What Causes Driver’s Foot and How Is It Treated?

Have you ever experienced foot pain after driving long distance? Do you ever experience foot numbness after a prolonged period of driving? It turns out that this is more than just a hassle. And you’re not the only one who is suffering.

These are, in fact, signs of a painful condition called driver’s foot. This issue may become worse over time if untreated. You could even get sore and be unable to carry out regular duties outside of your car.

Want to learn how to avoid foot pain while driving? Let’s look at what causes this. Then, we will discuss what can be done if your feet are already afflicted.

Driver’s Foot: What Causes It?

Driving, clearly, contributes to this condition. Both professional drivers and casual ones may be affected. Painful symptoms often affect your right foot, called the driver’s foot. And the discomfort is often felt at the heel of your foot, across your big toe, or in the ball of your foot, near your big toe.

We are all now at risk for this condition in Houston. Why? This pain is exacerbated by our world-famous traffic jams, since stop-and-go driving causes you to keep your foot in the same position for long periods of time. One tip of how to avoid foot pain while driving is to improve the conditions in your vehicle.

Avoiding Driver’s Foot

There are precautions you may take if you drive often to avoid this kind of foot pain. To begin with, avoid keeping your seat too near to the car’s pedals. The angle at which your foot contacts the pedals may crush your ankle joints if you move too closely. Similar to this, you shouldn’t lower your seat too much since it will produce an angle that will increase pressure on your heel’s back.

It’s as important to choose your driving shoes with the same attention as you do your running shoes. Moreover, choose shoes with plenty of cushioning and arch support. Consider keeping an extra pair of sneakers in your trunk so you can always drive in supportive footwear, even if you need to don formal shoes when you get at your destination.

Many of our runners are aware that sometimes footwear don’t provide adequate support. So, if you need orthotics for training, be sure to use them for driving as well.

Even with the right foot gear and placement, you need exercise additional caution to prevent foot pain after driving long distance. Break up long travels into shorter segments by getting out of the vehicle and exercising your ankles and feet when you stop.

Another way of how to avoid foot pain while driving is to give your feet additional TLC after any lengthy driving excursion. As soon as you’re done, remove your shoes and massage your feet to increase circulation. You may even use ice for up to 20 minutes for additional comfort if you notice any areas that are hurting or retaining excess strain.

Is Treatment Needed for a Painful Driver’s Foot?

One painful session won’t be an issue if your feet don’t often suffer when you’re driving. However, it’s important to take action if you often have foot pain after driving long distance. Additionally, the kind of treatment we advise will depend on where the driver’s foot pain manifests itself.

Pain In the Ball of The Foot After Driving

This symptom often shows while your foot is on the pedal. This is what we consider an overuse injury. It grows as a result of frequent pedal pressing. Plus, your pain will become worse if you don’t get treatment. You could also get bone bruising on your toe bones or bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between your toe joints.

Sometimes the style of shoes you wear when driving is what hurts the ball of your foot, not how much you drive. Women who wear high heels are more likely to experience pain. In any case, we may provide suggestions, such as using a gel-padded insole to help with foot pain after driving long distance.

Pain In the Heels of Your Feet

Why does driving make your heels bruised and painful? It has to do with the force you provide to your foot when it sits on the floor of the car. It may be comparable to the strain put on feet from standing all day for long-haul drivers. The discomfort might then become worse when you rock that foot to apply the brakes or the gas. In this situation, switching up your footwear could help relieve your heel pain. Furthermore, using custom orthotics is one of the greatest ways of how to avoid foot pain while driving.

Pain At the Top of The Foot

This kind of foot pain is often brought on by stress buildup. And keeping the pedals in place for a lengthy period of time causes stress.

Now, stiff gas pedals might exacerbate this issue since you will need to press down on them harder. So be sure to frequently lubricate the pedals. Fortunately, this sort of discomfort is often just momentary, and if you park and take a short stroll, it should shortly subside. And to hasten the pain alleviation process? Try flexing and turning your feet as you get out of the car. This should instantly relieve pain at the top of the foot.

Does Driver’s Foot Need Medical Attention?

This condition doesn’t need extensive treatment if it only occurs occasionally, as we already said. In fact, you can probably control the condition by shortening your drive and making pit breaks more often. However, if the foot pain after driving long distance interferes with your ability to do your work or persists outside of the car, your symptoms might be an indication of something more serious. And until we identify that underlying issue, you won’t ever get relief.

So, what should you do if driving causes you constant foot pain? Make an appointment with Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. In addition to the advice we’ve previously given, we can also provide a few additional long-lasting solutions. You may steer clear of problems caused by driving in this manner. And we can assist in putting an end to the discomfort so you may once again drive comfortably.

FAQs

How to Cure Driver’s Foot?

To cure driver’s foot, rest your foot and avoid repetitive pressure on the pedal. Apply ice to reduce inflammation, take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, and consider stretching exercises to relax the affected muscles. Use cushioned footwear or insoles for extra support while driving. If pain persists, consult a podiatrist to rule out underlying issues like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.

What Are Driver’s Foot Symptoms?

Driver’s foot symptoms include pain or discomfort in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot, often due to prolonged pedal use. You may also experience stiffness, cramping, or swelling in the foot. Numbness or tingling can occur if nerves are compressed. Symptoms typically worsen after long drives and improve with rest.

How Do You Heal Foot Damage?

Healing foot damage requires rest, ice application to reduce swelling, and proper elevation of the foot. Wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic inserts can help prevent further strain. Stretching and strengthening exercises may improve foot function. For severe cases or persistent pain, consult a podiatrist for professional evaluation and treatment options.

Why Do My Feet Hurt from Driving?

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