Feet are important for support. Believe it or not, but foot care is important for the health of the whole body. Healthcare professionals recognise that disorders in other parts of the body can also affect the feet – and subsequently your mobility.
The foot has a very complex and demanding structure – it consists of 26 bones, 107 ligaments, some of which are very delicate. It doesn’t take much to break a toe or an ankle.
Yet the feet are also pretty strong and resilient when you consider they carry all your body weight. To maintain your mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle, taking care of your feet is the key to walking.
#1 The Right Footwear
There is no universal guide for the perfect walking shoes. The type of shoes you need depend on ion the activity you are doing. Having said that, we have put a list of things to look for when buying walking shoes that you can use as a guide.
If you’re out walking in nature, for example, you need a pair of shoes that protect your feet and ankles from injury. Good heel support is advisable, but mostly you want shoes with a thick rubber sole that has a good grip and a well-padded interior that won’t rub against your feet and grind the skin away.
For people with sensitive skin, soft boots with lower ankle support are more amenable to your feet. However, bear in mind that the main function of quality footwear is to help you navigate the surface on which you’re walking. You may want to look into anatomical footwear or footwear with an adequate anatomical insole.
In moments when you want to relax or unwind, treat your feet the same. Standing all day, walking, and straining in tight footwear dictated by fashion trends, significantly burdens your feet. After a busy day, feet too will often require a break in a relaxing and less formal shoe.
Choose late afternoon to buy new shoes, when feet are bigger and more swollen.
#2 Foot Reflexology
It’s fair to say that not everyone will be convinced reflexology works. Yet this enduring 6000-year-old practice is beneficial for tired, heavy, swollen legs and relaxation of the whole body.
Treatment leads to positive mental and physical changes in the body by resolving the energy blockages. It leads to pain relief, better circulation, immunity, regeneration and has a relaxing, anti-inflammatory effect.
#3 Socks
Even the best hiking boots can be sturdy and heavy on the feet. Sweat, pressure points, and shear forces can lead to blisters. Your socks are the first line of defence against these types of injuries.
It’s important for socks to fit properly. If they shrink in the wash they can contribute to shear pressure and cause rubbing. When you’re out walking or performing other physical activities, you want socks that get rid of sweat – which means you can forget cotton socks.
Invest in moisture-wicking socks or anatomically designed walking socks such as merino wool. The types of socks are antibacterial and remove sweat from the surface to help avoid the growth of fungus.
It’s important to try on a new pair of hiking socks at home with your hiking boots before you go outdoors for the first time. Choose socks that can be pulled well over your boots to prevent them from slipping down and causing pressure against your lower legs.
The best hiking socks have added lining to the heel and toe area, keeping these easily pierced parts padded and comfortable.
# 4 Skin Care
If you want to avoid blisters and cracked heels combine a pleasant foot massage with some exfoliation. Use a peeling paste made of sugar and any oil during the bath and gently massage it into the feet.
After massaging the peeling paste into wet feet, wash them with warm water and apply moisturiser. Hydration is the key to soft and healthy skin and you may leave it overnight for better results.
Download the Sweatcoin app
If you are an avid walker or you’re contemplating heading for the hills, why not download the sweatcoin app and be rewarding for walking by converting your steps into digital currency which you can cash in with over 300 partners.
