Ultimately, barefoot time is essential to foot health. Time spent walking over varied terrain, different textures and temperatures are all vital inputs to the feet. But ... when you live in a cold weather climate, it's likely not feasible to be outside barefoot many months of the year. So we need to be proactive in maintaining foot strength during the winter months. There are many tools I use to mobilize my feet indoors, including alignment socks, toe spreaders, balls and rocks, foot massage and appropriate footwear. Tool #1: Alignment Socks A pair of alignment socks will help to spread your toes without you having to think about it. I wear these after a shower and some coconut oil to my heels, and I sleep in them. You can buy alignment socks here or here. Tool #2: Toe Spreaders Toe spreaders can be worn around the house or in your shoes (if your shoes are wide enough!). I have two different kinds; Correct Toes (top left) and Awesome Toes (top right). You can buy correct toes (with free shipping to Canada!) here and the awesome toes here. Tool #3: Rocks or Small Balls I use a small soft squishy ball or a hard bouncy ball or a rock to give the 33 joints of my feet movement and pressure nutrients they don't get when I am not walking barefoot outside (size, shape and density of the ball will affect intensity of foot mobilization). Tool #4: Foot Massage Holding hands with your foot and stretching your toes (toe splits) will increase circulation to your feet. Bonus: it also stretches your hips! Tool #5: Temperature Sometimes, just for fun, I will challenge my feet with cold temperature. Usually to run and put the garbage or recycling out. But always exhilarating! Tool #6: Choose flat, flexible, wide footwear Look for a winter boot that will not only keep your feet warm, but that is flat, flexible and wide enough for your feet to function while inside them. Here's to healthy feet all year long!
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AuthorRosanna Taylor, MSc, RES-CPT Archives
April 2024
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