What medicine helps inflammation in the feet? A guide to medication options

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Foot and ankle problems, including those involving inflammation, account for millions of ambulatory care visits annually in the United States. To address this common issue, understanding what medicine helps inflammation in the feet is crucial for finding effective relief.

Quick Summary

This guide covers various medications for reducing inflammation in the feet, including common over-the-counter and prescription options, as well as injections and topical treatments. It details their benefits and risks for conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis.

Key Points

OTC NSAIDs: Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are common over-the-counter options for mild to moderate foot inflammation.
Topical Relief: Gels containing NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren) can provide targeted, localized relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Prescription Strength: Severe or chronic inflammation may require prescription-strength NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib.
Injections for Localized Issues: Corticosteroid injections deliver powerful, long-lasting anti-inflammatory medication directly to a specific area, such as the plantar fascia.
Holistic Approach: Combining medication with lifestyle changes, proper footwear, and therapies like the R.I.C.E. method can significantly improve outcomes.
Professional Guidance: Always consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the safest and most effective medication for your specific condition.

Causes of Foot Inflammation

Inflammation in the feet can stem from a wide range of issues, from acute injuries to chronic medical conditions. The appropriate medication often depends on the underlying cause. Common culprits include:

Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot, often resulting in heel pain.
Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints of the foot.
Gout: A type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals collecting in a joint, which often affects the big toe.
Tendinitis: The inflammation of a tendon, such as the Achilles tendon.
Injury and Overuse: Sprains, strains, and stress fractures can cause localized inflammation and swelling.
Infections: Skin infections like cellulitis can lead to inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Mild Inflammation

For mild to moderate foot inflammation, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often the first line of defense. These are widely available without a prescription and can effectively reduce both pain and swelling.

Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Oral NSAIDs work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), which play a key role in producing the body's inflammatory response.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB): A very common and effective NSAID for reducing pain and inflammation.
Naproxen Sodium (Aleve): Another popular NSAID that provides longer-lasting relief than ibuprofen, making it useful for managing pain over extended periods.

Risks: While generally safe for short-term use, prolonged or high-dose use of oral NSAIDs can lead to side effects such as stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding. They may also affect kidney function and increase blood pressure, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Gels

Topical NSAID gels and creams are applied directly to the skin over the affected area. This allows the medication to target localized inflammation with less risk of systemic side effects than oral versions.

Diclofenac (Voltaren): An NSAID gel that is often prescribed but can also be available over-the-counter. It is particularly useful for targeted pain and swelling.

Prescription Medications for Moderate to Severe Cases

If OTC treatments aren't enough, a healthcare provider may recommend stronger, prescription-only options. These are typically reserved for more severe or chronic inflammatory conditions.

Oral and COX-2 Inhibitors

In addition to prescription-strength NSAIDs, doctors may prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, a specific class of NSAID that targets only the COX-2 enzyme.

Celecoxib (Celebrex): A COX-2 inhibitor that is as effective as traditional NSAIDs but may have a lower risk of causing stomach irritation and ulcers. However, it can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially at higher doses.

Corticosteroid Injections

For severe, localized inflammation, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended. A doctor injects a potent anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the affected joint or tissue, such as the plantar fascia.

Benefits: Injections can provide powerful, long-term relief for three to six months.
Risks: Multiple injections are often not recommended, as they can weaken tendons and fascia over time.

Other Specialized Prescription Treatments

Specific conditions may require specialized medications:

For Gout: Medications like allopurinol can prevent future gout attacks by controlling uric acid levels. A gout flare-up may be treated with powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine.
For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics can be used to slow the progression of the disease and reduce systemic inflammation.

Comparing Medications for Foot Inflammation


Medication Type	Examples	Best For	Risks/Considerations
Oral OTC NSAIDs	Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve)	Mild to moderate pain and inflammation from sprains, strains, or arthritis flare-ups	Stomach irritation, ulcers, bleeding, kidney issues, high blood pressure. Best for short-term use.
Topical NSAID Gels	Diclofenac (Voltaren)	Localized inflammation, like tendonitis or arthritis in specific foot joints	Lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs. Minimal side effects, potential for skin reactions.
Oral Prescription NSAIDs	Celecoxib (Celebrex), Meloxicam (Mobic)	Chronic or severe pain and inflammation not managed by OTC options. COX-2 inhibitors may have lower GI risk	Similar systemic risks to OTC NSAIDs, with specific considerations for COX-2 inhibitors regarding heart and kidney health.
Corticosteroid Injections	Cortisone	Severe, localized inflammation from conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis	Temporary relief (months). Repeated injections can weaken tissue over time. Must be administered by a professional.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments and Lifestyle Modifications

Medication is often most effective when combined with other strategies to reduce foot inflammation. The R.I.C.E. method is a standard approach for acute injuries:

Rest: Limiting weight-bearing activities allows the inflamed tissue to heal.
Ice: Applying a cold pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and numb pain.
Compression: Using a bandage or compression socks can help prevent fluid accumulation.
Elevation: Raising the feet above the heart promotes fluid drainage.

Additional methods include:

Stretching: Targeted stretches for the plantar fascia and calf muscles can be very beneficial, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Proper Footwear and Orthotics: Wearing supportive shoes and using arch supports or orthotic inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot.
Massage: Gently massaging the arch and heel can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Epsom Salt Soaks: Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt can provide relief, as the magnesium sulfate may reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

For more information on addressing chronic pain, refer to the Mayo Clinic resource on Chronic Pain: Medication decisions.

Conclusion

While many people turn to over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce foot inflammation, the most effective treatment depends on the specific cause and severity. Topical NSAID gels offer targeted relief, while more persistent or severe cases may require prescription-strength medication, steroid injections, or other specialized drugs. Combining medication with non-pharmacological strategies like R.I.C.E., stretching, and proper footwear is often the most comprehensive approach. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or your primary care doctor, for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, especially for chronic pain, severe swelling, or new, unexplained symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

For general foot inflammation, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) are often recommended. Topical NSAID gels like diclofenac are also effective for localized pain and swelling.

Topical creams or gels are often better for localized foot inflammation because they deliver medication directly to the source with a lower risk of systemic side effects, such as stomach upset. Oral pills are useful when inflammation is more widespread or severe.

Acetaminophen can help with foot pain but is not an anti-inflammatory medication. If swelling and inflammation are the primary problems, NSAIDs are a more effective choice.

Steroid injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the inflamed tissue or joint, reducing swelling and pain for a period of several months. They are typically used for severe or persistent localized issues like plantar fasciitis.

It is best to see a doctor if your foot pain or swelling is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, redness, warmth, or an inability to bear weight. A proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Gout attacks, which cause severe foot inflammation, can be treated with specific medications. For acute flares, a doctor might prescribe colchicine or high-dose NSAIDs. For long-term management, drugs like allopurinol can help lower uric acid levels.

Non-medication strategies include applying ice, elevating your feet, wearing supportive footwear or orthotics, and doing specific stretches. For acute injuries, the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is recommended.

Yes, some medications, including certain blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and steroids, can cause fluid retention (edema) that leads to swelling and inflammation in the feet. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a medication is causing side effects.