We often overlook our feet until they start causing us pain, instead of giving them the attention they need. According to experts, we tend to neglect our feet because they're covered and hidden, much like a neglected cart horse.
With over one quarter of all bones in our body residing in our feet, connected by 33 joints and more than 100 tendons and ligaments, it's no wonder that foot pain can be so debilitating. Ankle injuries, which often occur due to poorly chosen footwear or excessive drinking, are on the rise during the silly season, as physiotherapist Dr Kathryn Mills warns. "Party shoes and alcohol make for a deadly combination," she cautions.
However, when it comes to choosing the right shoe, experts stress that health should take precedence over fashion. As physiotherapist Dr Jillian Eyles notes, "Stifling your feet into pointy-toe shoes and wearing high heels all the time is not going to be great for your feet and ankles."
Choosing a shoe that's tailored to your foot shape and size can make all the difference in comfort and support. Hylton Menz, a professor of podiatry at La Trobe University, advises opting for shoes that bend where the foot bends, around the ball of the foot.
Another key aspect is maintaining a healthy weight. "Our entire body weight rests on the soles of our feet," Menz explains. "There's a strong link between foot pain and being overweight." Not only does excess weight put pressure on the feet, but it also exacerbates metabolic issues, making foot pain more likely.
Fortunately, incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine can help maintain foot strength and overall health. Assoc Prof Natalie Collins recommends trying to form an arch with your foot, keeping your toes on the ground and lifting up your arch. Calf raises and toe strengthening activities like standing on a towel or moving your big toe independently are also effective ways to keep your feet in top condition.
By prioritizing our feet and taking steps to care for them, we can prevent unnecessary pain and maintain our overall health and well-being.
With over one quarter of all bones in our body residing in our feet, connected by 33 joints and more than 100 tendons and ligaments, it's no wonder that foot pain can be so debilitating. Ankle injuries, which often occur due to poorly chosen footwear or excessive drinking, are on the rise during the silly season, as physiotherapist Dr Kathryn Mills warns. "Party shoes and alcohol make for a deadly combination," she cautions.
However, when it comes to choosing the right shoe, experts stress that health should take precedence over fashion. As physiotherapist Dr Jillian Eyles notes, "Stifling your feet into pointy-toe shoes and wearing high heels all the time is not going to be great for your feet and ankles."
Choosing a shoe that's tailored to your foot shape and size can make all the difference in comfort and support. Hylton Menz, a professor of podiatry at La Trobe University, advises opting for shoes that bend where the foot bends, around the ball of the foot.
Another key aspect is maintaining a healthy weight. "Our entire body weight rests on the soles of our feet," Menz explains. "There's a strong link between foot pain and being overweight." Not only does excess weight put pressure on the feet, but it also exacerbates metabolic issues, making foot pain more likely.
Fortunately, incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine can help maintain foot strength and overall health. Assoc Prof Natalie Collins recommends trying to form an arch with your foot, keeping your toes on the ground and lifting up your arch. Calf raises and toe strengthening activities like standing on a towel or moving your big toe independently are also effective ways to keep your feet in top condition.
By prioritizing our feet and taking steps to care for them, we can prevent unnecessary pain and maintain our overall health and well-being.