At Foot Solutions, we know that taking care of your feet is an important step in looking after your general well-being, and good foot health supports good general health as you age. Footwear that is comfortable and supportive can transform how your feet feel, and correcting alignment issues can take the pressure off your feet as you walk and run.
Let’s take a look at how to maintain foot wellness and why this is so important.
What is Foot Wellness?
Foot wellness is all about maintaining the feet, from daily care to choosing the right footwear for support and comfort. Foot wellness enables us to prevent and treat common foot conditions, improve mobility and promote wellbeing.
Foot health affects your entire body because your feet are essential to the way your whole body moves. If you are experiencing foot pain or have a condition such as bunions, corns or plantar fasciitis, we can help you find the solutions that work for you and improve your foot wellness.
Taking Care of Your Feet
Many simple steps will help to keep your feet in good condition and maintain your health:
- Build balance and stability. Keeping your feet strong is the key to maintaining your balance and stability as you age, and this is the best way to prevent falls and keep you active. There are many exercises you can do to build strength in your feet, such as calf raises and circling the ankles, as well as maintaining your regular exercise routine including cardio and weights. You should aim to exercise every day, raising your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, at least five times per week. It helps if you enjoy your exercise regime, so choose forms of exercise you love and work out with friends to make the most of the social experience!
- Be aware of alignment. If the bones, joints and ligaments of the feet are not aligned properly, you are likely to experience pain or discomfort in the feet or in the knees, hips or lower back. If you have noticed that your feet roll in as you walk or run (over-pronation) or roll out (supination), you may find that supportive footwear or custom-made orthotics make a big difference to your alignment and to the way your feet and lower body feel.
- Look after your feet daily. Washing and drying your feet daily is an important part of your self-care routine, and you should take the chance to check for any wounds or potential problems at the same time. It is important to dry carefully between your feet, and you can use a good foot cream to moisturise and give your feet a mini-massage to keep the skin soft and supple.
- Take care of your toenails. You should keep your toenails short and tidy, trimming them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Pay attention to the health of your toenails, as fungal infections can develop here and will require medical treatment to resolve.
- Wear good shoes. Wearing good, supportive shoes may just be the key to protecting your feet from painful foot conditions and maintaining wellness. Shoes that are fitted by a professional will be well suited to the shape of your feet and the way they move, and will protect your feet against injury and misalignment. At Foot Solutions, we have a great range of high-quality, supportive shoes, sandals and sports trainers that feel great on your feet.
Why Foot Wellness Matters More After 50
As we age, we notice various changes to our health and wellbeing, and this includes the feet. The natural fat pads of the feet become thinner, and the circulation slows down, and this can have a negative impact on our general health. Maintaining mobility is a great way to improve the health of the feet and prevent falls, and taking care of your feet ticks all the boxes here.
The skin of the feet and the toenails also tend to change as we age, and it is essential to pay attention to your self-care routine and make any necessary alterations. If you have a problem such as an ingrown toenail, seek professional advice rather than trying to resolve the problem yourself, as this can cause further damage to the feet. Conditions such as bunions and hammertoes are more likely to affect us as we age, and these can compromise mobility and cause pain.
Common Signs Your Feet Need Attention
So how do we know when to seek professional advice to maintain foot wellness? There are a few signs that can indicate underlying health conditions, and it is vital to seek help from a medical professional if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness or tingling. If you notice numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the feet, this may indicate nerve damage and should be addressed immediately. If you are diabetic, you should speak with your healthcare team as soon as you notice this.
- Uneven swelling. If you notice swelling or pain and redness in one foot or leg, this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, and this is an urgent medical condition.
- Wounds that don’t heal. If you have a wound or blister that is very slow to heal, you are at risk of infection, and you should seek medical help, especially if you have diabetes.
- Persistent pain. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or pain that continues when you are resting, you should see a medical professional to rule out a stress fracture or ruptured tendon. These can develop over time and cause serious problems, so early diagnosis is very important, as well as investigating other conditions such as arthritis, which could also be the cause of your pain.
If you are worried about any developing issues with your feet, you should book an appointment with a Foot Wellness Expert or seek help from a medical professional. If you have an underlying condition such as diabetes, you should work closely with your healthcare team to ensure that your feet stay healthy.
Find Comfortable Shoes at Foot Solutions
Visit us at Foot Solutions to try our full range of high-quality, supportive shoes, including sandals, casual shoes and more formal styles, and find the perfect fit for your feet. If you are experiencing foot pain, we will work with you to identify the cause of this and find the best solution for you and your lifestyle.
Our team of Foot Wellness Experts can provide services including gait analysis and custom-made orthotics, and we would love to book you in for a free foot assessment to find out more. Looking after your feet can support you in maintaining your health and general wellbeing as you age, so book an appointment online or pop in and visit our friendly team in your local Foot Solutions store.
