Jeffrey Jacobs, C. Ped
Your Life and Your Feet
At some time in your life, you will have a foot problem. Chances are you have already experienced the impact foot pain can have on your quality of life. While we all know it is essential to stay active, what do we do if our feet hurt? Understanding our feet and knowing how to treat and prevent foot problems is vital to our longevity and overall health.
Neglected Feet Hurt
A quarter of all the bones in our body are in the feet, 52 of them. Our feet are required to be flexible and rigid at different stages of walking and must support a load of up to four times our body weight. Our feet are among the most complex structures in human anatomy, but as complicated as they are, most foot problems are simple to classify: “overuse syndrome.”
“Overuse syndrome” is a term used to describe a foot injury that develops gradually due to a change in intensity or type of activity. For a runner, this may be increasing mileage or speed. For many, it may be starting a new exercise program or weight gain. If your feet hurt, it will force you to reduce your activity level and consequently diminish your overall health.
Good Shoes Protect Against Foot Pain
The best treatment and prevention for foot-related problems is stretching, weight control, and appropriate footwear. Weight is a significant factor in foot problems, and, unfortunately, the less you can exercise due to foot pain, the more difficult it is to control your weight. Stretching also helps by toning the muscles and tendons in the back of your legs that have attachments in the foot; this is especially important for people suffering from plantar fasciitis or heel pain.
As you might guess, wearing well-fitted, well-made, and appropriate footwear can reduce foot problems. Selecting the right shoe type is perhaps the most essential factor. Shoes made for walking and athletics are the best. They should provide support and control while allowing ample room in the forefoot. Although fashionable, high heels are orthopedically unsound and may account for the fact that women undergo nearly 85% of all forefoot surgeries. It would help if you shopped for shoes in stores with trained salespeople who will measure your feet and assist you in selecting the right size and model for your foot type.
For more persistent foot problems, orthotics or custom-made inserts can provide additional support and cushioning. They are made to your foot shape and address biomechanical deficiencies. You should consult your physician or podiatrist for treatment if you have persistent foot pain. Despite what many people think, it is not healthy for your feet to hurt.
