‘SUMMER
FOOT HEALTH’
The
foot is an incredibly intricate piece of anatomy. It bears our weight and gives
us grounding to the earth. Summer
comes along and we all just love to take our shoes off. Since being barefoot in
the public is not acceptable, we’ve turned to sandals and flip flops. Proper
care and support of the foot seems to have been relegated to the closet along
with our shoes. Flip flops and flat sandals are okay for a few hours but with
no support for the foot, you may find yourself dealing with painful heels,
crowded toes and blisters and things like bunions and hammertoes later in life.
Studies
show that 76% of all Americans experienced some kind of foot problems over the
last year and our footwear is a major contributor. Nothing will make an
individual more tired than achy feet that haven’t been properly supported and
cared for.
Most
of us are not going to give up fashion completely to wear comfortable shoes,
although we are getting more sensible about it. This summer as you step out to
play, work and just have fun, consider the following to help your feet march
through these summer days pain and injury free.
Here are some foot facts.
1.The
foot is generously equipped with 26 bones, 36 muscles, 33 joints, and a half a mile each of blood vessels
and nerves.
2.In
a typical day of walking, the foot takes about 8,000 steps.
3.
Over a lifetime, the foot walks four times around the world and withstands
force equal to several hundred tons.
If
you stand for a living can you cushion the area you stand on? Take breaks when
you can, sit and stretch, especially the legs, lower back and feet. Keep your
posture as erect as you can at all times.
If
you stand, walk or in anyway make your living by being on your feet choose
exercise programs that get you off your feet such as swimming, bicycling- floor
exercises are okay if they don’t have you pounding your feet and joints.
Don’t
wait for warts, corns and calluses to become painful before they get your
attention. If you can’t seem to find some natural method of relief think about
seeing a foot doctor.
Many
shoes that feel uncomfortable can be made to feel much more comfortable with
the use of flexible supports for your arch. Dr Scholl’s make a good one- I’ve
found them at Walgreen’s.
At
the end of a long day try a footbath of baking soda, vinegar and Epson salts.
Soak l0-l5 minutes in hot or warm water whatever feels best. Dry the feet
briskly with a towel then massage with lotion or oil. Knead the feet giving the
sore spots more attention. Your feet and your body will repay you for your kind
attention.
Get
a foot is massage. It not only rejuvenates that feet but also brings relief
throughout your entire body. Till next time, Rebecca.
6/25/09