If you live in Toronto and have access to a car, you probably like to get out of the city and go for a hike once in a while. Maybe you like to take a road trip to Montreal or New York and walk to all the best restaurants, cafés and art galleries. In the summertime, when the weather is fine, walking is one of the simple pleasures of life that is healthy on top of being fun. Unfortunately, due to improper footwear and sitting in cubicles for long periods of time coupled with a lack of stretching, our muscles often seize up, causing pain and preventing us from walking. If this sounds familiar to you, it might be time to seek out a foot specialist in Toronto who can offer reliable treatment for whatever’s ailing you.
As we mentioned in a separate post this month, one of the main ways that people develop musculoskeletal conditions is by wearing shoes that are incompatible with the shape and movement of their feet. If you’re a professional working at a high-end office, you’re probably expected to wear high heels or narrow, formal shoes. These shoes may look great, but they can change the fundamental shape of your feet over time, forming bunions and causing you intense pain. There’s a reason that most eccentric billionaires have cast off the yoke of formal shoes and walk around barefoot or in orthopedic shoes: they don’t care what anybody thinks!
Even if you’re not an eccentric billionaire, you still have options. These days, there are more and more options for comfortable, supportive shoes that can be worn in a formal setting. If circulation is your issue, then you can also get sweat-wicking compression socks or stockings that match your formal work wear. If you come and visit us at Feet First Clinic for a gait analysis appointment, we can also help you understand the fundamental issue and provide custom orthotics for your shoes. This will certainly relieve some of the pain and help you get back on the trail!
If your feet are in really bad shape, you can also look into toe separators to stretch your feet back out into their natural shape. At first, wearing toe separators can be unpleasant, and we only recommend it for a half hour at a time. Eventually, you can wear them for longer periods of time and even when you’re sleeping!
Flat feet, shin splints and plantar fasciitis are all terrible conditions that can be addressed through treatment and custom made orthotics. While at times these conditions can feel hopeless, seeing a foot specialist can start you down the path of recovery. Even if it takes a bit of time it will ultimately be worth it. From the Bruce Peninsula trail to Mount Nemo and exploring the Muskokas, Ontario has many glorious hikes and walks to experience, so start the recovery process now, rather than missing out on the joy of walking.
Whether you need plantar warts removed immediately, or you need some relief from your aching heel spurs, our clinics’ specialists can get you the treatment you need for relief, mobility and a pain-free life!
