Foot pain is most commonly experienced by women, people who are obese, diabetics, and people with osteoporosis, and it becomes more prevalent as we age. According to a recent survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, 43 percent of adults aged 30 to 44 experienced lower limb (hips, knees, and feet) pain in the past three months and 50 percent of those aged 65 and older experienced limb pain in the past three months. Although it’s likely you’ve experienced foot pain at some point in your, the good news is that supplements can give you the natural foot pain relief you need to step into spring!
Inflammation Causes Foot Pain
When your feet ache after a long day of standing, inflammation could be the culprit. Foot inflammation can be due to anything that causes injuries to the ligaments, tendons, muscles, or joints of the feet, like walking in mile-high heels for hours or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Let’s take a look at some powerful supplements that will clear out foot inflammation and pain.
1. Bromelain
Have you ever eaten too much pineapple and your lips started to tingle? Well, bromelain, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory found in the fruit and stems of pineapples was probably the reason. Bromelain has the power to reduce pain and swelling of foot pain without the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). According to a study, bromelain not only has anti-inflammatory capabilities, but also has anti-cancer and anti-microbial benefits.
2. Green tea extract
You’ve probably guessed from the name that green tea extract comes from green tea leaves. Well, you’re right! Green tea extract comes from the same plant as your cup of green tea, but it is more concentrated. If you want all of the benefits of green tea, but you don’t like the taste, a green tea extract supplement may be just what your foot pain needs.
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Just one capsule of green tea extract has the same anti-inflammatory benefits of drinking a cup of green tea. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your foot pain, green tea extract can boost your energy levels, reduce blood pressure, and help you recover from injuries.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is important for many processes in the body. However, according to a study, over 75 percent of Black people are vitamin D deficient. Not only are those long hours on your feet causing pain, but a vitamin D deficiency can also cause pain in the body. A vitamin D supplement can help decrease the inflammation that is causing your foot pain.
Arthritis Causes Foot Pain
Most people think of arthritis affecting the hands and fingers, but it can affect the feet as well. Foot arthritis is inflammation of the joints of the feet that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, making it difficult to walk. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a loss of joint cartilage between the joints. Without the cushion of cartilage, structures of the foot start to lose function, and become stiff and inflamed, which can lead to foot disfigurement and pain. Let’s look at a few supplements that help to restore the function of foot joints and reduce pain.
4. Glucosamine and chondroitin
Your body naturally makes glucosamine and chondroitin to build cartilage in the body. Although you can purchase them separately, they are usually sold as a combination supplement. Glucosamine is made in the lab or from the shells of shellfish and chondroitin is made from the cartilage of animals like sharks, pigs, and cows. Some researchers say that this cartilage-building, pain-relieving duo provides more relief for people with more severe pain from osteoarthritis than it does for people with mild pain.
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5. Fish oil
Fish oil has been popular for promoting heart health, but it can also help reduce arthritic foot pain. Studies have shown that the omega-3s in fish oil can reduce pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Fish oil supplements are convenient for people who live in areas where fish isn’t readily available, is too expensive, or if the sight of fish makes you gag. Some fish oil supplements can leave a fishy aftertaste, but there are some on the market that mask the taste pretty well.
Foot pain shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on all the great things that spring has to offer. Supplements can provide you with the relief you need to never miss a step. Before you take a supplement, read the label for dosage recommendations and check with your doctor to see if you are at risk for side effects and drug interactions.
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is on a mission to inspire and educate women to health. She is the creator of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site for women and author of “Woman, Take Off Your Cape”. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating through presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care, and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife and mom of two resonate with all women. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.
