The month of October makes most people think of pumpkin spice lattes, vibrant leaves, and Halloween costumes. But here at Premier Orthopaedics, we have something else we keep an eye out for, too, because it's also the time of year known as National Spine Health...
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Causes & Treatment Options for Sciatica
Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg is what is commonly referred to as sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve down the leg which means that typically, only one side of the body is affected. The sensation that...
Non Operative Methods for Foot Injuries
When dealing with a painful foot injury or disorder, it can be incredibly difficult to perform even the simplest task, so it’s crucial to find relief as soon as possible. It’s best to explore non-surgical and non-invasive methods first. Non-surgical and non-invasive treatment methods are the easiest ways to treat your injuries.
Keep reading to find out which non-surgical treatment methods could provide relief and get you back on your feet.
Daily Exercise
Depending on the type of foot pain you’re dealing with, it could be alleviated with daily exercise. Sometimes, the joints in the foot require movement in order to stay loose and work properly, rather than staying still and feeling stiff.
Talk to your doctor about incorporating daily exercise, such as cardio or strength training, into your daily activities. They will be able to evaluate your situation and determine if this is the best solution for you.
Injections
Injecting medicine directly into your joints could also provide long-term pain relief for your foot injury. A doctor will inject a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid into your foot to relieve pain almost immediately. This treatment lasts up to several weeks.
R.I.C.E.
The R.I.C.E. method involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and is typically very effective at reducing swelling and pain in the foot.
First, sit or lay down and rest your foot without putting any weight on it. Then, place ice on your foot for twenty minutes, remove the ice for twenty minutes, and repeat this process. Compress your foot by wrapping an ACE bandage around it. Make sure the bandage is taut enough to alleviate swelling, but not so tight that it cuts off your circulation. The last step of this method is to elevate your foot. Prop it up with pillows or blankets, making sure that it’s elevated above your heart.
Going through this process once or twice a day should reduce the swelling in the foot and help your injury heal quickly.
Casting
If you’ve fractured your foot, applying a cast will help stabilize the bone and allow it to heal. It will protect the bone from movement or disruption so that it stays in place. The length of time you’ll have to wear a cast will depend on how badly your foot is broken, but the typical timeframe is between four and six weeks.
Orthotics
Inserting orthotics into your shoe can help support the foot and make it less painful when dealing with an injury. Orthotics are insoles that are placed into the shoe and reduce pressure on the foot. They can even be used to prevent sprains, if you’re prone to them.
Utilize these methods when dealing with a foot injury to reduce pain and begin living your life again. If you find that none of these methods have been effective in treating your pain, you may have an injury or disorder that is too serious for non-surgical methods. Speak with your doctor about your options and consider undergoing surgery to correct the problem.
For more information about foot pain, download our e-book, Pains and Sprains: A Complete Guide to Foot Injuries and Disorders
