If You Stand All Day At Work - Here's Some Tips!

Working on your feet all day can cause an array of physical ailments for your feet and legs. Since changing the daily expectations of your job does not seem realistic try these tips to help get your feet through your hectic work week.

• Shoe choice- When choosing your work shoe make sure your heel is elevated by at least ¼ inch and is less than 2 inches. It is also important to choose a shoe with strong arch support which will help to reduce soreness in your legs 
• Shoe fit- If your shoes are not big enough they can cause blisters and poor circulation making standing all day almost unbearable. Remember that your feet naturally swell as the day goes on. Some podiatrists recommend buying your shoes half a size larger to accommodate for arch supports or custom orthotics. 
• Regular stretching- If possible give your legs and feet a stretch every hour or so to reduce stiffness and pain. Try calf raises to help pump blood out of the feet. 
• Home care- When you have a chance to get off your feet and relax go the extra step and provide your feet some comfort through icing, elevation, or massage. Immersing your foot in water with ice for 20 minutes will address swelling and inflammation. Propping your feet above the rest of your body will also help reduce the days swelling. An at home foot massage can be as easy rolling your foot from heel to toe over a tennis ball.

Benefits of Foot Massage

A foot rub does not only feel good but can also promote many positive benefits  for your health. Massaging the foot helps to stimulate the muscles around your feet. This will help to lessen stiffness and can reduce pain in the heel, ankle, arch, and pad of your foot. This, in turn, results in stronger more flexible ankles making you less likely to injure your ankle or foot. The kneading of these muscles and tendons helps to create energy for your body by releasing blockages which hold back energy thus helps relieving symptoms of stress and fatigue. A calming foot massage right before bed can help your body to unwind and relax your nerves while encouraging restful sleep.

Improper footwear and sedentary lifestyles are a large factor in why most of us do not use the muscles in our feet correctly. A corrective measure would be to engage in at least 10 minutes of daily  foot massage. The stimulation created by the rubbing will help to transport oxygen to the body’s cells,  this helps to improve your blood circulation which is essential for overall health. The invigoration of the feet created by massage will also help to prevent varicose veins by awakening the lymphatic system. It has also been found that massaging your feet can bring relief from pain and inflammation that is caused by foot tendonitis, as well as addressing the symptoms of heel spurs. A warm olive oil or coconut oil would also assist in this process along with a foot roller. Be sure to roll it back and forth on the top of your feet as well as on the soles.

Tight Shoes and Foot Problems

Under certain circumstances, most pain is preventable, especially when it comes to your feet. As online shopping grows in popularity, the temptation rises to purchase shoes that may look fashionable but are likely to cause you pain. Heels are getting higher, and flats provide zero arch support, and though this may be a small price to pay to look good, Dr. Mark Forman of Scottsdale, AZ wants you to know that you are putting yourself at a higher risk for corns, bunions, and other deformities that may require surgery to correct.

Shoes can make the difference between good health and potential foot, leg, low back, or general health problems. This is because if your shoes are too tight they decrease circulation in your feet. Shoe choice is especially important for people with diabetes or circulatory problems, therefore it’s important to avoid flip-flops, stilettos, and flats. When trying on a new shoe, be sure that your toes do not feel pinched or cramped, and that none of your shoes are on top of one another. Otherwise, you may be visiting our office for relief from bunions, hammertoes, or ingrown toenails.

If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.

Morton's Neuroma

Have you ever felt like you are walking over a marble that is stuck in your shoe, particularly, a marble under the ball of your foot? This is a common sensation that arises with Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma can be painful, irritating, and it can even make you walk differently. The good news is that Morton’s neuroma usually has simple causes and simple treatments. Dr. Mark Forman treats patients with Morton’s neuroma right here in our Scottsdale, AZ office.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that usually develops between the third and fourth toes. It is the thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve. Along with the feeling of walking on a marble, patients also often feel a burning sensation. The condition can be aggravated by a lot of walking or running or wearing tight shoes.

There are usually simple causes of Morton’s neuroma including wearing high heels, tight shoes, or repeated pressure like when someone stands, walks, or runs a lot. Because it is usually one of these simple causes, the fix is also usually simple. Wear supportive shoes with plenty of room for the toes and low heels. Dr. Forman may also suggest orthotic insoles based on the structure of your foot. Another type of treatment to help decrease inflammation is a corticosteroid shot. If conservative treatments fail for severe cases, surgery may be the next step.

If you suspect you may have Morton’s neuroma, schedule an examination to begin treatment. Worsening of Morton’s neuroma could lead to permanent nerve damage. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman, call our Scottsdale, AZ office at (480) 423-8400. More information can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com. 

Get Rid of Foot Cramps

Your head hits the pillow; you’re drifting off to dreamland, when suddenly the muscles of your calf or foot suddenly become hard, tight, and extremely painful. This is the result of a muscle cramp, aptly named Charley horses and they are caused by muscle spasms – involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. The cause of these cramps is more important than the discomfort and inconvenience they cause and Dr. Mark Forman would like to explain why they happen.

Understanding what causes foot cramps can help you prevent them from occurring. The body needs an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals to function properly, so when these cramps occur it’s because your body is lacking something it needs. Foot cramps are commonly caused by imbalances in calcium, vitamin E, potassium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B6, or all of the above. All of the vitamin and minerals play a primary role in your overall health, which is why you should ingest them as much as possible. No matter when muscle cramps occur, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain, such as massaging the area, stretching, or icing the muscle, or warming the muscle.

To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.azfootpain.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Forman in Scottsdale, AZ, call 480-423-8400.