It is common to have sore feet, without us knowing very well why. A chiropodist explains to us what are the most frequent causes of these pains and gives us her natural tips and remedies from grandmothers to relieve them.
Why do we have sore feet?
The causes of foot pain are extremely numerous and have very diverse origins. Foot pain can thus have a mechanical, dermatological, neurological or rheumatic cause, but, as Brigitte Oudet, chiropodist, “all general diseases can also have an impact on the foot”. “Foot pain can be caused by a heel spur, which is an exostosis that forms in the calcaneus, the heel bone. Plantar perforating pain, metatarsalgia (pain in the front of the foot), sesamoiditis may also be involved”, Explains the specialist. Foot deformity, posture defect, overweight, shortening of the leg, knee problem are also likely to cause pain in the feet or toes. But the chiropodist also insists on these other causes which are apparently unrelated to the foot, for example the crisis of drops, arthritis or diabetes. “Very severe pain in the big toe may suggest an ingrown toenail, but it can actually hide a vascular problem. It is therefore necessary to be extremely vigilant”, Explains Brigitte Oudet.
Of course, poorly adapted shoes, too tight, too wide, also frequently cause pain in the feet and corns, calluses, blisters, partridge eyes. “A shoe that is too flat can cause pain in the Achilles tendon. A shoe with a heel that is too high, a tip that is too pointed, will on the contrary cause pain in the forefoot ”, explains the chiropodist.
Sore feet: advice from a chiropodist
The treatment will obviously depend on the causes of the pain in the feet. First, Brigitte Oudet advises asking yourself several questions: “Where in the foot is the pain located? Is it constantly intense or does it worsen with exertion? How did she appear? After a workout, after a long walk?”, So many questions that allow us to better identify the origin of the evil. It is usually not difficult to identify pain caused by an improperly fitting shoe. “It is important to choose shoes adapted to the shape of your feet and comfortable”, Recommends the chiropodist. “The ideal is to favor shoes in noble materials such as leather or canvas. We absolutely avoid plastic but also, for socks, materials that prevent the skin from breathing and make you sweat like nylon”, She adds. No more shoes that are too flat, but also too high heels, you have to find the right balance. Also keep in mind that not all foot shapes are suitable for all shoes and that a shoe that hurts you in the store … will continue to hurt you afterwards. In short, you don’t sacrifice comfort for aesthetics for the shoes you wear every day.
Grandmothers’ remedies to relieve foot pain
Here is a selection of the best grandma’s tips and remedies for relieving sore feet:
Do you have sore and swollen feet after a long day at work or a shopping trip? The most effective grandmother’s remedy is obvious: the foot bath! “In the event of a circulation problem, you can alternate between cold and hot water to restart circulation.”, Recommends the podiatrist. Nothing like a good foot bath in fresh water. If water alone is already useful in helping to deflate the feet, you can also add a large glass of apple cider vinegar, perfect for purifying the skin, or 2 to 3 drops of essential oil of mint, lavender or of eucalyptus. Another natural remedy, Epsom salt! 1 to 2 tablespoons in lukewarm water relax the muscles and stimulate circulation. Be careful, however, not to let the foot bath go on for too long. Soak yes, but no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
The chiropodist also recommends that people who work standing up to change shoes during the day in order to relax the foot. “It’s good to change the heel height in order to release the pressures, so that they don’t always exert in the same place.”, She explains. And of course, we avoid at all costs too flat shoes, ballerina type, if we work standing and we are static.
It may seem obvious, but the cold is a precious ally against pain. Arch, toes, heel, whatever the painful area, apply a glove filled with ice cubes. You will feel relief very quickly. Then lie down with your feet slightly elevated to boost circulation. When the inflammation is very intense, especially in the arch of the foot, it is important to relieve the pressure.
- A massage with essential oils
This preparation is reserved for adults and prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women. To relax and revive the circulation, you can perform a massage with a mixture of 10 drops of the vegetable oil of your choice, 4 drops of essential oil of juniper, 4 drops of essential oil of Cypress or Chamomile.
- Exercises with a tennis ball
Don’t worry, you don’t need to book a court at Roland Garros to perform this exercise designed to relax the feet! You just need to roll a tennis ball under one foot, then the other, from toe to heel. The maneuver should not be painful.
Of course, if the pain persists, returns regularly or worsens, immediately consult a chiropodist. This foot specialist will be able to identify the problem and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Esther Buitekant
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