Many people have jobs that require them to be on their feet for eight or more hours daily. Even if you don't, an active lifestyle that keeps you up and about most of the day can result in achy, painful feet at night.
But what's causing your aching feet after a long day? If you're unsure, Dr. Marque A. Allen and his team provide diagnostic tools at his Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio practice.
Dr. Allen is an experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist who treats issues such as plantar fasciitis, foot sprain, and Achilles tendonitis.
After a long day, you want to go home, kick your shoes off, and relax – but it's not easy when both feet severely ache. It could be a one-time occurrence, or your aching feet may signify a more complex problem.
Identifying the cause of aching feet is essential to preventing them in the future. Many causes involve footwear, environment, and even foot structure.
One prevalent problem that could be causing aching feet is the shoes you wear. If you're on your feet all day, unsupportive or old shoes could put excess pressure on your feet. Other common causes of aching feet include:
Another common cause of aching feet is hard surfaces. If your job requires walking on concrete or similar flooring all day, the likelihood of aching feet increases due to pressure and stress.
Sometimes, aching feet result from overuse and doing too much for a few days straight. They might feel better with a bit of rest and TLC at home. However, seeking treatment is a good idea if your feet continue to ache even with some rest.
Aching feet or pain that persists despite home care and rest warrant a trip to see Dr. Allen. You should also seek treatment after an injury or if you have swelling and pain that doesn't improve in a few days.
If you try switching shoes or changing between sitting and standing and the discomfort continues, it's also a sign that you should have a professional evaluation.
In most cases, aching feet are caused by a combination of overuse, joint stress, and shoe choices. If Dr. Allen determines no significant problem or diagnosis, he recommends lifestyle changes to alleviate discomfort.
If you're overweight or obese, he suggests losing weight to take pressure off the feet and legs. Other lifestyle tips that reduce foot discomfort include:
Sometimes, your job has a lot to do with aching feet. You can't change the flooring or work surface, but you can avoid standing for long periods and change your shoes often to prevent fatigue and stress on the feet.
Call our team today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen for foot pain at one of our two convenient locations in San Antonio, Texas. You can also request a consultation using our convenient online booking tool.
