Pain Prevention & Recovery

It may not be entirely possible to prevent foot pain from standing all day. However, there are ways of reducing discomfort due to spending long hours on your feet. Follow these tips:

• Wear good shoes — If you have to stand all day, be sure to choose comfortable shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning in the ball of foot area. Avoid high heels and shoes that have a narrow toe box.

• Use insoles — Consider wearing insoles designed for long workdays. Dr. Scholl’s® Comfort & Energy Work Insoles feature gel cushioning to absorb shock and protect feet from the effects of working on hard surfaces. You might also consider Dr. Scholl’s® Revitalize Recovery Insoles, which tap into the science of massage, acupuncture, foam roller therapy and reflexology to combat the effects of long hours on the feet. Stimulating bubbles improve circulation and reduce soreness.

• Warm foot soak — If your feet tend to get achy after a long day, pamper them with a footbath. Soak your feet in warm water for 20-30 minutes. For extra benefits, consider adding Epsom salt to the water. You can also indulge in a relaxing foot treatment with Dr. Scholl’s® Tired, Achy Feet Soothing & Reviving Foot Mask. This exceptional product delivers a unique experience with pre-treated booties. Simply slip the booties on and enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic treatment. The booties self-heat, bathing the feet in a blend of essential oils, rich moisturizers and Epsom salt.  

• Massage — Some people find that massage can help reduce foot pain from standing all day. If you can’t make it to the massage clinic, you can massage your own feet using your hands or a specialized tool, such as a massage ball or roller.

• Cold and heat therapy — You can address foot pain with hot and cold therapy. Consider alternating a cold compress or ice pack with a heating pad or wrap. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling while heat therapy helps ease tired muscles.

• Elevation — If your feet ache after a long day of standing, try lying down and elevating your feet above heart level. This can help reduce swelling and reduce fatigue.

• Stretching — Simple stretches can help loosen tight muscles to ease pain in the feet after standing all day. Consider working with a physical therapist for guidance.

There are many ways to help prevent foot pain. Strategies depend largely on the cause of your pain as well as the type of pain you’re experiencing. The following are some common causes of foot pain along with potential solutions:

• Foot corns — Typically caused by pressure and friction from shoes, foot corns consist of hardened layers of dead skin. They usually form on the tops of toes or in between toes, and they can be painful to the touch. Dr. Scholl’s® Corn Cushions help shield tender corns from shoe pressure. The thin hydrogel cushions stay put, so you can keep them on for up to several days. If you want to remove painful corns, consider Dr. Scholl’s® Corn Removers with Hydrogel technology, a two-step system for eliminating and protecting corns. The package includes treatment discs medicated with salicylic acid to gently peel away layers of the corn. You’ll then cover the disc and corn with a hydrogel bandage, which cushions the corn against painful pressure and friction during the treatment process.

• Foot calluses — Like foot corns, calluses consist of hardened dead skin. While they’re not usually painful, they can become tender when pressure is applied. Dr. Scholl’s® Callus Cushions with Hydrogel Technology provide a layer of protective cushioning between calluses and shoes for all-day comfort. You can also reduce calluses with Dr. Scholl’s® Callus Removers with Hydrogel technology. This product includes a medicated disc with a hydrogel bandage, which allows you to treat and protect tender calluses at the same time. If your calluses are especially tender and you want additional protection, you might opt for Dr. Scholl’s® Extra Thick Callus Removers.

• Foot blisters — Typically caused by friction from footwear, foot blisters can be painful, making it difficult to wear shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and don’t slip or slide. If you’re experiencing sliding around the heel area, consider wearing heel liners. Dr. Scholl’s® Stylish Step® Gel Heel Liners are designed from women who experience shoe rubbing and slipping around the heel. You can also consider using moleskin. Dr. Scholl’s® Moleskin Padding can be cut to your desired size. Apply it to any area of the foot experiencing pressure or friction. The padding is thin, so it fits easily into most shoes. Another option is blister cushions. Dr. Scholl’s® Blister Treatment Cushions with DURAGEL® technology provide a buffer between the skin and shoes. Duragel® technology holds moisture in, allowing blisters to heal faster. The cushions can also help prevent blisters from forming.

