Why take care of your feet?
Feet are your body’s foundation, so keeping them healthy is vital to your overall health. Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet.
Shoes that don’t fit properly and even genetics can lead to injuries and disorders of the foot that can greatly impact your mobility. Aside from some foot issues becoming incredibly painful, they can also make you more susceptible to accidents.
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
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 moisture-wicking 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.
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
With all these threats to the health of your feet, how should you care for them? 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.
Shoes that don’t fit properly and even genetics can lead to injuries and disorders of the foot that can greatly impact your mobility. Aside from some foot issues becoming incredibly painful, they can also make you more susceptible to accidents.
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
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 moisture-wicking 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.
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
With all these threats to the health of your feet, how should you care for them? 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.
Leave a comment