Your feet do a lot for you. In fact, did you know that over the course of your lifetime, you’ll walk far enough to circle the Earth four times? That’s a lot of distance! Unfortunately, because we use our feet so regularly and for so many things, it’s easy to take them for granted—that is, until they start to bother us.
With so many muscles, bones, and ligaments making up our feet, there’s a lot that can go wrong. But if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be more likely to avoid common foot ailments!
Things You Can Do to Prevent Common Foot Ailments
If you’re experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in your feet, the best thing you can do is see a podiatrist. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong, how serious it is, and how to treat it. With walking and standing being such important parts of most of our lives, it’s crucial to get a professional opinion when it comes to our feet!
If your feet are feeling good, however, here are a few things you can do to keep it that way.
Stay Hydrated
This one is great across the board! Staying hydrated is crucial to the proper function of practically every body part, but it’s also important for our feet. If you’ve ever had a foot cramp, you’re probably cringing at the memory now. Drinking plenty of fluids can help you avoid this experience, and is especially important if you’re exercising.
Stretch Regularly
While it’s easy to treat your feet like a separate part of your body, remember that everything is connected. Failing to stretch can lead to tight calf muscles, which can put unnecessary strain on your Achilles tendon.
Don’t Sacrifice Comfort for Style
Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to a myriad of common foot ailments. If you wear high heels a lot, make sure there’s plenty of room for your toes and that you don’t wear them for too long. Your shoes shouldn’t squeeze or pinch any part of your foot, and should provide enough support!
Trim Your Toenails Properly
Are you cutting corners when it comes to your toenails? Literally? Rounding the corners of your toenails (especially your big toenail) can lead to one of the most common foot ailments: ingrown toenails. Make sure you’re cutting them straight across, instead of clipping down the corners.
Take Opportunities to Rest
Just because your feet are made for walking, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take breaks! Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort, you should try to avoid standing or walking all day long. If your job requires a lot of standing, make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and take a seated break when you can.
Experiencing Foot Pain?
If you’re experiencing one of the many common foot ailments out there, don’t just hope it goes away. With how much we use our feet, not knowing what’s wrong can do a lot of damage in the long run. Get in touch with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
