Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
Recent Answers
Can You Use FSA or HSA to Buy Custom Orthotics?
If you are interested in buying custom orthotics but are concerned about the cost, it's a little-known fact that you can purchase a pair from Upstep with your FSA and HSA dollars before they expire. What Is FSA/HSA? FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) are financial accounts where you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for health expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance. Your FSA money expires December 31, HSA money never expires. » Looking for some extra foot support? Take a look at Upstep's Normal Everyday Activity orthotics. How Can You Buy Custom Orthotics With HSA/FSA? There are two ways to buy custom orthotics using your FSA/HSA dollars: With an FSA Debit Card - If you have an FSA debit card, complete your purchase of Upstep orthotics just as you would with any other credit card.Without an FSA Debit Card - Buying custom orthotics from Upstep through this route is easy. Simply complete your order and we’ll send you an itemized receipt after your purchase. What Type of Custom Orthotics Can You Buy at Upstep With FSA/HSA? You can use your FSA or HSA dollars to buy custom orthotics from Upstep! Choose from orthotics that are designed for both daily and athletic activities. What's more is that Upstep custom orthotics cost 60% less than any other custom orthotic brand, plus they are entirely risk-free to try for 120 days. Remember your FSA dollars expire December 31, so use them before they're gone! » Not sure which orthotics are right for you? Browse our complete orthotic collection.
Asked 2 years ago
What Causes Pain on the Outside Edge of Your Foot After Running?
Lateral foot pain occurs on the outside edge of the foot when walking, running, or even from general use. It can occur either before, during, or after activities like running and walking. As with all other types of pain, the key to pain relief is prompt management. Can You Break the Outside of Your Foot? In what is known as the Jones fracture, you can break the shaft of the 5th metatarsal on the outside of your foot. It is caused by repetitive stress, overuse, or an acute onset injury and results in significant lateral foot pain. Unfortunately, the area is not well vascularized, meaning healing may be slow or difficult. Common Causes of Pain on the Outer Edge of the Foot Lateral foot pain is quite common among runners and athletes in general. Most times, it can be traced to multiple possible different causes, such as: Ankle sprain caused by rolling over on the ankle.Cuboid syndrome (injury to the joints and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone) that results from repetitive strain.Tendonitis (inflammation of either the peroneal or posterior tibial tendons).Stress fractures caused by repeated overloading during sports activities.Foot bunions that are caused by genetics or tight-fitting footwear with pointed toes or high heels. Can You Keep Running With Outer Foot Pain? You can suddenly develop outer foot pain while running. If that happens, do not attempt to continue as it may worsen whatever may be causing the pain. Seek to identify the cause and set about relieving the pain first. How to Relieve Pain on the Outside of Your Foot The appropriate approach to the management of pain on the outside of the foot depends on the cause and the stage of healing before intervention. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the first steps to managing pain on the outside of the foot. You may also need to avoid bearing weight on the limb until your doctor assesses it, or invest in a pair of custom orthotics for running.
Asked 2 years ago
What Causes Pain in the Top of Your Foot After Running?
Pain in the foot is uncomfortable, relatively common, and can manifest in any area of the foot, including the top. Here are the most common causes of pain on the top of your foot, home remedies, and when to see your doctor. Can You Break the Top of Your Foot and Still Walk? It may be possible to walk if the top of your foot is broken, depending on the bone that breaks, the type of fracture, and whether there is an associated soft tissue injury. However, it is likely to be uncomfortable, prolong the healing time, and even make the foot worse. Common Causes of Pain on the Top of Your Feet Different conditions can result in pain on top of your feet. Some of the most common are: Extensor tendonitis, characterized by an inflamed tendon and sharp pain on top of the foot when walkingTraumaCommon peroneal nerve (a branch of the sciatic nerve) dysfunctionBone spursStress fracture of the metatarsalsGanglion cystsArthritis Home Treatments for Pain on the Top of Your Feet In many cases, home remedies will be enough to relieve the pain. When you have pain on top of the foot after walking, running, or general use, try using any of the following methods: Stay off the affected footApply ice to the painful area especially when there is associated inflammationWear wide, comfortable shoesPad your footwear with soft insoles to relieve pressure pointsGentle stretching exercises of the foot muscles for relieving painUse an OTC pain relief medication When Should You See a Doctor for Top of the Foot Pain? If the foot pain persists for more than a week despite all home remedies, book an appointment with your physician and stay off the foot until you see the doctor.
