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Foot
Trouble Prevention Tips
Our feet bear a cumulative weight total of 1,000 tons a
day. And over an average lifetime carry us about 140,000
miles. Certainly our feet, bearing this enormous workload
and giving us such mileage, deserve our attentive care to
render this heroic service to us.
Steps to prevent foot troubles
» Foot troubles are the result of different causes:
heredity, injury, neglect, abuse, and shoes of faulty
design or fit. Most foot problems are preventable.
» More attentive care is important. Frequent bathing,
frequent foot massage, habitual toe wiggling and other
foot exercises. These keep the skin and muscles well
toned, which contributes to healthy, trouble-free feet.
» Shoe care is equally important. Buying the right size
width, avoiding tight or even snug fit. The foot needs and
wants "breathing" room.
» Ill-fitted or tight shoes cause compression and
friction, which in turn cause heat and excessive
perspiration, which cause odors, skin disorders and
discomfort.
» Your feet live in shoes 16 hours a day, two-thirds or
your entire lifetime. They're closer to you than your
spouse, your family and your best friend. If you're
selective about the shoes you buy and wear, they'll give
you comfort and healthy feet in return.
» Preventing Foot Trouble.
» Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly, or
have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and
primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners)
are qualified to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the
special skills of an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist
are needed.
» It also helps to keep blood circulating to your feet as
much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you
are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit
for a long while, walking, having a gentle foot massage,
or taking a warm footbath. Try to avoid pressure from
shoes that don't fit right. Try not to expose your feet to
cold temperatures. Don't sit for long periods of time
(especially with your legs crossed). Don't smoke.
» Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many
foot ailments. Here are some tips for getting a proper
shoe fit:
» The size of your feet changes, as you grow older so
always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The
best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day
when your feet are largest.
» Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other,
so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
» Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe
but by how the shoe fits your foot.
» Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
» During the fitting process, make sure there is enough
space (3/8" to 1/2")
» For your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you
are standing up.
» Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into
the widest part of the shoe.
» Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to
stretch to fit.
» Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a
minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up
and down on your heel when you walk.
» Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right.
Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet
to make sure the fit is a good one.
» The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft,
flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes
made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin
irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be
slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on
hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable,
safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes. |
