by Tina Y. Gerber
Today, younger people and seniors will sacrifice pain and function for style. I never followed footwear trends or any trends, for that matter. I was frugal when purchasing shoes whether they were running shoes for hiking or tennis, or high heels for the business world. Why do we sacrifice our health?
High heels, tend to push us forward, and change the natural position of the foot in relation to the ankle. The trick I learned was to switch out my running shoes every six months, as I am extremely hard on my footwear. When working in Long Term Care I could reach 10,000 steps a shift!
Over the years of pounding the pavement, my feet have travelled thousands of miles, keeping me ambulatory, no matter how challenging things became with bad knees! We demand a lot from our feet, as they carry our bodies around all day. They deserve the best care possible. When working on your feet all day, it can do a number on your feet, legs, and back whether you are a hair dresser, a construction worker, a personal support worker, or you wait tables.
Ensuring the well-being of seniors involves comprehensive care, and often, foot health is overlooked. Geriatric footcare service is designed to address the unique needs of the elderly, promoting mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, when having a pedicure, almost 15 years ago, the lady cut the bottom of my left foot with a shaver, then, six weeks later my right foot was injured in the same way. This has never healed and I am still paying the price. During the pedicure, she rounded the edge of my toe nails. For the record, I have learnt, toe nails need to be cut straight across and you are never to round the edges, as it can and will create an ingrown nail. Ouch.
I am blessed, after almost 10 years of marriage, my hubby still rubs my feet, to relieve my pain and anxiety.
Did you know, there are 52 bones in the human foot and ankle. Many people also get blisters, pain, odour and fungus, like athlete's feet.
When getting the perfect shoe fitting there are a number of things you should know.
The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoes.
You should have enough depth so your toes don't rub the tops.
Stand up with the shoes on and make sure you have a half inch (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Walk around the store to make sure you don't experience any rubbing or slipping.
It's amazing to me how quickly one can go from being self-sufficient to one whom more people feel they need to offer help. I get it now. What a blessing, to have people around who take the initiative, especially when trying to manoeuvre around mountains of snow! I’m older and walk with a cane, and seemingly look as though I’m having a hard time of things and some days I am. All of this has only happened in the last few years, where I have gone from a healthy-looking gal to someone who others think needs help?
Visit your Doctor, to find a team of skilled podiatrists specializing in geriatrics, to addressed your concerns. Our feet can provide a strong foundation, like faith spiritually which carries and guides us towards God's divine purpose. Your feet and body will thank you, if you take care of them and listen to their promptings, like a compass showing north feet and faith can lead us closer to our respective destination.
(I wish Doctor Gordon Mercer all the best in his retirement. I will truly miss him. He has been a great doctor, friend, and advisor over the years. May God direct his step as he enters retirement.)
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