Our feet are similar to what tyres are for vehicles. Without them, we would not be able to move from one place to another. It would also be hard for us if our feet are experiencing pain. Feeling that long-lasting sensation in our feet is no laughing matter since it could impact our daily lives. For that reason, we must take care of our feet so we can live without a hassle. So, how would you make that happen? As a podiatry clinic, we would like to share with you some ways on how to prevent your feet from hurting. 

What Are the Ways to Prevent Foot Problems?

Our feet may be the most intricate part of our body, but taking care of it is not that hard. Besides listening to your feet, you will only have to be wary of what you should do now or later. So, to help you out, here are some tips from a podiatrist on how to prevent your feet from hurting.

  • Warm-Up Before Exercising/ Doing Any Sports 

Stretching our feet does the same thing when we do it with our body. It keeps our 26 bones, 30 joints, and hundreds of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, flexible, strong, and healthy. However, when warming up your feet, you should do it as lightly as possible for two to three minutes. That way, your feet, ankle, and heel would not get cramped. To help you out, consider tip-toeing for ten seconds—do it five to ten more times. You may do it one foot at a time.

  • Wear Athletic Shoes Instead

Even though you are no athlete, wearing athletic shoes helps your feet. It provides support on both the front and under your feet’s arch, and that makes your standing more stable.  So, if you are having trouble choosing which one, the following can help you.

  • For a stiffer foot or with high arches, choose the one with a softer cushion.
  • To maintain more stability, use cross-training shoes
  • For low aches, pick the one that provides extra support around the heel area.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight

As mentioned above, our feet matter in our daily lives. It supports our body weight whenever we walk, jump or run. It helps us move from one place to another. We rely on it so much that we would have a hard time if they become useless. However, that would only have for two reasons. One is that you got an injury, while the other is you weighed too much. 

Hence, if you have the latter, it would be possible that you also have other difficulties such as experiencing arthritis, heel pain, poor blood circulation, and even diabetes. Well, of course, to not let any of those to happen, keep your BMI (Body Max Index) in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9. And, anything more or less than these numbers is considered unhealthy for your feet.

  • Practice Foot Hygiene 

We often take care of our body, face, and hair, but do we take good care of our feet? Unfortunately, most of us give less importance to our feet. Sometimes, we even take it for granted. However, despite how true this is, we should pay more attention to our feet since it helps us accomplish what we need to do in our daily lives. Here is the daily foot care that most podiatrists in Singapore recommend. 

  • Check your feet regularly, from ankles to toes.
  • For dry, scaly feet, apply some moisturiser, at least twice a day. However, you should avoid spreading it between your toes.
  • If your feet have bruises or cuts, do some first aid and wear slippers instead.
  • For closed shoes, wear clean socks. Make sure it does not have any holes.
  • If your feet are always sweating, spread some anti-fungal powder. It helps to kill fungi and odours.
  • Cut your nails, so your feet would not become a fungi nest. Make sure to trim it straight, and never angle it. Otherwise, it would cause a nail infection.
  • After wearing shoes for hours, wait for fifteen minutes before washing it.
  • Never wear footwear that is too tight, especially around the toe area.
  • Do not share your shoes with other people. Otherwise, your feet would develop fungi. That same goes with sharing your pedicure tools.
  • To reduce friction, sprinkle some powder inside your shoes. 
  • Replace shoes when the tread or heels wear out. For avid runners and love to walkathon, replace it every six months.

  • Wear Footwear Outside

Wearing footwear outside is not just for fashion. It covers and protects our feet from contaminants and even from accidents. It also lessens the impact your feet may experience when you step on uneven areas. However, when wearing footwear outside, make sure it has a good cushion so your feet would not get hurt easily. 

Why Should You Take Care of Your Feet?

As mentioned above, our feet are like tyres. It helps us in many ways in our lives. Thus, without it or when your feet experience pain, it would be hard to enjoy life. More importantly, you would develop foot problems and cause your feet to hurt more. Here are those foot problems you may have: 

  • Blisters
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Corn & Calluses
  • Heel Spur
  • Claw Toe
  • Bunions
  • Nail Infection

By following these ways, you could prevent developing any foot problems. However, if your feet are already experiencing pain, make sure to drop by at a podiatrist clinic. Visit East Coast Podiatry for immediate care. Contact them via their website and book an appointment today!