Your Aching Feet - 10 Steps to Prevent Foot Pain

Since I have always taken care of my feet I was surprised when they started to hurt. My right foot hurt so much I shortened my daily walks. I went to an orthopedic shoe store and asked the manager to measure my feet and the result was surprising. It tuns out my feet had grown a half size in length and one size in width.Poorly fitting shoes, and wearing the wrong size, as I was doing, are a major cause of foot pain. Today, footwear is manufactured world-wide and overseas manufacturers may not have the same sizing system as American manufacturers. So you should never buy footwear based on size alone and you should try them on.Women who wear high heels are prone to pain. Mayo Clinic describes some of the problems caused by heels in a website article, "Common Foot Problems -- And What can be Done for Relief" Pumps can damage your heel tendons, according to Mayo, cause joint pain in the ball of your foot and pump bump, a heel pertrusion caused by sling-back shoes.Switching to flats is one solution. The National Institute on Aging cites other prevention steps you may take in a website article, "Foot Care." One tip is to put your feet up when you are seated, a simple step that improves circulation. Preventing infections is another step.Corns and calluses build up when shoes rub or pinch your feet. Switching to a wider shoe, as I have done, may solve your problem. You may also use special foot pads and bandages.Spurs (calcium deposits) also cause foot pain. They may develop if you stand for a long time, are overweight, or wear poorly fitting shoes. Podiatrists treat them with supports, heel pads, heel cups, and surgery, if necessary.Swollen feet sound simple, but they can be painful, and more important, a symptom of a serious health problem. See your doctor immediately if your feet are constantly swollen and walking requires extra effort.Arthritis can also cause foot pain. Mayo Clinic details arthritis of the toe in a website article, "Overuse, Injury can Lead to Arthritis of the Big Toe." Treatment usually starts with a change in footwear, according to Mayo, and the use of shoe inserts. If these do not help surgery may be necessary.These steps will help you keep your feet healthy.1. Check regularly for calluses and corns.2. Smooth calluses with pumice stone.3. Get your feet measure ever six months.4. Discard shoes that pinch or rub.5. Treat blisters immediately.6. Buy shoes with adequate support.7. Make sure there is a half inch between your toes and the tip of the shoes.8. Clip toe nails straight across to avoid ingrown toe nails.9. Lubricate cracks with lotion.10. Rotate shoes and wear a different pair each day.When you think about it, your feet support your weight and daily activities. Take care of them and your feet will keep you going.