Foot Health

Our foot is a complex structure. Two feet consist of 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles. Feet are just like the foundation of a house. They need to endure our whole body weight. Therefore, it can affect our whole body directly. It is not hard to believe that almost 75% of people will experience some sort of foot problem in their lives.

Most people on average covers 8000 to 10000 steps per day. The main task of the feet is to take us every where. Every step can generate some impact force which will affect our bodies. When the foot is not working normally, it can cause problem to other joints, for example, ankle, knee, hip and even the spine. Pain and discomfort are usually the problem. Most people would seek help from the Doctor, but without knowing the pain is actually originated from the foot.

If you do exercises regularly, choosing suitable sporting shoes is very important. It is not just about how well it fits your feel, but it needs to be suitable for the sport you do. Every time you purchasing a pair of sporting shoe, it is always wise to ask the expert regarding the most suitable shoe brands and types.

Among people with diabetes, 60~70% of them have mild to severe nerve damages. It usually affects the foot sensation. Therefore, foot problem is a complication of diabetes. Severe nerve damage can lead to ulcer or foot amputation. Effective foot care can achieve early prevention and intervention of various foot conditions. This includes the diagnosis of abnormal pressure on the sole of foot and proper use of shoes and orthotics

Many types of foot problem, such as bunion, callus and blister, all cause by unsuitable foot wears. Most people tend to buy ill fitted shoes. This can easily exacerbate the minor pain in the foot. When you are purchasing a pair of shoe, it is always good to go in the afternoon. There can usually be a bit of foot swelling building up by the end of the day. In addition, it is essential to bring the appropriate socks to mach the types of shoe you are purchasing. If needed, you can also bring your personal orthotics (shoe insert) to try on with. Shoe size can be different between shoe manufacturers and shoe types. So, your shoe size might not always be the same. It is wise to try it on yourself each time.

There are few points to keep in mind when selecting a pair of well fitted shoe. Firstly, there should be enough room for your toes to move at the front part of the shoe. It is important to be shoe your foot is not wider than the shoe. Otherwise, it can lead to bunion formation and gradually there can be joint deformity. This is especially true for ladies wearing narrow high heels. The big toe can gradually turn toward other toes. In more severe cases, the first big toe can go over the neighboring toe and can cause joint stiffness. Even it might not cause any pain, but it can be visually unpleasant with bare feet. Then surgical correction is usually required. Another important thing is that heel needs to be able to maintain a stable position within the shoe, without the feeling of heel wobble around inside the shoe while walking. That is usually due to lack of side support. When you try on a shoe, you should feel comfortable as soon as you put it on.

You can seek advice from your physiotherapist regarding foot problem and shoe selection. Majority of foot problem can be ease and reverse by physiotherapy management to improve joint and muscle function. People with more severe or long term chronic problems, there might be the need to get a pair of orthotics to promote normal biomechanics of the foot. Orthotics can be off the shelf or customized. You can get off the shelf ones at the chemist or physiotherapy clinic. Customized one is pre-ordered and built by computerized scanning of your feet. It is totally personalized for you. This is more suitable for people with significant right and left foot difference or foot problems which are difficult to manage. Customized orthotics is only available in physiotherapy clinic with foot scanning facility or podiatrist. No matter which type of orthotics, it is always wise to allow your physiotherapist to check and analyze your walking, then decide the following treatment plan. Remember! Your feet and shoes are just like your car’s tyres. If there is problem on the tyre, the car can wobble and even can lead to abnormal wear and tear. Driving safety can also be compromised.