• Athlete’s foot — A common fungal infection of the skin, athlete’s foot can cause a painful burning sensation. Treat the infection while minimizing discomfort with Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray. The spray contains a proven effective antifungal medication to clear up the infection while cooling menthol provides relief from itching and burning. You might also consider Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Wipes.

• Ingrown toenails — Typically caused by improper trimming and tight shoes, ingrown toenails can be painful. For mild cases of ingrown toenails, try Dr. Scholl’s® Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever. The medicated gel minimizes pain while softening the nail so that it can be trimmed back more easily. The package includes foam rings and bandages to cushion and protect the area.

• Cracked skin — Painful cracks can develop on the heels of the feet when the skin becomes dry and thick. Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm hydrates and soothes while filling in cracks and leaving behind a protective layer of moisture.

• Bunions — Caused by a misalignment of the big toe joint, bunions can cause considerable pain, especially when wearing shoes. Be sure to choose comfortable footwear with adequate room in the toe box. For additional comfort, use bunion cushions with your shoes. Dr. Scholl’s® Bunion Cushions with Hydrogel technology protect painful bunions from shoe pressure. They’re sweat and water resistant, so they stay put for days. When you’re not wearing shoes, you might consider using a splint. Dr. Scholl’s® new Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector Massaging Gel Splint helps correct toe alignment to minimize pain.

• Plantar fasciitis — A common overuse injury, plantar fasciitis can cause pain in the foot, especially in the heel. Home remedies, such as icing, over-the-counter pain relievers and stretching can help with plantar fasciitis pain. Specialty orthotics and insoles can also be helpful. Dr. Scholl’s® Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics feature a cushioned heel cup to absorb shock and reduce pressure on the heel. You might also consider Dr. Scholl’s® Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Sized to Fit Insoles. They feature targeted arch support to prevent the plantar fascia from stretching. This can help reduce the risk of future injury.

• Ball of foot pain — Known by the medical term metatarsalgia, ball of foot pain can make it difficult to stand or walk. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help. Cushions for ball of foot pain can provide additional relief. Dr. Scholl’s® Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad transfers painful pressure away from the ball of foot area, providing both immediate and long-lasting relief. 

• Arch pain — A number of factors can contribute to pain in the arch of the foot. Home remedies, such as rest, icing and pain relievers can reduce arch pain. Orthotics and insoles can also help alleviate pain. Dr. Scholl’s® Heel & Arch All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics are clinically proven effective at improving several types of foot pain, including arch pain. 

• Heel pain — There are many different potential causes of heel pain. However, treatment methods are often similar and typically include a combination of lifestyle changes, self-care and over-the-counter medications. Insoles and orthotics are also often effective at addressing various types of heel pain. Dr. Scholl’s® Pain Relief Orthotics for Heel Pain feature Shock Guard® technology to protect the heel area from painful impacts. These orthotics are suitable for general heel pain as well as pain from heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

If your foot pain is severe or it doesn’t improve despite self-care measures and at-home remedies, see your doctor. Some types of foot pain are due to a serious medical condition, which may require prescription treatment or surgery. 

It may not be entirely possible to prevent ball of foot pain when wearing heels. However, you can help reduce discomfort by following these tips:

• Limit heel height — Choose a style of shoe with a lower heel. The higher the heel, the greater the chance of ball of foot pain.

• Take breaks — Try to limit your time standing and walking in heels. Take regular sitting breaks to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.

• Opt for a thick heel — Shoes with a thick or chunky heel provide better stability, potentially reducing the risk of ball of foot pain.

• Use cushioning — Reinforce your heels with cushioning. Dr. Scholl’s® Stylish Step® Invisible Cushioning Insoles for High Heels are clinically proven effective at reducing pain associated with high heels. The insoles direct pressure away from the ball of the foot. 

Preventing foot pain at work can be a challenge, depending on your profession and working conditions. However, there are some basic self-care techniques and tools that can help reduce foot pain at work. Consider the following tips:

• Wear appropriate shoes in hazardous settings — Good footwear is your first line of defense against foot pain at work. If you work in an environment where there are hazards, opt for closed toe shoes. Some jobs require safety toe shoes or hazard boots. Make sure you follow the guidelines and requirements. 

