As you should already be aware, your feet are a vital component of everyday life. Without fully function and fully healthy feet, it would be impossible to hold down a good job or complete many of life’s basic tasks. In fact, you’d probably find it difficult to get around and might even be confined to a wheelchair. This is something that nobody wants in their foreseeable future. So, what can you do to ensure your feet remain healthy and strong? The answer is very simple. Follow the tips below and you’ll have little to no trouble keeping your feet in immaculate shape.
Never Buy Secondhand Footwear
Regardless, if you are on a budget and in dire need of a new pair of shoes, it is never a good idea to invest in used footwear. Especially if you already have common feet issues like plantar fasciitis and heel spur. In this case, it should be your best interest to get proper shoes with good arch support. The only time secondhand footwear would be acceptable is if the shoes are brand new and have never been worn. Once someone wears a pair of shoes for several weeks or months, the insoles and other components will tend to replicate the feet. For instance, your weight presses down on the insole and over time, it will create a permanent indention that replicates the sole of your feet. The shoes will no longer be suitable for anyone else.
Pamper Your Feet
Washing and cleaning are necessities. This is true for all parts of your body, including your hands, hair, and feet. Unfortunately, a lot of people neglect their feet, since they’re so difficult to reach in the shower. This will ultimately lead to problems in the future. To ensure that your feet remain healthy, you’ll want to step up your hygienic practices. Every time you jump in the shower, you should wash your feet with soap and water. Subsequently, it is vital to make sure that your feet are dried thoroughly. Fungus craves moisture! If you slip your feet into socks and shoes while wet, you’ll be at a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
Finally, be sure to keep your nails trimmed. This will help you avoid scratches and bloody toes.
Massage The Feet Regularly
Wouldn’t you absolutely love a nice foot massage? You’re not the only one. The good news is that there is plenty of justification for paying for a foot massage. Pampering yourself is one reason and keep your feet strong and healthy is another. Getting frequent foot massages can be very beneficial and helpful for keeping your feet in good health. This is the case because foot massages can increase blood flow to the feet, promote faster healing and diminish scar tissue.
For maximum impact, you should make sure that your feet are massaged with essential oils. Some of these oils possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, you’ll reap the benefits of the oil and the massage. And of course, the massage will feel outstanding as well.
Obtain Sufficient Vitamins And Minerals
Certain vitamins and minerals are pertinent for healthy feet. One of the most important is calcium. According to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, the average American should acquire at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Pregnant women should obtain a minimum of 1,300 milligrams. Calcium plays a vital role in keeping your bones strong! Eating dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, is one of the easiest ways to acquire more calcium. If you cannot get a sufficient amount of calcium from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements.
Vitamin D is also a good addition to your diet. This vital vitamin can help the body absorb calcium more efficiently. Again, the AOFAS recommends that each consumer acquires at least 400 to 1,000 IU of Vitamin D each and every day. Vitamin D supplements are available. Just remember to speak with your primary physician before adding a supplement to your daily intake.
Eating The Right Foods
Most people are aware of the basics of keeping their feet healthy. They understand that wearing the right shoes, washing regularly and getting their nails trimmed will be enormously important. However, many people fail to realize that proper nutrition is just as important as the aforementioned tasks. If you do not eat the right foods, you’re going to experience a wealth of problems and many will directly impact your feet and toes. Certain foods can undeniably help to promote healthy feet.
Make sure you consume plenty of cherries, spinach, nuts, and salmon. Not only as these foods downright delicious, but they also contain nutrients that will keep your feet strong and healthy. Simultaneously, you should do your best to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can place a greater amount of pressure on your joints, legs, and feet. Keep yourself fit and thin and your feet will remain strong as well.
Choosing The Best Socks
When it comes to keeping your feet healthy and strong, socks are without a doubt one of the most important factors that you need to consider, besides shoes. If you like to keep active and go for daily hikes or runs, you probably oftentimes find your feet sweating. Cotton-only socks and moisture do not go together very well, as they tend to run the feet and cause blisters. Choose a sock that was specifically designed for wicking away moisture and reducing friction. Merlion wool, nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene are excellent materials for the feet and, oftentimes preferred by many athletes.
Practice Yoga Poses To Increase Foot Posture
Do you remember when you were little and your mother used to say, “Don’t slouch and sit up straight”? This is because she did not want you to adapt to bad posturing practices that could lead to back and spine problems down the line. Well, the same thing can be said for your feet. If you are not walking or standing with the appropriate posture, you will develop bad habits that will lead to major foot damage.
However, partaking in certain yoga exercises and practices several times a week not only increases foot strength and flexibility, but also can help correct those bad posturing habits that you have adapted to over the years.
Conclusion
Making the wrong lifestyle choices can take a toll on your health and it can be detrimental to your feet. With this in mind, it is pertinent to make sure you go above and beyond to keep your feet in immaculate condition. Treat them with kindness and care. Give your feet and toes a little tender love and care. They’ll reward you by keeping your mobile and always ready to go. Just remember to wash regularly and eat healthy. This will go a long way towards keeping your feet in perfect condition!
Source: healthable, fixmywalk