Take Care of Your Feet This Summer With Chiropractic
By Rachel Carver
For many of us, summer means sandals, fun heels, or even wearing no shoes at all. However, taking care of our feet can prevent foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or corns.
Healthy feet help us live active lives. The average person takes 10,000 steps per day, equaling 3 million steps per year. Activities such as climbing stairs or steep inclines add 4-6 times our body weight to the ankle joint. Each human foot has 26 bones and 33 joints. Unhealthy feet negatively impact the knees, hips, and lower back.
Here are some chiropractic tips to keep your feet healthy.
Stretch Your Feet and Ankles Daily
It is common to stretch after the alarm goes off before hopping out of bed. Arms, legs, and backs feel stiff, but our feet and ankles benefit from regular stretching also.
Perform some toe curls and foot twirls before you start walking for the day. And don't forget to stretch your feet and ankles before you exercise. It is easy to strain these muscles if they are not prepared for intense physical activity.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Your feet will need to carry you an average of 115,000 miles throughout your life. Extra body weight will add more pressure to your feet, which can cause heel pain, stress fractures, and circulatory problems. Keep your weight steady with a healthy diet, an exercise routine you enjoy, and by making it a point to move throughout your day.
Choose Comfort Over Fashion
It is easy to slip on sandals as you start a walk. And you might have heels that match your favorite dress perfectly. However, you always want your feet to have quality support.
Walking shoes are different from racket sports footwear. Think about the activity before you select your shoes. Your feet will thank you.
Regularly Replace Your Footwear
The type of footwear and the amount of use determine replacement time. Walking and workout shoes should be replaced every six months. When worn too long, these shoes can cause foot and heel pain when the inside of the shoe deteriorates. Dress shoes that see only occasional use can be used longer.
Visit the Chiropractor
Chiropractors are best known for addressing neck pain, back issues, and headaches. However, a chiropractic adjustment can relieve pain in many other joints, including your feet and ankles.
Head to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you if you have any foot or ankle pain. You want to address any pain or discomfort right away to avoid limitations on activities such as walking or standing for long periods of time. The Joint team will set you on a path toward recovery.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pasadena, Tex.