Feet…Taken for granted to support, move us about and show off footwear? Probably not the only reasons for liking them but abusing them.

They are probably one of our most important limbs and need care and attention.

They can help win medals in running races, cause laughter when tickled and crush grapes when juice is required.

What happens  when things go wrong?

If one is lucky enough not to develop “policeman’s heal” or plantiafacitis or tendinitis then you will not know how much discomfort and pain feet can cause.

If one walks a lot or indulges in running then the chances of problems is increased, many of  which can be solved with inserting orthotics or simply buying the right size shoe.

The sad thing is that like any body part age wears them out and little problems can grow into very big ones over time so its imperative to look after your plates from an early age and if there are signs of problems then get them sorted as soon as possible.

The right shoe is a massive issue and many of us bend to fashion rather than comfort. However, comfort doesn’t mean style has to be forgone. A big factor is ensuring one gets the right size and be aware feet can grow over the years so get them measured. The wrong size is silly.

Walking or just being on one’s feet can cause the collapse of arches and this can put a strain on the heal and Achilles tendon. It should also be noted that it can put the whole foot and leg position at odds and thus result in swollen tendons and knotted calf muscles. Then this can track up to give hip and back pain. It can even be the root of headaches. Mad I know but research proves this to be true. It is pain that can disable the whole body.

One day one can be walking freely and pain-free down the road and the next one can be halted in their tracks. Then without any notice the problem can vanish but invariably the damage remains and movement is limited and stiff.

Seeking medical and professional help is certainly the best move one can make and lessen the impact and causes of pain so it is definitely something one should do. Yeah, okay there are a plethora of shoe inserts, foot supports and stance corrections but don’t waste money on these until professional advice has been sought as experimenting can impede healing, worsen symptoms and be unnecessary.

So old and young; look after your feet and report any twinges or abnormalities as early as possible so you can keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep a comfortable smile on your face.