A few simple remedies for tendinitis, achilles tendinitis, and bunion pain

Pain in our extremities can be debilitating and keep us housebound. There are simple remedies that can have us back up on our feet in no time. Here's a look at some common issues and their remedies:

• When pain occurs, whatever activity you were engaging in, stop and rest.
• Place a bag of ice or an ice pack on the sore spot for 20 minutes to ease the pain and swelling.
• It's time for some anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
• If the swelling is gone but the area's still painful, place a heating pad or warm wet cloth on the spot for 20 minutes. The heat opens the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area, which speeds healing. Try massaging the area or gently stretching after you apply the heat.

• Stop whatever activity hobbled you and any other activity that causes calf pain.
• Keeping your foot higher than your heart will help relieve swelling.
• If your pain doesn't improve within one or two weeks, check in with your doctor. It's possible you may have torn or ruptured your tendon.

• Place your shoe beside your foot while you are standing barefoot. If the width of the toe box is narrower than the front of your foot, take the shoe (and all your other shoes) to a shoe repair shop and ask to have to the toe box stretched. That will immediately relieve the pressure on your big toe. Save the heels over five centimeters (two inches) high for special events that include gawking but very little walking.
• Dr. Glenn B. Pfeffer, MD, (director of the Foot and Ankle Centre, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles; past president, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) says, "No one should live with chronic foot pain, especially from a bunion. With advanced surgical techniques, almost all bunion problems can be made much better with outpatient surgery — especially if people limit their use of very high-heeled shoes following the procedure."
• Bunions can't reverse themselves, but early assessment and treatment by an orthopaedist or podiatrist can help keep the condition from getting worse and can stem the pain.

Although these are common problems that many people suffer from, that fact doesn't make us feel any better when we are in pain. These tips should help relieve pain, but if it is constant or re-occurring, contact your doctor and see if more drastic measures are necessary.