FOOT PAIN?

If the answer is yes, maybe it's because you started working out, head to the gym or just plain do a lot of standing. Whatever the reason is, you're probably feeling your pain when you're on your feet.

Increased exercise may lead to painful heels, toes and ankles. But, what's the point of exercising if it results in pain, the kind that makes the body feel worn down, aged, and just plain uncomfortable?

Unfortunately, many people who are trying to take charge of their health by exercising are having their sore, achy feet slow down or even stop their enthusiasm and levels of success.

But healthy lifestyle hopefuls need not lose hope. Many times resolving foot pain can be as easy as 1, 2, 3! First, you can try a few things at home such as massaging the foot to relax tight muscles in the foot and relieve tension. Massaging tools such as a "foot massager" can help relieve tension. Foot exercises can help build strength into weak feet.

Second, use the right shoe. Many people don't realize that shoes are designed to support the foot according to specific sport actions. For example, a shoe that you'd use for basketball which is designed to provide ankle support won't work well for running which requires a shoe that has more cushion in the heel to absorb shock. So, if you're one of those people heading out to a step class wearing the latest state of the art running shoe, it might be the reason you're having problems. It's all in the physics of the shoe and the type of movement they're intended for. Talking to a sport shoe expert at the local running or sport shoe store can help you decide which type of shoe works best for your activity. And, of course you get what you pay for, so plan to spend according to the level of workout you perform - it's cheaper than getting injured!

Third, get help. If discomfort continues, it probably means that you're in need of some help to get comfortable again. Underlying conditions such as falling arches or poor foot mechanics can cause increasing amounts of discomfort and require medical attention to get resolved. Not only do fallen arches create foot problems, but, since the feet are the foundation to your body (everything stands on top of the feet), they can affect the ankles, knees, hips and even the spine. The most common treatment is orthotic therapy. Orthotics are shoe inserts that come in a variety of styles and purposes. Custom orthotics are created by taking a casting or digital scan of your foot so that precise shoe inserts are created that help restore proper left and right foot form and function when you stand, walk or run. Proper function reduces joint irritation, muscle strain and poor mechanics resulting in increased comfort, "spring" in your step.

Making sure you get the right information to resolve your problem can get tricky. Dr. Ramzi Dalloul, a chiropractor, avid runner and official chiropractor for the local Ballet Nouveau professional dancers, sees many people in his office that complain of achy feet. "It's great seeing people committed to getting and staying healthy! When they come to my office complaining of heel or foot pain it's important to determine the underlying source of their problem. Is it just a temporary problem or are they a candidate for orthotic therapy?" Oftentimes, it's just a matter of giving them some helpful advice about their feet and their needs."

Because so many people are struggling with foot pain while they stay healthy, Dr. Dalloul has begun offering more foot clinics to the public through local running events, the City of Thornton Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center and community lunch and learns. These valuable clinics provide helpful information and resources that help the participant determine what their problem is and establish an action plan for resolving their issues. The next available foot clinic will be held at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant, Tuesday November 6 at 11:30 am. RSVP's receive a reduced lunch fee of $3. Contact In Good Form at 303.412.0037 to RSVP.