Look after your Feet!

Four Foot Exercises

Importance of Good Foot Care for Happy Feet

With poor foot health, one is less likely to engage in physical activity, which can result in a higher risk of disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, reduced endurance and loss of muscle mass. Plus, it can be painful and therefore, reduce the enjoyment of engaging in activities of choice.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the average person will walk 75,000 miles by the age of 50, taking up to 10,000 steps on an average day. That cumulative force adds up to hundreds of tons of foot pressure every day.

It’s helpful to understand that over time, feet flatten and become wider. The fatty padding naturally wears down. That leaves the bones and joints of the feet more exposed to wear and tear. An injury as simple as a bad blister can impair mobility, balance and overall function. With proper foot care, further medical issues are less likely to impact one’s quality of life.

Helpful Tips:

• Maintain excellent hygiene.
• Use a gentle soap, rinse feet well after washing them, and dry well before putting on socks.
• Apply quality moisturizer before going to bed.
• Trim nails regularly, but not too short to prevent ingrown toenails. If cutting toenails is too difficult, consider seeing a podiatrist, or having a pedicure.
• Wear well-fitting shoes that offer good support.
• Examine feet regularly to quickly detect any problems. And if experiencing problems, seek appropriate care from a podiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in treating the feet.

With a little extra attention, these helpful pointers are sure to help keep feet happy and healthy.

For additional information:
Why Preventive Foot Health is Important
Tips for Healthy Feet