I have this thing about feet.
No, it’s not a fetish. I just have this thing – if your toes are out, I’m lookin’ at ’em. And contrary to popular belief, it’s really not about how pretty they are – just how “kept” they are.
Our feet are the foundation of our bodies – some schools of thought consider them the foundation to our lives. They help us get efficiently from point A to point B, help us balance, and, lest we forget, they allow us to wear some fabulous shoes!
So why is it that something so important is so overlooked? We perfume our bodies; wax, color and condition our hair; we even whiten, polish and straighten our teeth. But if you can believe, the same immaculately groomed people sitting next to you at the fashionably upscale restaurant may be hiding a secret. Ask them to reveal their tootsies, and what lies in wait may be a gnarly, mangled mess.
Unfortunately, feet often are an afterthought. We create intricate health regimens in our diet, exercise plans, and even grooming habits, but many times foot care is neglected.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to ensure proper care of our lower anatomy. A few well-placed actions added to your normal routine can enhance overall health and well-being, not to mention strike a pretty pose in summer sandals.
Shoes
The foot and the shoe don’t always have a friendly relationship. To make sure your feet have a positive experience, try on new shoes in the evening, when your feet are more swollen from being used all day. This will ensure that you’ve worn the shoe when your feet are their most “plump,” (pleasantly of course) and they won’t be too tight later.
New shoes should feel comfortable immediately. Shoes should never need to be “broken in,” or “worn down,” to feel good. If they don’t feel good when you put them on in the store, don’t expect them to ever feel quite right.
Many consider flip-flops or sandals the shoe of choice for summer. Make sure to choose shoes that fit well, with no irritating parts that rub against skin or between toes. Unguarded sores on the feet can cause issues if left untreated. Not to mention they can be highly uncomfortable.
Pedicures
Podiatrists often recommend regular pedicures to ensure healthy, well-groomed feet. Monthly treatments go a long way to prevent corns, calluses and other potentially painful common foot ailments. A relaxing foot soak, stimulating massage and overall maintenance not only make you feel good, the resulting polished presentation can make you look like a million bucks!
With at-home maintenance, remember never to use instruments that cut or slice skin, as it is more difficult to control these implements when working on our own feet. When choosing a nail salon, research to ensure proper sterilization techniques are followed and instruments aren’t used on subsequent clients without being sterilized.
Aging gracefully
As we age, feet become stiff; toes less pliable. Believe it or not, less range of motion in the feet slowly can cause a shuffle in the walk or shortening of the gait. Help prevent such physical malformations by stretching feet regularly. One method is to pick up marbles with the toes. Another is to interlace the fingers of one hand between the toes of one foot. If you’re unable to do this the first time, keep trying until there’s enough flexibility in the toes to bend them back and forth with the fingers while in this position. This will help keep toes pliable and the joints supple. Do this consistently to increase foot health.
At the end of the day, you like to relax, and so do your feet – prop them up to a level above the heart while watching television or reading your favorite book. Not only will it enhance your feeling of relaxation, it will give your feet a much-needed rest.
Don’t forget to soak. Footbaths go a long way toward keeping feet happy. Soaking in Epsom salts, essential oils or mild soap can soothe achy, tired feet and re-energize the entire body. Following with a gentle foot rub on the soles can stimulate almost every organ in the body, and help get you going after a rough day.
Pampered feet aren’t a luxury, I say they’re a necessity! A little attention can help increase your health and enrich your life!
Doni Luckett is chief executive of Divine-Basics.com, which produces lifestyle products to reconnect with moments that matter. Your questions may be addressed in the column by e-mailing enrichyourlife
@divine-basics.com.
