Visiting A Doctor To Make Things Right

So often, people wait until they have a diagnosable condition, like heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, to see a podiatrist or orthopedist. As a part of their treatment, the podiatrist or orthopedist recommends wearing orthotics, which makes quite a difference. Here is the thing: you don't have to wait until you develop a serious foot problem to benefit from orthotics. Here are some earlier signs you may want to slip a pair into your shoes.

You're getting blisters or rubs

If your shoes are causing blisters or are rubbing against your feet, then you may need to look for different, better-fitting shoes. However, even well-fitting shoes can sometimes rub if you're on your feet all day, or if you have overly sweaty feet. Inserting some orthotics into your shoes can help them fit in a way that reduces rubs and blisters. This makes you less likely to develop bigger problems, like corns and ingrown toenails, later on.

Your arches feel tight in the morning

When you first wake up and step out of bed in the morning, do the arches of your feet feel tight? They may loosen up after you walk around a little, but this is still an early sign that you might be developing plantar fasciitis. If you let the condition progress any further, your arches may become outright painful, and then you may even develop heel spurs. Putting some orthotics in your shoes can help ease the pressure on your arches now, preventing bigger issues in the future. You'll want to look for orthotics that offer plenty of arch support.

Your feet are tired at the end of the day

You may assume tired feet are just a natural consequence of spending all day on your feet. But in fact, there are many people who can stand or walk all day without their feet becoming overly tired or sore. If your feet are repeatedly getting tired and sore, you're likely on the verge of an overuse injury, such as Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. Putting some orthotics into your shoes can help you stay comfortable even at the end of a long day on your feet, while also warding off some injuries.

Orthotics are not just tools for those with overt foot injuries and ailments. They can also be a good preventative tool for those who are just starting to notice minor foot problems and pain.