Maintaining Healthy Feet

Our feet are astonishingly complicated and require a lot of work to be cared for, as we age.  With 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, there is a huge amount of complex signals and work going on, just to walk.  Which makes it hard to understand why we treat our feet so very badly.  We force our feet into shoes which are too tight.  If you are a woman, you justify wearing high heels which can look great but are terrible for many aspects of the body.  

If you want more healthy feet, you need to exercise them.  You need to pay attention to them.  You need to alternate your shoes, so that you are exercising and strengthening your feet with different foot bed in your shoes.  Wearing the same shoes all the time means that your feet are comfortable but not working hard enough to keep them strong.  It also means that you can built up fungal 

Keeping your feet strong and healthy is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and mobility. Given that our feet are the foundation upon which we stand and move, we owe it to them to look after than a little better:

1. Proper Footwear: Invest in a variety of supportive and well-fitted shoes that provide  sufficient different degrees of arch support and cushioning, as well as room for your toes to move freely. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, as they can lead to various foot problems such as bunions, corns, and blisters.
2. Regular Exercise: Just like any other part of your body, your feet benefit from regular exercise. Simple activities like walking, jogging, or participating in low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling can help improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and maintain flexibility in your feet.
3. Stretching: Incorporate stretching exercises for your feet and ankles into your daily routine. This can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Toe stretches, calf stretches, and ankle circles are some examples of beneficial exercises.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on your feet and can contribute to foot pain and various foot conditions. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can reduce the burden on your feet and lower the risk of developing foot problems.
5. Proper Foot Care: Practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes where moisture can lead to fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and remove hard dead skin on your heels and toes regularly to prevent dry, cracked skin.
6. Foot Massage: Treat your feet to regular massages to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. You can use your hands, a massage ball, or a foot roller to gently massage the soles of your feet, focusing on any areas of tension or discomfort.
7. Listen to Your Feet: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your feet, as they may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Ignoring foot pain can lead to more serious problems down the line, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe foot pain.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help keep your feet strong, healthy, and ready to support you in all your activities. Remember, taking care of your feet is an essential part of taking care of your overall health and well-being.

For more information, please take the time to listen to the following:

Peter Attia – The Drive:

https://peterattiamd.com/courtneyconley/

Ben Greenfield:  

https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/barefoot-strong-unlock-the-secrets-to-movement-longevity/

Christopher McDougall – Born to Run

https://www.chrismcdougall.com/born-to-run/