Why we Need to Pay More Attention to our Feet

amberlynwellbeing
Dec 16, 2022
2 min read

I wouldn't say that our feet is the first thing we think about when it comes to taking care of our body. They don’t come to mind until they start hurting. I’ve had issues with my feet for years. Due to a medical condition, bad shoes, or just my feet feeling tight, or really all of the above.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a majority of Americans have experienced food pain but only about ⅓ have actually sought out medical care. Why is that? Have we just accepted that our feet are going to hurt and that’s the way it is?

Some issues connected to tight feet and ankles:

knee pain from knee falling inward
runners knee
weakness in the glutes, hamstrings, and calves
achilles tendonitis
stress fracture of heel or midfoot
shin splints
plantar fasciitis

Through yoga I have found that a lot of tension and emotion can be stored in our feet. Do you think you take good care of your feet?

Here are some ideas:

Clean them intentionally
Soak them
Moisturize them
Alternate the shoes you wear (we will go into that further down)
Stretch your feet - improve flexibility, circulation and prevent or relieve pain.

Ankle health and feet health is important for the health of the rest of your body. The flexibility and mobility of both can have an impact on your knees and hips. It’s important to not only wear the correct shoes for your activity; walking, running, sport-specifc, due to the stress put on your feet, but also to switch up the shoes you wear every once and awhile, that way the same stress isn’t being constantly put on the same muscle and sets of joints.

I use inserts in all my shoes due to having high arches and my feet wanting to roll inwards when I walk. It's important to find the correct inserts for your feet and shoes.

Other benefits of shoe inserts: