Inflammation of the foot

Inflammation of the foot can occur for a variety of reasons. Typical symptoms of inflammation in the foot are local swelling, red irritated skin and pain on pressure. An inflammation (mild inflammatory response) is a normal natural response when soft tissue, muscles or tendons are irritated or damaged. But what we don't want is for this inflammatory response to become too powerful, and that is precisely why it is important to cool down with reusable cold pack, relief with footrests and elevation of the foot. After the acute phase, one can focus more on circulation exercises and strengthening the affected foot structures.

- Inflammation is a natural response (but there can be too much of it)

When tissue is damaged or irritated, the body will increase blood circulation to the area - this leads to pain, local swelling, heat development, reddish skin and pressure soreness. The swelling in the area can also lead to a nerve compression, which we can see in, among other things tarsal tunnel syndrome where the tibial nerve is pinched. The latter can occur when overstepping, in which case it is important to reduce the swelling, and thus remove the pressure on the nerve, by using cold pack and correct resting positions. These symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the damage or irritation in the tissue. It is important to distinguish between inflammation (inflammation) and infection (bacterial or viral infection).

Our clinic departments at Vondtklinikkene (click here for a complete overview of our clinics), including in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), has a distinctively high level of professional competence in the investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of foot pain and ankle complaints. Contact us if you want the help of therapists with expertise in these areas.

Step 1: Relief, Rest and Load management

If you have inflammation in the foot, one of the first things we recommend is to rest and relieve the area. This gives the body a chance to reduce the swelling and repair the affected area of ​​damage. Depending on where in the foot you have inflammation, there are several good supports that can provide cushioning and rest for the areas. In case of inflammation in the forefoot and towards the toes forefoot supports with damping and built-in toe separators very beneficial. If the inflammation is more in the middle of the foot or in the arch, that's fine arch supports you should consider. And if it is the rear part, or the heel, is heel supports with built-in joint dampers the thing for you. There are therefore different supports for different parts of the foot.

Tip 1: Forefoot supports with toe separators (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the image or link to read more about the front footrests and how they provide relief for sore toes.

Tip 2: Reusable cold pack (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the image or link to read more about how cold packs can be beneficial to have in the freezer at home.

Tip 3: Heel protectors with built-in joint cushioning (The link opens in a new window)

Click on the picture or link to read more about these.

In case of inflammation in the foot, the first and most important step is relief and rest. Continuing with additional strain may further irritate the inflamed structures and lead to greater inflammatory reactions. However, it is of course wise to address the underlying reasons why your feet are inflamed - but then after a period of relief.

Causes of inflammation of the foot

We must remember that an inflammation occurs as a result of an injury mechanism followed by healing. There can be many causes and diagnoses that give rise to inflammation in the foot. Here are some diagnoses that can cause inflammation or inflammatory reactions in the foot:

• Fat Pad Inflammation (typically causes pain in the fat pad under the heel)
• Heel spurs (causes pain in the underside of the foot blade, usually just in front of the heel)
• Ligament injuries (can be damaged by overstepping and sports injuries)
• Morton's neuroma (causes electrical pain in between the toes, front of the foot)
• sprains
• Plantar fascite (causes pain in the foot leaf, along the plantar fascia from the protrusion of the heel)
• Gout (most commonly found in the first metatarsus joint, on the big toe)
• rheumatism (the pain depends on which joints are affected)
• Tendon damage or Tendonitis
• circulation Problems
• Bursa Inflammation
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome aka Tarsal tunnel syndrome (usually causes quite intense pain on the inside of the ankle and down towards the foot)

Who is affected by inflammation of the foot?

Anyone can be affected by inflammation in the foot, as long as the activity or load exceeds what the soft tissue or muscles can withstand. Those who increase their training too quickly, especially in jogging, sports, weightlifting and especially those with a high repetitive load on the ankle and foot are most exposed - especially if the majority of the load is on a hard surface. Malpositions in the feet (overpronation and flatfoot) can also be a contributing factor to the development of inflammatory reactions in the foot. You can see other reasons in the list above.

