Every day millions of Americans subject their feet to stress and trauma from the normal performance of their jobs. Many occupations are hard on their feet, and visits to our office for work-related foot problems are on the rise.

Years ago, movies and television stereotyped police officers and mailmen for complaining that their feet hurt. Such characterizations weren't far from the truth as they and others- industrial workers, airline flight attendants, retail clerks and teachers normally suffer from sore feet after spending eight a day walking or standing. Not surprisingly, these workers can have chronic foot disorders, such as heel pain, hammertoes, bunions and blisters which occur from repetitive stress and may be aggravated by wearing inappropriate footwear.

For secretaries, teachers and flight attendants, workplace rules often mandate dress shoes that can worsen the impact of repetitive stress. As a result, we regularly treat them for heel pain, bunions and stress fractures.

For manufacturing and warehouse workers, safety regulations may require wearing steel-toed boots or shoes. While this protective footwear prevents injuries from industrial accidents, the rigid tow box that guards against traumatic incidents also is responsible for chronic foot problems experienced by many industrial employees. Toe irritation, heel pain and Achilles tendon stress are associated with steel-toed shoes.

Orthonics (custom shoe inserts) provide excellent support and relief from repetitive stress. They also can correct biomechanical irregularities, realign joints, and cushion the daily pounding on the feet. Orthonics also help prevent complications such as pain in the lower back, knees and hips that result from bad posture related to foot discomfort. In some cases surgery is recommended for plantar fasciitis and other problems when conservative treatment doesn't provide meaningful relief.

The bottom line is that, if your job keeps you on your feet all day, just don't accept foot pain as one of the hazards of your profession. When left untreated, painful feet can cause even greater problems with knees, hips and backs. If changing the type of shoes you wear doesn't alleviate your pain, make an appointment with our office for an appointment.