Tired Feet
Description
Visiting amusement parks can be darn good times. Being thrown around on
wild roller coasters, eating too-expensive but horribly delicious food, and
seeing kids get so excited about meeting their favorite cartoon character
that they’re nearly fainting in your arms, all make wonderful memories (and
even better photographs). Unfortunately, a visit to an amusement park also
means standing in hour-long (or longer) lines, threading your way through
crowds and chasing after escaped toddlers. By the end of the day your feet
will probably be killing you (although most of the time not literally).
Tired feet aren’t really a particular medical condition, although they can
be caused by medical conditions. Of course, achy tired feet can come from
standing around on them all day, obviously. If you’re overweight, pregnant,
have swollen legs, or wear completely unsuitable shoes, you may find that
your feet tire out rather more easily. Your tired feet could also stem from
a structural problem in your foot, such as too-high arches or flat feet.
Injuries can also make you use your feet in ways that’ll put strain on
them, or you may notice that your feet are more achy than usual after you
begin a new exercise program. Other medical conditions such as tendonitis,
plantar fasciitis, arthritis, inflamed nerves, neuropathy, or circulatory
problems could also make your feet a bit more prone to curl up and whimper
to themselves.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of your tired feet, you may notice that your feet
feel achy all over, or the aches and pains may be specific to one area of
your foot, such as the arches or the heel. Your feet might also feel heavy.
Problems may be present if these symptoms don’t go away with rest, or if
they’re particularly bothersome.
Diagnosis
Whether your feet are getting worn out at the amusement park, at the store,
them, or you may notice that your feet are more achy than usual after you
begin a new exercise program. Other medical conditions such as tendonitis,
plantar fasciitis, arthritis, inflamed nerves, neuropathy, or circulatory
problems could also make your feet a bit more prone to curl up and whimper
to themselves.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of your tired feet, you may notice that your feet
feel achy all over, or the aches and pains may be specific to one area of
your foot, such as the arches or the heel. Your feet might also feel heavy.
Problems may be present if these symptoms don’t go away with rest, or if
they’re particularly bothersome.
Diagnosis
Whether your feet are getting worn out at the amusement park, at the store,
or on the job, your podiatrist can help you pinpoint the cause. He or she
will likely examine your foot or feet and may observe your gait as you
walk. Taking a look at your shoes to check where they’re wearing out may
also help your foot doctor to find abnormalities. Depending on the
suspected causes of your tired feet, your podiatrist may order imaging
studies (such as X-rays or MRIs) or other tests to find out what’s
happening inside your feet.
Treatment
While rest and elevation can often be helpful in treating tired feet, you
may not find these gentle treatments quite adequate. Your podiatrist may
suggest orthotics (prescription shoe inserts) to help support your foot and
correct for any abnormalities or misalignments in the foot. Massages and
soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or other soaking products
might also be helpful (although if you have diabetes you’ll want to clear
these with your podiatrist first). Some causes of aching tired feet may
require surgery, although your podiatrists can discuss all treatment
options with you thoroughly.
Call 719-543-2476 today to schedule your appointment!
