Everyone knows that high heels and pointed shoes are not the best for your feet, but your simple everyday events can also cause foot pain. These may seem like harmless behaviors, but the following activities can cause major damage to your feet. Also, lifestyle choices can factor into your foot pain. The doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates are well trained in diagnosing and treating foot pain. Their knowledge and experience will help you reduce or resolve your foot pain.
Wearing Ballet Flats and Regular Flip Flops.
These flat, non-supportive, soft footwear offer little help to your feet. While spongy or soft footwear offer great shock absorption and may feel great when first used, they are not the answer to conditions associated with foot misalignment. These shoes allow for the foot’s bones to move excessively while walking and can actually increase your pain over time. In addition to not offering cushion, ballet flats lack support and long-term use should be avoided.
Walking Barefoot on hard, flat surfaces (like the floors in your home).
The foot was designed to walk on soft, natural, forgiving surfaces. These surfaces allow for the heel and outside of the foot to sink into the surface and use the ground to support the arch. Walking on flat, hard surfaces causes unnatural stress, as the foot cannot move in this manner. Socks alone aren’t enough to prevent and relieve common aches. A supportive shoe and orthotic will go a long way to prevent this pain.
Not stretching your calves.
Foot pain is commonly associated with tight calf muscles. This is because the ligaments that support your foot attach to your heel bone. Your calf muscles also attach to this bone but at the opposite end. When your calves are tight, a tug-of-war fight ensues between the supportive ligaments and calves resulting in heel pain.
Increasing your activity, either abruptly or over time.
When beginning or intensifying a fitness routine, start slowly. Give your body enough time to increase strength and rest as you hit your wellness goals. Also, may sure you are wearing proper footgear for your activities.
Being overweight, even if it’s just a little.
Research shows that excess weight can increase the risk of tendon inflammation and arthritis. Any weight increases the stress you place on your feet. Even a few pounds can add up to severe foot pain as the typical American walks between 5,000 and 10,000 steps a day. If you’re overweight and trying to find an exercise, try low-impact activities like swimming, water aerobics, and yoga.