Putting Your Best Foot Forward

When we shower, most of us wash our feet as part of an ad hoc routine, not generally paying much attention to them. According to chiropodists, however, it's high time we noticed them and did more than just run the soapy sponge across them. Here are a few ways to better care for your feet.



1. Protect the balls of your feet when wearing high heels - According to the Foot Care Experts, wearing gel inserts that provide extra cushion beneath the balls of your feet can aid in relieving discomfort. Due to the design of high heels, all of the body's weight gets placed on the balls of the feet when wearing them. Having extra padding can alleviate and reduce foot pain.



2. Performing foot strengthening exercises can help to prevent foot pain - Since our feet support the weight of our entire body, it is important that they are as strong as they can be. Proper circulation and strong bones and muscles in the feet can ensure that our feet do not suffer from strain or discomfort. Perform foot exercises to increase ankle and arch support, muscle tone and flexibility.



3. Foot hygiene begins with a thorough cleaning - Feet should be cleaned at least once a day. Take care to thoroughly wash your feet with soapy, warm water in between each toe, underneath and on top up to your ankles. Daily washing of your feet can prevent odours and the build-up of bacteria.



4. Trim your toenails properly to prevent pain - Trimming your toenails properly and maintaining short and clean toenails can prevent a host of foot ailments including in-growing toenails and foot fungus. Be sure to clip your toenails with purpose-designed nail clippers and to refrain from picking and pulling at your toenails.



5. To prevent muscular workload from building and causing your feet to hurt, stay mobile - When we are mobile, our feet hurt less. That's because as we consistently move, it is more difficult for our muscles and pressure from our body's weight to weigh down on our feet. Walking every so often will help to prevent foot pain if you have to stand for a long period of time.



6. Running shoes are essential for running and optimum foot care - Shoes, although we don't think about it, have specific purposes. The thickness of soles and the way shoes are built reflect the activities that they will be worn during. It is important to wear running shoes and not just trainers, if you will be doing any running or jogging. Running shoes are often specially designed to cope with the weight of our bodies and are essential for running, since, when we run, the pressure exerted on our feet can exceed our body weight by four times!