The Importance of Looking After Your Feet
We tend to look after many parts of our bodies such as heart health, eyes, joints, skin and the more superficial side like nails and hair but a lot of people do not look after their feet. Foot care is so important as neglecting them can result in severe when problems with your feet and significantly impact your quality of life which could lead to further health concerns.
As we get older, the likelihood of developing a foot condition increases. According to Health in Aging, “One in three people over the age of 65 has some kind of foot pain or aching feet.” This rate increases for some residents in long-term care homes. However, practicing simple foot care techniques will help to ease discomfort and bring some positive results regardless of age or current health status. It’s never to late to concentrate on foot care!
Why take care of your feet?
Keeping them healthy is vital to your overall health. Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet which is where the expression came from ‘put your feet up’. Shoes that don’t fit properly and even genetics can lead to injuries and problems with the feet that can greatly impact your mobility and life. Aside from some foot issues being incredibly painful, they can also make you more susceptible to accidents. If foot issues persist this could easily end up in a form. Walking awkwardly to avoid pain sets you off-balance and heightens your risk of hurting yourself further, including the start of back issues.
Caring for the skin on your feet is also important. Your heels are not meant to feel rough and dry. The longer this issue persists, the more likely it is that your feet will begin to crack. Although some cracks are not painful, they still allow harmful bacteria in. If left untreated for a long time, the healing process will also take a while.
Foot conditions
Athlete’s foot is not the only threat to foot health, but it is incredibly prevalent. However, it is easy to prevent. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot or infected toenails are easily contracted through sweaty feet that are left to sit in shoes or socks for long periods. If you are in a situation where you know that your feet will be sweating, make sure to change your socks as soon as possible once you finish your activities. Also, consider wearing socks made of cotton material.
Another common foot condition is Achilles tendinitis, a condition that affects the Achilles tendon that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. Read our blog, Everything You Need to Know About Achilles Tendinitis, to learn more about this condition.
Other foot conditions include:
- Hallux balgus (bunions)
- Metatarsalgia
- Foot or ankle sprains
- Ankle instability
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Achilles tendonitis syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Arthritis
How to take care of your feet
For those who can’t afford a chiropodist first of all, make sure to wash your feet often, taking care to clean between your toes and trim your toenails. You should also use lotion on your heels to prevent cracked skin. If your heels are already dry, consider using a pumice stone lightly. It is also essential to make sure your shoes fit properly, neither too tight or too loose. Stretching and strengthening your feet is also critical when it comes to avoiding pain and injury. Always modify your activity or rest if you begin to notice foot pain.
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