Whether you run for miles or sit around the house, the health of your feet is vital for walking, running, or just about anything that requires your lower body for movement. Read on to find out how to best protect your podiatric foundation.
We tend to not think of our feet unless there’s something wrong, but the lowest part of our body is crucial for so many things we take for granted. Whether it’s supporting our weight, keeping our balance, or just the act of standing or walking (our feet endure hundreds of tons of force daily from normal tasks), our feet play a vital part of our everyday activities. Proper care for your feet is good for your whole body, so let’s look at the best ways to treat foot problems, foot exercises, and the best equipment to help keep your feet healthy.
Residents of South Jordan, Utah, looking for help with foot problems can rely on the comprehensive care of Dr. Matthew Graff and the experienced team at Inspire Health Clinics. We offer cutting-edge treatments for podiatric care, and innovative family care for patients of all ages.
Common foot problems
The pain you could be experiencing in your feet may be the result of these problems:
Fungal issues
Excessive foot sweat and other damp environments like showers and pools can lead to problems like athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections.
Structural issues
Joint and musculoskeletal problems can make your feet very uncomfortable, like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Some conditions can cause the feet to become misshapen in some way, leading to pain and other complications like bunions, claw toe, hammer toe, or flat foot.
Growths
This can be anything that causes abnormal tissue to grow on your feet, such as corns and plantar warts. Blisters are a mild annoyance, but are examples of growths that can cause pain.
Irritations
Inflammation of the bone and tissue in your feet can lead to things like sesamoiditis, gout, and metatarsalgia (stone bruise).
Best ways to take care of your feet
Here are some basic practices you can use to provide your feet with better care:
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Don’t share pedicure utensils
- Avoid sharing shoes
- Don’t shave calluses
- Give yourself foot massages
- Soothe irritation with a vinegar soak
The first tip is the easiest way to avoid many future foot issues. Cleaning your feet regularly and keeping them dry will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and dry skin from causing numerous foot problems. Soaking and massaging your feet will help relieve pain and promote blood circulation.
Best exercises for your feet
In addition to massaging and soaking your feet, exercises are a great way to keep your feet limber and relaxed. These include exercises like point your toes, raise your heels, squeeze your toes, roll a ball, and stretch standing up and sitting down. Once done, you can relax your feet in a bath with epsom salts.
Best shoes for your feet
Getting proper shoes is a big part of foot care, because you spend so much time in them whether you’re active or not. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and you need enough depth in it so your toes don’t touch the top. When you stand up, you should have about a half an inch of space between your big toe and the front of your shoe. It also helps to walk around in shoes to make sure there isn’t any rubbing or slipping. Cloth shoes are best for leisure activities, and sneakers are best for running and sports.
The best practices for proper foot care are easy to implement and can make a world of difference in the comfort of your foot, as well as avoiding any harmful conditions. If you’re having foot problems and need help, make an appointment with Dr. Graff and Inspire Health Clinics today.
