Managing Pain of the 3 A's

Feet should not hurt. Time and time again podiatrists, like me, state that if feet hurt, get them checked out to determine cause and diagnosis of foot and ankle ailments and for future preventive measures. That being said, feet do hurt from time to time and the pain can be managed. Let’s look at the three A’s: Ankle pain, Arch pain, and Arthritis.

Ankle pain: Typically ankle pain occurs from a sprained ankle from a sports injury, fall, or accidentally stepping on a child’s toy in the middle of the night. 

• “Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy, including tilt-board exercises directed at strengthening the muscles, restoring range of motion, and increasing the perception of joint position.
• An ankle brace or other support.
• An injection of a steroid medication.
• In the case of a fracture, immobilization to allow the bone to heal.”

Arch pain: Typically caused by plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the ligament that attaches the heel bone to the ball of the feet and toes. Pain occurs when the arch is stretched

• “Calf muscle stretching
• Over the counter arch supports
• Orthotics
• Oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections”

Arthritis

• “Physical therapy and exercise.
• Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes.
• Foot soaks/paraffin baths.
• Ice packs.
• Massages.
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen products.
• Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
• Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.”

Citation:
Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist. (2012). Pain management for specific conditions. Retrieved from http://www.vittorifootclinic.com/library/1910/PainManagementforSpecificConditions.html

Image by Brave Heart. (2007). Foot in b/w. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/brraveheart/207335017/