Sore, tired and achy feet
Sore, tired and achy feet are feet that ache, drag or hurt after standing or walking, often because poor foot posture is straining bones, tendons and joints with every step. A biomechanical assessment, footwear advice and orthotics can help. Fiona Shepes assesses the cause in an initial consultation from $100 at The Fresh Foot Centre.
What sore, tired and achy feet are
Sore, tired and achy feet describe pain or heaviness in the feet that builds up with standing, walking or running. Poor foot posture is a common reason for it. When your feet sit in a poor position, the strain goes into your bones, tendons, ligaments and joints with every step you take. Over time, that strain can turn into injury or a long term condition. It can leave you limping out of bed or unable to walk or run like you used to.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sore, tired and achy feet vary, and common ones include:
- Aching in the soles, arches or heels
- Pain that builds over a day on your feet
- Limping, especially first thing in the morning
- Heel pain when standing or walking
- Discomfort that stops you walking or running as far as you used to
- Tiredness in the feet even after rest
Causes and risk factors
The main cause of sore, tired and achy feet is poor foot posture. Flat feet, overpronation and conditions like plantar fasciitis or foot arthritis can all put strain on the structures of the foot. Standing for long periods, unsupportive footwear and hard floors add to the load. The strain builds with every step, so the pain can worsen over time if nothing changes.
Sports that involve running and jumping can strain the feet as well. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and bunions may sit behind the aching. A biomechanical assessment finds the specific cause.
Treatment at the clinic
She starts with an assessment and diagnosis of your foot problem, which may include a biomechanical assessment of how your feet and body move. She can refer you for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when it is needed, or refer you back to your GP.
Treatment depends on the cause. Fiona can fit custom orthotics from $650, including a biomechanical assessment, fitting and a review appointment, or semi-custom orthotics from $450 including biomechanical assessment and fitting. Orthotics are scanned with a 3D foot scanner. She may recommend footwear advice, strapping and taping, or a stretching and strengthening program. Low level light therapy is available within a standard consultation from $90 for tendinopathy, bursitis and inflammation in the feet. She asks that you bring the shoes you normally wear, and she assesses them against your foot shape and needs.
Looking after it at home
Looking after sore, tired and achy feet at home starts with your shoes. Wear supportive footwear that suits your foot shape, and see our guide on choosing shoes. Stretching your feet and calves daily can ease strain on the structures of the feet, and our foot and calf stretches page shows you how. Rest your feet when the aching builds, and check your feet regularly for corns, callus or swelling.
When to see a podiatrist
You should see a podiatrist when sore, tired or achy feet keep coming back, limit your walking, or stop you doing what you used to do. Limping out of bed or ongoing heel pain are reasons to get an assessment rather than wait. See your GP instead if you have sudden severe pain, a foot that is hot, swollen and red, numbness, an open wound, or signs of infection, as these may need medical care first.
Questions
Why do my feet ache when I stand or walk a lot?
Your feet ache because standing and walking load your bones, tendons, ligaments and joints with every step. Poor foot posture increases that strain, so the pain builds over a day on your feet. A biomechanical assessment can find what is driving it.
Can orthotics help tired, aching feet?
Orthotics can help when poor foot posture or a condition like plantar fasciitis is behind the aching. Fiona fits custom orthotics from $650, including biomechanical assessment, fitting and a review appointment, or semi-custom orthotics from $450. Footwear advice and stretching may be recommended as well.