One of the most vital parts of your body is your feet. They provide freedom of movement, get you where you need to go, and aid in maintaining your health through physical activity. However, until you suffer an injury or other issue, it’s simple to take your feet for granted.
Everyone needs to take care of their feet. Most of us don’t give our feet much thought, but maintaining good foot health is crucial to maintaining good health throughout the body. For those with diabetes, foot health is even more critical. The following advice will help you maintain or improve the health of your feet and your range of motion.
- Wear the appropriate footwear for the intended activity
When it comes to shoes, there are many options. You might want to get the most use possible out of your shoes, but walking shoes and running shoes can differ significantly. And no, the shoe industry isn’t just using this as a gimmick to entice you to buy more shoes. Running and walking shoes are different because of the other movements. Runners and walkers use additional foot strikes and weight distributions. While walkers only use one or two times their weight per step, runners use two to three times their weight.
Each type of footwear has features designed specifically to meet the demands of your feet. You can find shoes suitable for walking and casual, non-competitive running, but if you plan to run or walk long distances, you should look for shoes designed for that purpose. Additionally, suppose you plan to play other multi-directional sports like pickleball, tennis, or basketball. In that case, you should consider wearing shoes with medial or lateral stability for motions that aren’t supported by running or walking shoes.
- Don’t wear bare feet indoors
While wearing no shoes at home might seem sensible, doing so increases your risk of injury and mishap. Wearing the proper shoes is especially important if you have foot issues, back issues, or a chronic condition like diabetes. Wear shoes that offer defense, stance, arch support, and cushioning.
- Carefully and frequently trim your nails
Trim your nails occasionally, but not too much. Too-short nails can become ingrown and lead to pain or infection. The best way to cut nails is straight across, followed by carefully filing the edges. A podiatrist can help if you are unable to cut your nails. If you go to a nail salon, instruct the staff not to over-file your skin or clip your toenails too short.
- Do replace scuffed shoes
Shoes for running and walking have a finite lifespan. You are wearing down their tread, support, and cushioning with each step. Foot, knee, and leg pain and other injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, can result from wearing shoes past their prime. Regularly inspect your shoes for deterioration. Don’t throw them away if it’s time to part ways. Think about giving your shoes to an athletic retailer or local recycling facility. Track surfaces and playground surfaces are made in large part from recycled shoes.
