As a profession that helps people, you often forget to help yourself. We want to keep you on your feet and doing your work like the superheroes you are! So this blog post is to help to keep your feet healthy during times that you may be up and on them more often. Sore feet don’t stop when you’re busy!
You may currently be spending more hours on your feet than you normally would, placing extra stress through your feet. This sudden increase in activity can often cause pain.
Footwear is an essential aspect to consider. When selecting footwear, there are a few things to look out for. The cushioning materials, or dual density midsole, will help offer greater support and protection from the increased workload. You need a shoe with a wide toe box and good depth. You should be able to wiggle your toes. If not, callus (hard thickened skin) forms on the foot due to areas of high pressure and can often lead to a painful corn -a small hard ball of callus essentially, generally overlying a bony area, such as your toes. It is quick and easy for us as podiatrists to treat a corn, but in times when it is more difficult to see a podiatrist face-to-face, it is best to keep on top of the callus early with a pumice or foot file - these are best used when the skin is dry! Additionally, a foot moisturiser cream with a high urea content will help break down the callus.
Foot pain, such as in your heel or arch can be very common with the increased time spent on your feet. Poor foot mechanics, increased load, unsupportive footwear, and weak foot muscles are common causative factors to consider. Strengthening exercises, strapping tape, and even orthotic therapy can help to reduce the forces creating this pain. If your knees are getting sore this may also be indicative of incorrect footwear or weakness in the foot and leg due to the increased workloads.
Here are some strengthening exercises that may help.
Tinea pedis on the foot and fungal nail infections can be very common to those who spend long hours on their feet. Fungal infections can thrive in wet and hot conditions and your first step to preventing these is a good pair of socks that help defer excess moisture away from your feet and lessen the chance of blisters forming. If possible, have a couple pairs of shoes to alternate between daily.
Make sure that when you get home – take off your shoes and give your feet some TLC.
Please reach out if you need some specific advice, as in addition to in-clinic consultations we have video conferencing and phone appointments available.
Thank you for your ever-appreciated work!
Resonance are here for you every step of the way.
By Resonance Podiatrist Parisa Forouzandeh
