Treat thy Feet–!

Posted by: Tanveer Rauf on: September 27, 2014

In: Education
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Have you ever thought about the important role your feet play in our daily life?

I’m serious. On face value, our feet touch the ground whenever we are standing, walking or running, and they are extensions of the legs, which help move us. But our feet are much more than that. After all, they are the foundation of our body, which means keeping our feet healthy can help keep us healthy.

Foot problems are one of the most common health complaints. The high incidence of foot problems is understandable given the fact that there are 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and tendons, nerves, and blood vessels in the foot. It’s even more coherent when the weight of the body is considered. The force of the body weight borne by the foot increases roughly 1½ time during walking and up to 3-4 times during running. Add in 10,000 steps during a typical day while wearing ill-fitted shoes possibly, and it’s a wonder one’s feet are willing to get out of bed the next day.

Not all feet are created equal. To tell what type of foot one has, one can get the bottom of the feet wet, stand on a paper bag, and check the outline of foot. If a lot of the foot between the heel and forefoot can be seen, then one has a flat foot.

1. Flat Foot

This is typically a flexible foot, providing decreased stability during walking.
If this person’s shoe is placed on a flat surface, the shoe may tilt inward.
Related problems include metatarsal stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, patellar pain, and hip pain.

Proper Shoe

A flat foot benefits from a motion controlshoe – a heavier, less flexible shoe. This limits excessive inward motion and helps stabilize the foot which is typically too flexible.
The heel counter(the area surrounding the heel) is very firm to squeeze, providing stability in the heel

High Arched Foot

The high arched foot tends to be a more rigid, less flexible foot with more weight borne on the outside part of the foot.
Less shock absorption occurs in the foot.
If this person’s shoe is placed on a flat surface, the shoe may tilt outward.
Problems seen with this type of foot include stress fractures in the tibia or femur, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

Proper Shoe

A high arched foot benefits from a cushionedshoe providing shock absorption. This reduces the amount of impact transmitted upwards through the legs.

Neutral Foot

This is a more desirable foot structure. The neutral foot therefore provides a combination of shock absorption and stability at the appropriate times during walking or running.
An even wear pattern on the shoe sole is expected with a minimum of calluses.

Proper Shoe

The neutral foot benefits from a stability shoe, which provides both cushioning control.

Sport Specific Footwear

If one participates in a sport three times a week or more, it would be beneficial to purchase footwear designed specifically for that sport. For instance, playing basketball requires a stiffer sole for running and good cushioning for shock absorption from landing jumps. Runners in general require additional shock absorption. Court sports and sports like soccer, rugby, and Ultimate Frisbee require footwear providing good lateral support for the frequent and quick change of direction.

Flip flops

Wearing flip flops is very popular during warmer months. In most cases flip flops are not good for the feet. For someone with flat feet, flip flops provide no support. For someone with high arches, many flip flops have minimal cushioning. Prolonged standing or walking in flip flops will often, over time, cause the onset of pain in the feet, ankles, or further up the body.

Hence friends take great care of feet as they are the ones who take us everywhere to see and enjoy the beautiful nature Allah created for us