Our feet, in spite of their undeniable importance, are often the most neglected part of our bodies. We don’t usually give them much thought until we encounter discomfort from an injury or feel the cold sting of a stone floor beneath our soles. We regularly get our hearts, ears, eyes, and teeth checked, and we monitor health metrics such as cholesterol and blood pressure, yet our feet – the very foundations that keep us upright and mobile – are often overlooked.
As explained by Brock Healy, principal podiatrist at the Hong Kong Foot Clinic, our feet endure significant pressure. When we walk, they generate ground reaction forces that are approximately 1.2 times our body weight, and this increases to around 2.5 times when running. Unsurprisingly, our feet are susceptible to overuse injuries, both in the soft tissue and bone, due to these large load forces.
Overuse injuries can range from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue running along the bottom of the foot, to Achilles tendinopathy, common in runners and caused by inflammation in the Achilles tendon. Stress fractures and Morton’s neuroma, a condition affecting the ball of your foot, are also common foot conditions.
Foot stresses, Healy explains, can be exacerbated by individual foot postures. Those with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to these types of injuries and can also be more susceptible to foot deformities like bunions, claw, and hammer toes, all of which can be worsened by ill-fitting shoes.
Statistics show that women experience foot problems four times more frequently than men, largely due to the common practice of wearing high heels and shoes with pointed toes. These footwear styles, although aesthetically appealing, are often uncomfortable and detrimental to foot health.
Moreover, our feet, being in direct contact with the ground, are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, including skin and nail infections. These can range from infected ingrown toenails and warts to onychomycosis, a nail fungus that leads to thickened nails.
Interestingly, our feet and hands have the highest concentration of sweat glands in our bodies, with approximately 250,000 sweat glands present in a pair of adult feet. This leads to the production of significant amounts of sweat, a trait believed to have evolved to provide our ancestors with better grip when fleeing from predators.
Healy, whose interest in podiatry was sparked by his personal experiences with foot problems, stresses the importance of proper foot care. Foot discomfort can not only affect our mobility but also lead to other health issues. For example, walking with a foot injury can result in changes in gait, which can in turn lead to stresses on the ankles, knees, and lower back, thereby affecting the entire limb.
One of the best ways to maintain foot health is to select the right footwear for your activities. High heels and tight-fitting footwear should be worn in moderation. For those considering barefoot running shoes, Healy suggests these should be used judiciously, taking into account one’s individual foot condition and activities.
In conclusion, taking care of our feet is essential for overall health and mobility. Regular check-ups, appropriate footwear, and immediate attention to foot pain or discomfort are the key steps towards ensuring healthy feet and a healthy life.
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