable staff. The type of shoe an individual requires is based on their foot type as well as their daily activities. For example, a person working on their feet for the whole day is suggested to get a supportive and well-cushioned pair of shoes to reduce stress on the feet. On the other hand, an athlete may need specialty shoes based on the sport they play. After finding a pair of shoes, one must not forget that the footwear needs to be replaced when it has worn out. Shoes have a life expectancy and worn out shoes lose their support and can cause foot pain. Always stick to your budget when purchasing footwear, but do keep in mind that more expensive shoes often have higher quality materials and workmanship.
Avoiding excessive high-impact activities
High-impact activities are an enjoyable way to exercise. However, any activity that involves repeated stress on the feet can cause pain and injury. High-impact activities can cause problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, corns and calluses, and osteoarthritis. Some examples of high-impact activities include running, dance, aerobic exercise, and sports which involve quick or lateral movements. Those who already have abnormalities in their foot structure are at an even greater risk of developing foot pain or an injury by performing high-impact activities. This is because high impact can add to the already existing stress on the feet and may cause further deformation of foot structure. High-impact activities should be avoided if they are causing foot pain, and it is strongly recommended that any changes in activity are discussed with a health professional.
Many different musculoskeletal conditions become painful due to stress, pressure, and inflammation. At times, the pain from such conditions is best addressed by avoiding or modifying the activities that aggravate the problem. In some instances, this may be a short-term measure to allow an injury to heal, but often the change should become permanent. So, it makes sense to find out whether a particular activity is a contributing cause and if so, how much it is adding to the severity of the problem. High-impact exercise may cause deformation of the feet’s ligaments and result in an unfavorable foot arch. Specific exercises and proper footwear can also help reduce pain; however, there are many different factors to consider. People with foot problems should always consult with a medical professional for a diagnosis and an appropriate activity plan.