Historically speaking, human evolution has provided pieces of evidence that the foot is the youngest part of our skeletal frame and allows plane upright walking.
The feet (plural) are known to be the foundation of the human body since they help out the journey each day. Includes several bones, muscles, etc. to support the body weight and movements.
This shows how the foot affects the overall performance of the person. Still, sadly, it remains the most ignored when it comes to practicing self-care.
Maintaining foot health is a fundamental requirement for overall well-being. It is wise to practice natural remedies and comprehensive self-care practices.
In case of serious issues, visiting experts like The Feet People should be considered to avoid further delays and the development of numerous infectious diseases.
Looking for methods to exercise routine foot care and its benefits? Well, we have got you covered in this article!
Understanding The Foot Anatomy & Its Problems
The human anatomy describes the foot as the terminal part of the leg that allows the land vertebrate to stand. It consists of two sides:
- Dorsum (upper surface of the foot)
- Dorsal (top part of the foot)
It consists of complex segments like muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments to allow locomotion (because it’s adapted to grasp). It also has flat nails to protect the tips of the toes.
The arch of the foot helps in balancing the weight distribution and absorbing the shock in walking, supporting the creature in the form of bipedalism.
Along with the ability to help with walking, jumping, etc. it helps in grasping or manipulation.
Despite the foot being the most integral part of our body, it remains one of the most neglected when it comes to practicing self-care.
This could lead to several foot problems with one reason in common; being exposed to the amount of stress regularly. Some of them are as follows:
- Neuritis (sensations of pain, tingling, or numbness)
- Plantar Fasciitis (small tears in the connective tissues called fascia)
- Bunions (deviates the big toe from the others, making it bumpy)
- Ingrown Toenails (swelling, pain, and even infections)
- Athlete’s Foot (inflammation, cracked, peeling skin, and itching)
- Corns & Blisters (repeated frictions causing calluses to be formed)
Did You Know?
Research was conducted by the researchers of the National Library of Medicine, in 2019 by collecting data from the participants from Finland. The results indicated that 73% suffered from foot pain, followed by dry soles (68%), thickened toenails (58%), and cold feet (57%).
Benefits Of Practicing Foot Care Remedies
As the crucial part responsible for the movement of beings, the traditional methods have been tested over the years. This showed that positive changes were noticeable after a certain period.
Some of them are:
- Improved Circulation (through foot massages)
- Encourages Productivity (the movements become swifter)
- Protection Against Infections (visiting a podiatrist regularly helps in prevention)
- Promotes Speedy Recovery (spontaneous treatments)
- Injury Prevention (makes the muscles more relaxed & flexible)
- Pain Relief (specialists and self-care helps in relieving the pain)
Self-Help Remedies For the Foot Health
Caring for the foot can always start from home until and unless one is not suffering from severe issues. There are several ways to practice self-care to improve foot health and nurture it while preventing frequent infections.
Listed below are some self-help detox remedies to improve the foot health:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluting 1 cup of vinegar in warm water and soaking the feet in it for almost 30 minutes can help in getting rid of infections like athlete’s feet. It also may help in removing pesky parasites like warts.
The mixture also provides relief from the odor-causing fungus and bacteria. As a result, it helps restore the pH balance of the foot, making it softer and reducing the blisters or calluses.
Rosewater & Glycerin
To avoid cracked feet and being exposed to countless harmful bacteria, use a spoonful of glycerine and 2 teaspoons of rosewater. This helps revitalize the skin of the feet and softens it.
Adding a spoonful of lemon juice is optional, apply the mixture on the heels and wear a pair of clean socks overnight to soothe the cracks.
Epsom Salt Bath
Soaking the feet in the mixture of Epsom salts and warm water for 30 minutes can help relax the muscles and reduce the inflated or tensed muscles or ligaments.
This reduces the swelling or pain and helps in easing the movements of the individual.
A Mixture Of Milk, Salt & Lemon Juice
To even the skin tone and remove the dead skin, try using a mixture of milk, salt, and lemon juice. The first thing to be done is to heat the milk and then add a pinch of salt.
Then add a spoonful of lemon juice and apply the paste on the feet. Continue massaging the mixture until it blends into the skin, and then wash it off using lukewarm water after 15–20 minutes.
Comprehensive Self-Care Practices
Let us delve deeper into the various self-care approaches apart from the remedies to improve and maintain foot health:
Foot-Friendly Footwear
Choosing the right size of shoes ensures that the toes are not being stuffed. It is the foundation of healthy feet. The appropriate support, cushioning, and stability being offered is the most essential aspect.
It is advised to avoid high heels or extremely flat footwear to avoid having issues in the foot like flat feet or swelling.
Foot Posture And Alignment
Maintenance of the appropriate posture avoids straining the muscles, tendons, or connective tissues as well as from being inflated. This reduces the risk of being injured or living in discomfort in the long run.
Evenly distribute the body weight while standing and incorporate foot exercises into the daily routine to keep the feet healthy.
Choose The Right Socks
Having an extra layer of protection helps in evenly distributing the overall comfort of the feet. This is one of the major reasons why one should look for socks that are foot-friendly.
Socks that help keep the feet dry and blister-free should be considered while making sure that the size is perfect (neither too tight nor too loose).
Fun Fact!
In 2016, the market value of foot care products in Japan amounted to about 31.5 million U.S. dollars.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a standard foot care routine is an efficient way to ensure optimal health and overall well-being of the feet. Recognizing their benefits, and implementing them, helps avoid the harsh impacts of not being maintained.
Self-care and Comprehensive Self-Care Practices can help in improving foot health and avoid diseases that hinder the locomotion of the individual. In case of constant pain or problems, visiting a specialist is advised.
