5 Signs Your Feet Need Your Attention

Whether we’re chasing after grandkids, organizing the charity auction, or running a 5k, we rely on our feet to move for everything we love.

There’s no question that staying mobile and engaged leads to healthier living and a better state-of-mind.

And yet,1 in 3 people over 65 suffer from foot pain, according to HealthInAging.org. While foot pain can impair mobility and is a risk factor for falls, it can be easily managed with routine care and quality footwear. Making foot care a priority is important for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is important and can luckily, can be effectively managed with routine foot care and good footwear.

Here are 5 signs your feet may be trying to tell you something about your health:  

Sign #1: You have pain in your heel and bottom of your foot

Potential Issue: Pain in your heel and the bottom of your foot could be a signal of Plantar Fasciitis, a disorder of the connective tissue that supports the foot arch. Talk to your doctor if you think you could have this issue.

Easy Tip: Wearing a shoe that fits correctly is important to help provide support and comfort you need to help you heal. Try the Easy Spirit Glitz, a flexible, lightweight walking shoe with incredible arch support and a removable footbed.

Sign #2: You have a fungus on your foot or toenail—but you’re not an athlete

Potential Issue: Athlete’s foot is not only for athletes! This fungal infection thrives in warm, dark, moist areas. If you think you could have Athlete’s foot, check with your doctor who can help you choose the right course of action.

Easy Tip: Keep your feet clean and dry in open-toe sandals. Try the lightweight and flexible Easy Spirit Oceana slip-on sandals.

Sign #3: You have an ache in the back of your leg above your heel

Potential Issue: Often occurring after running or sports activities, an ache in the back of your leg that feels like you pulled a muscle could be Achilles tendonitis. If this sounds like something you are experiencing, talk to your doctor to determine the correct course of action.

Easy Tip: Reduce activity levels and stretch and strengthen your calf muscles. Wear shoes with a padded collar like the Easy Spirit AP1 to relieve pressure on the back of the heel.

Sign #4: You have pain in the arch of your foot

Potential Issue: Pain in the arch of your foot can be felt in the ball, heel, or even the top of your foot, ankles, knees, hips, legs and back. This can be a possible symptom of Plantar Fasciitis. Talk to your doctor for treatment recommendations if you think you could be experiencing these symptoms.

Easy Tip: Wear shoes that not only fit your arches but that also support them. The Easy Spirit Traveltime is an orthotic-friendly clog that helps to keep you moving while supporting you along the way. 

Sign #5: You have bone growths on the bottom of your heel

Potential Issue: If you’re experiencing bone growths on the bottom of your heel, it could be a heel spur, a protrusion caused by a calcium deposit. Talk to your doctor to help determine the best course of action.

Easy Tip:  Wear shoes that fit well and have shock-absorbing soles, like the orthotic-friendly Easy Spirit Romy walking shoe. 

While it’s always important to discuss any foot pain you are experiencing with your doctor, wearing the right footwear and doing some simple stretches can go a long way in keeping you moving and doing all the things you love.

From wide widths to orthopedic supports, Easy Spirit has a variety of footwear designed for support, ease and comfort. Shop styles now.