Your feet undergo a lot throughout the day, which may eventually lead to chronic pain. Whether your discomfort is sudden and severe or infrequent and mild, it’s a sign that something is wrong. To prevent foot pain, learn more about some of the common causes, and avoid them in your daily life.

Reasons Behind Foot Pain

1. Wet Feet

Whether you accidentally walk through a puddle or soak your socks during a rigorous workout, moisture can create problems. For example, blisters develop from wet skin rubbing against socks and shoe interiors. These bumps can be painful and become infected if they aren’t cleaned.

To prevent this, always keep spare socks in your gym bag, and never wear the same socks two days in a row. Also, if the weather calls for rain, wear water-resistant boots.

2. Uncomfortable Shoes

Shoes should fit comfortably enough so your feet don't move around, but they shouldn't be so tight that they push your toes together. There should also be ample cushioning in the heel and support in the arch.

Shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, and try each pair while performing basic activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and jogging in place, to ensure they're supportive. If you're having trouble finding the right fit, speak with a doctor about custom orthotics.

3. Daily Exercise

Even with the right shoes, you can still overwork your feet. The stress from repeatedly exercising on hard surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis, a heel injury, stress fractures, or bursitis—a form of joint inflammation.

If you're sore the day after a workout, listen to your body and rest. Also, if you feel foot pain during a workout, stop what you're doing. It's wise to schedule rest days between your workouts, so your body has plenty of time to recover.

4. Poor Stretching

Don’t neglect your feet during your pre- and post-workout stretches. Stretching can reduce injury potential and strengthen them.

Start by drawing your foot to your shin and then pushing it as far away as you can. Next, perform clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to loosen up your ankles. Finally, step forward into a lunge and press your heel toward the ground, and use resistance bands to deepen the stretches.

If you’re already dealing with foot pain, the Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester in New York can help. This practice addresses several foot issues and joint injuries. Whether you need orthopedic therapy or more extensive foot surgery, their staff will create a custom treatment plan that fulfills all your needs. To schedule a consultation today, call (585) 723-3000.