Step 2: Training and rehabilitation therapy for inflammation in the foot

After we are over the acute phase of inflammation in the foot, we would like to work actively to reduce the chance of it occurring again. In this phase, there is an increased focus on circulation exercises and strengthening the anatomical structures of the foot. By addressing underlying causes, you reduce the risk of having a similar condition again. Use of compression socks can increase circulation in your feet, which in turn stimulates improved repair capacity and reduction of swelling.

Rehabilitation exercises for stronger feet and ankles

In case of inflammation in the foot or ankle, weight-bearing loads should be reduced. Replace jogging with alternative forms of exercise such as swimming, walking on the elliptical machine or cycling. Also remember to implement a good mix of regular sessions consisting of circulation exercises, stretching exercises and strength exercises. The video below shows chiropractor Alexander Andorff came up with a good training program for the foot and ankle consisting of five exercises.

VIDEO: 5 Exercises Against Pain And Inflammation In The Foot Rest

These five exercises are aimed more at local muscles, tendons and nerves in your feet. Regular use of this exercise program can strengthen your arches, improve blood circulation and help normalize the function of the inflammatory area.

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VIDEO: 5 Exercises against Sciatica and Nervous Pain in the Foot

Many patients are not aware that a pinched nerve in the back can cause significant malfunction of the feet. This is because it is the nerves that provide electricity to your muscles - and that in the event of a nerve irritation, these will not work optimally. Lack of function results in poorer blood circulation - which in turn can lead to an increased risk of inflammation.

These five exercises can help you reduce nerve pressure in your back and seat, as well as give you better back movement. Click below to see the exercises.

Join our family and subscribe to our YouTube channel for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome!

Symptoms of Inflammation in the Foot

The pain and symptoms will, of course, vary based on the extent of the inflammation. Typical symptoms of inflammation include:

• Local swelling
• Reddish, irritated skin
• Painful when pressed / touched
• It can be painful to put weight on the foot and ankle

Diagnostic Investigation for Persistent Inflammation in the Foot

We recommend that you have your foot examined by a clinician in case of inflammation. Especially if you do not know what the underlying cause or diagnosis is. By mapping out the underlying diagnosis, it will be easier for you to take the right measures and prevent the condition from returning again. If the condition does not improve, it may be relevant to have an imaging examination to check whether an injury is the cause of the swelling or to analyze blood samples (to look for certain biochemical markers).

Imaging examination of inflammation in the foot (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)

An X-ray can rule out any fracture damage. One MRI examination can show if there is any damage to tendons or structures in the area. Ultrasound can examine whether there is tendon damage - it can also see if there is fluid accumulation in the area.

Treatment of Inflammation in the Foot

The main aim of treating inflammation in the foot is to remove any cause of the inflammation and then allow the foot to heal itself. As mentioned earlier, an inflammation is a completely natural repair process where the body increases blood circulation to the area to ensure faster healing, but it is often wise to regulate this by using cooling, anti-inflammatory laser and possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs (we remind that overuse of NSAIDS can lead to impaired repair in the area).

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Compression sock

This compression sock is specially made to give pressure to the right points for foot problems. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and increased healing in those who suffer from reduced function in the feet - which can reduce how long it takes for your feet to normalize again.

- Insole (this can lead to a more correct load on the foot and foot)

- Pain clinics: Our clinics and therapists are ready to help you

Click on the link below to see an overview of our clinic departments. At Vondtklinikkene Tverrfaglig Helse, we offer assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training, for, among other things, muscle diagnoses, joint conditions, nerve pain and tendon disorders.

Frequently asked questions regarding inflammation of the foot (FAQ)

Feel free to use the comments section below to ask questions. Or send us a message via social media or one of our other contact options.

What does it mean to have inflammation in the foot?

Inflammation in the foot is synonymous with the body's own reaction to injuries and the like. The aim is to remove damaged cells, pathogens or the like. This can lead to temporary swelling and slight redness in the area. It is important to distinguish between normal inflammation and infection - because they are two very different things. However, there can also be far too much inflammation - in which case it is important to use cooling and keep the foot elevated to reduce the inflammation.

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