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I recently read about a police officer who injured his foot trying to run down a suspect. Many people have jobs where they have to stand on their feet all day, but few people except for athletes also have to run as part of their career.
As a Seattle podiatrist I offer 6 tips to police officer to help keep their feet safe and pain free.
1. Purchase boots designed for your type of work
Just as shoes are made for various types of sports, police shoes and boots are made for difference types of police work. Footwear can come in low, medium, or high top shoes or boots. The lower the cut the less support and the higher the boot the more support. So matching the cut to your particular line of police work is important.
2. Purchase shoes at the end of the day
If you purchase shoes or buy them online, it's best to try them on at the end of the day when your feet are the most swollen. This will ensure that you aren't buying shoes that are too small.
3. Have your feet measured before buying
As we get older are shoe size can increase. This is particularly true if you've gained weight and are constantly on your feet. Go to a store like Nordstrom and ask to have your feet measured to ensure your feet are still the same size before buying.
4. Replace your shoes regularly
While the tops of your shoes or boots may look great, it's important to check the soles to determine whether your shoes need replacing. Most of us wear down the soles of our shoes unevenly which can lead to a twisted ankle or worse if you run on poor terrain. A good rule of them is to purchase new shoes annually.
5. Purchase inserts or orthotics
Your shoes or boots should be supportive, but if you're on your feet all day you'll likely need extra arch support to prevent your feet from throbbing. If your feet are flat or tend to pronate or roll in, an over-the-counter insert probably won't be enough. People with this foot type are at higher risk for conditions such as heel pain and Achilles tendonitis. To heal these conditions and keep them from coming back most often requires the purchase of custom orthotics from a podiatrist.
6. Consider strong toe support
Police officers should consider the type of toe support the shoes or boots offer before they make a purchase. Just like construction workers, police officers are more likely to have a heavy objective fall on their toes. Purchasing footwear with a steel shank built into the toes should be strongly considered.
Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an appointment. Often same day for emergencies and less than 2 weeks for chronic foot pain. You can also request an appointment online.
