Our feet bear the weight of our entire body, yet they often don't receive the attention they deserve.
They carry us through our daily activities, providing stability and support. However, despite their importance, foot health is frequently overlooked.
Ignoring foot health can lead to various problems down the road, affecting not only our mobility but also our overall well-being. Here are some common bad habits that can negatively impact your feet.
Wearing ill-fitting shoes
When your shoes are too tight or too loose, it can cause lots of foot problems. These include blisters, corns (hard spots on skin), calluses (rough patches of skin), and even bunions (a bony bump near your big toe).
According to online health portal Healthline, blisters are raised pockets of fluid that can form on your feet. This painful condition often occurs from walking or standing for long periods, wearing shoes that don't fit well, or having sweaty feet.
Blisters are usually not serious and can be treated at home. Covering the blister with a bandage helps it heal naturally. Only drain it if necessary, using sterile equipment, and keep it covered with a bandage and antibiotic ointment until healed.
So, it's important to wear shoes that fit your feet well and give them good support. When you're getting new shoes, make sure they feel just right on your feet.
Ignoring foot pain
Feeling pain in your feet isn't normal, and you shouldn't ignore it. If you ignore foot pain, it can get worse and turn into long-lasting problems.
So, it's important to deal with any discomfort quickly. Don't be afraid to ask a doctor or foot expert for help if you need it. They can give you the right advice and treatment to make your feet feel better.
Walking barefoot in public areas
Walking barefoot in public places, such as gyms, swimming pools, or locker rooms, exposes your feet to bacteria, fungi, and viruses, increasing the risk of infections like athlete's foot or plantar warts. Always wear flip-flops or sandals in communal areas to protect your feet.
Online health portal, All Care Foot and Ankle Center, highlighted that running barefoot isn’t necessarily bad and has become popular in American running culture for its ability to improve running form and reduce heel stress. However, successful barefoot runners usually engage in foot strength training to prepare for the change in posture and style.
If you've been running in supportive shoes for years, have weak or flat arches, or have a history of ankle injuries, abruptly switching to barefoot running could increase your risk of injury or worsen existing foot and ankle problems.
Wearing high heels too often
Even though high heels might make you look fancy, wearing them a lot can cause problems for your feet. These include things like plantar fasciitis (a painful condition in the bottom of your foot), hammertoes (when your toes bend unnaturally), and even stress fractures (tiny breaks in your bones).
Regularly wearing high heels can cause various foot problems. High heels can damage the foot's arches and increase the likelihood of bunions (misaligned big toes), often requiring surgery to fix.
The centre also advises reserving flip-flops for the beach or locker room showers. Flip-flops offer no support for the feet and ankles, raising the risk of tendonitis, heel spurs, ankle sprains, and plantar fasciitis.
It's a good idea to save high heels for special times and wear shoes with more support for everyday activities. That way, you can help keep your feet healthy and comfortable.
Ignoring proper foot hygiene
Neglecting foot hygiene, such as not washing or drying your feet properly, can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. Make sure to wash your feet daily with soap and water, dry them thoroughly, and apply moisturiser to keep the skin healthy.
Prolonged standing or sitting
Spending prolonged periods either standing or sitting can put excessive strain on your feet. If your job requires standing for long hours, consider using supportive footwear and taking regular breaks to rest your feet.
Conversely, if you sit for extended periods, remember to stretch and move your feet regularly to improve circulation.
Skipping regular foot checks
Just like any other part of your body, your feet need regular check-ups to detect any issues early on. Ignoring routine foot examinations can allow problems to progress, leading to more significant complications.
Make it a habit to inspect your feet regularly for any signs of abnormalities, such as swelling, redness, or changes in skin texture.
Neglecting foot exercises
Your feet contain numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments that require exercise to stay strong and flexible. Neglecting foot exercises can contribute to muscle weakness and stiffness, increasing the risk of injuries.
Incorporate simple foot exercises, such as toe curls, ankle circles, and calf stretches, into your daily routine to maintain foot health.
In the meantime, WebMD advises against ramping up workouts too quickly to avoid stress fractures. These small cracks or severe bruises in foot bones are painful and can sideline you for 6 to 8 weeks, possibly requiring crutches. So, think twice before joining a half marathon when the farthest you've run is a 5K.
Ignoring arch support
Flat feet or high arches can lead to imbalances in your gait and cause foot pain or discomfort. Ignoring the need for proper arch support can exacerbate these issues over time.
Consider using orthotic inserts or shoes with adequate arch support to alleviate strain on your feet and prevent future problems.
Neglecting toenail care
Improper toenail care, such as cutting nails too short or neglecting ingrown toenails, can lead to painful conditions and potential infections.
Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown toenails. Additionally, keep your toenails clean and dry to minimize the risk of fungal infections.
Healthline also reported that scales, streaking, crumbling, flaking, and yellow spots on toenails could indicate a fungal infection. This can happen when fungi enter the toenail due to its damp environment.
Symptoms of fungal infection may appear gradually. Risk factors include medical conditions like diabetes, exposure to contaminated nail tools, using public places such as swimming pools or locker rooms, or having a skin injury near the toenail.
Trim your toenails to be even with the tips of your toes. If they are too long, they can get caught on things, and if they are too short, you might develop ingrown toenails.
WebMD also advises that shoes can press super-short nails into the surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails. To prevent this, always trim toenails straight across, not in a curve.
Your feet play a crucial role in your overall well-being, so it's essential to avoid these common bad habits that can harm them.
By adopting healthy foot care practices and addressing any issues promptly, you can keep your feet happy, healthy, and pain-free for years to come. Remember, taking care of your feet today will pay off in the long run!