Foot Pain

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Ask anyone, and he'll probably admit to possessing three qualities: a great sense of humor, excellent driving ability and, at least occasionally, a certain amount of misery that's brought on by feet that burn, swell, sting, itch, ache or otherwise cause problems.

Foot pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting nearly nine of every ten people. And often it's not related to any specific condition. Wearing properly fitting shoes can solve a lot of the problem. And the natural remedies in this chapter-in conjunction with medical care and used with the approval of your doctor-may also help prevent or relieve foot pain, according to some health professionals.

See Your Medical Doctor When...
· Your foot sore doesn't heal after one week.
· Your feet consistently feel either hot or cold or have increasing redness.
· You feel continual prickling or weakness or a change of sensation in your foot.

Acupressure

For pain in the big toe, press Lv 3, located on the top of the foot in the valley between the big toe and the second toe, advises Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., director of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, and author of Acupressure's Potent Points. He says to hold the point for one minute. To relieve foot cramps, press Sp 4 in the upper arch of the foot, one thumb-width from the ball of the foot, says Dr. Gach. Press point Sp 4 for one min ute. (For help in locating these points, refer to the illustrations beginning on page 564.)

Aromatherapy

To ease tired, aching feet, Greenwich, Connecticut, aromatherapist Judith Jackson, author of Scentual Touch: A Personal Guide to Aromatherapy, recommends a good foot soak: Add ten drops each of juniper and lavender essential oils to two quarts of warm water, then soak your feet for ten minutes.

For information on preparing and administering essential oils, including cautions about their use, see page 19. For information on purchasing essential oils, refer to the resource list on page 633.

Homeopathy

If you have puffy feet that burn or sting, Andrew Lockie, M.D., in his book The Family Guide to Homeopathy, suggests taking a 6C dose of Apis three times a day. He says that a similar dose of Sulphur will help if you tend to feel hot most of the time and have burning feet that feel worse at night. If you have a burning sensation in your feet that feels worse when walking, Dr. Lockie recommends Graphite 6C three times a day. Take these remedies for up to three weeks, he says. If there is no improvement, see a medical doctor or homeopath.

Apis, Sulphur and Graphite are available in many health food stores. To purchase homeopathic remedies by mail, refer to the resource list on page 637.

Massage

If your feet hurt because of overuse, a gentle sole massage can make them feel better, says Elliot Greene, past president of the American Massage Therapy Association. Sit in a comfortable chair and cross your left foot over your right leg. Lightly oil your fingers with vegetable oil or massage oil. With the tip of your thumb, glide up the middle of your sole from the back of the heel to the base of your toes. Repeat this on the right and left sides of your sole. This should take about two minutes per foot.

Then retrace all three lines-middle, right and left-pressing with the tip of your thumb. Do this until you reach the base of your toes. Then gently rub and squeeze your toes with your fingertips, paying special attention to the tips of your toes. Repeat with the other foot. You should spend about three to four minutes on each foot.

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy

If your feet are hurting because of bunions, you may get relief from a daily dose of 25,000 international units of vitamin A, says Julian Whitaker, M.D., founder and president of the Whitaker Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California. Discontinue use after one week if your symptoms don't improve, he says, since vitamin A can cause nerve damage when taken for extended periods.