Feet are the most ignored part of the body until the moment they start to hurt, at which point they make absolutely everything harder. We cram them into shoes chosen for looks, stand on them all day, and give them no thought at all. They deserve a little better.
Why feet matter more than we think
Your feet are the foundation you stand and move on. Each one is a small marvel of bones, joints and muscles, and problems there have a habit of travelling upwards, affecting the knees, hips and back through the way you walk. Sore feet also quietly stop people moving, which undermines everything else about staying healthy.
Simple foot care
Looking after your feet is mostly common sense that we skip.
- Wear shoes that actually fit, with room for your toes
- Save the truly unsupportive or pinching shoes for short occasions
- Go barefoot at home sometimes, which lets the foot muscles work
- Keep toenails trimmed straight and skin in reasonable condition
- Pay attention to new pain rather than walking through it for months
The case for stronger feet
Feet that spend their whole lives in stiff, cushioned shoes can grow weak, much like any muscle that is never used. A little barefoot time, some gentle foot exercises and well-fitting shoes go a surprisingly long way. Look after the foundation and the structure above it tends to fare better. Your feet carry you everywhere, the least we can do is notice them before they force us to.