As we preach about all the time on the blog, we’re big proponents of prevention and early intervention. We want to keep problems from developing, and if they begin, we want to treat them so they don’t turn into a larger issue down the road. Unfortunately, patients don’t always have this same mindset, and sometimes this can lead to chronic foot pain because they ignored a problem for too long. So in today’s blog, we want to explain what you should do if your foot issue has turned into a daily battle.
Daily Foot Pain
Here are some tips to keep in mind if foot pain has become an everyday occurrence.
1. Stop What You’re Doing – If foot pain has become chronic, it’s a clear sign that something you are doing is making your problem worse. Maybe you’re wearing the wrong shoes at work, or you’re not conditioning your feet so that they can handle the rigors of your day. Really take some time to reevaluate your daily choices and try to pinpoint instances that could be contributing to your foot pain.
2. Consult A Specialist – Better yet, let a foot specialist help you figure out what’s going on in your foot. We can conduct a physical exam, talk to you about your symptoms and take some imaging tests to get to the bottom of your foot pain. Not only does this allow us to figure out what’s going on in your foot, but it will let us develop an individualized treatment plan to care for your specific issue.
3. Stick To A Plan – Now that you or your physician has figured out the underlying cause of your foot pain, stick to the plan that you’ve developed to treat it. Don’t commit halfway to physical therapy or only do your exercises when you’re in the office. You’re only cheating yourself out of a full recovery, and considering how often we use our feet, you’re going to want to do everything in your power to help your feet fully heal.
4. Don’t Get Discouraged – Chronic foot pain can be frustrating and can impact your mental mindset, but don’t let it win. If you give in to your pain, you’re only going to find it harder to treat. Focus on what you can do to help yourself and what you have to gain by successfully managing your foot pain. Having a positive mindset can actually lead to better physical outcomes, so don’t ignore your mental health as you treat your physical pain.
5. Lean On Others – Finally, don’t be afraid to lean on other for support while you’re trying to tackle your foot issue. Consult with your doctor if you have questions, and let your friends and family help you along the way. Never be ashamed to ask for help, because you’d help others if the situation was reversed. Know that you have a bunch of people on your side who want to see you get better, so lean on them for support during this time.
