It is important that we all remember that our feet are for life! We need to care for them and keep them healthy, allowing our feet to walk us to great health!
Walking is a great form of exercise benefits both your foot health and general health. That said, many of us worry about the effects a lot of walking can have on our feet and maybe we are unsure of when it is necessary to seek advice from our podiatrists.
Benefits of walking
Regular walking at a brisk pace is good for you, helping to improve your overall cardiovascular health in the same way that running and jogging do but with significantly lower risk of injury.
It helps the muscles and ligaments in our feet to work more effectively and aids in keeping our feet flexible and supple.
A few walking facts from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists;
- If you walk an extra 20 minutes a day, you'll burn off more than 3kg of body fat a year
- A single step uses up to 200 muscles. So you're not only doing a little cardio, but toning your muscles too and walking is easy on your joints
- Walking can halve your risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent some cancers and cuts cholesterol
- Walking may slow cognitive decline in adults, especially those with existing conditions such as Alzheimer's
- Walking can help to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes
- Walking requires little equipment can be done almost anywhere and is entirely free.
- Walking can help improve circulation in your feet by stimulating the development of tiny new blood vessels.
How your podiatrist can help to keep you walking
Blisters, heel and foot pain, nail problems and neuroma are some of the problems associated with walking.
The main role of your podiatrist is to keep you mobile and help to maintain your normal function in the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists provide the basis for ideal walking, identify issues that need further management and help to relieve pain, offer help with skin, nail and soft tissue problems and give footwear advice.
If you are getting problems or pain in your feet and ankles, come and see a podiatrist today to keep you walking!
Appointments with Christina can be made on:
- Monday: 2.00 - 8.00pm
Our Barnes Clinic
Our clinic is located in Barnes, South-West London and is easily accessible by public transport.
For more information including parking and other practicalities see our Barnes clinic page
Book an Appointment
Booking an appointment with one of our therapists is quick and easy. There is no long waiting time and you don’t need a referral from your GP.
