Healthy feet for healthy living

FEET, THE ENGINE DRIVING OUR EVOLUTION.

The human foot - with its 26 bones, 33 joints and a collection of 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles - is an extraordinary anatomical feature. The complexity and functionality of the foot played an important part in the adaptation of humans to their environment, allowing people to stand up straight and walk.

But, above all, the human foot is the point of contact with the ground that bears the weight of the entire body: it is subject to enormous strain - and can be plagued with a wide variety of problems. According to a study by the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, 99% of feet are perfect at birth: the percentage drops drastically in the first year of life, with approximately 8% of deformations occurring in this period, a number that grows to 80% at around age 20.

What areas of the foot are likely to face problems? A great many: bones, tendons, muscles, posture-related issues. But the most commonly affected area is the skin - with calluses and corns, boils, warts and fungal infections: the skin is the first point of contact between the feet and the outside world and therefore requires special care.

6 GOOD PRACTICES TO SAFEGUARD THE WELL-BEING OF THE SKIN OF THE FOOT...

Keeping our feet healthy requires attention and regular care. Here are 6 practical suggestions to help prevent and manage issues affecting the skin of the foot:

1. Daily hygiene: wash feet with soap and water every day; be sure to dry them well, especially the area between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
2. Adequate footwear: wear comfortable, breathable shoes of the correct size. Shoes must provide support and must not be a source of excessive pressure or friction.
3. Trimming toenails: trim your toenails properly and frequently. To avoid ingrown toenails, do not cut them too short and do not round the edges.
4. Skin moisture: apply moisturising creams to your feet regularly, to keep the skin soft and avoid cracking; however, be sure not to leave too much cream between your toes to avoid excessive moisture.
5. Periodic check-ups: check your feet regularly to catch any issues early. Consult a podiatrist for any concerns or persistent symptoms.
6. Appropriate socks: wear socks made of cotton or breathable materials that absorb moisture and change socks daily. Avoid excessively tight socks as they may obstruct circulation.

FOCUS ON BAREFOOTING: UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS.

Our feet were born naked, just like us: the development of footwear may have expanded our horizons on the one hand, but on the other it distanced us from the freedom and sensory benefits of contact between the foot and the external environment.

"Barefooting", i.e., walking around barefoot, is a sport that has existed for decades and is gaining global popularity: benefits include improved blood flow, improved posture (which is often harmed by bad habits) and a rebalancing of the body's centre of gravity. Barefooting is particularly beneficial for children as it promotes the development of the foot, which grows accustomed to sensory stimuli that are processed by the cerebral cortex and activate the muscles of the leg and foot, adapting them to contact. But it is beneficial at any age: in adults - who are not affected by diseases caused by overloading, diabetic ulcers or problems of the bones and joints - walking barefoot improves circulation, posture and balance, not to mention the psychological benefits of the resulting sense of well-being.

In addition it allows the skin of the foot to breathe freely without compression or friction: a great relief!