Your feet are the foundation of your movement and definitely need some TLC to keep you moving well. Here are six things you can do to take care of your feet so they can take you to all the places you want to go.
Stretch your calf muscle daily. When your calf muscles are tight your foot has to compensate by making movements that can lead to common foot conditions. The compensating movement is pronation which is the root of many problems in the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common foot condition linked to tight calf muscles. When your feet aren’t functioning right there can be consequences to the knees, hips, and back. Having your stride be as normal as possible makes for a solid foundation the rest of your body can rely on.
Avoid topical medicated products for corns and calluses, especially if you have Diabetes. Medicated pads have an acid in them that can breakdown your skin leading to an infection. It may be easy to turn to an over-the-counter remedy and yet the risks out way the benefits.
Don’t ignore foot or ankle pain that has lasted more than 2 weeks. Our experience indicates most conditions don’t resolve themselves. Get the help you need when you need it. Beginning with the educational information and products offered by Cure*ated is a way to quickly start knowing what to do for related conditions - all from the convenience of your home.
Inspect the bottom of your feet for discolorations and feel for lumps. The bottom of our feet is a common place to ignore especially when we become less limber. Although most discolorations or lumps on the bottom of your feet aren't serious or painful, it's worth having them examined for peace of mind.
Take toenail polish off periodically to inspect the color of the nails. Toenail fungus can invade even the healthiest of nails. Since most people can’t feel it, seeing that your nails look normal is important. We aren’t against polish but taking it off periodically is a good practice.
Don’t invest in high-priced inserts that aren’t custom made to your feet. Trying an inexpensive pair of inserts is one thing; spending hundreds of dollars for inserts off the shelf isn’t wise as your feet are unique. Having prescription inserts made, when indicated, increases your chances of not only resolving a foot concern but also preventing recurrences.
Pro Tip: Taking care of your feet is essential to keep you moving and they impact how the rest of your body moves. Choose one of these six ways to care for your feet to take action on today.