I don't know about you, but at this time of year, its all about the cosy slippers!
Feet are funny things. My Mum would also get mine measured so I had proper fitting shoes, then as soon as I was old enough to buy my own, I crammed them into anything - the higher the better - and I could walk for miles in them. When did that stop? How?... I wish I could do that now.
And why do I continue to buy uncomfortable shoes and then continue to wear the same old comfy ones? Probably because I refuse to age gracefully, but I mean, can a girl ever have too many shoes? Even if some of them rarely see the light of day?
Did you know though that if our shoes are too tight, we not only risk bacteria developing, but also bad posture when walking. Our feet can make us pay dearly for not taking care of them. It goes without saying that they are essential in our daily life, so it is strongly advised to ensure that our feet remain healthy to preserve our mobility and their aesthetic appearance.
Why should you take care of your feet?
It seems anecdotal, but we tend to only realise how important our feet are when they start to hurt us. Unhealthy feet are synonymous with:
difficulty walking, regardless of age, even if you are still young
pain during physical activities and sports
appearance of calluses, cracks, calluses or corns
development of yeast infection, warts, bad odours
ingrown toenails
hallux valgus (deformity of the foot)
Our feet are the seat of our balance. They are essential for us to move around correctly but also not to suffer even in a static position, which is why we must pay special attention.
Choosing the right shoes
The choice of shoe is very often only subject to a search for aesthetics, and not for the well-being of our feet! Yet we wear our shoes and socks all day. And the soles of the shoes are often unsuitable, because they are not personalised according to the shape of your foot. In an ideal world it is advisable to go to an orthopedist in order to have an orthopedic sole made which will fit perfectly to the shape of your feet. There is also a type of sole for flat feet, very useful because the shape of this type of foot induces a lack of flexibility. Wearing a sole is essential to make walking more comfortable. It will also help you to avoid any future problems.
Washing our feet
Seems obvious, right? But you should ensure you are thorough and should not be reduced to a simple quick shower. This is even more true if you are prone to intense sweating. By cleaning your feet well, you reduce the chances of bacteria and fungi taking hold. Here are some tips for effective cleaning:
Do not wash with too hot water, it is useless and tends to swell the foot. Instead, opt for cool or lukewarm water which will activate blood circulation and deflate the foot.
Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and run your finger between your toes to get rid of bacteria.
Rinse well, then dry with a clean cloth and especially between the toes.
Then apply a cream specially designed for the feet to hydrate the skin and make it more supple. This will reduce cracks and dry skin. Concentrate especially on the heel, the arch of the foot and the top of the foot. Avoid moisturiser between the toes. You can learn more about podiatry at The Foot & Ankle Clinic.
To have healthy feet and great looking feet, you need to take care of them and provide them with well-being on a regular basis, not just when they hurt.
Love Tx