How you can manage everyday foot pain
It’s one thing to have sore feet after an unusually long day of standing, walking around, or exercising more than you’re used to doing. But if low-grade foot pain and discomfort is something you experience regularly, you shouldn’t accept this as a normal part of daily life.
Being on your feet is something many of us can’t avoid. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we often hear from patients who spend long hours on their feet working in a service industry, parents running around with their children, and athletes engaging in physical activity. While every situation is unique, we find that this type of general foot pain can be significantly relieved by some simple, non-operative interventions.
Finding the right shoe for you
If you’re like a lot of people, you probably tend to shop at a large retail store or website and select a pair of shoes based on looks and price. Unfortunately, many shoes you’ll find at these retailers are either low quality or aren’t a good fit for your feet, which can cost you in the long run. While many everyday shoes appear similar, there are some key differences between each pair. There are considerations like arch support, stability, cushion, width, heel to toe drop and more that determine if a pair of shoes is right for your feet.
For example, if you have flat feet, you might benefit from a shoe with built in arch support. In some cases, you might benefit from added support through an orthotic. But the key takeaway here is that everyone’s feet are unique and it’s worth finding the type of shoes that works best for you.
Fortunately, it’s not complicated to do this. By visiting a local retailer, such as our friends at Second Sole or Arthur’s Shoe Tree, you can work with staff to measure your feet, analyze your gate, and identify any particular needs that can be addressed.
How Balance can help
In some cases, if pain persists beyond home remedies and shoe gear changes, it may be time to seek professional advice. Our board certified foot and ankle physicians and surgeons are available to take the time to better understand the underlying causes of your foot or ankle discomfort. A comprehensive exam that may include X-ray or other imaging modalities may be necessary in order to devise a treatment plan that is right for you.
Ultimately, lingering foot and ankle pain is not normal and shouldn’t be brushed off. We’re here to help – don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment today.
Let us restore your balance.
If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.