Many of us are always on our feet. That’s why dealing with foot pain can be quite debilitating and reduce our overall sense of well-being. It is therefore certainly in our best interest to prevent this condition before it even wears us down. Fortunately, there are a few prudent steps we can take to bolster the health of our feet and consequently prevent or manage foot pain. Below are six top tips:
Maintain a healthy weight
It’s no secret that our feet bear the brunt of the work for transporting us from one place to the other. That’s why the more pressure we exert on them as a result of our weight, the more likely we are to experience foot problems. In fact, there are many recent studies that have confirmed that the more excess weight we carry, the more likely we are to deal with foot and ankle problems such as arthritis, heel pain, fractures, and sprains. Losing just a few extra pounds can alleviate the foot pain caused by carrying excess body weight.
Don’t go barefoot
It seems like the most natural thing in the world – and for many of us, walking barefoot conjures up idealistic images of being free and enjoying nature without any barriers. However, going barefoot can cause havoc to our feet and can exacerbate foot issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and neuroma. When we walk barefoot, our feet don’t have the proper support and doing this for a substantial period of time, particularly on hard surfaces, could result in inflammation of the fascia, leading to foot pain.
Wear proper shoes
To prevent foot pain, wearing proper shoes is absolutely vital. That means avoiding flip flops and high heels for long periods of time as these can lead to corns, bunions, and other foot related issues. The best shoes for our feet are those that have thick, rigid soles to provide good support, a wide toe box so our feet are not squashed, and ones that provide good rear-foot control.
Consider custom orthotics
Orthotics are devices worn to provide foot support and correct foot and ankle problems. Clinical research studies have shown that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function. While there are many over the counter brands, the best types of orthotics are those that are custom made especially to support your feet. These tend to mold more perfectly to the contours of your feet and provide the most comfort.
Perform foot stretches
Regularly stretching your feet will help to ease muscle pain. A quick and easy stretch that can be implemented just about anywhere is to try pointing and flexing your toes and ankles a few times. Another tried and true stretch is to sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, spread your toes apart and hold and release a few times.
Don’t forget to put your feet up – literally
Sometimes the simplest things in life can provide the most comfort. The simple act of elevating your feet regularly, such as at the end of a hard day’s work, can ease foot pain and bring about much-needed relief to aching feet.
If you experience chronic foot pain even after implementing some of these tips, speak to an experienced podiatrist. Visit highly experienced podiatrist in Marietta at the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia. Contact us now.
