Our feet are often a body part we take for granted. We shove them in too-tight shoes, walk and stand even if they hurt, and sometimes even ignore serious problems until they get worse. It’s true—our feet can handle a lot. But they’re one of the most important parts of our bodies, and if we don’t take care of them as we get older, we’ll have more and more issues to deal with later on.
Keep reading for more information about the importance of proper foot care!
Why Your Feet Are So Important
Did you know that your feet contain 25% of your body’s bones? That’s a lot of bones in a relatively small body part! That also means that your feet contain a significant portion of your body’s joints, muscles, and nerve endings. Needless to say, your feet are complicated. They’re also hardworking! Every step you take puts about 1,000 pounds of force on your feet!
Every body part plays an important role in our overall health and quality of life, but your feet are one of the most essential. Taking care of them as you get older will ensure that you’re healthy, mobile, and feeling great for as long as possible!
Quality of Life
It’s amazing how everything connects in our bodies. Every body part affects another body part—sometimes in ways we don’t expect! Your feet are no different. Problems with our feet can lead to problems with our knees, hips, and back down the line. They affect our posture, balance, and our ability to walk or stand.
When our feet suffer, we suffer. When our movement is limited, our freedom is limited. Staying active and doing the things we enjoy are crucial to our overall happiness! Numerous studies have shown how our physical health affects our mental health, so it’s important to take care of both.
Principles of Effective Foot Care
So, how do we take good care of our feet? Luckily, it’s not that complicated! Paying attention to how your feet are feeling and seeing a foot specialist when things aren’t feeling good will go a long way in preventing serious issues.
Just like the rest of our body, our feet will change as we age. It’s important to pay close attention to how they feel and how they’re functioning. Watch out for things like cuts, bruises, bumps, etc., and see a professional if they’re persistent! Also be on the lookout for fallen arches, ingrown toenails, or anything else that causes pain or discomfort.
Try to incorporate your feet into your workouts and stretch routines! Your feet need stretching and strengthening just like any other body part, so pay them some attention during your next set. You can find podiatrist-approved exercises and stretches online, just be sure to listen to your body and don’t push your feet too far.
Always make sure to clean and dry your feet thoroughly. Wear comfortable shoes, inserts if necessary, and clean, dry socks. These things (some of which you might already be doing!) will not only help you right now, but will also set you up for great foot health in the future.
Having an Issue?
If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this: the best thing you can do for your feet is address problems before they get out of hand. Whether it’s a bunion, an ingrown toenail, or something more serious like plantar fasciitis, the sooner you seek help the better off you’ll be!
If you’ve been putting off seeing a podiatrist, it’s time to take charge of your health. Get in touch with Foot Specialists of Birmingham today to schedule an appointment.
