If you’re a sales clerk, a bank teller, or a hair stylist, you and the thousands of other employees who spend eight hours a day on their feet are well aware of the physical toll it takes. Swollen ankles and sore, painful feet are major causes of sick days and visits to the podiatrist. It’s critical to pay attention to your feet at all times; when you can’t make a livelihood without them, it’s critical. Our feet affect our posture, which affects our gait, which affects our knees, legs, hips, and back, in addition to supporting all of our weight.
It’s difficult enough to stand all day. It’s considerably worse if you stay in one area for an extended period of time without moving. Hard surfaces and ill-fitting or improper footwear exacerbate the problem and make us more sensitive to a variety of physical ailments:
Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, Achilles tendinitis, and neuromas are all common foot issues.
Low back ache
Muscle aches and pains
Fatigue that lasts a long time
Blood pressure that is too high
Ankles, foot, and legs edema (swelling)
Circulation problems and cardiac problems are common.
Varicose veins that are new or worsening
Damage to the knee or hip joints
Circulation to and from your feet is affected by inactivity, which slows it down. Swelling occurs as blood accumulates in the ankles, toes, and heels. Shoes that are too tight cause pain and discomfort after a long period of swelling. Your body will weary if your muscles aren’t strong enough, which will damage your posture. Your ligaments can be harmed by poor posture, which can lead to injury. Your changed foot posture exacerbates the development of problems like plantar fasciitis. It can be difficult to interrupt this vicious cycle.
There are things you can do right now to relieve fatigue, protect your feet, and increase your level of comfort. Make an appointment with your podiatrist for a comprehensive exam. Your discomfort and poor posture could be due to flat feet or high arches. Inflammation, neuromas, or a developing bunion might all be contributing to your discomfort. A visit with a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) is also a smart option and a solid investment in your health. A professional DPT can assess your whole-body mechanics, analyze your gait, and offer core muscle strengthening and stretching regimens to help you stand for lengthy periods of time.
Simple changes to your everyday routine can also help your feet feel better. After bathing, thoroughly dry your feet. Moisture not only encourages the growth of fungus, but it also creates friction, odor, and illness. The greatest socks are those that wick moisture away. The importance of footwear cannot be overstated. Make an investment in high-quality, comfy shoes that allow you to move your toes. Shoes with too little rise are not recommended; experts recommend at least a half-inch raise.
Investing in high-quality bespoke orthotic inserts for those shoes will be the best decision you ever make. By keeping your feet in a neutral position, orthotics relieve stress on your feet, legs, hips, and back. IDEASTEP Orthotics’ orthotic lab is supervised by qualified physicians and a trained Pedorthist, ensuring that the highest quality requirements are met.