Your Foot Health

We look after our overall health by incorporating a trip to the gym, preparing a nutritious dinner, getting a good night’s sleep, among many other ‘health-promoting’ daily happenings; but how often do you think about your feet and their health.  Some of us spend the majority of our days on our feet, taking us from one place to the next, through a step class or a walk on the treadmill.  Making sure our feet are protected through the ups and downs is nothing to take lightly.  Shoes are specifically designed to meet altering activities, as well as individual specific needs.

For athletes, wearing the correct footwear for the sport can provide the needed support, or orthotics can be prescribed for additional support.  Cross-trainers are the most versatile athletic shoe available, providing basic comfort, functionality, stability and durability for most sports and activities.  They are called “cross-trainers” for that reason: for you to be able to “cross” amongst a number of different “training” regimes.  Some shoe brands that make a good stable cross-trainer include: New Balance, Asics, Saucony, Adidas.  Remember, the fit is individual and you should make a choice based on your comfort level and which shoe provides your specific foot with proper support.

If you engage mainly in running activities, you should chose a supportive running shoe to meet your needs. Running shoes have more ankle support so that the foot and ankle are held securely (compared with a  cross-trainer that allows for more lateral and agility-type movements).  Such brands providing the support needed include: Asics, Mizuno, New Balance, Adidas.

Each day we place a large amount of stress on our feet.  The 26 bones making up our feet, joints, ligaments and tendons are in charge of absorbing the shock we place on them.  This is why it is so important to tend to any unusual pain or ache that you may begin to feel.  Common conditions our feet can “run” (or “walk”) into include: Athlete’s Foot, Plantar Fasciitis, Blisters, Bunions, Corns and Calluses, Hammertoes, Ingrown Nails, Arch Pain, Heel Pain, and Heel Spurs, to name a few. 

Simple steps to take care of your feet and maintain their health as well as your overall health include: choosing a quality brand footwear that feels good and supports your foot well, washing and inspecting your feet each day, exercise daily to maintain circulation and muscle tone, breaking new shoes in gradually, control your weight (healthy weights place less pressure on your feet) & wear appropriate footwear for the activity you’re performing.