Healing Garden Journal - Proactive Steps to Foot Care by Mike Bell

Nothing beats summertime in Michigan. The warmth of the sun, clear blue skies and lush green landscapes energize the mind and spirit. We take every opportunity to experience nature: picnics and backyard barbeques replace indoor entertaining; treadmill workouts are substituted by peaceful jogs through the neighborhood; and wintertime hobbies make way for outdoor activities such as gardening. Yet, to take full advantage of these opportunities, our bodies must be in an optimum state of health.

Overall wellness should begin with the very foundation of our bodies – the feet. Our feet bear the entire weight of our physical beings, and failure to attend to them can cause pain and soreness in other areas of the body. By supporting the feet, we help the body to align itself properly, which is critical to helping prevent injury and discomfort.

Oftentimes, proper support for the feet is neglected during the summer, as most people forego their heavy-duty winter shoes and boots for sandals, flip-flops and going barefoot. However, these warm-weather options can lead to added strain on your legs, joints, back and feet, a scenario that leaves many turning to OTC or prescription painkillers.

The good news is that many problems can be alleviated using a more natural, pill-free approach. Here are a few simple tips to keep your feet happy and healthy this summer:

Make sure to wear a pair of supportive, properly fitted shoes when doing any outdoor yard work. Lifting heavy bags of topsoil and mulch or trying to steer a wheelbarrow full of debris can put a great deal of strain on the body, and yet many people hang on to that old pair of tennis shoes – soles worn, holes through the toe – to use for outside work. Properly fitted shoes and custom arch supports can not only balance and align the body but also help to prevent injuries that result from heavy-duty manual labor.

Wear supportive sandals. Since socks and shoes can be hot and sweaty during the summer, sandals have become the premier choice for traveling, running errands in town and attending poolside parties. However, most sandals and flip-flops are not conducive to long hours of walking or standing as they are often constructed out of flimsy, non-supportive materials. When shopping for summertime footwear, it’s important to look for the same qualities you would find in an optimum shoe: good arch support, solid sole construction and proper fit.

Take a proactive step towards foot health by having an in-person, comprehensive foot analysis. Before you hit the golf course or embark on your other favorite summer pastimes, make sure to address any current conditions that could keep you off the green or on the bench. Biomechanical abnormalities and common foot conditions – such as plantar fasciitis, hammertoes and bunions – can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly in the lower extremities. Having a simple, professional pain-free analysis by a board certified pedorthist can help provide relief and increase performance by ensuring that your footwear is properly fitted and that your supportive inserts – OTC, custom or orthotics – are appropriate for your foot.

We hope that these tips will help keep you on your feet and off the couch this summer. As always, we encourage you to consult with your doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist to determine individual medical needs.

Mike Bell, C.Ped is a board certified pedorthist and owner of Foot Solutions Ann Arbor. His store carries foot care products that offer a natural approach to pain relief. Mike can be reached at 734.998.3668. For other locations, visit detroitfootsolutions.com