Put Your Best Foot Forward
Whether you have foot issues or not, comfortable shoes should always be high on your priority list. That said there are millions of Americans walking around with foot issues, many of which could have likely been prevented with a little bit more effort to preserve their feet.
Many people will wear a pair of shoes until they are literally falling apart. While that might save them some money (at least in their minds), it can ultimately lead to more expenses in terms of needing to see a podiatrist.
In the event you have been missing out on footwear made for comfort, take some time to see what different shoe brands are out there, something that you won’t end up regretting when all is said and done.
Find shoes that work
So that you can hopefully avoid having to see a podiatrist on a regular basis, here are some tips to taking better care of your feet:
- Don’t ignore problems – First and foremost, don’t ignore foot issues. Sure, a blister here and there is one thing, but having serious foot pain is another. Be sure to have your doctor check out any serious issues with your feet. If he or she feels you need to see a podiatrist, do it. Letting foot pain go can lead to bigger problems down the road. Although some individuals will battle chronic foot pain much of their adult lives, other problems can be nipped in the bud if action is taken early on;
- Get properly fitted for footwear – While you might think that wearing shoes until they literally have holes in them is the way to go, you are certainly asking for trouble. From blisters to potentially stepping on a sharp object (nails, glass etc.), worn shoes can present you with a big problem. Throw in the fact that worn shoes can cause major discomfort for your feet, you could end up spending much more money in the long run than you might think. Just like you check (or are at least are supposed to) your toothbrush and other important items every few months for wear and tear, do likewise with your footwear;
- Get the proper exercise – While you may not (and quite possibly should not) be able to run marathons every month, proper exercise for your feet is important. One of the best and simplest exercises is walking. With a regular walking routine in place, you can lessen the odds of your feet presenting you with problems over time. Not only does walking do the rest of your body good, but your feet will get a good workout in the process too. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear each and every time you head out for a walk. Also make sure that you have comfortably fitting socks on for each walk, as socks play an important role in keeping your feet healthy. Try to pace your walks so that you are not overdoing it at any point and time. For example, walking a mile for several days, and then extending that to five miles a few days later is too much of a jump. Put together a walking schedule that gradually increases over time, thereby allowing you to avoid potential foot problems;
- Taking care of normal foot matters – You don’t have to see a podiatrist in order to do the basic care for your feet. Make sure toenails are properly trimmed, take care of any developing blisters and keep your feet moisturized at all times. The last item is especially important given how dried out feet can become in such a short period of time. If you do suspect a problem is developing, don’t wait until it gets too bad to see your family doctor and/or a podiatrist.
Given how many miles your feet will cover over your lifetime, it is imperative that you do your best to take care of them. In doing so, your feet will serve you well over that time.
With 2016 winding down, now would be a good time to assess how your feet are doing. If you notice any problems, take care of them now, not when you have to hobble into a doctor’s office.
Article by Jessica Socheski
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.