The feet receive a lot of punishment every day that it is almost normal for people to experience some pain on them. Still, while some pain is to be expected on one of the hardest-working parts of your body, this is no reason to endure it.
So how do you know if the pain or discomfort you are feeling is already harmful? More importantly, how can you deal with it?
To answer these questions, your best course of action is to seek the help of a podiatrist.
What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatrists are doctors who specialise in problems that affect the feet or lower legs. They can reset bones, perform surgery, recommend medications, and order tests.
Aside from treating injuries as well as any complications from comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, they can take a precise mould of your feet and recommend podiatrist shoes, so you can prevent or deal with chronic pain.
While podiatrists are doctors, they do not receive traditional medical training. They have their own schools and a separate professional association. However, they are still under the same regulations that state governments have in place.
Choosing the Right Pair
If your doctor recommends podiatrist shoes, finding one that fits you perfectly can be challenging. However, it is a challenge that has to be met if you are to protect your feet from chronic injuries.
Here are some ways to check if a pair is right for you or not:
- Stiff heel counter
To make sure that the shoe has a stiff back or heel counter, hold the heel firmly in one hand and try to move the rest of the shoe sideways with the other hand. If it does move, then it could not provide ample support. Additionally, you should not be able to squash the heel.
- Check the Torque
The shoe’s tolerance for torque determines the amount of medial or lateral support it can give. To check this, hold the shoe firmly at both ends and try to twist. If you can barely twist it, this is a good sign of torque support.
- Toe Flexion
Your shoes must be able to bend along with the natural movements of your toes to ensure minimal stress on them. To check this, hold the shoe at both ends and try to bend it. It must flex at about two-thirds from the heel and not in the middle of the shoe.
- Ample Arch Support
The arch beneath your feet is critical to its health, that is why the best podiatrist shoes provide great arch support. To find out the amount of arch your feet naturally have, you would need to consult a podiatrist. Once you have this information, you can find a pair that suits your foot type.
- Immediate Comfort
When choosing a new pair of shoes for your aching feet, they should feel comfortable from the first time you wear them. Do not wait for them to wear in as this will put unnecessary stress on your already heavily tasked feet.
You start and end your days on your feet, and preventing injuries on them will determine how you function from sunup to sundown. Work closely with your podiatrist to prevent injuries and pains on your feet that will limit your movements and affect your quality of life.
