From the Guidelines
For severe stabbing pain in your feet caused by a bone spur after extraction, the most effective treatment approach is to start with conservative methods, including the use of open-backed shoes, orthoses, and NSAIDs, as recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 1. To manage your pain, consider the following options:
- Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg every 6-8 hours) or naproxen (220-500mg twice daily) to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Custom orthotic inserts can redistribute pressure away from the bone spur, while cushioned footwear with a wide toe box minimizes irritation.
- Physical therapy exercises focusing on foot stretching and strengthening may help manage pain.
- For immediate relief, ice the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily and consider night splints to maintain proper foot positioning during sleep. However, it's crucial to note that corticosteroid injections are not recommended as an initial treatment option 1, but they might be considered for temporary relief if other measures fail. Additionally, surgical removal of the bone spur might be necessary for persistent severe pain, but this is typically considered only after conservative treatments have failed 1. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition, as they can assess the severity of your pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
From the FDA Drug Label
NSAID medicines are used to treat pain and redness, swelling, and heat (inflammation) from medical conditions such as: different types of arthritis menstrual cramps and other types of short-term pain The treatment options for severe stabbing pain in feet caused by a bone spur from a previous extraction may include NSAID medicines such as naproxen, which can help with pain and inflammation.
- Key considerations:
- NSAID medicines should only be used exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible, and for the shortest time needed.
- It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and the medicines you take, as NSAIDs can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects.
- Possible side effects of NSAIDs include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- If you experience any severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or weakness, seek emergency help immediately. 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Severe Stabbing Pain in Feet
- Corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid injections are potential treatment options for osteoarthritis, which may be related to the bone spur causing pain in the feet 3.
- These injections have been shown to provide short-term pain improvement and can be used for osteoarthritis flares, with hyaluronic acid injections providing longer-term improvement in both pain and function.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Bone Healing
- The use of NSAIDs for pain management in patients with bone spurs or other orthopaedic conditions is a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting that NSAIDs may delay bone healing 4.
- However, a systematic review of the literature found that the quality of the clinical studies on this topic was variable, and that there is no consensus regarding the safety of NSAIDs following orthopaedic procedures 4.
- Another review found that the evidence on the effect of NSAIDs on human bone metabolism is limited and controversial, with some studies suggesting that NSAIDs may increase bone mineral density or decrease bone resorption 5.
Considerations for Treatment
- The treatment of severe stabbing pain in the feet caused by a bone spur should be individualized and based on the specific needs and medical history of the patient.
- A healthcare professional should be consulted to determine the best course of treatment, which may include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid injections, NSAIDs, or other options.