• Select well-fitted shoes for office jobs — If you have an office job that requires dress shoes, try to purchase your footwear in a physical store so that you can try on shoes before buying them. Ask a salesperson to measure your feet so that you can find the right size and fit. Try the shoes on and walk around to make sure they’re comfortable for all-day wear.

• Opt for protective insoles for hazardous professions — In addition to wearing safety or hazard boots, consider reinforcing your footwear for added protection when working in a hazardous setting. Dr. Scholl’s Professional Series Work insoles feature a proprietary ballistic material that’s resistant to punctures from sharp objects, such as nails and screws. The insoles also provide all-day comfort to reduce pain and fatigue in the feet and legs.

• Use comfort insoles for men’s dress shoes — If you wear men’s dress shoes at work, consider using insoles for comfort. Dr. Scholl’s® Float-On-Air® Comfort Insoles are ideal for men who suffer from achy feet after a long day at work. The cushioning bubbles bounce back every time you take a step, keeping you energized for hours.

• Try specialty shoe inserts for women’s heels, sandals and flats — It’s common for women to experience foot pain from their work shoes. Specialized shoe inserts can help reduce discomfort. Dr. Scholl’s® Stylish Step® Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels feature soft gel cushioning to absorb shock while preventing the foot from sliding forward. If you suffer from foot pain when wearing flats and sandals at work, try Dr. Scholl’s® Stylish Step® Discreet Cushioning Insoles for Flats & Sandals. These insoles distribute pressure and absorb shock to alleviate discomfort. 

• Take regular breaks — No matter how comfortable your shoes are, everyone needs breaks. If your job involves a lot of standing or walking, give your feet regular breaks by sitting for a few minutes at least once an hour.

• Try stretching exercises — Regular stretching throughout the day can help reduce foot pain. A physical therapist can show you how to perform proper foot stretches.

• Elevate your feet — If you experience painful, swollen feet after a long day at work, try elevation. Lie down and put your feet up, propping them up on a pillow. Both of your feet should be at heart level.

• Get a foot massage — Regular massage can help reduce foot pain and fatigue. You can get a massage at a clinic, but you can also massage your own feet. Consider purchasing a foot massager and keep it at work so that you can get relief anytime you experience foot pain during the day.

• Try icing — Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the feet can help ease pain and swelling. You can ice for up to 20 minutes at a time.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers — Various over-the-counter pain relievers can help with foot pain, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

If foot pain at work is hindering productivity or if you’re not getting relief despite trying self-care methods, see your doctor. Foot pain may be a sign of a serious condition or injury, and medical treatment may be necessary.

It’s not always easy to prevent foot pain when running. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk of developing running-related foot pain. Follow these tips:

• Buy a quality pair of running shoes — Foot pain prevention starts with a good pair of shoes designed specifically for running. You might consider getting a gait analysis in order to determine the best type of running shoe for you. Be sure to take a test run in the shoes before purchasing them. Some running apparel stores have treadmills, making it easy for you to assess shoe options.

• Wear moisture-wicking socks — Choosing the right type of socks is important when you’re a runner. Opt for moisture-wicking socks that draw sweat away from your skin. This can help minimize friction, which could lead to blisters and calluses.

• Avoid doing too much too soon — If you’re new to running, start slowly. Keep your mileage and pace low, gradually increasing distance, frequency and speed. If you’re a seasoned runner looking to challenge yourself, it’s also important to increase your activity little by little.

• Warm up, stretch and cool down — Before you start your run, warm up by either jogging slowly or walking briskly. Once your muscles are warm, stretch out thoroughly. After your run, cool down and then stretch out again.

• Wear insoles or orthotics — Reinforce your running shoes with insoles or orthotics. Dr. Scholl’s® Athletic Series Running Insoles absorb impact and reduce pressure to reduce the risk of common running-related pain, including foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis.

If you have severe foot pain from running, see your doctor. Certain running injuries may require medical attention. Your doctor can evaluate your pain, make a diagnosis and recommend treatment if appropriate.