How to Keep Your Feet Healthy
By Sara Butler
Your feet are your foundation. You may not put a lot of thought into how to keep them healthy, but there's no time like the present to start! Staying active is important for your overall health, but it can be tough on your feet. Here are some tips to help you start caring for your feet to help you stay healthy and stop foot pain in its tracks.
Get Comfortable
You should wear supportive shoes that are comfortable as much as possible. Sure, high heels and fancy dress shoes are sometimes a must, but it's important to wear shoes with proper support that fit well as much as you possibly can. And forget the flip-flops too. You need arch support and shoes that will stay on your feet securely.
Get to Know Your Feet
When your dogs are barking, it's time to pay attention. Whether you recognize it or not, your feet are giving you subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) clues about their health and the things you put them through. Look for cuts, swelling, tenderness, blisters, or sores and takes steps to figure out what is causing them.
Take a Stand
Make sure throughout your day that you try to alternate sitting, moving, and standing as much as possible. If you work in a setting that requires a lot of sitting, then make sure to get up and move at least once per hour. If you stand a lot each day, make sure you take a break regularly and sit. If possible, get a mat to help soften the surface you must stand on all day.
Lighten Up
One of the most important things you can do for your foot health is to reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Added pounds put more stress and strain on your knees, feet, and back, so lighten up if you need to in order to help reduce the stress your body is under.
Get Into Cross-Training
If you exercise regularly, then good for you! But don't stick to just one activity. Instead, make sure to cross-train to help avoid repetitive injuries to your feet. Mix up your activities and have fun while you're at it!
Don't Forget Your Feet!
When you are warming up and cooling down before and after exercise, don't neglect your lower legs and feet. Include specific stretches and movements that target these areas in your routine.
You wouldn't let the foundation of your house crumble, so don't neglect your body's foundation -- your feet!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Madison, Wis.