Taking care of your feet is important because they are the foundation of the body. They allow you to walk, run and play. If we don’t take care of our feet, we could end up regretting it in the long term. Do you know how to effectively take care of your feet so that you can enjoy your mobility for years to come? Here’s a guide to help you out.
Note: Are you an athlete or a weekend warrior living in Oakville or Burlington and you know you do not perform at your peak? Check with our physiotherapists from the Oakville and Burlington physio clinics.
Why take care of your feet?
The ankles and feet are so important for mobility, however, it is often neglected. Not taking care of your feet can lead to significant problems down the line. Your feet take on wear and tear throughout the years from uncomfortable shoes, injury, or overuse. Foot issues can pile on as you age, eventually leading to mobility issues (such as pain when walking) or stability issues (such as falling over). You need to take care of your feet to prevent injury to yourself and to keep you on your feet well into your golden years.
It is also important to take care of the skin around your feet. If your heel is dry, the skin can begin to crack, causing bacteria and infection to develop. Other issues that could arise with untreated feet include calluses, a painful ingrown toenail, fungal infections, a nail fungus, etc. It is therefore essential to take care of your feet to prevent and treat these issues before it’s too late.
How to take care of your feet
Luckily there are several ways you can treat your feet if/before these issues arise. Here are some tips to protect your feet.
– Use the right cushioning
Using the wrong size shoes or even the use of high heels for long periods can cause a foot problem later on. If you can’t take breaks off your feet, try adding cushioning such as gel inserts or shoe inserts to take the pressure off your joints. You can find these inserts at shoe stores.
Keep your feet dry
Too much moisture can be a bad thing. Fungal infections can occur due to excess sweat, causing conditions such as athlete’s foot. Try to change your socks as soon as possible if you are prone to excessive sweating. Consider using cool material. Remove soaked material immediately after strenuous activity and take a shower to prevent moisture buildup.
– Try a pedicure
Your feet deserve pampering, especially if you’re using them all day. Dirty feet are breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria. Make sure you wash them every day. If you don’t have time for a professional pedicure, give yourself one by cleaning between your toes and trimming your toenails. Use lotion to prevent and treat dry, cracked skin. A pumice stone is perfect to help you treat the dead skin of the heels.
– Stretch it out
Stretch your feet or modify your position often to prevent pain and injury. Pain in the leg and foot is often caused by issues such as poor circulation or bad arch support. Stretching can help you to strengthen your feet and circulation. Stretch regularly to treat these problems before they become serious issues.
– Try physiotherapy
If you suffer from pain in your feet or discomfort caused by diseases affecting the foot (such as diabetes and arthritis), a physiotherapist can help you. Physiotherapists can work specifically with your foot issues to help improve circulation in your feet and reduce pain, thereby improving your quality of life.
Taking care of your feet doesn’t have to be a chore – contact Sheddon Physiotherapy Sports Clinic in Oakvilleand Burlington for help today!
For more info, contact Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic at 905-849-4576.
We are located only 6 min East of Oakville Place and 4 min from Oakville & Milton Humane Society.
The Burlington physio clinic is located only 5 min west of Spencer Smith Park and 6 min north-west of Burlington Beach, on Plains Rd East.
