Foot pain can have many causes. Standing for too many hours, overexerting yourself during physical activity or not wearing proper shoes all can cause foot pain. In addition to wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and trying to stay off your feet when possible, you can perform a number of simple massage exercises to help relieve the pain.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors. One very common type of foot pain conditions is plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the heel. The pain is caused by inflammation to the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. The pain that plantar fasciitis causes is typically a sharp stabbing pain, most noticeable after several hours of inactivity, such as sleeping or standing still. Runners often suffer from the condition, as well as overweight people and pregnant women. Wearing shoes that are too tight or do not provide good sole support can result in foot pains as well.
Golf Balls
Foot pain and plantar fasciitis can be treated with a massage through the use of a golf ball. Place the sole of your foot on top of the golf ball while in a seated position. Gently move your foot forward and backward so that the ball rolls slowly along the sole of your foot. This motion helps stimulate blood flow and reduces inflammation of the plantar fascia. You can give yourself this massage whenever you are sitting down.
Foot Pain Relief Products
A number of foot pain relief products on the market are specially designed to treat various conditions. Many of these ball-shaped aids are meant to help treat plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and simple aches and pains from tired feet. Products include metallic balls that measure approximately one and three-quarters inches in diameter and can be heated or cooled under running water. These balls retain warm and cool temperatures while you roll the ball under foot. A warm ball helps relax the muscles and other tissues of the foot.
Exercise Ball
You can use a large exercise ball to help perform gentle stretches on your feet. Lay flat on an exercise mat with your feet facing a wall. Leave just enough room between your feet and the wall to squeeze an exercise ball in between. Place your feet flat against the lower half of the exercise ball, pushing it against the wall. Flex your feet back toward your head, using the resistance of the ball to gently stretch your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
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