They support our daily activities and absorb much of the shock of each step, right from our very first one. Feet are often mishandled, or given little consideration in our hectic pace of life.
They support our daily activities and absorb much of the shock of each step, right from our very first one. Feet are often mishandled, or given little consideration in our hectic pace of life.
Causes of foot pain
- Swollen feet (oedema)
- Varicose veins and spider veins
- Circulatory problems (inefficient venous return)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Hallux valgus
- Arthritis of the foot
- Flat foot or hollow foot
- Wearing high heels
- Heavy Legs Syndrome
Foot orthotics can significantly reduce the negative effects of these discomforts in our active lives, letting us enjoy our day without foot pain.
Good news: preventing these pains is possible thanks to good foot care habits. Here are 5 simple tips to include in your routine to prevent many inconveniences related to foot pain that may require the wearing of plantar orthotics.
Tip No. 1 – Stay alert for warning signals
Stiffness, pain at the end of the day, chronic swelling, and local pain are often tolerated in the feet. We tell ourselves that “it’s going away on its own”. However, these little aches and pains can be signs that should not be overlooked. In other words, signs that herald more serious problems if they are not listened to and treated.
What you avoid by staying tuned to these signals:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Hallux valgus
- Foot deformities
- Ingrown toenail
Tip No. 2 – Massage Your Feet
A good foot massage is more than just a pleasant activity to integrate into your daily routine. It is also a way to detect certain problems such as pain, corns, and ingrown toenails before there are complications. It is also a way to prevent certain problems caused by poor blood circulation or a lack of joint range of motion.
What you get from self-massage of the feet
- Fabric softening
- Awareness of certain painful points
- Activation of local circulation in the foot area
- Hydration of the skin of the feet
Tip No. 3 – Opt for foot orthosis
One of the best ways to prevent common foot pathologies is to opt for custom-made shoes or foot orthosis. Molded to your foot, the shoe (or orthotic) allows the tissues and joints that make it up to the freedom of movement, shock absorption and breathing in the shoe.
What you avoid by opting for an orthopedic shoe or foot orthotics:
- The deformed toes
- Lenoir’s thorn
- The hallux valgus
- Ingrown toenail
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
Tip No. 4 – Limit the use of high heels as much as possible
It is well known that high heels are an important vector of various pathologies and imbalances. Keep your high-heeled shoes for special occasions, and opt for low heels when you know you will be standing all day.
What you avoid by limiting the wearing of high heels:
- Foot deformity
- The hallux valgus
- Metatarsalgia
- Lenoir’s thorn
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ingrown toenail
- Corns on the feet
Tip No. 5 – When in doubt, don’t wait: consult an orthotist!
The best way to prevent complications related to persistent foot pain is to consult a qualified professional when you notice a change. If you experience pain in your feet, whether it is severe or not, intermittent or chronic, an orthotist is the qualified person to shed light on the right way to remedy it.
From wearing orthotics to compression stockings, or even simple exercises to perform on a daily basis, an orthotist is in the best position to make recommendations adapted to your situation.
Validated by Emmanuel Beauchemin, Head clinician at Médicus