The human foot is a unique anatomical structure, in which a staggering number of bones, joints, tendons and muscles are gathered together. It not only enables us to move, but it also provides a stable support at any given time.
Unfortunately, our feet often give us not only health problems, but aesthetic ones, as well. Different sensations and conditions may occur – heaviness, fatigue, numbness, swelling, varicose veins and in a large percentage of the cases even pronounced pain.
What are the factors that cause the unpleasant symptoms?
Along with overwork, the causes usually are:
- Sedentary way of life – Sedentary lifestyle slows down the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, resulting in the occurrence of adverse sensation in the feet.
- Clothes – Narrow, tight-fitting pants and socks also hamper blood and lymph circulation.
- Wine – “The drink of the gods” has a vasodilating effect and when not consumed with moderation, it violates the normal water exchange of cells.
- Salt – Excessive consumption of salt predisposes to water retention in the limbs.
- Age – Over the years, the cushion and the cartilage layer of the sole becomes thinner. Because of that, the feet lose their ability to soften the step.
- Smoking – Cigarette smoke prevents the oxygen supply to tissues.
- Shoes – Too tight or too loose shoes, as well as those with worn soles or heels higher than 4 cm alter the gait and have a very negative effect on the joints and on the local blood circulation.
- Flatfeet (pes planus) – Flatfeet leads to excessive bending of the foot inwards when walking or running, which strongly increases the pressure on them.
- Pregnancy – The tiring of the feet during pregnancy is a consequence of the sudden weight gain and the impact of estrogens, causing fluid retention and unwanted relaxation of the ligaments.
- Weight – The more overweight your feet are forced to bear, the more tense their muscles and joints will be.
- Health – In certain cases, the above symptoms can result from disturbances in the musculoskeletal system or from internal diseases, such as diabetes.
- Nutrition – There are studies demonstrating the relationship between the discomfort in the feet and a diet poor in folic acid, iron, vitamin E and some other substances.
How to avoid the appearance of unwanted sensations in the feet?
- Try to find a balance between physical activity and recreation
- Dedicate even more efforts to your general health
- Eat healthy and in moderation
- Try to reduce the use of alcohol, cigarettes and salt
- Comfort should be your priority when choosing clothes and shoes
- Avoid crossing your legs while sitting
- EXERCISESAlong with all this, it would be very helpful to spend a few minutes a day to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the feet. For this purpose, you can try the following:
- Lifting light objects from the floor with your toes
- Stepping consequently first on your fingers, then on your soles
- Rope-jumping
- Walk for a while, stepping only on the outer edges of your feet
