Editor’s note: Dr. Kayla Emter, podiatrist/foot & ankle surgeon at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, shares tips on how to reduce pain in your feet. As a student, Dr. Emter struggled with painful bunions, which required surgery. Form that experience, she wanted a career in the medical field so she could educate and help others. Today, Dr. Emter is qualified through the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Whether you are a hairdresser, teacher, carpenter, mechanic or nurse, you all have one thing in common: painful feet.
Anyone who stands a good portion of the day is more prone to foot problems and pain. The feet take more pressure from your body than any other joint.
Overuse syndrome is typically the culprit of painful feet. This can happen after standing or walking for hours at a time. Overuse syndrome is a generalized term describing achiness of the feet. Sometimes overuse syndrome can develop into a bigger problem such as plantar fasciitis or injuries due to compensating for tired, painful feet.
These precautionary measures can help soothe achy feet.
- Compression stockings are not just for expecting moms or people with varicose veins. Compression stockings improve circulation of the legs and drive fluid back to the heart. Legs and feet do not feel as tired at the end of the day because of wearing stockings.
- Padded mats. Anti-fatigue mats can be beneficial if you stand in one place all day. These mats encourage redistribution of pressure causing contraction and relaxation of muscles.
- Comfortable shoes. Businesspersons often wear heels to work. A heel of 2.5 inches can increase the weight on the front of the foot by 75 percent. Regardless of career, shoes should have good arch support. If the shoe is not comfortable in the store, it will not be comfortable at work.
- Stretch. Stretching helps re-distribute blood flow to muscles and can help take away the tension and achiness.
- Inserts. Adding an insert in your shoe for added padding, shock absorption and arch support may help with the fatigue of the feet.
They often say that you should love what you do when it comes to your job, but that can be hard when at the end of the day you can no longer tolerate being on your feet. These preventative measures can help you stay one step ahead of pain, fatigue and injury.
Know that studies show: care is better close to home. Jamestown area residents need not to travel for specialty services. If you or someone you love needs relief, contact the JRMC Clinic at (701) 952-4878. Free injury screenings are always available so families can understand treatment options. Schedule a free screening at (701) 952-4800.
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