Although walking should be completely pain-free, many people experience a huge amount of discomfort when they are walking around, even if they do not have any underlying health conditions. If you are concerned about walking and have started to avoid walking long distances because it is intolerable, read on for a quick guide on what you can do to alleviate the issues that you are having.
1. Get Wide Shoes
One of the best tips that you can follow when you find walking uncomfortable is to buy wider shoes. If you notice every step that you are taking and if you are finding that your feet feel crushed or cramped inside your shoes, this could be because you have wide feet. Some other signs of wide feet include an abnormal amount of blisters on your feet, which could occur because your feet are rubbing on the backs or sides of your shoes. Luckily, there is now a large range of wide shoes for women. This means that you will be able to find footwear that is both practical and fashionable.
2. Get Insoles
Insoles are squashy pads that you place in the bottom of your shoes. Not only can they provide support and help your shoes to fit you, but they can also make sure that your foot is in the right position inside of your shoe and can help you to get over problems with comfort. With the insoles and their cushioning effect, you might find that you can walk for miles and miles without having to pause due to bleeding heels or fatigue. However, you should do your research into the best types of insoles for your feet.
3. Visit a Doctor
If you are struggling to walk without pain, you should visit a doctor, as this could be a sign of an underlying health condition. For instance, problems with walking could be symptoms of arthritis, muscle or bone abnormalities, or an infection. If you are having trouble walking, this could also be caused by foot issues such as Reynard's phenomenon and fungal nails, which can cause you to get chilblains on your feet and can create swelling and inflammation. Your doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis and find the right treatment for you.
4. Get Handmade or Custom Shoes
If you find walking difficult because you can never find comfortable footwear, you should look around for makers that can create custom shoes for you. These craftspeople can ensure that you are able to buy shoes that have been specifically tailored for your feet and that match your needs and what you want out of a shoe. However, you need to take into consideration that custom shoes can be pricey, and so you might only be able to get one or two pairs of this type of shoe at once.
5. Get Your Feet Measured
You might be wearing ill-fitting shoes if you have started to hate walking. To make sure that you are wearing the correct shoe size, you should get your feet measured by a professional. Many shoe stores offer this service to you in person, or you could try measuring your own. This will enable you to have a better idea of your shoe size without any guesswork.