SHOE MANTAR :Your Feet Deserve the Best !!

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. They support your weight, help you move, connect you to the ground and enable you to perform various activities. But how often do you think about their health and well-being?

Many people ignore their foot health and wear footwear that does not suit their needs or fit their feet well. This can have serious consequences for your foot health and your overall well-being. Footwear and its fitting can affect the way we walk, run, stand, and move, and can have a significant impact on our foot health. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that affect your foot health, tips on how to choose the right footwear for your needs, and how to avoid common foot problems and pain caused by improper footwear.

Factors That Affect Your Foot Health

Some of the factors that can influence our foot health are:

Gender: Women are more prone to foot problems than men, mainly because of wearing high heels, narrow shoes, or shoes that do not fit well. High heels can cause bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses, and neuromas, as well as increase the risk of ankle sprains and fractures. Narrow shoes can squeeze the toes and cause ingrown toenails, blisters, and infections. Shoes that do not fit well can cause friction and pressure on the feet, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, and ulcers. (There is research evidence that 7 out of 10 women wear poorly fitted

or incorrect shoes).

Age: As we grow older, our feet tend to change in size, shape, and flexibility. The natural fat pad that cushions the bottom of the feet becomes thinner, making the feet more vulnerable to shock and injury. The arches may flatten or collapse, causing overpronation or flat feet. The ligaments and tendons may lose their elasticity, resulting in a reduced range of motion and stiffness. The skin may become dry, thin, and fragile, increasing the risk of cracks and infections.

Weight: Obesity can put extra stress on the feet, ankles, and legs, increasing the risk of injury and inflammation. It can also worsen some existing foot conditions, such as flat feet, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Therefore, people who are overweight or obese should try to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Culture- In India, foot health is often neglected or overlooked, most people do not pay attention to their feet or seek medical help when they have foot problems. Many people prefer to wear fashionable-looking, cheap footwear that does not have any biomechanics or support for the feet, such as flip-flops, sandals, or slippers. These types of footwear can cause foot fatigue, pain, and deformities, as well as expose the feet to dirt, dust, bacteria etc.

The temptation to buy footwear online- Most online shoppers end up buying footwear that is fashionable but incorrectly fitted. Most customers rely on their shoe size which does not represent a correct fit (based on three measures-length, width and depth). Hence, I recommend buying shoes from physical stores where one can have their foot examined for any abnormalities, sizes verified and try them on and ensure a proper fit.

Improper footwear affects your walking patterns (*gait) before developing into a more serious problem. While you may not notice it at first, your body will react to the footwear that you wear. Your body will put more pressure on the body joints to make up for the pain felt in your feet.

Some basic guidelines to prevent foot problems and pain caused by wearing incorrect footwear,

Evening is the best time to buy shoes. When you're on your feet all day your feet swell a little. If a shoe is comfortable in the morning it could be tight on your feet by evening.

?Do not buy shoes that do not fit. There is no such thing as a "break-in period." With time, a foot may push or stretch a shoe to fit. But this can cause foot pain and damage. The goal is to find a shoe that approximates the shape of your foot - rather than for your foot to take on the shape of the shoe, so choose footwear that fits well and is comfortable for your feet.

Choose footwear that is appropriate for your activity and occasion. For example, wear athletic shoes when you exercise or play sports, wear formal shoes when you attend a meeting or a wedding, and wear casual shoes when you go shopping or hang out with family and friends.

Choose footwear that is made of quality materials and has good construction. I always recommend leather uppers over Synthetic leather uppers as shoes that are made of breathable, durable, and flexible materials can prevent moisture buildup, wear and tear, and stiffness. Shoes that have good construction can provide adequate support, cushioning, alignment, and balance for your feet.

Choose footwear that matches your foot type and condition. For example, if you have flat feet or overpronation, wear shoes that have arch support or orthotics; if you have high arches or supination, wear shoes that have cushioning or shock absorption; if you have bunions or hammertoes, wear shoes that have wide toe box or soft material; if you have diabetes or neuropathy, wear shoes that have extra depth or padding and no exposed stitching.

Know when to replace your footwear. Replace your footwear when they are worn out or damaged. Most wear and tear happen to your shoe outsole. Worn-out shoes can lose their shape, support, cushioning, and traction, and be tilted in one direction, making it unsafe and uncomfortable for your feet. Damaged shoes can cause blisters, cuts, bruises, and infections on your feet.

Take care of your feet by washing them daily with soap and water, drying them thoroughly, moisturizing them with lotion, trimming your toenails regularly, and checking them for any signs of problems. Interestingly, many people think that pedicure or foot spa is only for women, but this is not true. Men can also benefit from these services, as they can improve the health and hygiene of their feet. A foot spa can help to exfoliate the skin, stimulate the blood flow, prevent infections and reduce stress. Pedicure or foot spa is not a gender-specific service, it is a way of taking care of your feet and yourself.

Educate yourself- Customized orthotics can help correct biomechanical issues and prevent injuries, but they are often expensive and require foot scans at specialized medical centers or companies. Most people in India do not have access to these services or cannot afford them. Therefore, education and awareness remain the key to achieving good foot health. Remember that nature gives enough indications before the onset of a problem. For example, callus is the first stage of corn formation. Skin hardening starts well before the corn appears. If you notice any changes in your feet, such as pain, swelling, redness, numbness, tingling, or odour, do not ignore them. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

In conclusion, Footwear is not just a fashion statement but a vital part of our health and wellness. By choosing the right footwear for different activities and occasions, and by avoiding common foot problems, injuries and pain caused by improper footwear, we can enjoy great foot health, better mobility, comfort and quality of life and prevent future complications. Remember, your feet deserve the best!