Is there a connection between footwear and foot health?

In the determination of over-all health, the feet seldom makes it to the top of the checklist for physical examination.  It is a fact that the feet are the most overlooked outer part of the body probably because they are usually covered.  People often forget that the feet perform one of the most difficult functions of the body since it carries the whole weight of a person.

Proper Foot Care

Basic foot care consists of keeping the feet clean by washing with soap and water and drying them properly with a clean cloth or towel.  It is important to clean feet regularly and to dry them properly to avoid fungal infection particularly in between the toes.  They also need to be moisturized with lotion to prevent from cracking although the areas in between the toes are best avoided, again to avoid infection.  Regular trimming of toenails is also required.  Cutting toenails straight across is recommended to prevent ingrown nails which can be very painful and inconvenient.

Foot Concerns

The feet needs to be examined for cuts, scratches, blisters, corns, calluses, warts, and discolored toenails.  Other foot concerns that should not be taken lightly include cracking, redness, swelling, bruising, or discoloration such as bluish/blackish skin.  Pain and other unusual occurrences seen on the feet should not be ignored.  The best person to consult is a podiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of foot disorders including the ankle and the leg structures.

Foot problems can be a sign of more serious health conditions.  There are three main health issues that are usually seen in connection with foot problems.  These are peripheral arterial disease where fatty substances build up in the leg arteries, rheumatoid arthritis/gout wherein the body’s natural defenses mistakenly attacks the joints, and diabetes which results to damaged nerves and blood vessels due to excess sugar.

Footwear and Foot Health

Even in the absence of more serious diseases,  common foot problems should be given proper attention to ensure that the condition will not get aggravated. The more common foot problems include flat feet, athlete’s foot, hammer toes, bunion, corns and calluses, ingrown nails, fungus infection, and plantar warts.  These conditions can usually be avoided or mitigated, depending on the nature, with proper foot hygiene or proper footwear.

Ill-fitting shoes are the primary cause of foot pain not connected to any other disease.  A lot of foot problems of people could be avoided by just knowing what kind of shoes is best for their feet.  It is also highly beneficial to know how to shop for the proper shoes.

Finding the Proper Shoes

People will know that they have found the proper footwear when they feel they have attained maximized fit and absence of discomfort.  If total absence of discomfort is not possible since shoes generally constrict feet no matter how excellently made they are, then the aim is to find the pair that will offer the least amount of discomfort. There will also be a need to be aware of foot type so that the right support can be obtained especially in conditions such as flat feet.

Human feet tend to lengthen and widen as people age.  It is therefore not always safe to presume that the size that has been used for the past years will still provide the perfect fit in the present time.  The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon when feet have naturally swelled.

My Say

Shoes are never broken-in.  They should fit right when bought.  Comfort should not be sacrificed for fashion.  Fortunately, there are many shoes that have been specifically made to provide both.  Gone were the days when flat-footed people had to content themselves with bulky and ugly shoes.

A more recent innovation in footwear is the scented shoes.  One brand has been infused with a sweet bubble gum smell which is expected to last for several months while another features a fruit-scented heel for the purpose of keeping feet fresh.  Clearly, footwear will continue to evolve which would be best if fashion and foot health are considered in the same breath.

Pretty and sweet-smelling Melissa shoes