How To Prevent Foot Pain
Throughout your life, you will walk 100,000 miles. For many people, this number is higher. It is like circling the globe four times. Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. So, it is smart to protect them. Don’t wait until they start hurting. Prevent foot pain now!
There are several things you can do to prevent foot pain. In fact, when you support them, they can better hold you up better.
Steps to Prevent Foot Pain
Maintain a healthy weight
Your feet bear the weight of your body. Therefore, it goes without saying that they would have to work harder. Keeping your weight down helps support your feet. There is less pressure on the joints. And, there is less impact on the feet and ankles. All it takes is 20 pounds to change foot function. This increases the force on the feet significantly. And you will feel pain. Try low-impact sports like swimming for weight loss.
Boost flexibility
As you age, your calf muscles tighten. This increases stress on the balls of your feet. And stretching your calves will prevent this. Therefore, you should regularly get up to stretch those muscles. Stand with your toes on a step. Your heels should be hanging off the edge. Slowly lower your heels and count to ten. Then lift back to the starting position. Repeat this five or ten times. You can do one foot at a time, if it is too much for both feet.
Say no to high heels
High-heels make an outfit feel great. But they also make your feet feel pain. Just one hour can cause real pain. And pointy-toed shoes can cause bunions, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Ouch! The high angle in the heel wreaks havoc on your calves and ankles. Not to mention, the lack of support when walking can cause serious injury. Wear shoes that fit.
Also, see Is Your Shoe Choice The Reason Behind Foot Pain?
Wear shoes that fit
Chances are you have not measured your feet in a while. You should. You are likely wearing the wrong size.
Many people are wearing the same size they have been for 30 years. But, your feet change as you age. Tight-fitting shoes can cause pain, bunions, calluses, and more. You should always get your shoes from a store. You need to be able to try them on. Only buy over the internet if you bought the exact pair previously. Have your feet measured by a shoe store. If they are unequal sizes, fit to the larger one. Leave ½ inch of wiggle room at the toes. If shopping, do so in the afternoon. Your feet swell during the day. This gives you a more accurate fit.
Sit during breaks
Sitting all day is a bad idea. However, standing all day is also not good for you. Therefore, you need a combination of the two. If you stand all day for work, take breaks, and sit. Choose a seated meal instead of running errands. Your feet will need the rest.
Trim toenails properly
Ingrown toenails are a common cause of foot pain. The edge of your nail grows into your skin. Sounds painful, and it is. You can avoid this with a proper toenail trimming routine. Cut your toenails straight. And use clean, sharp clippers. Also, be sure not round the edges when you cut your nails!
Stay hydrated
Many people forget this. However, dehydration can be bad for many aspects of your health. And this includes your feet. Foot cramps can be extremely painful. Plus, they come on suddenly. In fact, dehydration is the top cause of foot cramps. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent this. Increase fluid intake during exercise. Cramping also happens from potassium deficiency. So, eat plenty of bananas and spinach.
In addition, for more foot pain prevention tips or to visit a world-renowned foot doctor, call 888-409-8006. Our offices are conveniently located throughout South Florida.