Feet are high-precision instruments with 52 bones, 66 joints and more than 200 muscles, tendons and ligaments. They connect us to the ground, support our body weight and provide balance and mobility. They need looking after, particularly during long periods of standing and even more so during strenuous activities like dancing, when forces through the joints can exceed up to eight times the body weight.
The importance of choosing the right footwear cannot be overstated, as it minimises the stress placed on the feet and joints and helps reduce the risk of injury and joint damage.
Here’s the dilemma. Everyone like to dress their best for social occasions and that includes shoes. But, fabulous-looking shoes (especially worn for the first time, without any ‘breaking in’), are often painful on feet and, if shoes hurt, they are damaging your feet.
So what’s the answer? It is possible to look stylish and feel comfortable, but some compromise is needed.
Below are our suggestions for keeping your feet happy this Christmas and New Year:
- If you really want to wear heels, make sure they’re no more than two inches in height
- Limit the time your feet are in heels, by wearing more sensible, comfortable shoes to and from the event
- Avoid ‘pointy’ toe shoes which can cause painful deformities like bunions and hammer toes
- Choose shoes which stabilise the heels, contour the arch and free the toes
- Stretch your feet and calves regularly
- Massage the arch area of your feet using a special foot roller or, alternatively, something like a golf ball or broom handle
- Remove dry skin and moisturise your feet regularly
If you need more help or advice, speak to one of our consultants here at Foot Solutions, Richmond.
Wishing you happy feet for the festive season!