From blisters to bunions, most of us will suffer from foot problems more than once during our lives. And it’s no wonder: every day we put hundreds of tons of pressure on our feet just by walking. For those who work on their feet, being able to stand and walk comfortably is a job requirement. For others, foot care is an important step in keeping the rest of the body properly aligned and feeling good.

To keep you a step ahead in work and life, here are some easy and inexpensive ways to care for and treat your feet.

Made for walking

The feet are a marvel of natural construction: 26 bones, 33 joints, and a complex network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. The triangular structure allows the weight of our bodies to efficiently spread out over a broad base. To function well, feet need the freedom to move. That’s why some people advocate walking barefoot. While healthy in theory, it’s hardly practical in a workday world of concrete surfaces. The lack of support when walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods of time can lead to stress fractures, tendinitis, or plantar fasciitis – a painful condition of the foot soles.

Judith Baumhauer, M.D., Strong Foot and Ankle Institute, University of Rochester Medical School, recommends shoes with shock absorbing soles especially for those who work on their feet. “I recommend over-the-counter inserts like Spenco cross trainers,” Dr. Baumhauer explained. “They have a rubberized arch, and closed cell foam. It’s like walking on one of those shock absorbing mats.”

According to Dr. Baumhauer, you don’t have to spend money on pricey custom made shoes. Good fitting shoes and inserts can absorb shock and give proper support. They can also help treat certain conditions.

In addition to proper fitting shoes, you need to exercise your feet – something many people forget until it’s too late. Fortunately, exercising your feet is quick, convenient, and easy. Just ten minutes a day will get the job done. For example, to build strength, grip a towel under your toes and pull it up. To increase flexibility, wiggle your ankles and toes. For easy exercises on how to keep your feet flexible visit the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Web site at www.aofas.org.

Telltale treks

Your footsteps reflect how balanced your body is. Walk barefoot along a sandy shore or tread along some fresh snow. Look back at your tracks. Are they along a straight line or do those steps veer in or out? Like the wheels of a fine race car, feet are designed to move forward efficiently by trekking along a straight line. When your gait, or walking pattern, is off, the feet announce the story. For more on how to read your footprints, click on patient education at www.aofas.org.

Treat your feet

In reflexology, some people believe that the feet are the beginning and end of everything. People generally seek out reflexology to relieve sore feet, but they can get more than that. That’s because in reflexology it is believed that areas on the foot correspond to various organs and structures of the body. Work on the feet releases blocked areas to enable energy to flow throughout the body.
Finally, there’s nothing like a good old fashioned soak to relieve tired feet. Pampering pedicures that include a paraffin wax are a wonderful treat. At home, try your own honey-based spa treatment. Honey has antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties. Simply add a few dollops of honey to a warm footbath. Relax and enjoy.

Bunions

For mild to moderate bunions, wear hinged bunion splints to reduce pain, correct alignment, and stop progression.

• Stay mobile: High grade plastic hinged splints with dual strapping systems around metatarsal arch provide corrective support.


• Fixation: Anatomically curved straps allow for adjusting the tension and fixation of the big toe.


• Bunion protection: Padded linings protect irritated tissue and absorb pressure.


• Convenience & comfort: Can be worn day or night – barefoot or with a sock.

To discuss hinged bunion splints, please contact Alpha Orthotics Corp. at 877-389-7969 (U.S. only) or 415-389-8980; www.bunion-aid.com.