Foot pain can be due to many different causes and can range from mild and brief to excruciating and long lasting. But whatever type of foot pain you're experiencing, there are things you can do to cope with your situation.

1. Wear the right footwear
   This is perhaps the easiest way to reduce or avoid foot pain. Don't harm your health just because of the whim of some fashion designer. High heels and pointy-toed shoes are common causes of foot pain. If you can't give up your high heels, reserve them for special occasions.
   
   Your shoes should support your heel and arch and have enough room for your toes without squeezing them. When you need to walk any distance, consider wearing comfortable walking shoes, then slipping into something dressier before heading into the office or out for the evening.
   
   Foot size can change even for adults, so have your feet measured once a year. If your feet are different sizes, you should buy the size that fits the bigger foot or, according to your doctor's advice, you might need to buy shoes in two sizes and use just one of each. Instead of wearing the same shoes every day, alternate pairs to allow them to air out.
   
   It's especially important to wear absorbent socks when taking part in sports or other activities that make you sweat. It is also recommended to replace athletic shoes every few months, especially if you are using them for running or jogging.
   
   
2. Take regular care of your feet
   We usually take our feet for granted, but if you think about the daily stress they endure and the disorders that can develop, you'll start being nicer to them. A regular program of foot care can include daily washing and towel drying, with attention to drying the spaces between the toes to avoid conditions such as athlete's foot.
   
   Soothing foot baths can offer relief from foot discomfort. Skin creams can keep the feet from drying. Ask your doctor whether you should use products such as pumice stones and corn removers.
   
   If you have diabetes or another condition that reduces sensation in your feet, you need to take special care. Your doctor may advise you to see a podiatrist for toenail trimming and other foot care.
   
   
3. Make other lifestyle improvements
   If you're overweight, shedding excess pounds will benefit your feet as well as your heart, back and the rest of your body. As with many health conditions, exercise and diet can be important ways of coping with foot pain.
   
   Get a checkup from your doctor before launching an exercise or diet program. Ask if there are any particular exercises or activities you should take part in or avoid. For example, if you have a disease that rules out high-impact sports such as running, perhaps you could benefit from water aerobics.
   
   
4. See a doctor as needed
   Often foot pain is minor and temporary and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. However, some symptoms and conditions require your doctor's expertise. People with diabetes or other diseases that reduce sensation or circulation in the feet need careful medical monitoring. Ask your doctor about seeing a neurologist or other specialist for regular comprehensive foot exams that include testing of sensation.