Feet First!
- Exercising Kindness
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
What a cool bit of kit – the Feet , masterpieces of engineering.
The feet love to articulate, whether you are standing on tiptoes, or you are
taking them for a walk!
So for A few Top Tips...
STARTING FROM THE INSIDE
Skin layer
General guide: if your skin has a tendency to be moist, dust lightly with
powder.If your skin is dry, then moisturise with a simple cream that
absorbs readily. If you have skin that is more fragile , has old areas of
scarring, or old blister sites – then dab on surgical spirit, and allow to
dry. Zinc oxide strapping is useful for local areas that need protection –
but is not always readily available and as with any adhesive tape -can
curl up at the ends.
Second layer
Thin layers are best for prolonged walking. So, available from most
Supermarkets ( J.Lewis) Invisible liner sox, are some of the cheapest ,
but there are many, more costly ones available from specialist outdoor
retailers.
Then, over this nylon/ultra thin layer - choose socks with a
breathable fabric; for the second layer. This helps prevent build up of
moisture and deflects any friction away from your skin.
Lastly... let your Footwear be not only wide enough- but importantly
DEEP enough too - so that your feet can splay and flex , with different
contours and surfaces you are coming into contact with.
Insoles, can be great, if your footwear does not have a very thick or
shock absorbing sole. The new gel ones are good as they are inert, and
like memory foam ,conform to the particular contours of your foot.
Nutrition
The foot, as with all organs, depends on a healthy circulation ... delivering
nutrients and oxygenated blood to facilitate the function of the tissues , nerve
and lymphatic system. The healthy circulation also enables the removal of
waste and potential toxins from the foot.
So, the usual substances that impede a good circulation, are higher than
optimum levels of sugars lipids and salts. Eat clean!
Substances, such as nicotine are potent vaso-constrictors, which will prevent
the blood from reaching all extremities , such as the foot , and therefore will
contribute to poor skin , nail, and nervous supply.
If the nerves are compromised, then people may experience damage to the
skin, without realising, and also balance issues. While the levels of nicotine is
strictly controlled in the UK; if e-cigarettes from other sources are used, there
is an increased risk of higher concentrations of nicotine and other hazardous
chemicals.
(Long-term use of electronic cigarettes, or vaping products, can
significantly impair the function of the body’s blood vessels, increasing
the risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the use of both e-
cigarettes and regular cigarettes may cause an even greater risk than
the use of either of these products alone. These findings come from two
new studies supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Hydration
Amazingly, we lose a considerable volume of fluid from the circulation ,
in just normal daily living , via invisible losses ; eg , respiration ,
perspiration and our constant metabolic processes.
Therefore, drinking water while we are walking, results in feeling less
fatigue ,headaches , more alert and less muscle aches and cramps ,
plus; increasing our endurance and enjoyment. If we don’t drink enough
– our urine becomes more concentrated ; irritates the bladder, and can
result in us wanting to pee More ! So, Take your favourite ‘tipple’ with
you!
Walking Poles
On the subject of Balance... if there are times when we feel more stiff ,
and more prone to tripping and slipping , or if we are uncertain of a new
terrain; there is much to be said for using a pole or a pair of poles.
People find the increase in confidence boosts their enjoyment, and
allows them to look around at the scenery , instead focusing on the
ground, scanning the terrain.
Finally ... The Reward!
At the end of your walk – put your feet up, with a cuppa. Or people still
find the benefit of a warm foot soak with added Epsom (bath) salts or
your favourite aromatic oil!
Enjoy!
WRITTEN BY: Sarah Crosse, Podiatrist & Exercising Kindness Member x
FOR A FREE PEDICURE - By Sarah, please email lynne@exercisingkindness.co.uk
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