Between work, family, chores, errands, and social commitments, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. This means that our feet usually take a back seat. Nevertheless, taking proper care of our feet is important. The following are some helpful foot care tips for those living busy lifestyles.
Examine Your Feet Regularly
Set aside a few minutes every day to check your feet, especially if you are always on the go. Look for any changes or abnormalities like corns, calluses, cracks, swelling, tenderness, or discoloration. Catching foot issues early allows you to seek prompt treatment if needed. This prevents minor problems from becoming serious conditions down the road.
To allow for easier examination of the soles of your feet, place a mirror in front of a wall. The experts at Commonwealth Foot & Ankle suggest those with diabetes or circulation issues should have their feet examined by a podiatrist at a foot and ankle clinic several times a year.
Choose Proper Footwear
Selecting appropriate shoes for various activities reduces stress on feet and legs. Heels over 2 inches strain feet tremendously, as does wearing any single pair too often. Give shoes at least 24 hours to recover their shape between wears. Replace footwear showing significant wear after no more than 500 miles of use.
For most occasions, properly fitted sneakers with good arch support work well. Have children’s feet sized every few months to accommodate growth. Take new shoes for short test drives to break them in gradually. At the end of the day, comfortable well-cared for feet handle busy days easier.
Exercise Your Feet
Easy foot exercises promote strength, flexibility and balance. Here are two simple routines easy to incorporate into hectic schedules:
Seated Exercises
Do these foot flexes and pointes multiple times daily even at a desk:
- Flex feet bringing toes towards shins
• Point feet, spreading toes wide
• Circle ankles clockwise then counterclockwise
Standing Exercises
Find a minute waiting in line or doing chores to do these:
- Raise up on tiptoes, then rock back on heels
• Put weight on outer feet edges then inner feet edges
• Pick up a towel with toes
Proper Rest
Though challenging when overbooked, resting feet occasionally aids recovery from constant pounding. Even just 10-15 minutes daily elevating legs above heart level reduces swelling and inflammation. Attempt short breaks icing sore feet or soaking in warm Epsom salt water. Getting a monthly foot massage boosts relaxation while loosening tense muscles.
When feet ache badly from overuse see a podiatrist. Treatments like orthotics or steroid injections bring relief. Healthy feet propel you forwards, not hold you back.
Set Aside Foot Care Time
Block off time weekly for foot maintenance just like scheduling other important commitments. Consistency produces results over time. Mark a calendar if helpful to remember tasks like:
- Sunday Evening: Examine feet fully after washing.
- Wednesday Morning: Trim toenails.
- Friday Night: Apply moisturizing cream and do exercises.
Saving foot care for later often means skipping it entirely when things get hectic. Dedicated blocks prevent feet from falling by the wayside amidst the organized chaos of everyday life.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, looking after your feet sometimes slides down the priority list. Nonetheless, incorporating some simple foot care and maintenance provides long-term mobility and wellbeing. Putting your best foot forward remains easier with routine care and attention. Don’t let busy schedules be an excuse for neglecting your feet; even small preventative steps can pay big dividends by avoiding painful conditions that could sideline you. Make a conscious effort to prioritize foot health amidst your hectic lifestyle, as happy feet provide the foundation for an active, productive life.