Your feet are always working hard. Many people are always — or at least mostly — on their feet. So, when they start aching, it can be a real hassle.
Struggling with foot pain can be debilitating. It’s beneficial for your health to prevent foot pain before it has the chance to wear you down or causes significant pain or injury that prevents you from going about your daily routine. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to boost the health of your feet and prevent pain.
Here are seven useful tips.
1. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Our feet bear the brunt of our weight. Excess weight means increased chances that you’ll have to deal with ankle and foot problems, such as heel pain, sprains, fractures, and arthritis.
Losing extra pounds can reduce the stress and strain on your aching feet, thus alleviating foot pain. Obesity is also known to increase the risk for diabetes, which carries risks for your feet. Maintain a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise for a multitude of benefits, including foot pain relief.
2. Stretch
Many foot problems are related to flexibility. When muscles, such as the foot’s plantar fascia, are much too tight, they fail to work properly. This causes poor ankle and foot mechanics, putting extra strain on your feet. Regularly stretching your feet can help prevent foot pain — and it can be done anywhere, including from the comfort of your home or under your desk at the office.
3. Practice Proper Posture
Poor posture can lead to injury and pain in your feet, ankles, heels, legs, and back. It’s often caused and worsened by muscle imbalance. When you have bad posture, your body tilts forward, backward, or sideways. This can add stress to your feet, thus causing pain. Be mindful of your posture at all times.
Here are some tips on proper posture:
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart when standing or walking.
- Place your weight on the balls of your feet when walking.
- Stand and sit straight with shoulders pulled backward.
4. Exercise Caution In Sports And Exercise
Before playing sports or exercising, make sure to do warmups properly. Stretch lightly or do a slow jog for two to three minutes. Don’t forget to cool down after every physical activity session.
You should also learn to listen to your body — or in this case, your feet. If you experience foot or ankle pain during exercise or sport, stop or modify the activity until the pain subsides. It’s crucial to avoid foot injuries, so don’t try to keep going when you feel pain or discomfort in your feet.
5. Wear The Right Shoes
Wearing properly fitted shoes is crucial to preventing foot pain. Invest in shoes that have rigid and thick soles to provide sufficient support. Make sure the toe box is wide, so your toes aren’t squashed. Finally, find shoes that fit your arch. Try not to wear flip-flops, high heels, or cheap shoes, as they lack support for your feet.
When selecting footwear for an occasion, be proactive about educating yourself on the right type of footwear to select. Not only do the right shoes prevent aches and pain, they also prevent injuries.
6. Consider Custom Orthotics
Orthotics are worn for ample foot support. They can also correct foot and ankle problems. Over-the-counter insoles are available at drugstores, but you should almost always opt for custom orthotics provided by a podiatrist. Custom-made orthotics are molded perfectly to your feet, providing the ideal amount of support and comfort.
7. Let Your Feet Rest
Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can provide comfort. Being on your feet all day can be hard on them, as well as your legs and lower back. Simply letting your feet rest after a long day can alleviate foot pain in a lot of cases. Prop those feet up and pamper them — you might even want to get a foot massage or soak your feet in a warm Epsom salt bath.
Foot Pain Prevention & Treatment In New Jersey
There are many reasons why you may experience foot pain. While foot pain is quite common, it should not be a regular part of your life. There are many ways to prevent foot pain — and treat it, if needed.
Here at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, we have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists on our team who can treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems. If you have a foot problem, they can help treat your pain, injury, or condition. Rest assured that our providers can help you get back up on your feet and live the healthiest, most active life possible.
If you want to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, call us at (973) 989-0888 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
