Why Does My Foot Bottom Swell, Turn Red, and Hurt? What Can I Do to Relieve It?
Redness, swelling and pain on the bottom of the foot are mostly caused by bone hyperplasia and bone degeneration, resulting in heel spur, which can be diagnosed by X-ray examination. Mild cases can be improved through conservative treatment methods, such as local hot compress or soaking, and oral administration of analgesic and neurotrophic drugs. However, severe heel spur should be surgically treated to remove the hyperplastic bone tissue. Bone hyperplasia and bone degeneration are degenerative changes in normal human development, and the symptoms will become more obvious with age. Some cases are secondary to local soft tissue injury caused by trauma, forming scars and irregular pain, which may be aggravated after exertion. Therefore, it is recommended to rest and avoid repeated adverse external stimuli.
If there is a lump and local pain on the bottom of the foot, it is more likely to be plantar fasciitis, which also occurs easily in the tendons or tendon sheath, forming a local cystic lesion. Physical examination will show local bulging masses with obvious pain. The occurrence is related to long-term chronic strain, and the pain symptoms will be aggravated after activities. Mild patients can choose local hot compress, and surgery can be performed to remove the cyst or perform local puncture aspiration of cyst fluid and injection of sclerosing agent to promote cyst wall adhesion (recovery) if necessary. In addition, it is recommended to avoid weight-bearing and relieve the discomfort caused by local fatigue and strain. Local massage or acupuncture can also be selected for physical treatment.
If the pain and swelling on the bottom of the foot is acute, some cold water can be used for cold compress to relieve pain and swelling. After 2~3 days, some hot water can be used for hot compress or soaking to effectively reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. In addition, appropriate oral administration of drugs for swelling, pain relief, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, such as Yunnan Baiyao Capsule, Huoxue Zhitong Capsule, and Yushangling, can be considered. If the pain is severe, appropriate analgesic drugs, such as Ibuprofen Sustained-release Capsules, can be taken orally. It is recommended to reduce walking and rest recently.
