Hi, I found out I had flat feet a year ago. I got some inserts and was fine, just as long as I didn't walk huge distances. 2 or 3 months ago I started working in a factory as a packer. This involves standing on a rubber mat on a concrete floor for 7-11 hours in gumboots (no alternative). I took my gumboots in to the guy who I see bout my feet. He had me put my inserts in there and wear decent socks. The pain in my feet got better over the 8 hour shifts, but 12 hour shifts were still painful. I have started having problems again on the 8 hour shifts. Basically my feet start getting sore, then they turn red and get really hot, and then they turn a deathly wrinkled white and become unbearable. Is there anything I can do about this (other than changing jobs). I hope this isn't because of other problems...I hope someone answers soon.

Anna

Dear Anna
That's a tough situation. The longer shift seems to be the origin of your problem. Try doing some lower extremity stretching exercies, for your quads, hamstrings, calfs and anterior leg muscles. It also sounds like your feet are actually sweating quite a bit in your boots. You could consult your Podiatrist for some medicated product or you could try applying an anti-perspirant to your feet. If you do not see any improvement, I would recommend that you see your Podiatrist.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert

I've been seeing my orthotist about it (cause that is who I was sent to originally). He has tried some black foam inserts and they didn't work, he put some silicon ones in today but he said if they don't work he won't know what to do.

Dear Anna
I would suggest that you see a Podiatrist for an evaluation. Bring what you have been given so that it can be evaluated and maybe your Podiatrist can suggest either an adjustment to what you have or custom orthotics.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert