Take the First Step Toward Healthier Feet
They say you should never skimp on anything that comes between you and the ground, such as your vehicle’s tires, your mattress, your shoes, and foot care! Our feet are so important to our health and overall happiness, but too often people don’t recognize this fact until they have a problem with their feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, half of all Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Take our quiz on foot health and proper footwear so you can learn to put your best foot forward.
1. True or false? Foot pain is never normal, and persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury, irritation, or illness.
2. Exercise is good for your feet as it strengthens your foot muscles and increases circulation. Which of the following are foot exercises you should do every day?
A. Raise, point, and curl your toes for five seconds; repeat 10 times.
B. Rotate your ankles by cupping your heel and turning each ankle slowly five times to loosen ankle joints.
C. Calf stretches.
D. All of the above
3. True or false? Foot rubs are a great way to release tension, boost circulation, and refresh skin after a long day on your feet.
4. True or false? Lifting your legs above your heart, such as on a pillow, while laying or sitting is good for reducing swelling in the legs and ankles.
5. Flip-flops are not the most supportive footwear, but they are an adequate choice to protect your feet from injury and infection at the beach, pool, and in public shower areas. Which of the following is NOT a recommendation for wearing flip-flops?
A. Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect your flip-flops and discard any that have signs of wear.
B. Buy sturdy flip-flops made of high-quality soft leather, which minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.
C. Flip-flops are a good choice for long walks, doing yard work, and playing sports.
D. Make sure no part of your foot hangs off the edge of your flip-flops.
6. Which of the following are features you want to look for in choosing footwear that is healthy for your feet?
A. Footwear that has a rubber sole with good traction.
B. Footwear with adequate cushioning and foot support.
C. Footwear that has or can accommodate cushioned inserts for shock absorption.
D. Footwear with a sole that doesn’t twist excessively.
E. All of the above
7. Which of the following types of shoes should you only wear for a limited amount of time to protect your foot from damage or injury?
A. Wedges and espadrilles
B. Gladiator sandals, peep-toe sandals, and strappy sandals
C. Flats and slides
D. Platforms and high heels
E. All of the above
8. Which of the following are recommendations for pedicures?
A. Don’t use a foot razor to remove dead skin as it can result in permanent damage or infection; use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub.
B. Use a toenail clipper with a straight edge and cut your toenail straight across.
C. Don’t ever cut cuticles as they serve as a protective barrier against bacteria; use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
D. Use proper disinfecting and cleaning practices for pedicure and manicure tools; make sure to properly dry between your toes.
E. All of the above
9. What should you do if you have persistent foot pain or another problem with your feet?
A. Try going barefoot.
B. See a podiatrist.
C. Stay off your feet.
D. Choose one pair of shoes to wear at all times.
compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH/Information from the American Podiatric Medical Association
ANSWERS:
- True. Persistent foot pain should not be ignored.
- D. All of the above
- True
- True
- C. Flip-flops are NOT a good choice for long walks, doing yard work, or playing sports.
- E. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- B. See a podiatrist if you’re having persistent problems with your feet.