Asked 2 years ago
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Metatarsalgia?
Sometimes, pain occurs in the ball of the foot. This is known as metatarsalgia and is a result of inflammation around the head of the metatarsals. It can also present with numbness, stiffness, and swelling. Usually, it results from excessive foot pronation, high arches, prolonged standing, obesity, etc. If not managed promptly, metatarsalgia can easily lead to functional limitations. Does Metatarsalgia Ever Go Away? Often, pain in the ball of the foot will improve naturally without intervention after some days. However, if it persists and worsens, it needs to be taken seriously and managed promptly. Where there is prompt management and compliance, complete recovery can take place in 6 to 8 weeks. With non-compliance, recovery time doubles, leading to frustration for patients. For example, walking barefoot aggravates metatarsalgia and should be avoided in the recovery period. How Can You Heal Metatarsalgia Fast? There are a few things you can do to heal your metatarsalgia, such as: Rest the foot. If this is not completely possible, reduce the stress you put the leg through.Apply ice to the affected area. Ice reduces inflammation and leads to pain relief.Use medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage the condition.Wear proper footwear. Comfortable shoes that are loosely fitting will not add to the pressure to the ball of the foot.Stretch adequately. A stretching and strengthening regimen with a focus on the calf, Achilles tendon, ankles, and toes will help alleviate your pain and reduce the risk of re-injury.Apply metatarsal pads. These can deflect the stress from the painful area.Consider orthotics. You may consider an orthotic fitting if the metatarsal pad doesn't fully address the pain. Should You See a Doctor for Metatarsalgia? Usually, metatarsalgia should go away on its own after a few days. If the above-mentioned self-care techniques do not work, then a doctor should be able to help you ascertain the severity of the injury. Consider seeing one if the pain persists for more than two weeks.
Asked 2 years ago
How to Relieve Foot and Leg Pain From Standing All Day
Many people who have to stand for an extended period daily experience aching feet at night. When not addressed, the complications of prolonged standing can be overwhelming. Here's why your feet hurt, and what you can do to prevent the pain. Why Do Feet and Legs Hurt After Standing All Day? Perhaps you've noticed your feet and legs always hurt after standing all day. That's possible even if you wear quality shoes because the muscles of your legs are activated for a long time to keep you straight and upright, becoming fatigued in the process. Also, reduced muscle pump action causes the leg to swell, adding to the pain. How long this will take will depend on how much endurance your leg muscles have built, how long you have to stand, and how often you have to do it. How to Reduce the Effects of Prolonged Standing Here are some tips for standing for long periods to reduce the associated effects; Choose comfortable footwear Ensure that your footwear supports your feet appropriately if you have to stand for long.Change positions frequently Take a few steps, stretch, walk around, sit during breaks. Changing your position moves your weight around, allowing your anti-gravity muscles time to recover. Carry compression stockings These apply pressure to the lower legs, which can aid venous return and reduce swelling. How to Prevent Pain from Standing All Day If you're want to avoid aching feet and ankles at night, here is how you prepare for standing all day: Stretch your anti-gravity musclesDitch the heels and pointy soles and aim for comfort.If the floor is hard, request that it be cushioned or padded to reduce the impact on your feet. Well, there you have it. Everything that'll help you stand for longer with lesser pain in your legs and feet.
Asked 2 years ago
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