Standing on your feet all day can take a toll on your body, causing foot discomfort that can really impact your day-to-day life. Whether it’s long days at work or hours spent running errands around town, you’re constantly putting pressure on your feet, causing them to be tired and achy. As feet are the foundation of the body, it’s important to ensure you’re taking the right steps to keep your feet comfortable.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. While this is considered healthy activity, maintaining foot comfort can be a challenge for some. "Fifty percent of adults suffer from tired, achy feet, especially if they have jobs that keep them on their feet all day," said Dr. Leslie Campbell, a podiatrist and consultant for Dr. Scholl’s. "Many aren’t getting the relief they need, but there are simple ways to help relieve foot discomfort to keep you on your feet longer."
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these basic tips to help you treat your feet right:
* Make sure your shoes fit. Try purchasing new shoes later in the day as that’s when feet tend to be at their largest.
* It’s important to alternate footwear – never wear the same pair of shoes every day. Office workers should have three to five pairs of shoes on hand for business hours – general oxfords and loafers for men; pumps and oxfords for women. And, if you’re working on your feet all day, supportive, cushioned-sole shoes are essential.
* Bathe your feet every day in lukewarm water with mild, moisturizing soap.
Other tips to consider can be as simple as being shoe savvy. Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible and think carefully before purchasing new ones that might look great, but provide minimal support and comfort.
"It’s also important to consider a customized solution which can make a real difference in foot comfort," says Campbell. "As a first line of defense, I recommend trying an affordable over-the-counter orthotic such as Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts."
For the first time ever, you can get measured for a Custom Fit Orthotic Insert at retail stores nationwide using the Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Center. Featuring revolutionary FootMapping Technology, the kiosks measure your arch type and the areas of your feet where you put the most pressure and then recommends the Custom Fit orthotic insert that’s best for your feet.
You can’t get from point A to point B without our feet, so be sure to treat them with the proper care. For more tips, suggestions or to locate a retail store with the Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Center, visit www.drscholls.com.
Courtesy ARA
