Wellness Tips For Your Feet!
By Sara Butler
Most people focus on the spine when they’re talking to the chiropractor, but to be truly healthy, your whole body should be the focus. If you don’t wear sensible shoes, you need to make the switch! Your body wants you to wear footwear that offers support and keeps it from developing joint dysfunctions and restrictions that may eventually lead to discomfort and pain. Here’s what you need to look for when it comes to making sense of sensible shoes.
They Should Feel Good
Have you ever put on a pair of shoes and they were really uncomfortable, but you stuck with them thinking that you just needed to break them in? Well, those aren’t the shoes you should be looking for. When walking around in a new pair of shoes, they should be comfortable immediately. You should never buy shoes that are uncomfortable when you try them on because that means they are the wrong fit for your foot. And no amount of breaking in will help or prevent aches and pains in your body – and back – down the road.
Plenty of Room
Your toes should be comfortable with plenty of room to wiggle in a good pair of supportive shoes. If the shoes come to a sharp angle or squeeze your toes in any way, then they need to be returned to the shelf! If any pressure is placed on the toes during wear, then it’ll stop your foot from going through its natural range of motion. Your toes need to be flexible in order for your whole foot, and body, to function properly.
Stiff Sole
The sole, or shank, of the shoes, runs the whole length of it. A supportive shoe will have a stiff shank that won’t allow you to fold the shoes in half. A good shoe will feel stiff when you hold it lengthwise and bend each end up. This will ensure you’re being provided adequate support.
Speaking of the sole, the shoe should also have a sturdy enough sole to help absorb the shock of hard surfaces when you walk. Any shock not absorbed by the shoe means your body will take it, and that’s hard on the spongy cartilage and discs that protect the bones of your ankles, knees, hips, and spine.
Caring for your body means providing it with adequate support and one of the first places that happens is with your shoes! If you have questions about the right kind of shoe for your needs, ask a chiropractor at The Joint!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
