Foot Strain

Foot strain may be acute or chronic but always involves
Mechanical effects on soft tissue. It may occur in the normal
foot from normal walking or standing if the patient has been
unaccustomed to a great deal of activity. If allowed to persist
deformity may result.

The general rule for this type of foot dysfunction is that pain
and dysfunction can occur from:
(1) abnormal stress on a normal structure
(2) normal stress on an abnormal structure or
(3) normal stress on a normal structure when it is not prepared
for the stress.

Patients who become symptomatic to the point of seeking medical
attention will find that rest and oftentimes curtailment of
walking or for that matter elimination of the latter are
necessary to relief. When symptoms are sufficiently severe a
cast may be applied to provide total rest while still permitting
ambulation.

Once acute symptoms have subsided the foot must be
rehabilitated. Often the patient's history indicates that pain
began after a change in occupation, a period of excessive weight
gain, or activities involving excessive walking or standing. It
is not unusual to find that symptoms began with the wearing of a
different type of shoe. Once discovered these factors must be
altered or remedied.

Corrective shoes can play a major role in addressing foot strain.
They help minimize the stress placed on the foot by providing
adequate support. When fitted properly they impose no stress of
their own and accommodate normal "spread" of the foot as the
day progresses.

These shoes should be broad across the forefoot and have a last
that conforms to the weight bearing print of the foot. And they
should be long enough to allow at least 1/2 inch space beyond
the longest digit.

Women's shoes should have broad low heels, rounded toes and a
vamp that will not constrict the metatarsal heads. It is a sad
commentary that many women's shoes are designed exclusively for
style with no concern for health and comfort.

This Information was brought to you courtesy of Happy Feet Plus.
http://www.happyfeet.com