Don’t you want to move freely when you’re older? You probably don’t spend a lot of time worrying about your feet now, but they are the single most important body part to maintaining your independence. At My Chicago Foot Expert, foot longevity is our number one priority. Let’s go over some simple lifestyle habits to help keep your feet going for years to come.
Keep Moving
One of the best things you can do for your feet is to stay consistently active. Regular walking, cycling, or swimming is fantastic because it improves circulation to your feet and ankles… and good circulation is vital for fighting off infections and helping tissues heal, which becomes tougher as you age.
However, remember the too much, too soon rule. Avoid constantly engaging in high-impact activities if your body isn’t conditioned, as that can lead to wear and tear on your cartilage sooner than necessary.
Ditch the Bad Shoes
Footwear is a big deal. You don’t have to throw away every cute pair of shoes, but you should limit your time in them. Consistently wearing shoes with very high heels or narrow toe boxes puts your feet into unnatural, stressful positions. This can lead to painful, permanent deformities like bunions and hammertoes that really limit your shoe choices later on.
The habit to adopt now is choosing practical shoes that support your daily activities. That means yes, we are pro-shoe closet. Having a shoe rotation that adapts to your needs is a great way to protect your feet.
Also, the foot structure you inherit determines your susceptibility to deformities like bunions, but their progression is determined by you. Damage done by restrictive footwear in your youth and middle age is cumulative.
So, when it comes to children, make sure they are replacing shoes that no longer fit them.
Start Stretching Now
Tightness higher up in your leg directly translates to strain in your foot, which is why you should make a habit of stretching your calf muscles daily. For example, tight calves pull on your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, which sets the stage for future heel pain like plantar fasciitis.
Manage Your Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the kindest things you can do for your foot joints. Every extra pound adds magnified stress to your feet and ankles with every single step.
Obesity also takes away the cushion of your natural fat pads and leaves the elderly with serious heel or ball of foot pain. But, if you are obese for a long time, that fat pad atrophy may start sooner rather than later.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.