If you’ve injured your foot recently, you’ll want to do all you can to become fully mobile again in the shortest amount of time. Of course, it’s also important to ensure that your foot is healing properly during your recuperation time. Here are some things you can do to restore function of your foot and make you more comfortable without causing further damage.
Limit Your Movement
If it hurts badly when you try to walk, try to limit your movement as much as possible. The more pressure you put on your foot when it’s injured, the longer it will take for it to heal. Trying to walk normally too quickly can also damage the nerves in your foot. Rest your foot as much as you can, and keep essential items close to you so you won’t have to move far to get what you need while working or enjoying leisure time.
Keep Painkillers Handy
Painkillers can reduce inflammation in your foot and reduce the chemical release of prostoglandins in your body. Since prostoglandins were already sent to your brain when the foot injury occurred, you’ll need to reverse the work of these chemicals during healing time to increase your comfort. Ibuprofen and aspirin are among the most common pain relievers, but if you prefer to go the natural route, you can take herbs like willow bark (which aspirin is made from), St. John’s wort or chamomile to soothe the discomfort in your foot.
Apply a Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack or a pack of frozen veggies to your foot will reduce external swelling and make it easier for you to move your foot. It’s best to ice your foot in 20 minute increments, about 4 or 5 times a day until your injury is healed. However, wait 45 minutes in between compress treatments to keep your nerve endings intact.
Elevate Your Foot
Resting your foot on an elevated surface will increase circulation and keep your foot from becoming inflamed. Any time you feel throbbing in your foot or your foot feels warm from a rush of blood at the site of the injury, use a chair or ottoman to raise your foot slightly above the rest of your body to help relieve pain.
Wrap the Injury
Wrapping your foot in gauze or a bandage can speed up healing time. The compression of the bandage keeps your foot from swelling, and could make it easier for you to walk.
Properly Gauge Your Ability
As your foot injury starts to heal, start taking small steps to increase your mobility. This will help you to regain function of your foot at a rate that works for your body. However, any time you feel pain, stop moving and take a seat so you don’t injure your foot further.
Consult Your Doctor
If your foot injury isn’t improving after a week or so and you’re feeling constant pain that isn’t relieved after bandaging and compressing the injury, go back to your doctor to have your foot examined. For instance, if you live in the Las Vegas area, see your nearest Las Vegas podiatrist for a thorough examination. The pain could be a sign of a hairline fracture, or a more serious problem that requires surgery.
Physical therapy may also be a viable option if you feel the function of your foot is being impaired for a long period of time. However, by taking special care of your injury, you’ll usually find that the pain and inflammation subside in a short time. Be sure to consult with your doctor after getting any injury. Although these tips will help with most food injuries, every injury is different and it’s best to get advice from your doctor on steps to take for the best healing.