As a foot health professional in North Somerset provisding foot care in Weston-super-Mare I have often witnessed how Foot health is often overlooked until it reaches a very painful stage, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Our feet serve as the foundation of our mobility, and problems in the feet can lead to issues elsewhere in the body. Understanding the connection between foot health and overall well-being can help you take better care of your feet and improve your quality of life.
How Foot Health Affects the Entire Body
Mobility and Independence
- Impact on Movement: Healthy feet are essential for maintaining mobility. Foot pain or deformities can limit your ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities, affecting your independence and quality of life.
- Exercise and Fitness: Foot problems can discourage physical activity, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and related health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health.
Posture and Alignment
- Body Alignment: The feet provide the base of support for the entire body. Foot problems can lead to poor posture and misalignment, causing pain in the knees, hips, back, and neck.
- Compensatory Movements: When one part of the foot hurts, you may change the way you walk to avoid pain, leading to strain and injury in other parts of the body.
Circulation
- Circulatory Health: Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause poor circulation in the feet, leading to pain, numbness, and delayed healing of cuts or sores.
- Diabetic Complications: People with diabetes need to pay special attention to foot health, as poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy) can lead to serious complications like ulcers and infections.
Mental Health
- Pain and Discomfort: Chronic foot pain can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. The discomfort from foot problems can also disrupt sleep, further affecting mental health.
- Social and Emotional Impact: Foot issues can limit your participation in social activities and hobbies, leading to isolation and a decrease in overall happiness.
Maintaining Foot Health for Overall Well-Being
Regular Foot Care
- Daily Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. This helps prevent infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
- Moisturise: Apply a good-quality moisturiser to keep the skin on your feet soft and prevent cracks and dryness.
- The NHS ‘inform’ site expands on this topic and is worth reading.
Proper Footwear
- Supportive Shoes: Wear shoes that provide good arch support, cushioning, and a comfortable fit. Avoid high heels and narrow shoes that can cause bunions, corns, and calluses.
- Orthotics: If needed, use custom orthotic inserts to correct any biomechanical issues and provide additional support.
Regular Exercise
- Foot Strengthening: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve flexibility. This can help prevent injuries and maintain proper foot function.
- Overall Fitness: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation, which benefits foot health.
Routine Foot Checks
- Self-Examination: Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters, swelling, or changes in colour. Pay attention to any areas that feel painful or tender.
- Professional Check-Ups: Visit a foot health professional for regular check-ups, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Certain symptoms or conditions warrant a visit to a foot health professional:
- Persistent Pain: Ongoing foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with home care should be evaluated by a professional.
- Visible Deformities: Bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities that affect walking or cause pain need medical attention.
- Circulatory Problems: Signs of poor circulation, such as numbness, cold feet, or wounds that don’t heal, should be checked by a healthcare provider.
- Skin and Nail Issues: Persistent fungal infections, ingrown toenails, or other skin conditions should be treated to prevent complications.
In Summary
Foot health is intricately linked to our overall well-being. By maintaining healthy feet through proper care, wearing appropriate footwear, staying active, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can enhance your mobility, posture, circulation, and mental health. Don’t neglect your feet—taking care of them is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
Rechelle’s Foot Care Services | Foot Fitness
As a dedicated foot health practitioner based in Weston-super-Mare, I am committed to providing comprehensive foot care services to the local community and adjacent areas in North Somerset in the comfort of your own home.
My mobile practice covering Weston-super-Mare focuses on preventive care, early detection, and treatment of various foot conditions to ensure the well-being of children and adults alike.
Whether you are seeking routine foot check-ups, advice on footwear, or specialised treatments, my services are designed to support and enhance your family’s foot health. For more serious conditions, I will always refer you to your GP or an experienced podiatrist, with the latter able to perform minor surgery.
Rechelle Evans, Dip FH, MCFHP MAFHP
Serving Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset