Keeping your feet healthy can have a positive impact on your general health and wellbeing, and this is good news for everyone, not just for athletes. Healthy feet are important for your balance, posture and everyday comfort, and there are many simple ways in which you can take care of your feet throughout your life.
Here at Foot Solutions, we can suggest lifestyle changes that benefit your foot health and your general health, and we will be happy to carry out a free foot assessment to help you get started. Whether you need gait correction, supportive shoes or advice for a specific foot condition, we are here to find the right solutions for you, and we know that your feet will feel the difference straight away!
Foot Health and Your Well-being
Your feet are the foundation for your body, and support your weight throughout your daily activities, so taking care of them has a big impact on your general health. Did you know that each of your feet contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than one hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments? Your feet are complex structures, and the stress on them can easily cause pain and strain, so it is important to develop healthy habits and know the warning signs to look out for.
Pain or pressure in the feet can lead to pain in the legs, hips and back, and something as simple as finding the right pair of shoes can revolutionise the way your whole body feels! Whether you are working in an active job or simply trying to maintain your mobility as you age, protecting your feet is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or are focusing on improving your general health, concentrating on your foot health could be the key.
Common Foot Problems
Many common foot conditions can cause foot pain and lead to stress in the body, and some of them most frequently affect runners, but they can affect anybody. In fact, if your job involves long periods of standing, you may be even more likely to experience problems with your feet than runners!
Common conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the band of tissue running from the toes to the heel of the foot becomes inflamed. This is very common among road runners, but can also be caused by poor arch support or prolonged standing. If you are experiencing dull or sharp heel pain, this may be the cause, and the condition often requires a period of complete rest followed by rehabilitation exercises.
- Bunions. Bunions are bony growths that usually form where the big toe meets the foot, and can cause severe pain and limit mobility. Although a tendency to develop bunions is often genetic, the condition can be caused or worsened by wearing shoes that are too tight, particularly high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe box. There are many ways to ease the pain of bunions, and surgery may be offered in the most extreme cases, but good footwear can make all the difference here.
- Flat feet. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop the condition in later life, and this can require additional support to prevent pain and limited mobility. Shoes that offer cushioning and arch support can help to keep the feet healthy, and custom-made orthotics can be an excellent solution here.
- Calluses. Many people live with painful calluses that are often the result of the skin of the feet rubbing against the shoes, and these can prohibit exercise and limit comfortable movement. It is important to address this issue by taking a look at the socks and shoes you wear and finding options that support the feet properly. You can use a foot file or pumice stone to gently remove hard skin and help to keep the skin of the feet healthy.
There are many other foot conditions, from hammertoes to ingrown toenails, and all of these can negatively impact the way you feel. The good news is that there are many ways to relieve pain in your feet and set yourself up for a healthier lifestyle, and most of them start with small changes to your daily routine.
Good Shoes Make a Big Difference
Many people do not realise how much difference good shoes can make, and this is an easy fix for your feet and your general health! Fashion shoes and options such as flip flops are frequently worn for ease, but they can do significant damage to the feet and the body, and finding good alternatives can solve this problem. When you are choosing new shoes, you should always visit the shoe store at the end of the day, when your feet have naturally expanded, and you should see a professional to have your shoes fitted correctly.
We recommend shoes and sandals that offer good cushioning and support, so that the natural shape of your foot is supported in all the right places, and we have a great range of options to choose from. It is vital to ensure that your feet have room to spread inside your shoes, so that the toes are not crushed together, and you should ensure that your footwear is well-suited to your activities. For instance, you may require specific footwear for work, for walking or for a night out, and we can help you to find the perfect options for every occasion without compromising on comfort or style!
Your Footcare Routine
As well as finding the right footwear for your unique feet and your lifestyle, you should also ensure that you take care of your feet with a simple routine that includes:
- Washing your feet daily. You should wash your feet at least once a day to prevent infections and a buildup of bacteria, and you should dry them carefully, especially in between the toes. This is a good opportunity to check your feet for any injuries that may require attention.
- Moisturise. Moisturising your feet regularly will help to prevent cracked and dry skin, and you can give yourself a quick foot massage at the same time to relieve tension and keep the skin in great condition.
- Cut your toenails. Cutting your toenails regularly will help to prevent ingrown toenails, and you should always cut them straight across with a good pair of toenail scissors or clippers.
- Foot exercises. Simple stretches and rotations will help to maintain mobility in your feet, and you can do these on a daily basis for good foot health. Try picking up small objects from the floor with your toes, as well as flexing and pointing the feet and circling the ankles.
If you have an existing foot condition or you have diabetes, which makes you more prone to foot problems, you should seek advice from a medical professional.
Supportive Footwear From Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, our foot wellness experts can help you to find the best solutions for your feet and your lifestyle. We offer custom-made orthotics and gait analysis, and we can advise you on how to protect your feet from injury and pain. You can book a free foot assessment or simply pop in and see us to find supportive footwear. Your feet will thank you!
