Have you ever noticed the appearance of many older people’s feet? They often look tired, as if worn down by time. This isn’t just due to age: throughout life, our feet bear our weight, keep us moving, and are constantly subjected to stress. Over the years, reduced mobility and poor circulation take their toll.
Foot care isn’t just about appearance – it’s crucial for your overall health. Your feet support your entire body, and their condition affects your walking comfort, the health of your joints, and even proper blood circulation.
Three cornerstones for foot health
1. Cycle: The basis of everything
The feet are also referred to as the “second heart” because they help to transport blood upwards.
When we move, the muscles in our legs and feet act like a pump, promoting venous return.
If the feet remain immobile, this function is weakened: varicose veins, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, and even a risk of thrombosis can occur. Furthermore, cold and pale feet are a clear sign of poor circulation.
2. Mobility: Key for joints and muscles
With every step, the foot must move correctly from heel to toe to cushion the impact. If this mechanism fails, not only the feet suffer, but also other parts of the body.
Pain in the heels or soles of the feet.
Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.
Tension in the calf muscles with a risk of tendonitis.
Overuse injuries in the knees, hips, and lower back.
3. The support: The base of the body
Our feet bear our body weight and absorb the impact of every step. If they don’t function properly, the pressure is distributed unevenly, leading to problems such as toe deformities, corns, calluses, and pain in the back and hip joints.
Why are my feet starting to hurt?
The causes can be varied:
Lack of exercise.
Use of unsuitable footwear.
Age-related changes.
Injury or inflammation.
Often, the first signs – fatigue, heel pain, or the formation of corns – are overlooked. But if these minor problems are left untreated, they can develop into more serious issues over time.
This is how to keep your feet healthy
1. Simple but effective exercises
Stand on your tiptoes and then slowly lower yourself back onto your heels. This activates the muscles in your feet and calves and stimulates blood circulation
Try rolling from heel to toe to restore your foot’s natural walking motion.
For a relaxing and strengthening exercise, sit down and roll a ball under the arch of your foot.
To maintain flexibility, sit down and gently stretch your toes by pulling them backward.
Important: If you experience pain or visible changes in your feet, consult a specialist before starting the exercises.
2. Walking barefoot
Training on sand, grass or small stones activates capillary circulation and strengthens the muscles.
3. Proper footwear
Footwear should be comfortable and well-cushioned. Tight shoes or high heels deform the foot and impair its natural function.
4. Regular care
It moisturizes the skin to prevent dryness and cracking. It removes calluses and controls the condition of the nails to prevent problems such as ingrown toenails.
Do foot exercises for at least 10 minutes a day.
Vary your choice of shoes and avoid always wearing tight or high-heeled shoes.
If possible, take barefoot walks on natural surfaces.
If you experience persistent pain or develop varicose veins, you should have regular check-ups.
Never ignore early signs such as fatigue or swelling in your feet.
Your feet are the foundation of your health and well-being. Staying active, taking good care of them, and keeping them moving not only prevents pain but also supports your joints and promotes blood circulation.
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