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WALKING AND FOOT HEALTH CARE

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Walking is a great way to get out and about, as well getting into shape and relieving stress, no matter what your fitness level. Walking, however can take its toll on your feet if you do not care for them properly. This section is aimed at walkers and ramblers who need advice on looking after their feet. Here are some general tips for walking and keeping yourself safe from injury and long term damage:
  • Ensure a good warm up and stretch routine before you set out, to avoid common problems such as shin splints and muscle strain.

  • Make sure that you invest in the correct footwear. Read on for some tips on purchasing correctly fitting walking shoes.

  • If you are new to walking, make sure that you build your fitness up gradually to avoid injury or damage.

WALKING


Choosing the right walking shoes

It is very important to to wear the right footwear. Different sports, such as running and football require slightly different types of footwear, and the same applies to walking. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right shoes. Some things to consider include:

  • The type of walking you will be doing (i.e. rambling, race walking etc.)

  • There should be plenty of space in the toe box to allow for swelling during the walk.
  • Walking shoes should have a short heel and should curve slightly to aid the natural walking stride. They should also twist slightly at the ball of the foot.

 

 
RELATED ARTICLES

Article: Russ Sheaf's
Rambling Tips

When I retired in my early fifties I chose North Wales as my idyll. It had everything scenically that suited me, quaint towns like Conwy and Llandudno, unspoilt rural villages but above all mountains and seascapes.

The mountains are untramped and don't have the motorway like tracks that are a common feature in Lakeland.   MORE MORE

The Walkers Guide
5 Essential Walking Tips


RELATED WEBSITES
Bestwalks
Walking Britain

Injuries and complaints
Due to the stress on the lower limb and foot during walking, injuries and complaints are quite common. If the problem is serious then you will need to see your GP or a podiatrist. Listed below are some of the more common ailments and some solutions that you can try yourself.

Foot  condition
Foot care advice
Solution
Strains and sprains

Ankle sprains (stretching/ tearing of ankle ligaments) are one of the most common types of ankle injuries. Ankle sprains occur when the foot is forced into an unnatural position, usually when encountering an uneven surface, however it can be due to the genetic makeup of the individual's foot.

MORE

   
Prevent sprains by wearing good practical shoes and anti-slip devices on slippery surfaces, e.g. Spikys for icy conditions.
Exercise helps to strengthen muscles. Do some research on the best exercises for the lower leg.
Plenty of rest for the foot.
Compression to restrict range of motion i.e. bandages, splints etc.

Try and elevate the foot as much as possible.

 

SPIKY
Spiky




SPIKY PLUS
Spiky Plus

Foot blisters

A blister is a bubble of fluid under the outer layer of skin. The fluid may be clear or filled with blood or pus. There are many possible causes of blisters including a burn, disease, an allergic reaction, or from your skin rubbing against something.

MORE

   
Make sure your shoes are well fitting
Try wearing 2 pairs of socks - this helps prevent the foot rubbing up against the shoe
Use an anti-blister cream before taking part in vigorous walks or runs

For plantar blisters, use a cushioning insole or forefoot cushioning insert

 

PORON ACTIVE INSOLES
Poron Active Insoles

GEHWOL ANTIBLISTER FOOT CREAM
Gehwol Anti-blister

SCHOLL BLISTER PLASTERS

Scholl Blister Plasters

Over Pronation

Pes planus otherwise termed as flat feet is a biomechanical problem, where the arch of the foot appears flattened. This causes the foot to roll inwards in order to gain contact with the floor and support the weight of the body.

MORE

   
Is treated with orthotics (special insoles) to provide biomechanical support
If there is little room in the shoe, try using a valgus pad
Ensure you see a doctor/podiatrist if the condition/pain does not improve
 

INTERPOD SLIMTECH ORTHOTICS
Slimtech Orthotics

VALGUS PADS
Valgus Pads

SCHOLL ADJUSTABLE GEL ARCH SUPPORTS

Scholl Adjustable
Gel Arch Supports

Heel Pain

Heel Pain Syndrome is caused by repetitive pressure placed on the heel of the foot when walking, which causes soreness of the heel. Three types of heel pain include Bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis and General Heel Pain Syndrome.

MORE

   
Cold presses or ice packs
Anti-inflammatory tablets
Cushioning heel pads
Massaging the foot / muscle stimulation
Stretching exercises
Insoles or orthotics

 

AIRPLUS GEL HEEL CUPS

Airplus Gel
Heel Cups

SPORT AND WORK INSOLE

Sport & Work Insole

SCHOLL HEEL CUSHIONS

Scholl Heel Cushions

Metatarsalgia

The metatarsal region refers to the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that can be either mild or severe, and can sometimes be a recurring problem

MORE

   
Metatarsal supports
Ball of the foot cushions
Reusable gel pads
Insoles or orthotics
Stretching exercises
Shoes with wide toe box and sensible heels

 

STOMACH SHAPED METATARSAL PAD
Stomach Shaped
Met Pads

ELASTIC METATARSAL BANDAGE
Elastic Metatarsal
Bandages

SCHOLL METATARSAL ARCH SUPPORTS

Scholl Metatarsal Arch Supports

Shin splints

Shin splints can cause pain in the front lower leg due to minor tearing of the anterior muscle (muscle between mid-foot and knee) from the shin bone. There are two types of shin splints: Anterior Shin Splints, located in the tibia (front portion of shin) and posterior Shin Splints, located on the medial (inside) part of the tibia

MORE

   
Gentle stretching of the posterior leg muscles before and after exercise
Apply ice after exercise to reduce swelling
Rest the leg as much as possible
When exercising avoid running uphill or on hard surfaces
 

AIRPLUS GEL INSOLES
Airplus Gel Insoles

SCHOLL AIR PILLO GEL INSOLES

Scholl Air-Pillo
Gel Insoles

Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a large tendon that joins with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle, and inserts into the calcaneous (heel bone) at the back of the leg. Achilles tendonitis is where the tendon becomes inflamed or begins to degenerate.

MORE

   
Orthotic inserts for prevention and heel raises for treatment.
Adequate stretching before exercise
Reduce length of activity
Avoid walking/running uphill
Apply ice to the Achilles tendon after exercise to reduce inflammation




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