Many people ignore their feet when it comes to their health. Yes, they are a uninteresting part of the body but they carry us from place to place and take on all our body’s pressure and weight all day. They take a beating and need some care and maintenance. Did you know that most people walk almost 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Isn’t that amazing?
Having foot issues can really slow us down.. Think about the last time you had a blister, sprain or foot soreness. You just can’t move as quickly and need to rest more. To avoid pain and injuries, simply follow these steps to take care of your feet.
Wear Supportive Properly Fitting Shoes
The most effective thing to do is to wear property fitted supportive shoes. Your arches and heel counters should be supported and made from high quality materials. Try your best to avoid high heels as they unevenly distribute your weight onto the balls of your feet. A 1-11/2 inch heel will put your foot into the most optimal position for comfort.
Wear Orthotics
Custom orthotics help to position your foot correctly within your shoes. They also provide additional cushioning and support. However, it’s imperative that you change them every 6 months to a year.
Remeasure Feet Once a Year
Your feet can change within a year so it’s best to have them measured by a footwear professional or go the extra step and have your feet scanned to identify your foot and arch type.
Start a Foot Care Regimen
You probably have a skin care regimen for your face but it’s important to also have one for your feet. It will only take an additional 5 minutes a day but the benefits will be worth it. Make sure to moisturize your feet daily and try to wear socks to bed if you can. Once a week exfoliate your feet and check to see if your toenails need trimming. If you have a particularly rough day on your feet, treat them to an epsom salt soak.
Adjust Your Diet to Minimize Foot Swelling
Foods that reduce swelling: watermelon, asparagus, parsley, beets, grapes, green beans, leafy greens, cucumbers, pineapples, pumpkins, onions, leeks and garlic
Foods that increase swelling: caffeine, chocolate, animal protein, dried shellfish, fried foods, alcohol, dairy products, olives, pickles, salt, soy sauce, tobacco, white sugar and flour. If you take good care of your feet, they will take you far in life! If you have any questions or concerns about your feet please contact us.