Have your feet assessed by a podiatrist
As a house is built on a solid, well structured foundation, the same is true of our bodies. The Correct alignment and distribution of your feet is essential for an optimal postural alignment.
A podiatrist specialises in lower limb biomechanics and the importance of maintaining a healthy foot.
Specially designed insoles
Your podiatrist may suggest specially designed insoles or inserts to be worn in your footwear if they think that your feet are particularly bad or even provide you with a slight heel lift if you have been found to have a structural leg length inequality.
Ultimately, the first step to take is a podiatrist visit — with the right diagnosis and recommendations for footwear, it could be the last step you take in pain.
Wear Correct Footwear
Though your feet and favourite stilettos can seem far removed from you back, they really can be related and contributing to your pain. If your feet are mechanically unsound, which many people’s are, then they change the alignment of all the structures above them. Wearing shoes that don’t give the proper support can exacerbate the problem.
For example, flip flops (sandals) are so flat that the lack of support can lead to the arch of your foot dropping in (over-pronating) resulting in the knees dropping in and putting excess pressure on your hips and lower back. The most important feature to look for is the arch – it should be designed to support the natural arch of your feet.
Correct Running Shoes
If you like to run or compete then it is highly recommended to have your gait analysed by a trained professional. This will allow them to suggest the type of trainers that will help support your feet while out running.
The amount of force placed through the joints of your feet while running is 7 times your body weight so it’s essential that you have the right support and cushioning to stabilise your feet and your lower limb biomechanics.
Running shoes are generally designed to address many different issues, with motion control helping pronation, stability for the neutral arch and cushioned to assist supination arches.
Get assessed by a trained professional and purchase a decent pair of trainers. Always remember to change them regularly depending on the mileage you complete.
If you are struggling with sore feet or Plantar fasciitis it can be very uncomfortable. Our sport injury clinic can help return you to peak performance using a variety of different techniques including
