Most of us don’t realize how hard our feet, ankles, and heels work every day. People who have field jobs that require walking or standing for long periods are probably more aware of common foot problems than those of us who have desk jobs. However, even if you have a desk job, you might still be experiencing common foot conditions from working.
Several unconscious habits can negatively impact overall foot health. If you unconsciously rest on the balls or outside edges of your feet, you could be damaging tendons. Or worse, maybe you sit on your feet, and the sides of your feet were not designed to support your body weight. Being aware of these bad habits and common foot conditions that come from standing or sitting for long periods will help you prevent further pain and protect your feet for the coming years.
If you’re already suffering from foot or ankle pain due to sitting for standing or long periods, meeting with a podiatrist will help you prevent further pain and possibly reverse some of the symptoms and side effects of bad habits.
Symptoms and common complaints from working
The most common source of foot pain is due to the type of shoes people wear. Wearing the right kind of shoes throughout the workday (proper fitting shoes that provide appropriate support, especially for your arches) is incredibly essential to maintaining good foot health. Wearing unsupportive shoes can cause a whole host of problems- commonly appearing at night before you go to bed or first thing in the morning.
Here are some of the complaints we hear most frequently from employees:
- Inflammation
- Sore Arches
- Cramping
- Heel Pain
- Blisters
- Toe Pain
These can be symptoms of common foot conditions from working and could be indicative of some severe foot problems. For a proper diagnosis, it’s vital that you visit a foot doctor. If you’re looking into preventative methods to avoid these symptoms and associated conditions, look into custom foot orthotics from Arizona Foot Doctors.
Diagnosis and treatment of common foot conditions from working
Find relief at your first appointment with Arizona Foot Doctors. We approach foot and heel pain conservatively, working to quickly treat your pain while avoiding surgery if possible.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions that people complain about. The plantar fascia is a ligament located on the bottom of your foot; it’s the ligament that supports your foot’s arch. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes the condition known as plantar fasciitis. Most people realize they have this condition when it becomes incredibly painful to walk.
The cause of plantar fasciitis is still unknown, although some doctors believe overexertion and not stretching are primary contributing factors. For an official diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s essential that you meet with a skilled and experienced podiatrist. For immediate relief, both ice and ibuprofen can both help reduce swelling and inflammation. Customized orthotics are a long term solution that will provide ongoing support your foot.
Corns
Corns are another common foot problem found amongst employees. Corns are rough, circular patches of skin that are usually found on the soles of your feet or your toes. Corns are typically formed when there’s a constant irritation in a particular area; it’s the body’s way of toughening up and protecting you. More often than not, corns are formed due to improperly fitting footwear. Corns need to be treated as early as possible. Make your appointment with Dr. Burns, Scottsdale’s top podiatrist today.
Bunions
Bunions are unsightly and irritable bumps that are generally found on the outside of your big toe. It can be painful to wear certain kinds of shoes, so many people compensate and squish their toes over to one side. This can cause all sorts of problems which include skin irritation, poor posture, and inflammation. Providing extra space and cushioning around a bunion can help alleviate some of the pain, but you may want to see a doctor about removal.
At Arizona Foot Doctors, surgery is typically our last resort. We offer several conservative treatments for our patients to treat bunion pain and appearance— keeping patients on their feet.
Bone spurs
Bone spurs, like bunions, are painful protrusions that appear anywhere on your foot, including the heel, toe, and arch. These spurs aren’t really bone, but calcium deposits that mimic bone due to its hardness and structure. Employees in the workplace tend to develop heel and arch spurs due to a lack of proper support and prolonged standing. Rest, elevation, and ice can help relieve pain from heel spurs but will require professional help to treat the condition fully. Once diagnosed, Arizona Foot Doctors will develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and routine, and administer regular physical therapy to alleviate symptoms throughout the process.
Gout
Gout is one of the more unique kinds of foot pain because it’s not caused by ill-fitting footwear or overuse- it is a type of arthritis. It can be identified by swelling, stiff joints, and severe pain. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in a person’s joints, and it generally forms on a person’s big toe. Gout can be treated, but it requires specific medication that you should get from a professional podiatrist. If you think you have gout, you should make an appointment with Arizona Foot Doctors as soon as possible.
Book an appointment with Arizona Foot Doctors
The common foot problems listed above are just that- the most common ones. There are a variety of foot conditions that can develop or worsen in the workplace. If you’re experiencing an unusual amount of swelling, pain, or numbness in your feet, contact Arizona Foot Doctors in Scottsdale today! Our caring and experienced staff and foot specialists will help alleviate your pain and determine the best treatment plan possible.