Improve Foot Health With 5 Chiropractic Tips
By Brandi Goodman
Foot Health Awareness Month arrives in April for a good reason. The spring season is the start of many footwear styles with open toes and people walking around with bare feet. The warm weather may make you want to skip your regular shoes, but it can be more detrimental to your health than you realize. Keep these chiropractic tips in mind for the best foot health possible.
Maintain Your Weight
Your feet have to carry you through life. With extra weight on your body, your feet are going to be taking a lot of pressure. You're more likely to experience pain in your lower body if you are overweight and struggling to walk without discomfort. Do your best to maintain your weight so your feet do not suffer the consequences. A solid diet and exercise plan is a must.
Stretch Your Feet and Ankles
It's important to stretch before any physical activity -- this includes walking. Before getting up for the day, and any time you need to walk more than just a few steps within your household, you should be stretching out your feet and ankles so they are prepared. Do some simple stretches such as foot twirls and toe curls to help strengthen the joints within the feet and ankles and ensure they are flexible and able to handle the movement.
Wear Athletic Shoes Always
You may want to choose a cute pair of heels or wear sandals when it's hot outside, but these options aren't ideal for your feet. It's better to find lightweight, moisture-wicking socks and pair them with athletic shoes. Athletic shoes are sturdy, have good traction to keep you balanced when you walk, and absorb a lot of the shock every time your feet hit the ground. Other footwear options don't offer those benefits.
Replace Your Shoes Regularly
Shoes are not meant to be worn for years at a time. Your pair for daily wear needs to be replaced at regular intervals so it does not become worn out and ineffective. Six months is a good time frame for replacement. You can wait a year for pairs you don't wear as often.
See a Chiropractor
A chiropractor works on all joints, not just those within your back. Your feet, ankles, and legs can benefit from a chiropractic adjustment if you're having trouble with your lower body. A trip to The Joint Chiropractic may be in order if you're experiencing discomfort or find it hard to remain upright on your feet for long. Your chiropractor can help you to assess the situation and offer further guidance on how best to maintain your foot health.
Foot health should be considered just like any other aspect of your well-being. Keep these tips in mind so you can maintain your footing and prevent foot and leg pain from interrupting your daily life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peoria, Ariz.