Your hardworking feet carry you everywhere each day, often taken for granted until problems arise. To safeguard this critical mobility, here are some surprising truths about properly caring for your feet beyond basic hygiene and occasional pedicures. Arm yourself with pivotal foot health knowledge to walk comfortably through life.
Foot Size Changes Over Time
Unlike hands, your feet change dimensions across adulthood surprisingly frequently. Feet reach full adult length typically by age 15 in women and age 17 in men on average. However, width continues expanding into the 50s and 60s gradually. The tendons, ligaments and pads cushioning feet thin over decades of use, causing feet to lengthen and widen seeking stability. Thus, the shoes fitting well in your 20s and 30s likely pinch years later. Older individuals require bigger sizes and wider toe boxes accommodating spreading. When purchasing shoes, get sized every time rather than assuming you know your size. Your feet transform more than you think.
Toenails Grow Slowly
We trim fingernails weekly, yet shear toenails only monthly or less without considering differences driving this. In fact, toenails grow remarkably slowly at one third the speed of fingernail growth. Toenails averaging 3-4mm expansion monthly contrast the 10mm for fingernails. This relates directly to reduced blood circulation reaching extremities like feet and hands. Less blood flow delivers less nutrients and oxygen spurring quick cell turnover. Slower growth allows for less frequent trimming while keeping the desired shape. However, persistent damage takes longer to overcome. Look for podiatry assistance from professionals like those at Beyond Podiatry promptly for nail injuries or thickening to avoid long-term complications.
Foot Odor Originates Internally
Ignore marketing suggesting specialty socks or shoe inserts magically neutralize foot odor externally. Bacteria interacting with sweat creates body odor. While sweat itself has no smell, it fosters bacterial growth, leading to the breakdown of body tissues and producing odors. Heat and moisture exacerbate the decomposition process, releasing noxious gases responsible for the characteristic unpleasant smell of feet. You cannot truly deodorize feet without addressing the underlying causes. Keep feet clean and dry, wear moisture-wicking socks, apply antiperspirant or prescription-strength formulas, consider Botox injections reducing sweating and maintain diligent hygiene to control odor at its biochemical source.
Orthotics Treat Alignment Issues
Don’t mistake orthotics for ordinary inserts; they provide significantly more than just cushioning in worn shoes. These medical devices crafted by podiatry specialists realign bone structure and redistribute body weight optimally across the feet. Custom construction based on weight bearing pressure scans target individual foot abnormalities causing strain or impairment. Rigid materials durably support the arch or heal micro fractures while flexible portions encourage natural movement.
Mobility Links Tightly to Foot Health
The cascading effects of foot problems spread rapidly into ankles, knees, hips and spine because of anatomical interconnections. Small imbalances in feet distort posture, gait, and weight distribution. For example, mild overpronation creates knee tracking issues increasing arthritis risks. Don’t take foot health lightly given the tremendous burden feet bear. Seek out podiatry care at the very first sign of problems like hot spots or fatigue. Protect mobility proactively through support, realignment and rest restoring resilient function. Improve joint and muscle strength to reduce the risk of strain.
Conclusion
Protect your mobility and activity levels by taking good care of your feet. As your feet change with age, adapt your footwear choices. Eliminate odor at its source. Use orthotics judiciously to realign and reinforce. And intervene early because minor problems cascade into serious disability without proper care. Your feet shoulder incredible pressure daily while steadily transforming. Lighten their load through proper professional care and self-maintenance. Help your hardworking feet to comfortably help you stride through life.
