Want Better Foot Health? Let Your Shoes do the Work

The body is a complicated piece of machinery. When one area is acting up or in pain, it’s often felt in an additional body part – whether or not it’s close to the trigger. Which also means, when one area is improved by way of comfort and or workability, additional sections also feel that vast adjustment. And they react for the better. 

One of the easiest ways to cash in on these “I help you, you help me” bodily situations is through the feet. By offering better support and stabilization, you can create a situation in which the feet are healthier … and helping outside areas become healthy as well. Such as the back, legs, hips, and more. 

It works by first ensuring that your walking surface is steady and firm, allowing your weight to be evenly displaced. When out of whack, continued walking (or running or standing) will cause even further problems on up. But when steady and in place, that same momentum is repeated.

Shoes that Support

Get started by adjusting your shoes. Buy a pair that is made to fit your foot shape, especially around the arch. Inserts can also do wonders for comfort as well as logistics. You should also make sure the type of shoe you’re wearing is best slated for your feet. For instance, flip-flops require the toes to grip and the heels to “flop.” High heels push all the weight forward, and flats rarely offer cushion. 

If you’re not wearing tennis shoes, consider brands that specialize in foot cradling. Or, talk to your doctor, even a shoe expert, about what styles are best meant for your foot shape. 

There’s plenty to be gained from wearing the “right” type of shoe. Plan your next shopping trip to start cashing in on better foot health. 

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Reducing Back Pain Through the Feet

Its long-since been known that the feet are a gateway to the body. From various pressure points and strategically placed shoes, a number of conditions can be helped (and reduced) by adjusting the way we use our feet. A massage can make the pain go away, while sturdier shoes can work to eliminate the issue every time you take a step. Just by reworking the way weight is distributed and moving it toward a more cohesive setup, back pain, headaches, and more can all be reduced. 

While, in contrast, unsupportive shoes or going barefoot too often can actually increase some of these ailments. Especially if there is too much pressure put on the “wrong” areas of the foot. 

A Spa Day for the Feet

The key point is to determine exactly where your pains are located, and where that area connects to your feet. (Internally anyway.) But with ancient practices that pinpoint direct links between body parts and the feet, there are plenty of books and websites dedicated to better treatment. This can mean an experienced masseuse, spending some time in a parlor that specializes in detoxification and feet, or simply Googling a location and giving yourself an at-home cure. 

However, each person will react to treatments differently. Talk to your doctor, or visit an experienced pro to get the rundown. Once they explain the basics, you can work on regimens at home, before heading back to them for bigger tune ups. 

Other budget-friendly methods:

• A foot bath
• Shoe insoles
• Quality lotion or foot exfoliators
• Putting your feet up while sitting (check the ergonomics on this before making it an everyday event)
• Spa deals, such as coupons or repeat discounts

Whether you’re suffering from lower back pain or another muscle-based issue, proper foot care can help put these aches at ease. Consider better foot treatment for you and the rest of your body. 

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Why it's Medically Important to Put your Feet Up

The term “Put your feet up” has long since been a slang for relaxation. Used when someone’s had a long day, a rough go at work, or simply when they’ve done too much walking. Once referring to literally placing one’s feet on an ottoman or other raised surface, it now can mean virtually any form of resting. A blanket definition of sorts.

Jokes and pleas for sitting aside, however, there’s actually much more behind the idea of raised feet. Taking weight off the dogs on a regular basis can actually work to improve your health. Feet, toes, legs, skin, and beyond. Over time, you can even see an ongoing improvement in body feel and function.

Raising your legs and feet for 20 minutes every day can help reduce side effects of diabetes, foot pain, and other specifically located issues. Swollen ankles can benefit from the extra blood flow, while stubbed toes can earn a much deserved break. A routine leg lift can also contribute to leg health and overall body circulation, which we know can improve everyday functions.

Other Foot Health Tactics

To add to your healthy foot habits, there are other steps that can be taken on. Consider regular massages, foot detoxes, or health-promoting substances. Many of these can even be done at home – give yourself a regular foot rub with your favorite lotion, or look to OTC pads that can remove toxins through the skin. However, you should talk with your doctor before considering any new supplements, or before making changes in your foot treatment regimen.

Whether looking for some actual rest or a way to incorporate everyday health into a foot-centered routine, consider resting on a daily basis. Not only does it provide ample health benefits, it allows you to relax in the process.

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