It depends on the type of foot pain you are experiencing. If you have an acute injury such as a sprain or strain, then using an ice pack can help to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain or stiffness, a heating pad can help to increase blood flow and loosen up tight muscles.

People who have recently suffered a foot injury that has resulted in swelling may want to ice it, but if you’re suffering from a chronic foot issue that causes pain and stiffness but isn’t causing inflammation, heat may be better. If you’re unsure, it may be best to consult a doctor or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Those with acute injuries may only benefit from icing the injury for the first two or three days, after which you should let your body’s natural processes heal the injury. Don’t use an ice pack directly on an injury. Always wrap the pack in a towel to prevent skin injuries and avoid icing an injury for more than two cumulative hours a day. Increments of 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day are better for inflammation control.

What Are the Most Common Sources of Foot Pain?

There are several common sources of foot pain, including:

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation and pain in the heel and arch of the foot, often caused by overuse or excessive strain.
• Morton’s neuroma: Thickening tissue around toe nerves results in chronic pain in the toes and/or the ball of the foot.
• Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often caused by excessive stress on the metatarsals.
• Heel spurs: Bony growths on the heel bone that can cause pain and discomfort.
• Ankle sprain: A stretch or tear of the ligaments that support the ankle, often caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the foot, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress.
• Stress fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot usually resulting from overuse or repetitive stress.

These are just a few examples of the most common sources of foot pain. People experiencing persistent foot pain should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as a proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Ignoring chronic foot conditions may result in worsening symptoms or increased damage.

When Should You Not Use an Ice Pack?

It’s likely best to avoid using ice to treat an injury or pain if you:

• Have a medical condition that affects blood flow, such as Raynaud’s disease or peripheral neuropathy.
• Have suffered a burn
• Are experiencing numbness or paralysis in the affected area
• Are attempting to treat an open wound
• Have a negative reaction to cold, such as chilblains

When Should You Not Treat Pain with a Heating Pad?

Recommendations for heating pad use are similar. You should likely avoid using heat if you:

• Are attempting to treat an open wound
• Suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other circulation problems
• Are experiencing tingling or numbness
• Have unmanaged diabetes
• Have an acute injury that should ideally be iced first

Always use heating pads with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat and keeping it at a safe temperature. Before using a heating pad, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Should I See an Orthopedist or Podiatrist?

If you have a fracture, ligament damage or another chronic foot condition, yes, you should seek professional medical treatment for your pain. Athletes or people who have injuries that are impacting their ability to work or fulfill their daily duties may also benefit from seeking treatment rather than simply sitting back and waiting for the body heal on its own.

An orthopedist or podiatrist can use diagnostic tools, physical manipulation and their professional expertise to examine injuries and recommend the ideal course of treatment. In some cases, using cold therapy or heat therapy may be an important part of your recovery, but serious injuries frequently require more aggressive corrective actions.

The team at Centennial Orthopedic Podiatry have extensive experience treating all types of sports injuries, foot pain and foot injuries. The comprehensive experience of our team and commitment to quality care helps us ensure every patient receives a fast, accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.

Learn more about our services in Roseburg by calling us at 541.229.2663.