Should you take pain medication if you have Charcot Foot? It’s a question we have received from a couple of different readers. The interesting thing is some people with Charcot Foot report absolutely no pain because of the neuropathy they have and then others report a good deal of pain. Those who do have pain report chronic pain which makes the question of using pain medication a difficult one to answer.
Pros and Cons of Pain Medication
The obvious pro when it comes to considering pain medication is the fact that pain medication can relieve pain. None of us want to experience pain so it is an obvious benefit to be able to have the pain reduced. However, it’s important to consider the downside to pain medication.
Pain medication is incredibly addictive. When you are already battling so many health conditions the risk of addiction must be considered. Addiction will only increase the troubles you are currently facing due to Charcot Foot.
You also have to be realistic about the effectiveness of pain medication. Pain medication can relieve some pain but it doesn’t eliminate it completely. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks before taking pain medication.
Additionally, pain serves a purpose. It is a clear indicator to us that something is wrong. Pain can tell us the shoes we are wearing don’t fit right, it can tell us we have walked to far for the day or stood too long. It can indicate a new fracture or wound that needs attention. Using pain medication can prevent us from recognizing problems quickly and addressing them.
Managing pain without pain medication
There are ways to manage Charcot Foot pain without medication. There are several pain relieving creams which can be applied to your feet which can help. We even did a more in-depth review of some pain management options here.
Soaking your feet in Epsom Salt is a wonderful way to reduce pain and swelling. It can also help you relax which will in turn reduce pain. You should never soak your feet if you have any open wounds or sores. After a foot soak make sure you dry your feet completely and apply lotion.
There are over the counter pain relievers which can be helpful. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking them to ensure they won’t cause problems if you have other health concerns, like kidney problems.
Elevate your feet and go non-weight bearing as much as possible! We know it is annoying but one of the best ways to reduce pain is to get off your feet and elevate them. Think toes above nose. While you are resting those feet listen to a relaxing guided meditation to help you relax.
Talk with your doctor about pain medication
Always talk with your doctor about using pain medication. Have a frank discussion about your concerns, the risks associated with pain medication and the possible benefits. No one knows your body and your pain better than you. It is your job to educate your doctor on what you are experiencing so they can provide the best guidance.
It can be helpful to keep a journal or calendar documenting your pain prior to appointments with your doctor. You may notice a spike in pain at night or over the weekend. By documenting you can identify trends and help provide your doctor with a clear view of what you are experiencing.
What ways do you manage Charcot Foot pain? If you have found a tactic that works for you and would like to share it with others please contact us. Additionally, if you have a question you would like answered, please reach out to us. You can see our response to previous questions about how to explain Charcot Foot to others.