Published On:Tuesday, August 31, 2010

By Bernadette Gibson

TODAY, we continue with our 'Back-to- School' theme by focusing on teachers. Teachers are among the group of people who are on their feet more than four hours per day, and many teachers constantly complain of aches in their feet, ankles, knees, lower back and shoulders. What you wear on your feet often contributes to the majority of these problems.

In today's fashion conscious world, while it is important for female teachers to look their very best by complementing that perfect outfit with a cute pair of high heel shoes, or for male teachers trendy looking shoes, it is absolutely necessary to note that these magnificent creations often lead to foot pain at the end of the day. While this is quite understandable, I would recommend that you follow these simple tips to get away with looking your best while feeling great on your feet:

1. WOMEN, try to choose shoes with a reasonable heel height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Look for shoes that provide ample toe room (beware of pointed toe styles) and contain a back strap or enclosed back. The same holds true for men with the exception of heel height.

2. IF YOU are having trouble achieving the appropriate fit with shoes you already own, take them to a local specialty footwear store or Pedorthic facility who may be able to modify your shoes to better fit your feet.

3. PURCHASE a slim arch support/orthortic that your shoe can accommodate. Specialty footwear stores and Pedorthic facilities have options that will fit almost any shoe. Orthortics are especially designed to reduce discomfort associated by high heeled shoes and sandals.

In summary, it is important to note that while high heels are not the best for your feet, you can take measures to minimise some of the symptoms associated from wearing high heels, such as pain in the back of the legs (and long term, shortening of the calf muscles!), ball of the foot pain, pain under the arch and heel. A lower heel height, properly fitted and a supportive shoe combined with an accommodative orthotic/arch supports will put your feet in balance, and in turn improve the alignment of the rest of your body. Teachers take steps to think on your feet pain free and feel great in the classroom!

* Bernadette D. Gibson, a Board Certified & licensed Pedorthist, is the proprietor of Foot Solutions, a health and wellness franchise that focuses on foot care and proper shoe fit, located in the Sandyport Plaza, Nassau.

"The views expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily represent those of Foot Solutions Incorporated or any of its subsidiary and/or affiliated companies. Please direct any questions or comments to nassau@footsolutions.com or 327-FEET (3338).