Foot Pain? Relief Can Be Simple

If you suffer from increased foot and ankle pain during the summer months, some contributing factors might be an easy fix.

Haim Cohen MD, a podiatrist with the TriHealth Orthopedic and Sports Institute, tells Local 12's Liz Bonis that people can experience foot pain anytime of the year, but office visits and complaints of pain tend to increase during the summer. 

"We see an increased incidence of heel pain or plantar fasciitis, more ankle sprains, more trauma of feet and ankles, because of sporting activities — a lot of weekend warriors doing things you wouldn't do in the winter time," Dr. Cohen says.

Dr. Cohen points out that when people experience foot complications, their activity level decreases as well, and if diet is not adjusted, weight gain is likely. "This in turn can cause increased chances of overuse syndromes such as plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, exacerbations of arthritis, and postural changes that can lead to foot problems as well,” Dr. Cohen says.

If you do experience foot pain or an injury, swimming is a good option for remaining physically active, without adding pressure or risking overuse

In addition to swimming, Dr. Cohen says there are things we can do to help lower the chances of a foot injury, and it starts with what we wear on our feet on a regular basis.

"Too many people have one pair of shoes and I am not saying people should go out and buy four pair of $100 shoes. But, if you are a runner, those shoes have specific benefits," said Dr. Cohen.