Everyday Activities that Hurt Your Feet

If you’ve ever had to make it through a workday with feet that hurt, then you understand the importance of taking care of your feet. Whether it’s good shoes, or simply soaking them at the end of the day- there are things you can do to improve the health of your body’s most important and most used appendage.

Next to your hands, your feet are used more than any other part of your body. They’re expected to support your weight and to take a constant beating nearly every single day. This is why it’s no surprise that foot pain is reported on a daily basis. Some people find themselves seeking help from a competent podiatrist in an effort to alleviate this pain. A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the care of the feet and ankles.

Your regular doctor may refer you to a podiatrist if you are unable to find the release that you need in their office. This can result in everything from surgery to simple physical therapy to improve the health of your feet. These problems can range from anything to ingrown toenails to overextended arches and plantar fasciitis. Sometimes all your feet need is a good rest and some inserts for your shoes.

The feet are also capable of having an impact on the rest of your body. If your feet are not being treated correctly than the pain can travel up your ankles into your calves and your knees. This could eventually affect your hips, and even lead to severe back problems. Many issues start at the bottom, and it’s important to prevent these before they start. If you find yourself experiencing any foot pain, then you need to seek out the help of a podiatrist in Houston. Your primary care physician can refer you to the best ones available. These are just some of the everyday activities that can negatively affect the health of your feet:

Poorly Fitting Shoes

Whether you are a fashionista squeezing into those gorgeous heels, or needing to wear steel-toed boots for your work site- shoes definitely matter! Trying to squeeze your feet into something that may be too narrow or too small can have a serious effect on the health of your feet. High-heeled shoes can force your heel into the air, which offsets your calf muscles. This may make your legs look great, but it’s not doing your feet or your back any favors. This is why there are some shoes that should only be worn on special occasions. If you do have to wear a particular type of shoe for work, make sure that it fits correctly and you have the proper inserts.

Overuse

Yes, standing on your feet all day can negatively affect their health. This is especially true if you’re spending a lot of time on hard surfaces or navigating stairs or uncomfortable places. This can eventually overextend the arch of your foot. It can also cause serious pain in your heel and ankle. It’s very important to make sure that you have supportive footwear, and that you have the opportunity to take necessary breaks.

Driving for Extended Periods

Any truck driver that’s ever had to make a cross-country trip can tell you that it’s not as easy on the feet as you would imagine. The constant tensing and moving of the ankle and Achilles tendon can actually cause strain throughout the entire foot & leg. This is why it’s extremely important to stop and stretch when having to drive for long distances. This will help to alleviate some of the pressure on the tendons, and to keep everything limber and circulated.