From supporting our body weight to enduring countless steps each day, our feet are unsung heroes that deserve our attention and care. Neglecting foot health can lead to discomfort, pain, and even more serious issues over time.
Whether you're on your feet all day or enjoy lounging, here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your feet happy and healthy.
MOVE YOUR FEET
Foot flexibility and strength maintained through regulated exercises and relieving foot pain go hand in hand and should both be adopted.
The first exercises are toe curl exercises. Simply stand on raised or curled toes, or stand on your toes for five seconds and repeat it ten times, daily.
Other exercises include rolling a golf-like ball with the base of one's foot for at least two minutes, which is helpful for people with heel pain or foot cramps.
Ever wondered why it is so relaxing to walk on the beach? This is because it serves as a natural massage for the foot, gives good general foot conditioning, and strengthens the toes.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR
Understanding your foot anatomy and activity level is the first step in choosing the right footwear. Consider your foot type—whether you have flat feet, high arches, or neutral arches.
This knowledge helps determine the level of support and stability your shoes should provide. Additionally, think about the activities you engage in most frequently.
Different activities demand specific features in footwear, such as cushioning for running or robust traction for hiking on uneven terrain.
When it comes to fit and comfort, prioritize shoes that feel snug but not tight.
Your toes should have enough room to wiggle comfortably, and there should be no pressure points that cause discomfort or rub against your feet.
Proper fit prevents blisters and allows for natural movement, enhancing comfort throughout the day.
Key features to look for in footwear include adequate arch support tailored to your foot type.
This feature helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on muscles and ligaments, particularly important during prolonged standing or physical activities.
MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE
The feet have more nerves than any other organs of the body, making them more sensitive than other parts of the body, while also being the most enduring.
This also makes them extra ticklish, though having the thickest skin among other organs.
Foot massages are the most mood-boosting to most people, especially those in old age, because of their relaxing nature through pressure at the right spots.
While going for a monthly spa session including foot massage is recommended, a more affordable option would be to look after them yourself.
When choosing socks, it is important to use moisture-wicking fabric that takes the sweat out of the socks, out of the initiative to keep the feet clean, apart from cleaning themselves from any dirt.
This is to avoid building up bacteria that can lead to other conditions such as plantar warts, abscesses and foot fungus, all of which need to be treated by the doctor immediately, like any other injuries.
The immediacy applies to any found open wounds so as not to lead to any foot infections where the feet are most vulnerable.
You also need to keep your toenails short, for hygienic purposes where bacteria do not build up under the long toenails, leading to more possible infection issues such as abscesses or fungal infections.
Remember, it is also important not to cut them too short since this might lead to ingrown nails, leading to foot pain and discomfort.