A foot in the sand shows off a good arch.
If you're like me and walk more than drive, consider solidly built walking shoes to be your best to avoiding any injury or sores and blisters.
You've seen the ads all over touting slip-on sneakers and shoes, but this seems counter-intuitive.
If sustaining flexibility is a goal for later years, what does lifting your foot onto a chair to lace them do to you instead of bending over and lacing them? Makes you less flexible.
Also, walking shoes or sneakers that must be laced add an additional solid base for your feet as the laces keep your feet from slipping side to side, possibly causing a fall and surely prevent blisters. When it comes to warding off foot pain, experts say that shoes with proper arch support are key. In fact, the best sneakers for arch support are designed to reduce strain, promote proper alignment, and improve stability-ultimately helping to keep your feet comfy and pain-free.
Avoiding pain
You don't want to experience the pain of plantar fasciitis (a strong, fibrous attachment similar to a ligament that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and your toes) caused by the plantar fascia becoming over-stretched.
This is pain you cannot ignore and needs to be seen by a podiatrist.
One way I found of dealing with the pain, when I lived remotely with no medical access, was to walk in cold ocean water along the sand. It helped with the swelling.
Think of good shoes like the foundation of any house. They need to be strong and balanced to keep you upright.
I know this only too well because I was born with feet like Donald Duck -narrow at the heel and wide through the instep and toes. Heels were always a problem, and I'd usually fall when wearing them. The best were Capezio dance shoes.
Luckily, as the years went by, shoe manufacturers made footwear that have widths that accommodate the size of my feet.
That still didn't prevent me from getting a bunion, callouses and yes, bone spurs, but wearing good-fitting shoes means I don't feel them.
The brands I usually buy are the appropriately named New Balance and I buy the men's because they're usually made sturdier than the women's. Keen also produces shoes that fit the bill, although they do look like Hobbitt/hippie shoes, but who cares when you walk in comfort?
If you have diabetes or neuropathy, talk with your doctor about prescription orthotics that are supports, or devices worn in your shoes. You may be eligible for custom orthotics partially covered by Medicare.
When going outdoors, always wear shoes, preferably closed-toe, to prevent cuts, scrapes and falls. Also, it's best to wear shoes as much as possible while indoors to protect your feet.
Keep your toenails in tip-top shape by trimming your toenails correctly (straight across and no shorter than the tip of your toe) to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes or trouble reaching your feet, see a podiatrist, not a nail salon technician, for regular medical pedicures and nail trimming.
Get the blood flowing to promote healthy circulation by elevating your feet on a stool or a couch when sitting, or wiggle your toes.
Give yourself regular foot massages, especially when you wake up. It puts a step in your day.
Change your socks regularly and make sure your feet aren't damp from sweat or a shower before putting on your shoes, but not too dry.
Moisturize them to prevent cracking, itching and calluses. Use gentle soap and apply cream or lotion daily after your shower or bath.
See a podiatrist regularly for foot checks and they will catch problems like bone spurs, hammertoe, neuromas, bunions, warts, ingrown toenails, or wounds before they cause more serious problems.
Stay upright and strong by keeping alert for any signs of pain or injury, and by being kind to yourselves.
