Did you know that foot pain can lead to long-term damage to your feet and general health? Foot pain can be caused by many different things, and simple habits can contribute to extensive problems. The good news is that addressing these and taking steps to protect the health of your feet can make a significant difference to your wellbeing, help improve your mobility, and even extend your life.
At Foot Solutions, our expert Foot Wellness Experts can help you identify the cause of your foot pain and offer advice and guidance on how to remedy this. We understand the importance of protecting your feet to ensure you stay active as you age, and we will work with you to find footwear solutions that will transform the way your feet feel.
Habits that can Damage your Feet
Many simple habits can lead to foot pain and damage:
• Standing for long periods of time. If you are used to standing for long periods, especially while working, you may also be used to foot pain. Professionals such as nurses, teachers, and hospitality staff can spend several hours on their feet daily, and this can lead to persistent foot, hip, and back pain. Shoes that support your feet better while you are standing will help relieve pressure, but you should also take regular breaks and elevate your feet to optimise circulation whenever you can.
• Walking barefoot. Many people believe they get health benefits from walking barefoot, and studies have linked the practice with relief from chronic conditions and increased energy. However, it’s vital to choose your moment and location carefully, since the likelihood of cutting or damaging your feet in unsafe areas is high. Going barefoot in public places such as swimming pools is a common cause of fungal infections, and even walking barefoot on the beach can lead to stings or bites if you are not observant. We recommend wearing good-quality shoes and socks outdoors and allowing your feet to breathe in a safe indoor environment.
• Wearing worn-out shoes. This commonly causes pain for runners wearing shoes that are worn out and cannot support their feet properly. Check your shoes for signs of wear and ensure your feet are cushioned before you run or walk. Running shoes should be replaced every 4-6 months, or after 300-500 miles, to protect your feet. This also applies to everyday footwear, and problems such as plantar fasciitis and hairline fractures are more likely when wearing damaged or worn-out shoes.
• Poor foot hygiene. Looking after your feet properly is a vital way to prevent health problems. Small habits such as wearing the same shoes every day can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and failing to change your socks daily can harbour germs. Take time to wash and dry your feet carefully every day, checking for any signs of damage, and use a good moisturising cream to maintain healthy skin. If you notice persistent foot odour despite regular washing and good hygiene, you may find that a deodorising foot powder or anti-fungal spray makes a big difference when applied to your feet or shoes.
• Wearing shoes that are too tight. Many significant foot conditions can be caused by shoes that are too tight. Bunions and hammertoes are often caused or worsened by shoes that crush the toes together, and these can limit mobility and cause permanent disabilities. High heels are often the culprit, so choose wider designs wherever possible and wear them only for short periods. Flat shoes or shoes with a slight heel are generally kinder to your feet, and a wide toe box that allows the toes to spread will help prevent structural damage.
• Forgetting to warm up. Skipping your warmup before exercising can cause significant damage to the feet, and it is worth adding stretches into your daily routine, even if you are not planning a workout. Failing to stretch makes strains or injuries more likely, especially if your feet are cold or you haven’t exercised for a while. You can talk to a physiotherapist to find specific exercises for your workout type, or find general foot stretches online to strengthen your feet and prepare them for movement.
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes. Your footwear makes a huge difference to the comfort of your feet, and uncomfortable shoes can lead to many types of foot pain. Your shoes should fit well so they do not rub or put pressure on your feet, and they should have good cushioning to support the contours of your foot shape. It’s a good idea to have your shoes fitted by a professional, and you may find that custom-made orthotics can help alleviate pain and provide better balance and stability.
• Ignoring foot pain. Many customers visit us after ignoring foot pain for a long time – sometimes for years. Often it is easy to remedy, and the difference is clear straight away. However, untreated foot pain can cause problematic foot conditions and contribute to issues such as knee and back pain. Avoid shoes such as flip flops and ballet pumps as these do not offer enough support, but even well-made shoes can cause strains and arch problems if they are not the correct size.
Visiting our Foot Wellness Experts at Foot Solutions can help you identify and alleviate foot pain, and we will show you our full range of supportive, comfortable shoes that do not require you to compromise on style.
Find Supportive Footwear at Foot Solutions
At Foot Solutions, we can help you take care of your feet and share our top tips for preventing or curing foot pain. We offer services such as Foot Assessments and custom-made orthotics, and we take a holistic approach to help you improve your life by addressing any foot pain you are experiencing.
Our experienced team can carry out gait analysis and help you find footwear that suits your budget and lifestyle. Visit us in your local store or book an appointment online for a free foot assessment to get started.
