About feet care

If your work has you standing a lot or if you are returning to such a job after a gap, it might require a period of adjustment. Here are some tips for good foot health from experts:

Look for shoes whose fitting is right. They should be wide enough for your feet and deep enough in the toe area.

Shoes should support the arch and have a firm heel counter so that the heel does not slip around in the shoe.

Open-back or sling-back shoes are not as supportive. If you are allowed to wear a more casual shoe in your workplace, wear athletic shoe.

If shoes don’t offer adequate support, there are over-the-counter arch support products available as well as custom-designed orthotics through a podiatrist.

Common problems related to unsupportive shoes include plantar fasciitis, or pain on the bottom of the foot, and Achilles tendonitis, pain in the back of the heel.

If you do have pain, stretching exercises help to relieve discomfort. Soaking feet in a whirlpool at the end of the day also helps.

Another common problem can be excessive perspiration, which can lead to athlete’s foot. Use a good foot powder to prevent sweating and don’t wear the same shoe every day. Instead, try to use a shoe tree and alternate your shoes every third day to give the inside of the shoe time to dry out. If this doesn’t work, try using an antiperspirant on the bottom of the feet.

For students, purchase supportive shoes that are well-suited rather than sandals or flip-flops.

PHOTO: ISTOCK