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Take These 4 Steps for Happier Feet By Penny Musco
3. Buy Shoes That Fit Well Our footwear is an early warning system that something might be amiss with our feet. Shoes that begin to feel uncomfortable may be the first indication of trouble, and sometimes the fix can be as simple as purchasing new ones. Follow the usual tips when buying them — shop in the afternoon when your feet are largest, get them professionally measured and make sure the toe box is roomy enough. 4. Embrace Foot Care The most many of us do for our feet is clip the nails. That job might get harder as back problems worsen or we become less limber and can't reach our toes. Medicare doesn't cover nail upkeep except in the case of some chronic illnesses; a salon pedicure or less- expensive nail trim is a good alternative for men and women. Cracks in the skin, caused by dryness, provide the perfect entryways for bacteria. Consistent moisturizing lessens the risk.
Like every other part of our body, our feet change as we get older. Not only do we spend a lot of hours just standing around, but by the time we turn 50, most of us have logged 75,000 miles strolling, running and bouncing
in all kinds of shoes according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
And although we schedule regular exams for our teeth, eyes, and general well-being, our feet, our literal support, usually get the short shrift. 1. Get a Foot Inspection If you have foot issues, speak up and get a referral to a podiatrist or orthopedist. Many health insurance plans, including Medicare, won't pay for a visit to a foot specialist unless you first get a referral except for patients
with very specific, documented diseases. Check your insurance coverage to be sure.
2.Adopt a Foot-Friendly Lifestyle A little over half of U.S. adults surveyed confess that foot discomfort due to excess weight limits their everyday activities. Which means physical fitness also falls by the wayside. Habitual exercisers can switch to running or walking every other day instead of on consecutive days. Non- weight-bearing workouts — biking, swimming, water aerobics, and elliptical machines — are alternatives for everyone.
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