Is Your Lifestyle Having an Effect on Your Feet?

Do you spend a long time standing on your feet? Do you have to wear a particular kind of shoe for work? Are these circumstances beginning to affect your feet? Today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, discusses how your lifestyle and job can negatively impact your feet.

Long Hours Spent Standing On Your Feet: Those who work in occupations such as nurses, restaurant staff, and factory workers spend the majority of their hours at work on their feet in a fast-paced environment. Sore feet are very common among these people as a result of muscle fatigue.

Plantar fasciitis, which is pain at the heel and in the arch of the foot, can develop, particularly when wearing improper footwear. Wearing a thick-soled, well-structured shoe with insoles can cushion and support the feet, thereby decreasing the probability of getting plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.

Wearing High Heels: When standing, almost all of our weight is on the balls of our feet, which is what happens when you wear high heels often. This can cause Morton’s neuroma, which feels like walking on a pebble, or pain across the ball of the foot. Both of these conditions are caused by extreme pressure. Corns and calluses are likely to develop due to the extra pressure being put on the foot and the limited space in the shoe.

Works Boots: Farmers and builders often have to wear certain boots that can create dark and damp environments where fungi and bacteria can thrive. As a result, fungal nails, sweaty feet, bacterial skin infections, and athlete’s foot often develop. A podiatrist can help diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan, such as prescribing insoles or custom orthotics for cushioning and support.

Wearing Flip Flops and Sandals: While some sandals provide support and even accommodate an orthotic insole, flip flops are flimsy and can cause foot pain such as plantar fasciitis. Because slip-on sandals and flip flops aren’t secured to the ankle, the toes are forced to grip with every step. This places too much stress on the soles of the feet and can result in plantar fasciitis, which can become chronic if the cause of the issue is not dealt with.

Running: The warmer weather, coupled with exercise, can cause excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, which can lead to pitted keratolysis, which is a bacterial skin infection that can cause smelly feet. Blisters are another common problem among runners. Sports socks are good for wicking away moisture from the skin. OTC antiperspirants can manage the sweating but, in some cases, a prescription may be needed.

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA today to schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.