Put Your Best Foot Forward

My daughter hasn’t quite figured out the importance of comfortable shoes. I think she feels sorry for me because my shoe purchases have gone from stylish to orthopedic.

Although it is vitally important for runners and walkers to care for their feet, anyone that spends extended time on their feet will benefit from proper care. “Your feet are the foundation of every stride you take. Time to start treating them that way”, says Hal Higdon in a 2007 article for Runner’s World magazine.

According to Higdon, “after the knee, the foot is the most frequently injured body part.”

Problems with your feet can also lead to pain and injury of the shins, knees, hips and lower back, making us injury-prone when we really shouldn’t be.

Put your best foot forward and start acknowledging the one part of the body that can propel you to better health.

Get Fit

“Bad shoe fit can cause a multitude of problems for your feet, everything from numbness and burning to blisters and painful calluses,” says Rick Braver, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Englewood, N.J., who treats many runners.

Running shoes that are too short can cause black toenails. Other issues stem from shoe width and can cause pinched-nerve pain, bunions, corns, and calluses.

Because there are thousands of makes and models to choose from, shopping for the perfect shoe can be overwhelming but well worth your time. It is best to avoid the large sporting goods stores and instead opt for stores that have shoe-fitting specialists or pedorthist on duty that can find the best shoe match for your foot.

Pheidippides in Atlanta and Run-Fit-Sports in Macon both have shoe-fitting specialists that can assist you with your purchase.

Care for Your Kicks

Unfortunately shoes don’t last forever. It seems like we are always buying another pair of running shoes in our family and they are not cheap. Just remember, it is an investment to your health and should be as important as your satellite television subscription.

After your run or walk, shoes should be put inside your home to keep them dry and clean. If your shoes are properly cared for they will last a couple hundred miles or more depending on your gait, height, and weight.

It may be best to purchase two pair at the same time and alternate usage. This will pro-long their life and keep your joints injury free. Once the treads start to look worn, or you start to experience unusual joint or muscle soreness, it’s time for a new pair of running shoes. Keep one old pair, but only use them for yard work.

Don’t Compromise

Fit is just as critical in your non running footwear as it is in your running shoes. This is where style and comfort don’t always marry. However, shoe brands such as Jambu, Taos, Dansko, Mephisto, Born and Naot all offer super comfy shoes in updated styles.

Contrary to my daughters belief, I don’t look or feel like an old lady wearing them. In fact, I feel sprite and energized at the end of the day because I haven’t sacrificed comfort for style.

Restore and Revitalize

You don’t have to be prissy to get pampered. A pedicure should be considered more than just a cosmetic treatment. Pedicures keep your nails an appropriate length, treat calluses, moisturize and massage the feet.

A well-trained pedicurist should know how to treat runner’s feet. Talk to other runners/walkers or your podiatrist and ask for a referral.

Foot Fetish

Massage techniques can be the most preventative medicine there is for people that spend a lot of time on their feet. Your best option is to visit your local therapist and be open about what areas need special attention.

Reflexology is another great healing option for your feet.

Reflexologists believe that particular areas in the feet correspond to particular organs, glands and body parts, so working a specific spot on the foot will help heal the corresponding body part. Whether you agree with that or not, reflexologists invariably give great foot massages.

Also, if you are looking to save some money, consider self-massage. One technique is to place a wooden foot roller, rolling pin or a few golf balls under the foot to stimulate the muscles. Do this for a few minutes on each foot while watching television or checking your emails.

Remember, caring for your feet is an investment. Budget for it like you would budget for a car payment. Put your best foot forward and be driven toward better health.

For questions or comments please email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.