The human body is an amazing thing, and our feet are an important part of our bodies. Our feet contain more than 50 bones (about one-quarter of all the bones in our bodies), 200 muscles and 60 joints, ligaments and tendons that help them move and intricately hold them together. Our feet are our very basic means of structural support, and in that position, we put a great deal of stress on our feet as they move us through the ups and downs of our lives. Given the significant role our feet play in our lives, we should invest in the care and keeping of our feet. There are a few very important reasons to do so.

Quality of Life

Our quality of life is directly proportional to our ability to remain functional and self-sufficient, which means that we are fully capable of performing our daily activities, including, but not limited to, walking, working, playing, running errands, and spending time with family and friends. If our feet are hurting or plagued with other ailments, we are not able to function at an optimal level. Foot health, here, interferes with our daily living and the quality of the life we live. Further, if a particular ailment causes us to compensate by modifying our daily activities, we put ourselves in the vulnerable position of causing undue harm to ourselves (e.g., changing our posture or gait to avoid pain affects balance, which makes us vulnerable to falling).

Productivity at Work

For those of us who work in a job that demands us to be on our feet for extended periods of time, problems with our feet could affect our productivity at work. And, for those of us who sit at a desk for most of our day, problems with our feet can be further problematic as we get up and move around, which is essential to maintain proper circulation and to avoid neck and shoulder pain. All in all, problems with our feet can hinder work performance, resulting in lost time, reduced productivity, and impeded efficiency and effectiveness.

Physical Activity      

We are encouraged to engage in active physical exercise regularly. For most healthy adults, the recommendation is about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, with two days per week of resistance training. For individuals with foot problems, achieving that recommendation can be difficult if not impossible. Individuals with foot problems are less likely to engage in physical activity, even a minimal amount, depending upon the severity of their issues. And, as physical activity is reduced, so, too, is one’s ability to pursue physical activity. As a result, individual’s with poor foot health could suffer from reduced muscle mass and strength, reduced endurance, and a higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

While we often take our feet for granted as we move about our lives, there are a few really good reasons to pay special attention to our feet. Take good care of your feet and they will help you take care of you!