How to have “happy feet”
The average person takes 8-10,000 steps a day, which add up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. Walking is the best exercise for feet. It also contributes to a person’s general health by improving circulation, providing weight control, and promoting all-around well-being.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one in every six persons has trouble with his or her feet. And thanks to high heels, women have about four times as many foot problems as men.The main cause is very preventable–shoes that do not fit properly.
Shoes that do not fit cause bunions, corns, calluses hammertoes, and other disabling disorders.
The Basics
- We can all reduce the risk of foot pain by wearing shoes that conform to the natural shape of our feet, not the other way around.
- The upper part of the shoe should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot.
- Shoes made from leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritation.
- Thick soles lessen pressure on hard surfaces.
- Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled ones.
The Correct Fit
- Foot size increases as you age so measure your feet every time you buy shoes.
- Buy shoes at the end of the day because feet often swell by the evening.
- Don’t get stuck on a size—sizes vary among different makers and brands.
- Avoid shoes with a heel higher than 2¼ inches.
- If you must wear high heels, look for a wider toe area.
- Shoes need to be fitted at the heel as well as at the toes. Make sure the heel doesn’t slip.
- Try on both shoes. It is common for one foot to be larger than the other so, fit the shoes to the larger foot.
- Leave a 1/2-inch space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
- Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
- Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
- Most shoes don’t stretch. If the shoes feel too tight, don’t buy them.
References:
Ways to avoid foot problems
How to Pick Shoes
Kick the high heel habit; A simple step to cure some bunions: switch shoes
Something’s afoot: Ill-fitting shoes, obesity contribute to problems
Jun 19th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
The best shoes of all are no shoes, LOL, but this is great advice to have.
Jun 20th, 2007 at 4:28 am
Love “How to have happy feet” but why would a veggie recommend leather shoes?
Jun 20th, 2007 at 10:38 am
It seems to me that the substitutes for leather are vinyls and plastics and the production of these “man-made” materials leads to environmental pollution. These “man-made” materials made are not biodegradable and have an incredibly lengthy half-life. On the other hand, leather is a byproduct of slaughter that’s readily available and biodegradable.
Jun 20th, 2007 at 10:48 am
@icedmocha
Hammertoes, bunions, corns and calluses and lack of circulation are the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. So I think we could all benefit from going barefoot more often, provided we are selective about where we choose to do that.
Despite its name, athlete’s foot can affect anyone and is not restricted to those who play sports or participate in physical exercise. Athlete’s foot is caused by the ringworm fungus (”tinea” in medical jargon). Athlete foot is also called tinea pedis. The fungus that causes Athlete foot can be found on floors and in socks, clothing and carpets. The fungus can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment enclosed in shoes), the fungus will not infect the skin. It’s a chilling fact that up to 70% of the population will have athletes foot at some time during their lives.