Let’s start from the ground up and give some love to your faithful feet for Foot Health Awareness Month. Whatever your day includes, your feet are essential to your overall health and well being. When your feet are healthy, the rest of your body also enjoys the benefits.
Just like a well built home, a strong foundation is critical to the integrity of the structure. Your feet are just as important to your body and actually help you to stay healthy. Since the body is so incredibly intertwined, problems with your feet can affect your back, knees and hips. Known as the kinetic chain, certain joints can affect one another while in motion. The feet are at the base and each joint above them are like a link in the chain. When that chain is running smoothly your body remains healthy. When the alignment is off, there is a kink in that chain that can cause knee, hip and back pain.
According to the Ontario Society of Chiropodists, Seventy-five percent of Canadians will experience foot health problems of varying degrees of severity at some point in their lives. It is not uncommon for people of all walks of life to experience foot pain caused by: bunions, corns, calluses, and plantar fasciitis (to name just a few!). Even though these conditions are common, you don’t have to adjust to discomfort. There are preventative and corrective measures to keep your feet healthy.
TIPS FOR HEALTHY FEET
Stay Hydrated
Your organs and muscles need a sufficient amount of water to operate efficiently. When you’re dehydrated, your muscles don’t function well which can result in the discomfort caused by foot cramps. Keeping your feet hydrated also includes moisturizing them regularly after a bath or shower to lock in the moisture. Taking off your shoes after an intense workout will also help to cool down your feet to reduce sweating and dehydration.
Remain Active
It’s always a good idea to remain physically active, especially for the sake of your feet. Regular exercise can reduce swelling and pain in the feet caused by lymphedema. Walking and running are effective ways to encourage the blood to flow properly and adequately support your body. In particular, walking helps to relieve the tension caused from excessive strain on your feet and joints.
Replace Shoes Regularly
Whether you’re walking or running, what you wear on your feet makes a big difference. Your shoes literally take the shock of every step you take and should be replaced each year depending on your level of activity. Utilize your smartphone and download fitness apps to track your activity and steps as a reminder to replace your shoes after a certain amount of kilometres. If you wear orthotics, remember to check in with your chiropodist to get the support you need for new shoes. In addition to treating various foot conditions, a chiropodist can also assess your feet and recommend the best footwear for you. Whether you have wide, narrow or flat feet, getting the right shoes can prevent discomfort and improve function.
Check Your Feet
Your feet pound the pavement and carry you through the day, so keep an eye on them! Make it a daily habit to examine your feet after having a shower or bath. Pay special attention to any bruising or scarring in addition to any sore spots. The condition of your feet could relate to other health issues. When in doubt, consult a certified chiropodist or podiatrist to figure out why your feet hurt.
DISCOVER MORE
You can continue exploring the amazing connection between your feet and your overall well-being in this informative webinar: Keeping Your Feet Healthy While at Home with HealthCasa Registered chiropodist, Simone Orlan.
Simone speaks in depth about:
How foot pain can affect your knees, hips and back
The importance of proper footwear for home and outside
Common foot conditions and treatment options
Essential foot exercises and stretches
Foot hygiene tips
THE HEALTHCASA DIFFERENCE
Have you been experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back but you’re not sure where to start? HealthCasa is dedicated to connecting busy and health conscious Canadians with certified practitioners across Toronto.
Book an appointment with one of our Registered Chiropodists or Podiatrists in the safety and comfort of your home and get a better understanding of your specific needs, your foot type and some individualized footwear recommendations.
To learn more about HealthCasa’s full suite of health and wellness services, visit: https://www.healthcasa.com/. In addition to fully customized orthotics, discover all of the benefits of Chiropody, Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Registered Massage Therapy in the comfort and safety of your home. If you live in the Greater Toronto or Hamilton area, certified practitioners are available 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for your personalized appointment with Covid-19 precautions in place.
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