Your feet are a very important, and unfortunately often overlooked, part of your body. Many of us take our feet for granted, even though our feet are one of our most used body parts. After all, they are essential from getting us place to place and to keeping us moving each and every day.
However, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, approximately 75% of adults will have some type of foot-related problem in their lives. And what is more concerning is that most people won’t take action regarding their feet until they have serious problems or symptoms. This is why it is so important to stay on top of your foot health and to make certain you are taking extra steps to maintain proper foot health.
1. Wear the Correct Fitting Shoes
It sounds like a relatively simple suggestion, but it is one that causes a number of serious foot problems. Many adults today actually aren’t wearing the right size footwear, and it can ultimately lead to some pretty significant problems. Shoes that are too big can cause blisters and sores on the feet.
Shoes that are too small can lead to long-term problems like bunions, corns or other deformities in the feet. Make sure that you are wearing supportive, comfortable and well-fitting footwear each and every day. Your feet will thank you.
2. Keep Your Feet Clean and Moisturized
Most people don’t think twice about washing their feet, but it should be an important part of your daily grooming routine. Podiatrists recommend washing your feet daily with a mild soap and making sure you wash between your toes.
Once your feet are clean, make sure that you are moisturizing. When the sensitive skin on your feet gets too dry it can lead to painful, cracked heels. Apply a thick, moisturizer over the top of the feet and heels daily, avoiding the area between your toes for healthy, sore-free feet.
3. Try Foot Exercises
Exercising your feet will help improve foot health and can help prevent injury. Make sure to include foot-specific exercises into your regular routine. It can not only improve health but help prevent injury and improve strength and flexibility.
Focus on improving range of motion with regular foot circles and heel lifts. You can also try rolling a tennis ball under your feet to improve your plantar fascia. If you need more suggestions and examples of foot exercises, ask your podiatrist or physical therapist. You can also visit the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society’s website.
4. Make Sure to Cut Your Nails Properly
Ingrown toenails can lead to serious pain, and serious issues if not treated properly. And one of the most common causes of ingrown toenails is trimming your toenails too short. When this happens, the skin on either side of the nail can start to fold over and ultimately lead to an infection.
If you get pedicures instead of cutting your own nails, make sure that you are going to a professional salon that disinfects properly between clients. If you notice the symptoms of an ingrown toenail, visit a doctor right away before the infection gets worse.
5. Try Circulation Boosters
Circulation issues are some of the most common foot-related problems in adults. Products such as the Circulation Booster by Revitive have completely changed the way that many people deal with blood circulation problems. Since the lower extremities are the furthest from the heart and impacted by gravity—the feet are often where people notice poor circulation first.
Symptoms of poor blood circulation can start with tired legs or swollen feet, but it can lead to much more serious issues if left untreated. Revitive is a product actually designed to stimulate the nerve-endings in the soles of your feet. This will help the muscles in the feet and calf start pumping and deliver fresh oxygenated blood back to the nerves in your feet. This will not only improve circulation but help relieve aches and pains while improving leg muscle strength and endurance.
Your foot health is important to your overall health, so keep tips like these in mind to keep your feet looking and feeling their best!
