MD Podiatrist Discusses Overuse Injuries

If you have foot pain or are interested in making walking more comfortable, you may be tempted to try insoles or other over-the-counter foot gadgets from the drugstore. But Dan Michaels, DPM, said you should chat with your doctor before buying. “With so many things on the market, just buying an insert or buying something over the counter, it might not be the type you need,” Dr. Michaels states.

Dr. Michaels pointed out that some foot pain may be caused by overuse. If you’re just starting to go on walks or are trying to go on longer walks, resting and soaking your feet is an important part of getting (and staying) in shape. “People’s feet are used to taking a certain amount of pressure over time, and that’s something that can build up over time,” he said. “But if you start walking more than usual or you are doing different types of activities — [such as] walking more inclines — [that] can lead to overuse-type injuries.”