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.
lily
Comfort should really be our first priority when buying shoes. I agree that shoes should not be broken in! Before, I thought that what I buy in stores will soon feel comfortable to wear once I used them for a couple of days. Unfortunately, my feet have to suffer during those days. Worst, some shoes never give that comfy feeling even after weeks of using them!
Teresa Martinez
Yes, I learned that too from experience and suffered for it dearly.
haringlakbay
I love my new ‘Happy Feet’ shoes. It’s so comfortable and convenient. This post is very helpful in looking for the best and ‘healthy’ shoes for everyone.
Teresa Martinez
Thanks I hope you found something in this post that will be of use to you.
Melandria Romero
honestly, if there is one part of my body that i don’t want is my feet, i hate it because it’s not beautiful 🙂
Teresa Martinez
We know what most will say, find our asset and magnify it instead of covering our less-preferred features.
claire
These are really helpful when finding the right shoes and of course in caring for our feet. I am guilty of this 🙂 lol.
Teresa Martinez
Everyone one of us can make bad choices once in a while.
ralph
a bubble gum flavored shoes, now that’s new… i just usually stepped on them, clumsy me… haha. our feet are really important as much as every part of our body… and taking care of them is a must. thanks for all the inputs. Yahweh bless.
Teresa Martinez
Actually, its bubblegum-scented shoes. Adding scents is just one of the latest innovation in shoe making.
MsAirra Pingol
Comfort should not be sacrificed for fashion. —> I would have to remember this everytime I buy heels.
Teresa Martinez
Sometimes our love for fashion makes us forget the consequence of making poor choices until they take their revenge through pain.
Cai
I’m prone to blisters, even melissa shoes give me blisters. ;(
Teresa Martinez
The more you should be looking into finding the right shoes for your feet
Eunice Alcala (@gracekellyish)
I really have to keep these pointers in mind since I’m always in heels. I admit that I oftentimes forget that my feet likewise need to rest too. 🙁
Teresa Martinez
We sometimes sacrifice comfort for fashion. Fortunately, the styles of comfortable shoes of today also consider aesthetics.
amayachika
I agree with this. In running we have shoes to use in order our feet will not suffer from discomfort. In fashion, different shoes are used to give statement with what you’re going to portray.
Teresa Martinez
There is no reason for us to punish our feet since there are suitable shoes for every activity we would like to do.
jane
scented shoes and socks would be great idea! Spcially i walk in high heels for hours they get sweaty as well hehe great info! xx
Teresa Martinez
It would appear that shoe and socks manufacturers are looking for ways to make their products more useful.
Destination: Davao
It’s my first time to know that Melissa shoes are scented. I’m not a fan of the brand, though, because I find them really expensive. But if someone has problems with stinky feet and shoes, I think they should probably invest on those scented ones.
Teresa Martinez
It is a “pricy” brand. I mentioned it in the post because of its unique scent feature as it is not common to footwear.
Ness
I agree with your post. For me, comfort is always the first thing. Even for my high heels, it should fit my feet well.
Teresa Martinez
Comfort and style- the best combination for footwear.
ronleyba (@ronniedare)
Thanks for this shoes, footwear and foot health article. I learned something new here Mam Teresa!
Teresa Martinez
I’m glad you found it useful. Thanks for appreciating.
Franc Ramon
Finding the right shoes that can match your shoe type can be really difficult. Good thing there are shoe stores that has the technology and know how in finding the right match for you.
Teresa Martinez
Shoe stores have thankfully been showing interest in providing for the special needs of their customers.
Karen
Wow, this is the first time I heard about scented shoes only scented socks. I wonder if it is available here in PHL.
Teresa Martinez
You can check out the site of Melissa Shoes Philippines here: http://www.melissaphilippines.com
sigrid @ dinsfashion
My biggest problem is cracked heels. I know the solution, which is to wear slippers inside the bedroom, but I couldn’t. Sigh…Btw, what does Melissa shoes mean?
Teresa Martinez
Melissa is a very popular brand of shoes today that features a bubble gum smell. They are made of quality PVC and resembles jelly sandals.
Mommy Pehpot
really? shoes nowadays come with scents? that’s cool huh! That will help those who are having problems with the odor problem on their feet. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Yes, really sweet smelling shoes. How’s that to complete the feeling of over-all freshness?
Mommy Pehpot
Indeed, one should know how to choose the right footwear and so taking care of it to avoid getting problems with it such as the odor and others.
Teresa Martinez
Wearing the right footwear is beneficial to us.
zoan
i agree with your statement that comfort should not be compromised 🙂 I always wear footwear that is my exact size, i do love my feet and I always see to it that it is well taken care of 🙂
Teresa Martinez
The right footwear saves us a lot of pain at the end.
Les
Thanks for sharing these tips, I am not really a shoes person puro flip-flops lang but lately I’m trying my best to wear shoes na kapag umaalis ng bahay 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Most of us rely on flip-flops for daily wear as they are so comfortable but a little shoe-time will be good as well for our feet.
Gil Camporazo
Please don’t be surprised why I nominated you to receive The Versatile Blogger Award. I know you’re that kind of blog writer. Check it here: http://www.gilcamporazorandomthoughts.info/2012/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
Teresa Martinez
Thanks, your nomination is such a compliment.
wedding
Use a shoe horn whenever you wear the shoes. This will protect the back of your shoes from damages and unwanted folds that will become torn edges in a long run
Teresa Martinez
This is a good advise so that shoes can retain their shape.