Our feet are often the most neglected parts of our body until they start to hurt. Foot pain can have a significant impact on our quality of life and limit our mobility. Most of us are guilty of indulging in habits that can damage our feet over time.
Here are some of the most common foot habits that can wreak havoc on our toes.
Wearing High Heels
High heels are fashionable and make us feel confident, but they can cause long-term damage to our feet. Wearing high heels regularly can cause strain on our toes, increase the risk of corns and calluses, and put pressure on our Achilles tendon.
High heels also shift our center of gravity, which can cause ankle sprains and other injuries. Limit the use of high heels to special occasions and choose shoes with a lower heel for daily wear.
Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot is relaxing, but it can put our feet at risk of injury. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces such as concrete or tile can cause plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
Walking barefoot outside can also expose our feet to cuts, bruises, and infection. Wear supportive shoes or sandals which can keep you protected from any harm.
Ignoring Foot Pain
Ignoring foot pain can aggravate the underlying issue and make it worse. Foot pain can be caused by several reasons, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel spur, and arthritis.
Get your feet assessed by a podiatrist if you experience any persistent pain or discomfort in your feet. Early intervention can help prevent further damage to your feet.
Poorly Fitting Shoes
Wearing shoes that do not fit well put our feet at risk of blisters, corns, and calluses. Poorly fitting shoes can also affect the arch of our foot and lead to conditions such as flat feet.
Avoid wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight and choose shoes that provide ample support to your feet.
Trimming Toenails Incorrectly
Trimming our toenails incorrectly can cause ingrown toenails, which can be painful and susceptible to infection. Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting the corners too short.
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Also, do not trim your cuticles as they provide a protective layer against infection.
Wearing Flimsy Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are comfortable and keep our feet cool during summers, but they can cause harm to our feet in the long run. Flimsy flip-flops offer no arch support, which can cause plantar fasciitis.
Flip-flops also make us shuffle our feet, which can make us prone to tripping and falling. Choose flip-flops made of high-quality materials and have contoured footbeds and ankle straps that keep your feet supported.
Ignoring Hygiene
Ignoring foot hygiene can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water every day, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Invest in moisture-wicking socks that keep your feet dry and prevent infections.
Standing or Sitting For Too Long
Standing or sitting for prolonged periods can cause blood to pool in our feet, which can lead to swelling, varicose veins, and blood clots. Take regular breaks and stretch your legs to keep the blood circulating.
Wear compression stockings that provide support to your feet and prevent blood clots.
Ignoring Your Feet During Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining foot health, but it is also important to pay attention to our feet during exercise. Wearing worn-out shoes or shoes that do not provide the required support can cause injury to your feet.
Stretch your feet before and after exercise, and wear shoes that provide ample cushioning and support.
Skipping Foot Massages
Massaging your feet can alleviate foot pain and stimulate blood flow. Skipping foot massages can lead to muscle fatigue and tension, which can cause foot pain in the long run.
Use a tennis ball or a foot roller to massage your feet and relieve tension and pain.
