Women, Why Footcare Should Be A Part of Your Beauty and Health Routine?

Aging can be viewed as a dreadful part of what happens to all of us, especially women.  Standards of what the media calls beautiful seem to continuously change. And often, these so-called standards aren’t even achievable.

 We’re used to labelling women over 50 as “over the hill,” according to an article published by the Wall Street Journal called “The New Rules of Middle Age, Written by Women.”  But things are changing.  With new milestones in productivity, creativity, insight and inspiration, women of all ages, shapes and sizes continue to achieve new goals and reach new heights in so many areas of their lives.

As our minds continue to take leaps forward, it’s important that our feet aren’t slowing us down.

Did you know that women’s feet are not a smaller version of men’s feet?

A study by the NIH demonstrates that female feet and legs are not simply scaled-down versions of male feet but rather differ in a number of shape characteristics. The arch of a woman’s foot is higher, the medial (outside) side of the foot is shorter and our big toe is shallower.

Women’s feet also continue to change in size as they age.

So, what’s important for to know about your feet as a woman embracing your age and looking to reach new heights in all aspects of your life?

Women, Watch For These 7 Changes In Your Feet

• More corns or calluses on your feet. You may see more of this because the fat pads are eroding and more friction as you bones are rubbing against the surface of your shoes.
• Changes in foot structure. Weight changes can effect foot structure. Misalignment of the bones (flat foot) can cause bunions, hammertoes and heel pain as well as back, knee and hip pain.
• Foot size can change. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes too small can cause pain and shoes that are too large lead to more falls.
• Abnormal looking sores, wounds, infection, diseased areas. Make sure you routinely check your feet.
• Excessive dryness and cracking. It’s important not to ignore this! Keeping the skin of your feet intact is important to your health.  Dry skin and cracking can be a portal to bacteria that causes infection. Swelling, redness and tenderness. Consult a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of these issues.

12 Tips For Taking Care of Your Feet

Taking care of your feet is a crucial step in taking care of your overall well being.  I like to call this Prep, Pad and Pamper.

Prep Your Feet

• Check your feet 2-4 times a month for changes in the skin and nails.
• Coordinate proper foot care for each aspect of your life by wearing appropriate shoes for activities and weather that include walking, exercise, hiking biking and any type of activity that includes being on your feet for extended periods of time. Plan ahead!
• Wear shoes that fit properly, and don’t forget the socks.
• If wearing high heels, tuck in an extra pair of lower heel shoes to change into.
• If you’re experiencing persistent pain, it’s time to schedule that podiatrist appointment. Don’t put it off any longer.  It’s time for some answers.
• If you take any medications be aware of the side effects these medications may have on your feet.
• Pretreat any areas that tend to become painful.

Pad Your Feet

• Improve foot comfort by adding appropriate padding to areas that tend to rub against shoes or become painful. Medical grade silicone padding is a great option.
• Add orthotics to improve the alignment of your feet and provide cushioning in both dress and casual shoes. Our array of orthotics are podiatrist approved.

Hint:  Buy your orthotics first and then buy shoes that work with the orthotics.

Pamper Your Feet

This is the most fun step, it’s time to pamperGive your feet the love they deserve. Your feet take the beating and brunt of a lot!

Create your own Restore and revive routine to keep moving.

• Rest and soak
• Massage
• Pedicurian offers four levels of moisturizer specific to your needs.

Your feet have many more miles to carry you in achieving all you’ve set out to do in life, so it’s time to start giving your feet the attention they deserve.  Why not start now?