Specialist doctor Bruno Lee lists some points we should be aware of in order to properly take care of our feet
You feet can be our life companions. Even for those who like to think more poetically, it is possible to say that they are responsible for taking us on all the paths we take throughout life.
However, we often don’t pay enough attention to the care our feet deserve. An example is when we decide to be careful only when we start to feel some kind of discomfort in the region. However, there are several everyday characteristics and situations that we need to get to know on our feet. In this way, we prevent any problem from going unnoticed and causing pain, fatigue, bad posture, among others.
That is why, in this article, Dr. Bruno Lee, orthopedic specialist, presents the main and most important curiosities about our feet. Read on to learn more!
What are the functions of the foot?
Before even knowing any curiosities about your feet, you need to understand what are the main functions of this member in our body. The main function is to support the weight of the body. For this they act in two ways: static and dynamic.
In the static function, the foot has the task of distributing the forces that the weight of the body exerts on it when we are still and standing, maintaining our balance. Dynamic function occurs when we are in motion. That is, when we run, walk or jump. In these cases, the dynamic function allows propulsion, movement and also cushions the weight that our feet receive during activities. With these two functions, the feet help:
In our adaptation to terrains
The structure of the feet — whether they are hollow or flat — together with the toes, is responsible for making us adapt to the variation of the terrain on which we step on a daily basis.
Keep our balance
In the same way as in the previous point, it is our feet that guarantee the balance of our body. Therefore, they send information to resist imbalances and keep us on our feet.
In the posture of our body
Just as the sensors in our feet send information to our brain to keep us upright, they’re also essential for distributing our body weight and maintaining posture. This happens because, with the information it receives, the brain is able to better control the movements of the body. Now that you know the main functions that feet have in our body, let’s take a look at some curiosities about this very important member!
6 facts about your feet
1. All toes have a function
Each of our fingers has a different function and together they contribute to the functioning of the limb. However, the function of the fingers is descending, from the big toe to the little toe. “As far as walking, the big toe carries 60 to 70% of the load compared to the other toes. So that’s the most important thing”explains Dr. Bruno Lee.
2. Foot odor can be influenced by hormonal and genetic factors
The main cause of foot odor is the growth of fungi and bacteria. People who sweat more, i.e. produce and release more sweat, end up being more likely to have foot odor, especially when the foot stays in a closed environment for a long time, such as sneakers. Therefore, contrary to what many think, foot odor is not always caused by lack of hygiene. It is also linked to hormonal and genetic factors.
3. Toenails help identify systemic diseases
More than a matter of aesthetics, toenail care is also essential for identifying various pathologies. For example, depending on how your nail is, it’s possible to know if you have a lack of oxygen, thyroid problems or even endocarditis. Rheumatological diseases can also be identified by changes in the toenails, especially in cases involving peeling of the nails.
4. Our feet undergo changes as we age
“As we get older, the main changes are the fat on the ball of the foot, it starts to get less thick, thinner, the skin ends up losing collagen, becoming more delicate, more prone to injury and deformity”, emphasizes Dr. Bruno Lee
Therefore, the older the person, the greater the severity and presence of deformities that arise over time.
5. Some activities can change the foot
Activities that use the foot heavily, such as soccer and running, can end up making changes to the foot and increase the risk of injury. However, you don’t have to stop doing these activities. The important thing is to do everything without exaggerating and to prepare correctly so as not to overload your feet, reducing the possibility of problems related to trauma and excessive training.
6. Walking barefoot can cause dermatological changes
The feet are subject to many problems, such as trauma, fractures, deformities, among others. However, something we need to pay close attention to is the places we step on when we are barefoot. By leaving our feet in direct contact with the ground, we can get diseases caused by protozoa or worms that infect the sole of the foot and cause changes in our body.
Now that you know some fun facts about your feet, make sure you’re taking care of them properly. It is important to always be aware of any changes in our toes, nails and heels to identify symptoms that indicate an injury or disease that can affect our entire body. Knowing the structure of our foot is also an important step in knowing our limits and the best precautions to avoid long-term pain and problems.
In case of any change in the foot, be sure to seek a specialist to start the correct treatment and prevent the problem from getting worse. The feet are an essential part of our locomotion and we cannot neglect their daily care.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
