3 Surprising Ways That Feet Affect Your Overall Health

3 Surprising Ways That Feet Affect Your Overall Health

You might not think about it a lot, but your feet serve as your foundation, carrying you throughout your day and supporting every step you take.

Feet are important to our overall health in so many ways. But we don’t tend to give them the support or recognition they deserve. Here are a few things you might be taking for granted:

 

• The skin on our feet is highly sensitive to touch and pressure. If you’ve ever walked barefoot on rocky terrain, you’ll know this. But we often underestimate the sensitivity of our feet because we (thankfully!) wear shoes that provide cushioning and support. 

 

• Your feet bear the weight of your entire body. In fact, while walking you can transmit 3-6 times your body weight through your feet. Not only do they provide stability, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining your posture. When your feet are aligned properly, it positively impacts your overall body alignment.

 

• Foot pain can significantly impact your mobility. When you’re healthy, it’s easy to take pain-free feet for granted. However, when you experience discomfort, it can be truly debilitating. Simple tasks like walking or standing become so challenging that they can affect your quality of life.

 

Happy feet lead to better movement. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining flexibility, strength, and overall well-being, and can play a crucial role in managing certain health conditions.

Our feet are also often overlooked when it comes to managing certain conditions and health aspects. Read on to find out how having happy feet can support your overall health in these situations.

 

Managing Diabetes
Living with diabetes requires a holistic approach that goes beyond monitoring blood sugar levels and taking medication. One often overlooked aspect of diabetes management is the health of our feet.

Why Are Feet Important for People with Diabetes?

• Monitoring for Effects of Nerve Damage and Poor Blood Flow: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing these complications, especially in their feet. These can lead to wounds on the feet that are at risk of getting infected or not healing properly. That’s why checking and taking good care of your feet is an important aspect of managing diabetes.
• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Regular physical activity makes our bodies more sensitive to insulin. When we exercise, our muscles use glucose more efficiently, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In this way, having feet that support our movement can contribute to better insulin sensitivity.
• Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise also helps lower blood pressure. By maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, we reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke.
• Weight Management: Movement contributes to weight loss and weight maintenance. Excess weight can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes-related complications. Regular exercise, supported by the ability to use our feet, helps keep our body healthy.

Mental Health And Wellness
Anxiety and depression can cast a shadow over our lives, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. But did you know that your feet can play a role in alleviating these mental health conditions? Let’s explore how foot health can contribute to better mental health.

Regular exercise has a profound impact on our mental health. It’s like a natural mood booster! When we engage in physical activity, our brain releases endorphins—those chemicals that lift our spirits and reduce stress. Movement can help combat anxiety by promoting the release of these feel-good endorphins. However, it becomes more challenging if you are experiencing foot pain. That’s why it is important to effectively manage your foot health.

You don’t need to run a marathon to reap these rewards. Even short bouts of exercise, as little as 10 minutes, can make a difference. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance session, or a few minutes of stretching, every step counts. So lace up those sneakers and let healthy feet lead the way.

Lowering High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health concern that affects many individuals. Fortunately, our feet can play a role in managing this condition. 

Regular physical activity, including walking, jogging, or dancing, strengthens our heart muscle. A stronger heart can pump blood more efficiently, reducing the overall workload on the cardiovascular system.

As our heart becomes more robust, it can deliver blood with less effort. This results in reduced force on the arteries, which helps lower blood pressure.

Happy feet in motion are essential for maintaining an active lifestyle. When you exercise, your feet propel you forward. Don’t let foot pain hold you back in the battle against high blood pressure!

Are You Ready To Give Your Feet The TLC They Deserve?

Taking care of your feet not only benefits you in managing certain conditions. Good foot health also positively impacts your overall physical and mental well-being by promoting and supporting movement.

Looking for support with your foot health? Book an assessment and let us provide you with: 

• Education and support
• Preventative care, pain management and personalized treatment plans
• Everything you need to help you stay active on your feet, for life

If you have any questions, please call us at 604-200-3338 or make an appointment to visit us in-store.