Love Your Feet
Whether you’re standing still, running to your next appointment, or dancing the salsa, think about how much time you spend on your feet. Most Americans log 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50, according to the American Medical Podiatric Association (APMA). Healthy feet are a vital component to overall health, so here are some tips from some local experts. Take care of your feet so they can keep taking care of you!
Kenny Maisak, Doctor of podiatric medicine at Portland Foot and Ankle
- The best treatment is also the best prevention: get supportive shoes with a solid heel counter and laces, in conjunction with a good insert for arch support – and replace them as soon as they wear out and have lost their support.
- Avoid the impulse to get a soft or cushioned shoe; they feel good for a short time but usually cause more pain long term. If you do have an injury, soft shoes do not provide the support your foot needs.
- Icing and/or stretching the affected area can help relieve foot pain.
- If you’re in pain, don’t ignore it! Take it seriously and start treatment early.
Chris Stanley, pedorthist at Lamey Wellehan Shoes
- When it comes to foot fatigue and comfort, the best treatment is an evaluation of what the person is currently wearing for shoes. About 80% of Americans are wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly (often they are too small) and that can cause discomfort, especially toward the end of the day when the feet end up changing in shape and volume.
- When looking for new shoes, many people want to have soft, spongy cushions under their feet, but in most cases, that can be detrimental. Having support characteristics in a shoe will actually reduce foot fatigue and increase comfort.
- When shopping for work shoes, shop at a shoe store that measures feet and offers a variety of brands and styles.
- Take time to stretch. Calf stretches will help to pump blood up out of the foot and generally improve blood circulation. Rolling your foot over a tennis ball or a foot massager will help the intrinsic foot muscles.
Ginger LeClair, nail technician at Coco Cheveux Salon
- The most common foot problem I see is general foot fatigue from standing for hours on end.
- Rough, dry heels are another common issue. If left untreated, the dryness can eventually lead to painful cracks (fissures), which is harder to remedy. Once they start, they usually just get worse.
- Use a pumice block when you shower to clean away any dead or rough skin on the heels.
- Apply a foot cream at night, so it absorbs while you’re at rest.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. She is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or [email protected].
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