National I Love My Feet Day is a recent addition to the Calendar of Events for the Year. August 17th marks that Day.
But, and I add this caveat with all seriousness, it should not be relegated to one day only. Feet play an important role in everyone's life, everyday.
Not only do our feet help us to move around, keep us upright, balance us, (even when we've partied a little too hard), but they also have the most bones, of any structure of our bodies.
That's why when our feet hurt, everything else seems to hurt too. Did you know that the foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments? (wikipedia)
That's a lot of "stuff" happening down there. Most people don't give a second thought to their feet, that is, until the foot or both feet are not working well. Then all of a sudden we realize there is that body part down there, that needs some attention.
I know from my own experience that my feet would walk, run, help me dig in the garden, and a host of other activities that I took completely for granted, until one of the tendons in my feet started to act up.
I know from my own experience that my feet would walk, run, help me dig in the garden, and a host of other activities that I took completely for granted, until one of the tendons in my feet started to act up.
Common Problems with Feet!
Yes, I'm talking about Plantar Fasciitis , the tendon the runs across the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel, when that happened, all of a sudden, I became aware of my feet. Every step I took reminded me that they were there. The pain was enough to drive me to tears.
My Podiatrist/Chiropodist, made me some inserts to put into my shoes, to make it easier for my feet to walk, run and play again. He also pointed out that I have not been taking care of my feet the way I should have been.
My feet had very hard calluses that would crack and become uncomfortable. He suggested to me that I should regularly soak my feet in warm soapy water(no longer than 10 minutes), scrub them well with a pumice stone and then dry them off completely (especially between the toes) and at night, lather the heels with lotion high in Lanolin or shea butter. Do NOT lotion between the toes.....If you are using a very greasy cream, put on a pair of cotton socks at night, make sure they are loose and don't bind at your ankle.
Through the day wear comfortable shoes that fit well. For me, I added my inserts into my shoes for better walking ability. At my age(60+), flip flops are NOT recommended foot attire. Oh if you are just sitting in the garden, bare feet and flip flops are okay, but not if you are planning a walk, hike or any kind of other "work" for your feet(like digging in the garden).
Toe nail fungus is also a problem for many people. The nails of the feet become yellowed and thickened. They may become deformed as the fungus under the nails grows. Nails will become brittle and hard to cut. If you suffer from toe nail fungus, it's best to see a doctor and follow his instructions. Prescriptions for treating toe nail fungus are available, but they take a long time to do the job, in part because the toe nails don't grow that fast. These drugs are also hard on other body parts, ask your doctor. There are homeopathic remedies for toe nail fungus as well. One of the most important parts is keeping the whole foot clean and well maintained so that the chances of getting toe nail fungus are reduced. Tea Tree Oil again with it's antibacterial properties is recommended many times for toe nail fungus.
Through the day wear comfortable shoes that fit well. For me, I added my inserts into my shoes for better walking ability. At my age(60+), flip flops are NOT recommended foot attire. Oh if you are just sitting in the garden, bare feet and flip flops are okay, but not if you are planning a walk, hike or any kind of other "work" for your feet(like digging in the garden).
Athletes' Foot Fungus
If you have athletes' foot fungus, make sure that you are taking care of it. There are many products that are natural that will help to keep this fungus under control. The feet have hundreds of sweat glands and because they can excrete up to 1/2 cup of water a day, the feet become the perfect place for fungus to grow. You may notice itching between your toes, or flaky skin under your feet, dry itchy patches along the sides or on top of your toes, these are all signs of Athletes' Foot. There are many homeopathic remedies for this including Tea Tree Oil products, Vicks-vapor Rub, mint sprays and more. Talk to your doctor or experiment with what works best for you. Foot fungus will not cause damage if left untreated, but it is uncomfortable, and with a little extra work on your part, your feet can be fungus free.
Toe Nail Fungus
Good Foot Care is mandatory for Good Foot Health.
Once you get into the routine of taking care of your feet, you may find that you actually enjoy the relaxing nature of this exercise. Sitting and relaxing with your feet in a tub of nice warm soapy water, while watching your favorite sports or reality show, can be a nice way to unwind. Have all the tools you need together and enjoy the relaxing heat and whirlpool effects of a nice foot bath. After 10-15 minutes, gently scrub with a pumice stone to loosen dead or callused skin! Then a quick rinse off and a warm towel to dry your feet (don't forget between the toes), and then some lotion for those heels and tops of your feet. Nice cotton socks and then just relax and enjoy. Total time required for good foot care 30 minutes (or more, if you really enjoy a foot massage).
Love Pumice #1 Amazing Pumice Stone (Pack of 4) - Exfoliation Pedicure - Free E-book - Pumice Stone for Feet,Hands and Body - Callus Remover - Treat Your Feet to Some Love Now!!
Tea Tree Oil 12 oz Antifungal Body & Foot Wash Kills Bacteria and Relieves Dryness, Itchiness, Athlete's Foot, 100% Natural, By Premium NatureHoMedics FB- 600 Foot Salon Pro Pedicure Spa with Heat
Tea Tree Oil 12 oz Antifungal Body & Foot Wash Kills Bacteria and Relieves Dryness, Itchiness, Athlete's Foot, 100% Natural, By Premium NatureHoMedics FB- 600 Foot Salon Pro Pedicure Spa with Heat
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Feet if well taken care of, will keep you moving through the day, without too much trouble.
If you are Diabetic you must be extra careful with your foot care regime. If you are under a doctors care, they could recommend a foot clinic for you to keep on top of any issues that may arise. Because Diabetes can affect your circulation, the feet and hands can become much more prone to difficulties and with that, much harder to treat. If you are diabetic please be under a doctors care, but especially for your feet because small issues can become very large issues for the diabetic with foot problems.
Please note: This is meant as general information and not medical advice. If you are having problems with your feet in any way, see your doctor. He/She will give you advice for your particular problems.
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Just for fun: Feet are also a method of measurement!
Did you know:
The tallest man with undisputed credentials is Robert Pershing Wadlow, (born 6:30 a.m. at Alton, Illinois, USA on 22 February 1918), who when last measured on 27 June 1940, was found to be 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) tall, and wore a size 27 shoe.* Can you just imagine having Feet Problems with these feet?
* This bit of information was found in the 60th anniversary edition of Guinness' Book of Records.
* This bit of information was found in the 60th anniversary edition of Guinness' Book of Records.
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