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After a long day of Christmas shopping or working and ringing up everyone else’s purchases, your feet can feel really tired and sore. Any time you spend long time periods standing, walking or running, you’re putting excess pressure on your feet which can result in aches and pains.
Do you ever wonder why you have more foot pain than other people you know? Foot discomfort can be the result of:
- Genetics – If your parents had foot problems, then you’re more likely to have problems, too.
- Fat pad thinning in your feet due to age.
- Weakening muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet due to age.
- Injuries – For example, fractures or Achilles tendonitis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Excessive body weight which strains your muscles.
- Flat arches, which cause the muscles and tendons in your feet to stretch and weaken with use.
- High arches, which reduce the natural shock absorption of your feet.
- Incorrectly fitted or unsupportive shoes – If your shoes don’t fit correctly, it can cause them to rub against the skin on your feet, causing painful corns and calluses. Wearing high-heeled shoes forces the balls of your feet to carry most of your weight, which can result in hammertoes and neuromas.
Besides just giving your feet a rest, here are some tips to help you relieve your tired, aching feet after a long day of being on them:
- Apply ice to reduce any swelling.
- Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in a basin of warm water and Epsom salts.
- Stretch your foot muscles. Some stretching exercises include rolling a ball with your foot, calf stretches or picking up a towel with your toes.
- Massage your feet. Apply oil or lotion to your soles and massage them by applying gentle thumb pressure to any sore areas.
- Check your shoes. Shoes with excessive wear and tear can contribute to your sore feet.
- Wear properly fitted shoes. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to pain, foot fatigue and additional foot problems. Pick shoes that have an ample toe box, flexibility in the forefoot area, a supportive sole and a firm low heel. Refer to our Shoe Fit Guide for more information.
- Wear custom orthotics. ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics help decrease the shock your feet experience with every step you take. Additionally, they properly support the arches of your feet and realign your foot and ankle bones to their natural position. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics help restore your normal foot function, bringing your whole body into correct alignment.
If these tips don’t help reduce your foot pain, see a certified foot professional for a proper evaluation of your feet.
ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics can help you keep up your busy, on-the-go schedule this holiday season by alleviating your foot pain. Order your pair today!
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
