In her book "Treat Yourself to Pain Free Living", Julie Donnelly writes that pain in the feet is often caused by pressure from the lower legs. The muscles in the lower legs are responsible for the movement of the feet, and if the pressure is left untreated, it can cause stress fractures. Leg pain may also be associated with various types of injuries or infections, including narrowing of arteries. Contact your physician immediately if you experience unusual sharp pain or swelling, as it could be indicative of a more serious condition. Alternative treatments such as herbs are not meant to replace medical treatment.
Step 1
Apply ice to the area of pain. Put ice cubes in a plastic bag or use a cold pack and apply it for 20 minutes every few hours for sprains or strains.
Step 2
Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes followed by a hot pack for another 20 minutes if the pain has been around for a few days and the area is beginning to swell. The heat may help blood to flow into areas of inflammation so that healing can occur.
Step 3
Put white willow bark tincture into warm water and drink daily. Follow the dosing recommendation on the product label. If you cannot locate a tincture, look for it in supplement form. "Prescription Alternatives" suggests this herb for treating chronic pain.
Step 4
Take a multivitamin, as well as a magnesium-calcium supplement, daily until the pain subsides. These vitamins and minerals may help to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms.
Step 5
Take grapeseed extract tincture. Use the dosage suggestions on the product label. This tincture may help reduce inflammation, notes "Prescription Alternatives."
Tips and Warnings
- Tai chi, qigong and yoga, as well as other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure or massage, may also help to relieve symptoms.
- Contact your doctor for any medical concerns, especially if you are experiencing intense pain or discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Hot pack
- Cold pack
- White willow bark tincture or supplement
- Vitamin C supplement
- Vitamin E supplement
- B-complex vitamins
- Magnesium-calcium supplement
- Grapeseed extract tincture
References
- "Treat Yourself to Pain Free Living"; Julie Donnelly; 2007
- "Prescription Alternatives"; Earl Mindell, Virginia Hopkins; 2009
