From the Guidelines
I strongly recommend addressing your foot pain with a comprehensive approach, prioritizing proper footwear and medical evaluation for possible underlying conditions, as the most effective way to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Based on the study by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 1, initial treatment options for heel pain, which may be contributing to your foot pain, include open-backed shoes, orthoses, and accommodative padding, as well as NSAID therapy, which you are already taking in the form of ibuprofen. Some key points to consider for managing your foot pain include:
- Requesting proper footwear with cushioned insoles and arch support designed for standing jobs to reduce pressure on your feet
- Continuing ibuprofen 400-600mg every 6-8 hours as needed for pain, not exceeding 3200mg daily, as recommended for initial treatment of heel pain 1
- Requesting a medical evaluation for possible plantar fasciitis or other foot conditions, as symptoms persisting beyond six to eight weeks may require further investigation and referral to a specialist 1
- Considering daily foot stretches, especially before work, and soaking your feet in warm water after shifts to provide additional relief Regarding your request for magnesium supplements, while they have limited evidence for pain relief, proper footwear and ergonomic adjustments are more effective in managing foot pain. I will document your request for modified hours in your medical record and can provide a medical recommendation for breaks during your shift to rest your feet, as standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods puts significant pressure on your feet, causing inflammation and pain.
From the Research
Patient's Request
The patient is requesting better footwear, magnesium, and a work order to start at 8am for a 5-hour shift due to foot pain from working in the kitchen washing dishes.
Foot Pain and Footwear
- Studies have shown that footwear can affect joint pain and function in older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis 2.
- Shock-absorbing insoles, subtalar strapping, and avoidance of high heels and sandals may help prevent lower extremity joint pain in older adults 2.
- However, there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of footwear on lower extremity joint pain caused by osteoarthritis 2.
Magnesium and Pain Relief
- Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function and has been shown to have therapeutic effects on various medical conditions, including pain relief 3.
- Magnesium supplementation has been found to reduce muscle soreness and improve performance in athletes 4.
- Magnesium deficiency has been associated with various chronic diseases, including migraine headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 5.