With more than 30 joints in your foot, joint pain may seem as if it can come from anywhere and everywhere. You may have swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, bruising, or increased warmth along with the pain, and it can be caused by trauma, infection, arthritis, bursitis, gout, or structural foot problems. With such an unpleasant litany of symptoms and causes, it’s helpful to know a few simple tips to ease your pain before you visit your podiatrist for a full diagnosis.
Joint Pain Treatment
When you first notice any joint pain in your foot and ankle, your podiatrist may initially treat your pain with RICE, which stands for:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Your podiatrist will also recommend limiting walking and bearing weight on the painful foot. Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can also help to reduce local inflammation and pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed to support the foot, particularly if the issue lies in foot mechanics. If your pain is caused by a condition such as gout, lifestyle changes and alterations in your diet may also help reduce or even eliminate your pain.
If you’re experiencing immobilizing joint pain in your feet or ankles, your podiatrist is best equipped to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. What may seem like joint pain could also be something else entirely, such as a stress fracture, or could be caused by an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Schedule an appointment today to ensure accurate treatment and a speedy recovery!