Our feet are shock absorbers containing over 26 bones, 33 joints, and 5 tendons and are able to cushion one million pounds of continuous pressure during only 1 hour of exercise. While running and walking, our feet support 1.5 times our bodyweight and therefore, it is no surprise that sometimes, we experience foot pain.
Besides physical therapy, two things you can do to immediately decrease foot pain is change to comfortable shoes versus wearing tight, restrictive shoes like high-heels and dress shoes. If you need to wear dress shoes for work, don’t wear flimsy, tight shoes.
Also, another important measure is to see your local podiatrist and receive a pair of custom orthotics. Orthotics are specifically casted to your individual foot and provide the maximum amount of support while walking and wearing shoes. Orthotics lead to the cure of foot pain 90% of the time if your podiatrist has made and given you the right type of orthotics that you need for your feet and lifestyle.
Physical Therapy is tremendously helpful for foot pain. Applying massage, stretching, and exercises, your feet can be protected from foot pain that is the main cause of many foot conditions such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and the growth of bunions.
- First, at home, do your own version of a deep tissue massage by rolling a can from the heel across the bottom of your arch. Even massaging your feet with your own hands will help to alleviate some strain and tightness.
- Next, sit on a comfortable surface like your bed and pull your foot backward toward the leg as far as it can go. Hold for 20 seconds and then rest for 5 seconds. Feel the stretch and increase or decrease depending on your preference. Each set can be repeated 5 times.
- Calf raises are excellent as well to help your feet walk without the strain of tightness
At Cross Bay Physical Therapy, we will teach you the exercises, stretches, and walking patterns that perfectly and significantly reduce the amount of stress put on your feet each day and which will have long-term benefits to prevent painful foot conditions.
Cross Bay Physical Therapy is located in Howard Beach, Queens and after 30 years of being in business, our Howard Beach Physical Therapists are confident we will point you in the right direction and help you alleviate foot pain.
Call 718-835-0084 and schedule your evaluation now!
By Benjamin Bieber