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Living with chronic pain isn’t easy. While it may not be constant, it can affect your ability to perform your daily activities. And it can cause anxiety, depression, stress and other emotional responses that also interfere with your ability to work or do activities that you enjoy.
According to studies, over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. It can affect young or old, men or women. However, it seems to be more common in women for various reasons.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for weeks, months and even years beyond the normal recovery time following an injury or illness. You can develop chronic pain following a strain or sprain, or a serious infection. Or, your chronic pain may be due to a medical condition like arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
Lower extremity chronic pain is common. According to studies, 39% of pain sufferers endure back pain while 28% of people put up with hip and knee pain and 17% tolerate foot and ankle pain. Some painful foot conditions include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma and Achilles tendonitis.
If you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain, it’s important to get help. Many effective treatments are available to help you relieve or manage your chronic pain, including:
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Pain medications – Includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs like acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, steroids and narcotics.
- Hot and cold therapy – The use of heating pads or ice packs.
- Physical or occupational therapy – Physical and occupational therapists can teach you exercises that will strengthen your joints and muscles while improving your flexibility and range of motion. Also, they can teach you how to regain proper posture that relieves stress on your muscles and joints.
- Psychological counseling/therapy – Includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (which teaches you about understanding and coping with your pain), stress management, relaxation techniques, hypnosis and biofeedback.
- Complementary and alternative medicine – Includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, herbal medicines, therapeutic touch and reiki healing.
- Medical devices – Includes spinal cord stimulation and external electrical stimulation devices as well as intrathecal pumps that deliver pain medications.
- Surgery – Includes nerve ablation, which destroys or removes the nerves that are sending the pain signals.
- Lifestyle changes – Includes exercise, healthy eating and smoking cessation.
Note: Always consult with a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pain symptoms. Some pain symptoms may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Relieve Lower Extremity Chronic Pain with Custom Orthotics
If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your feet, knees, hips and/or lower back pain, you may want to consider wearing custom foot orthotics, like ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics. These custom orthotics are designed to strategically raise the medial, lateral and trans-metatarsal arches of your feet. With proper foot support, you’ll experience better biomechanical alignment from the feet up. So, each step will be controlled throughout the gait cycle, reducing the stress and strain on your feet, knees, hips and/or lower back.
Don’t let chronic pain interfere with your ability to walk, work or play. Visit the WalkEZstore to learn how ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics can improve your foot mechanics and reduce your chronic pain. Or, click here to order your pair of ezWalker® custom orthotics today!
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
