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OH, my feet! Is this what you tend to say at the end of the day? Do your feet tire easily or constantly ache? Do you have sharp heel pain when you take your first steps out of bed? When your feet hurt, it is often hard to live a normal lifestyle; the simple day-to-day tasks become increasingly painful and leisure activities become not so enjoyable. Possible causes of aches and pains in your feet may include arthritis, diabetes-related conditions, and plantar fasciitis.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis is not one disease, but over 100 known diseases that affect the bones, muscles and joints. The term does not designate a specific disease, but means inflammation of a joint resulting from any cause. It is one of the most ancient diseases known to man. Whether inherited or from trauma, old age, or injury, the disease can be degenerative, inflammatory, disfiguring and painful. Arthritis comes in many forms: Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis, and Gout are just a few. Because there are more bones and joints in the foot than any other part of the body, shoes play an important and therapeutic part in maintaining an active life and comfort level for the arthritic person.
DIABETES: Diabetes is a syndrome in which the basic defect is absence or shortage of the pancreatic hormone insulin. This deficiency disrupts the vascular system thus affecting the eyes, kidneys, legs, and other extremities such as the feet. Many diabetic foot problems arise from combination of circumstances, but two factors predominate: peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy. Poor circulation causes hypo-sensitivity (lack of feeling), possibly resulting in ulcers, gangrene and amputation. With neuropathy, charot joints, multiple fractures and deformities occur. With these possible complications, proper foot care and footwear take on a new importance to the diabetic.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS: Plantar Fasciitis is a persistent pain located on the plantar (bottom) of the heel and the medial (inside) of the foot. The plantar fascia is a fibrous, tendon-like structure that extends the entire length of the bottom of the foot, beginning at the heel bone and extending to the base of the toes. During excessive activity, the plantar fascia can become irritated, inflamed and even tear if the area is subjected to repetitive stress. The pain resulting from this injury is most noticeable in the morning when the first few steps are taken, but then subsides with prolonged walking.
In most cases, the pain from these conditions can be greatly reduced if not eliminated with the proper footwear. At HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness we have the solution. Greg Dahmer, ATC, BOCO is a Board Certified Orthotist and specializes in pathologies of the lower extremity. He can evaluate your concerns, and make recommendations regarding an effective treatment plan for your problem. In addition to custom shoe inserts, or orthotics, HealthWorks also carries a full line of custom footwear called Drew Shoes. Specialized footwear can ease the pain caused by poor-fitting shoes. Whether you are looking for athletic or dress styles, Drew offers a wide variety of affordable, attractive shoes that will fit your needs.
Why choose a Drew Shoe?
- Help alleviate pain through an advanced comfort protection system engineered over the last 135 years.
- Perfect for anyone who suffers from diabetes, arthritis, or years of foot neglect.
- They keep your whole body aligned, often alleviating nagging back pain.
- 151 different size/width combinations
- Accommodates prescribed orthotics
- Attractive and Affordable
- Styles for men and women
Let the experts at HealthWorks Rehab & Fitness guide you in resolving your foot pain. Talk to your doctor about a referral today.
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