Wear good shoes. Purchase low heeled shoes that fit well and have plenty of room for your toes. Replace these shoes regularly. By wearing high heels and poorly fitted shoes, you can increase your risk of developing hammertoes and bunions. As you age, ligaments and tendons in your feet stretch causing them to grow; therefore don’t buy shoes without trying them on. Shoes that are too old will no longer hold your heel firmly in place and the sole will not absorb shock as effectively.
Maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight on your feet will wear your feet out and affect your gait and posture which then may cause problems with your knees, hips, back, and even shoulders. Often you are born with minor defects in your feet which become more serious as you put on weight.
Walk. Walking is a great cardiovascular exercise plus it strengthens and stretches the muscles in your feet. Remember the adage: “I you don’t use it, you lose it.” If you sit all day without walking, the muscles in your feet will get weaker which results in more difficulty walking and maintaining your balance.
By: Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.
