Tag Archives: feet

Health at School: New Shoes

Back to school shopping was always a horrible trial for my family. I’ve never been a huge fan of clothes shopping, so it was a miserable experience just for that. Then there was the huge divide in taste between me and my mom, which eventually got settled with this rule: if I picked something she hated, then she got to pick something I hated. Shoe shopping was only slightly less of a battlefield, if only because the choices were somewhat more limited! Much of our shoe shopping (in the elementary school years, at least) was done at the little shoe … Continue reading →

Goodbye, Favorite Shoes! Hello… Happy Feet?

I put my favorite pair of sneakers in the trash today. Now I’m sad. They were New Balance slip-on sneakers — no laces to tie when I was running late, just slip my feet in and keep moving. Perfect for wearing to my part time job at the cats-only boarding facility, because they were so easy to put on and take off (we change into scrubs when we get to work and change back when the shift is over — another place where not having to tie shoes is SO handy). But after more than a year of being my … Continue reading →

Walking Barefoot is Good for Your Feet!

I love to be barefoot. As soon as I walk in the door, I take off my shoes — it’s a good way to keep contaminants out of the house, but I just do it because I’m more comfortable barefoot! Walking barefoot can actually be good for you. Wearing shoes can make your foot muscles weak; going barefoot can stretch and exercise your toes and arches. Walking barefoot also helps improve balance! (I do find that I have better balance without shoes — I once climbed some rocks at a lake and was surprised at how much easier it was … Continue reading →

Dealing With Foot Pain

Walking is one of the greatest forms of exercise — but if your feet hurt, you probably don’t want to do much walking! Here are some stretches that can help prevent and relieve foot pain, whether you’re on your feet all day or not. Stretch your toes quickly and easily: sit in a chair with your right leg crossed over your left thigh. Lace your fingers through your toes as if you were holding hands with your foot. Squeeze your fingers (and toes) together for a ten second count, then stretch your fingers (and toes) apart for a ten second … Continue reading →

Check Your Foot Shape To Get The Right Kind Of Shoe

Footprints show us where we’ve been… but they can also help point you in the right direction going forward. Your foot shape can show you the way to the right kind of shoe to reduce foot pain and body strain. So how do you figure out your foot shape? It’s quick and easy! Take off your shoes and socks. Wet the bottom of your foot. Step onto a fresh, clean piece of paper. Check out the imprint you’ve made. You have a high arch if the imprint has only a narrow band connecting the ball of the foot with the … Continue reading →

Foot Fact and Fiction

Think you know all there is to know about your tootsies? Think again. Test your foot IQ with these foot fibs — see if you know the truth! FOOT FICTION: Once you’re an adult, your feet pretty much stay the same size. FOOT FACT: Weight gain, pregnancy, and even basic aging can stretch the ligaments in your feet and make them up to a whole size larger. And you can lose weight in your feet, too. Don’t just assume your feet have stayed the same — try on your shoes and make sure you’re getting a good fit. And just … Continue reading →

A Pain In The Foot

Aching feet? Check this list of the top five foot complaints for symptoms and treatment. Foot cramps: muscle spasms that can attack your toes or arches. Dehydration is a major cause of foot cramps, so be sure you’re drinking enough — especially while working out. Strengthening the muscles can help cut down on cramps, too. If lactic acid builds up in the feet, the muscles can spasm. Build foot muscles by picking things up with your toes! Plantar fasciitis: an inflammation of the tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes, causing a sharp pain under the … Continue reading →

Dealing With Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the skin of the foot. It may appear between the toes, on the sole, on the heel, on the instep, or in multiple locations. The fungus is easily spread but can be easily treated at home. Natural remedies include: Mix fungus fighting essential oils like lavender, tea tree, clove, and eucalyptus into a carrier oil. Keep your feet dry — wear cotton socks and/or open shoes and use foot powder. Sweat and a lack of air circulation can encourage infection growth. Make your own foot powder from cornstarch with … Continue reading →

Different Types of Athlete’s Foot

There’s more than one type of athlete’s foot, and the treatment for each can vary. Toe web infections (also known as interdigital infections) are the most common type of athlete’s foot. The infection appears between the toes, most often between the fourth and fifth toes. Toe web infections can often be treated using nonprescription antifungal creams and/or lotions. Keeping your feet clean and dry can help the infection clear up faster — and stay away afterwards. For a severe infection, you may need a prescription antifungal medication from your doctor. A moccasin-type infection leads to scaly, thickened skin on the … Continue reading →

Natural Fixes For Dry, Cracked Heels

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As we get ready to roll into summer, the number of lotion commercials on television seems to increase. Especially commercials for foot creams! According to the ads, we should hide our dry, cracked heels away now that “sandal weather” is here. I’ve got some seriously dry and cracked heels. To be completely honest, if I could go barefoot all year, I would. That sure doesn’t help the state of my feet! But there are plenty of at-home remedies that can smooth over the rough edges and get your feet primped and pampered for “sandal weather”. Soak your feet to soften … Continue reading →