Keep fit enthusiast Sharon led a very active life and was always on her feet both at work and at home.

Her role at Heathrow Airport often involved busy 10-hour shifts with few opportunities to sit down and take a break.

Away from work, she enjoyed high-intensity work outs, tap dancing and netball.

Even on holiday, Sharon kept active, taking on physically demanding challenges like the South West Coast path in Cornwall.

Over the last year, she had been aware of some niggling aches and pains in her feet but was usually able to shrug them off and carry on with her activities.

However, matters were brought to a head during her son's graduation day.

Sharon explains: "It was a rainy day and conditions underfoot were slippery. I was wearing high heeled shoes with no grip on the soles which only exacerbated the situation.

"I'd worn high heels all my life with no problems, but on this particular day I was standing for a long time and my feet, particularly the balls of my feet became very sore which in turn made walking painful.

"I endured it at the time and assumed it would just get better in a few days.

"It didn't. I went on holiday a month or so later and because of the continued discomfort, was unable to complete any of my usual walks.

"At work, I was also struggling to stay on my feet for more than a few hours. I began to worry that I may have to switch roles from a position I love in a great team to a desk job."

Fortunately for Sharon, help was at hand.

A friend who'd also experienced foot pain issues, recommended Foot Solutions in Richmond.

Sharon continues: "At Foot Solutions I was given a comprehensive assessment that included – inspection and measurement of both feet, 3D digital scanning of both feet to identify pressure points and an understanding of my work and leisure lifestyle requirements.

The assessment identified a problem in my right foot and indicated a condition called sesamoiditis (which was later confirmed by a medical professional.

The condition is caused by inflammation of the sesamoid bones and tendons in the ball of the foot and is often experienced by athletes and dancers who put repeated impact on the balls of their feet.

Foot Solutions recommended custom arch supports designed to provide stability and keep pressure off the balls of the feet.

To wear with the arch supports, I also purchased some Brooks trainers with additional forefoot padding and a pair of Xsensible walking shoes.

Foot Solutions also checked to ensure that my work boots could comfortably accommodate my custom arch supports."

Sharon is very pleased with the outcome: "The custom arch supports have had major positive impact.

"I can now work long shifts pain-free without even thinking about my feet. I'm really pleased to be able to continue the job I love and not have to switch to a sedentary role.

"Away from work, the combination of Brooks trainers and arch supports enables me to participate in a wide range of activities at the gym and my new walking shoes worn with the Foot Solutions orthotics allows me to enjoy long coastal walks again.

"I have been advised to avoid high impact/high-intensity activities and not to wear high heels but overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives. 

"I'm very happy to recommend Foot Solutions."

Read the article on Foot Solutions website here.

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