When feet are unhealthy, the rest of the body will suffer as well. Keep your feet healthy, and they will reward you by carrying you through your day without complaint.
More than any other part of the body, our feet bear the brunt of our active lifestyles and put up with a lot of torture and abuse. We neglect them, we shove them into uncomfortable shoes, we keep our feet in moist, bacteria- and fungus-laden environments. They protest, of course, by developing infections, corns, calluses, blisters and generally causing us pain.
Women are notorious for choosing unhealthy footwear. High heels are probably responsible for the majority of foot problems. These shoes force a woman's gait and posture into a more "feminine" form, theoretically making her more attractive. However, so does the terrifying practice of foot-binding in China. High heeled shoes force women to perpetually walk around on tiptoe, placing the burden of body weight on the ball of the foot and pushing the foot toward the toe of the shoe. This contributes to corns, calluses, and arch pain. If high heels must be worn, choose a reasonable height - no more than 2 inches - and remove the shoe or change into more comfortable footwear at every opportunity.
When choosing a shoe, don't be ashamed of your foot size. Healthy feet are beautiful, no matter how large they may be. Pay attention to the width measurement on the shoe store's chart. If the store doesn't stock your size, shop mail order. It's often better to pay extra for well-made shoes that fit and will last for a long time than to purchase shoes at a discount store. Low priced shoes are no bargain if they hurt your feet! Take your time in the shop; put on both shoes, not just one, and walk around for a while. It's better to shop for shoes late in the day, because your feet will expand slightly as the day wears on. Buy shoes that are appropriate for your lifestyle. Avoid high heels if you spend a lot of time standing; select athletic shoes that are made specifically for your favorite sport. Forget the old advice of "breaking in" shoes - if they don't feel good when they're new, chances are they never will.
If you spend a good part of your day standing or walking, consider wearing two pairs of socks to absorb moisture and add cushion. When work shoes are essential to your trade, invest in shoes that can be repaired rather than replaced. That way, you'll be more likely to have them fixed when the soles begin to wear instead of continuing to use them past their useful lives. Buy at least two pair and rotate them; this will give your shoes a chance to air out, dry, and return to their correct shape.
If you should happen to have a problem such as corns, fungal infections, or an ingrown toenail, see a doctor. Don't mess around with over-the-counter sprays or ointments; a doctor can prescribe a treatment plan that will knock out the problem much faster and more effectively. Whether you choose to seek medical attention or treat yourself, follow the instructions to the letter. Fungal infections such as "Athlete's Foot" can linger for years, stubbornly resisting treatment, and sometimes hide or create more serious problems.
Should you go barefoot? Our feet are generally sensitive and vulnerable. Many people don't enjoy the sensation of walking barefoot even through their own homes. If the environment is safe, bare feet can provide a number of health benefits, including air circulation and the increased sensation that our bodies sometimes crave. Of course, bare feet can also expose us to any number of problems - cuts, scratches, bee stings, insect bites, or even pinworms. If you have any open wounds on your feet, such as blisters, cuts, or irritation due to fungal infections, don't walk barefoot even in your house. Consider wearing sandals instead.
Most parents are concerned about their young childrens' developing feet, and want to know when children should begin wearing shoes. The general advice is to let your child go barefoot inside the house (again, as long as there are no open wounds or irritations) or wear clean socks. Children shouldn't go barefoot outside the house. The soles of their feet are much more tender than adult feet, and their activities make them much more prone to injury. Select sandals or "water socks" to protect their feet in pool areas.
Unlike many clothing items, shoes should not be hand-me-downs. Purchase new shoes for every child, because every child's foot is different and once a child begins walking he will wear the shoe in a unique form. Children's shoes should not be chosen in a larger size in anticipation that the child will grow into them.
If your child is unable to communicate about the comfort of the shoe, watch his gait as he tests the shoe in the store. Some athletic shoes for small children are heavy and awkward; avoid them. If your child is uncomfortable in the shoe, he risks injury. It's not necessary to invest in expensive designer footwear, but be certain that the inexpensive shoe fits well. Don't guess at your child's foot size or estimate it by having them stand on one of those sizing mats that discount stores sometimes provide - use a genuine foot sizing chart.
When feet are unhealthy, the rest of the body will suffer as well. By choosing appropriate footwear, and keeping feet free of blisters, calluses, and corns, we increase the body's general well-being. Healthy feet are beautiful, no matter what size or shape they may be, and feet deserve our respect. Keep your feet healthy, and they will reward you by carrying you through your day without complaint.
