Kingston & Teddington Osteopathy – August 2021

August 2021 Newsletter

Healthy Feet

We can easily take our feet for granted until that day comes when suddenly, something hurts and you find you cannot walk without pain.

Foot pain can be extremely debilitating and demoralising.

At the practice we see a variety of problems affecting mobility.  Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Sprained Ankles, Arch problems and Arthritis are just a few.

We hope to give you some top tips on how to help your feet stay healthy.

Kind regards,

Happy Feet

Each foot contains 26 bones and numerous tendons, ligaments and small muscles called lumbricals which all work together to give us mobility, shock absorption and the ability to cope with uneven ground.

Looking after your feet is vital for good health and well-being.

How to Look After Your Feet

1.  Keep your Feet Clean and Moisturised.
Check your feet regularly and ensure that they are in good health.  Use moisturiser to help prevent dry, cracked heels and treat any underlying skin problems such as Athlete’s foot or fungal infection.  Ensure your toenails are cared for to prevent infection from occurring.

2.  Wear the Correct Shoes for the Occasion.
If you are active and on your feet all day, purchase shoes that are cushioned with good arch support.  Trainers should be replaced regularly to ensure that your feet get the maximum shock absorption and support when doing sport.

3.  Use Insoles when Required.
If you have been prescribed orthotics for a foot problem, wear them in your shoes all the time.  See a podiatrist if advised to by your Osteopath or if you have chronic foot pain.

4.  Wear the Correct Shoe Size.
You may find that when purchasing trainers, you need a half or full size bigger shoe than your normal shoe size.  This gives your toes room to flex and will also enable your feet to swell with heat during activity.  You may find that as an adult your foot size changes, for instance after pregnancy it is common for this to occur.

Good Foot Health will help your Whole Body

If you do suffer from Foot Pain, do remember to ask our Osteopaths to have a look.  We treat many problems with feet and will be able to give you good advice and will know when you should be referred to a podiatrist for Specialist intervention.

As Osteopaths we can treat foot problems with various techniques and will also give you self-help tools to manage long-term foot pain.