Dealing with the pain of a foot disorder, condition, or injury can be dreadful, especially if the pain of putting any weight on your foot is preventing you from walking around and completing daily activities. Luckily, there are plenty of treatments that will reduce your pain and have you back on your feet in a few weeks. However, it’s important to take the time to rest so your injury doesn’t get any worse.

Consider the following treatment methods when dealing with a painful foot disorder.

R.I.C.E.

The R.I.C.E. method – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – is a great way to reduce the pain of an injury or disorder by minimizing swelling and inflammation.

First, rest your foot by not moving it, putting weight on it, or applying any pressure to the affected area. Moving your foot will aggravate a fracture and could cause it to become more serious, but resting it will start the healing process and relieve pain.

Then, apply ice to the painful, swollen area. Use an ice pack or fill a plastic bag with ice and place a thin towel or cloth in between the ice and your skin. In general, alternating 20 minutes on the injury and 20 minutes off, and repeating, is an effective schedule when applying ice.

Wrap your injured foot in an ACE Brand Elastic Bandage, and make sure that it’s taut to minimize swelling, but don’t make it so tight that it cuts off circulation. Keep your foot wrapped in an ACE bandage during the day while you’re walking around, but be sure to take it off at night while you sleep.

Lastly, elevate your foot to reduce swelling. Lie down or sit and prop your injured foot up with pillows in a position that is higher than your heart.

Orthotics

Orthotics are insoles that are inserted into the shoe or applied as a brace to provide stability and support to the foot. These are useful when dealing with an injury or treating deformities such as bunions, corns, and flat feet. They can also treat rheumatoid arthritis of the foot, and are sometimes used to prevent sprains.

Speak with your doctor about which type of orthotic he or she recommends for your specific condition.

Casting

If you experience a fractured bone in your foot, a cast or bandage can immobilize the injury so that the affected area has an opportunity to heal on its own without being disturbed. The length of time you’ll be in the cast will depend on the severity of the fracture.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery is necessary when dealing with an injury too severe to be treated with non-operative methods. If you have a disorder or deformity of the foot, such as arthritis, bunions, or displaced broken bones, a physician may recommend surgery so you can regain range of motion, function, stability, and also reduce pain.

If you are suffering from a painful foot injury, these treatment methods will reduce your pain and help you feel better. For more information about foot and ankle disorders, download our e-book, Pains and Sprains: The Complete Guide to Foot Injuries and Disorders. It will provide you with all you need to know about injuries and disorders of the foot and ankle, including non-operative and operative treatment methods.