Foot Trouble Prevention Tips

• Foot troubles are the result of different causes: heredity, injury, neglect, abuse, and shoes of faulty design or fit. Most foot problems are preventable.
• More attentive care is important. Frequent bathing, frequent foot massage, habitual toe wiggling and other foot exercises. These keep the skin and muscles well toned, which contributes to healthy, trouble-free feet.
• Shoe care is equally important. Buying the right size width, avoiding tight or even snug fit. The foot needs and wants "breathing" room.
• Ill-fitted or tight shoes cause compression and friction, which in turn cause heat and excessive perspiration, which cause odors, skin disorders and discomfort.
• Your feet live in shoes 16 hours a day, two-thirds or your entire lifetime. They're closer to you than your spouse, your family and your best friend. If you're selective about the shoes you buy and wear, they'll give you comfort and healthy feet in return.
• Preventing Foot Trouble
• Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly, or have a member of your family check them. Podiatrists and primary care doctors (internists and family practitioners) are qualified to treat most foot problems. Sometimes the special skills of an orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist are needed.
• It also helps to keep blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Do this by putting your feet up when you are sitting or lying down, stretching if you've had to sit for a long while, walking, having a gentle foot massage, or taking a warm footbath. Try to avoid pressure from shoes that don't fit right. Try not to expose your feet to cold temperatures. Don't sit for long periods of time (especially with your legs crossed). Don't smoke.
• Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot ailments. Here are some tips for getting a proper shoe fit:
• The size of your feet changes, as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
• Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
• Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
• During the fitting process, make sure there is enough space (3/8" to 1/2")
• For your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
• Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.
• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk.
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one.
• The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

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