The feet are the foundation of the body. They support your weight and move you forward as you walk or run. There are 206 bones total in the human body, and 26 bones in each foot. This means that a whopping 25% of the bones in the entire body are located in the feet. Clearly, the feet play a very important role.
On average, most people take between 5,000 and 7,000 steps per day. If you are more active, your average may be closer to between 8,000 and 10,000 steps per day. Think about the pressure that you are putting on your feet every time you set your foot down on the ground. Do you think that, since your feet don’t hurt, you don’t have a problem with your feet? That is not necessarily the case.
You may have a foot problem that is not yet causing symptoms, but could flare up sometime soon. Usually, people have a mechanical problem with their feet for some time before they actually begin experiencing pain. Other factors, such as a change in body weight or exercise habits, will often precipitate the onset of pain.
Foot problems affect more than the feet. Do you have pain in your knees, lower back, or hips? These issues can be directly related to a problem with your feet, even if you don’t have foot pain. If the feet are not properly aligned, it can throw off the alignment of the entire body, resulting in joint pain in many other areas. If this misalignment is not addressed, it can lead to the development of arthritis. Correcting a postural imbalance can actually resolve knee, hip, and back pain issues.
With that in mind, follow these healthy foot tips.
Shoe Selection
Choose your shoes carefully. Focus more on the shoes’ fit and function, and less on their appearance. Shoes that don’t fit properly can cause or contribute to the development of musculoskeletal foot disorders. High heels, in particular, are terrible for the feet.
Look for shoes that are flat or have a low heel. Make sure that the shoes fit your feet properly. Have both feet measured at least once a year. Consider the width and depth of the shoe in addition to the length. The toe box should be roomy enough that it doesn’t rub your toes on the sides or the top.
There are several tests that customers can use to determine whether a shoe is adequately supportive. First, try twisting the shoe. It should not twist easily, as that indicates inadequate support. Next, try pinching the heel of the shoe. The heel should not be too soft. Try folding the shoe in half; it should bend only at the natural bend of the toes.
Shoe Replacement
All shoes wear over time and lose their ability to support the feet. If you have an abnormality in your gait, your shoes may wear out faster. If you notice that your shoes wear out very quickly, consider having a gait analysis to check for a gait abnormality. Gait abnormalities can often be corrected through the use of Custom Arch Support devices.
Athletic shoes should be replaced every year at a minimum. If you wear them to exercise frequently, they should be replaced every three to four months.
Don’t wait until you have foot pain to take care of your feet. Stop by Foot Solutions UK to have your feet checked out by one of our specialists. We will make sure that your feet get the support and care that they need so that you can prevent foot pain.
