Feet: The Foundation of Our Wellness
Is foot health the newest health craze? Why toe shoes are back and the feet pics craze might actually be warranted.
In the realm of self-care, our feet often take a backseat. We spend hours on our skin, hair, muscles and even our mental well-being, yet our feet, the very foundation of our mobility, are frequently overlooked. However, understanding the significance of foot health is essential for overall wellness and longevity. We see grip strength being used as a proxy for vitality and robustness in elderly people, but foot strength and mobility is arguably more important, yet often disregarded as insignificant. So why is it that foot health so directly correlates with our overall well-being?
Feet are our main connection to the ground. Modern shoes have completely changed the way human feet interact with the body and the earth. The soles of our feet are covered with thousands of nerve endings. These nerve endings are linked to sensory receptors spread across the skin, muscles, and bones in our feet. When stimulated, these receptors transmit messages to the brain, where they're decoded into sensations like warmth, cold, pressure, and pain. Nerves in the foot work around the clock to inform our brain about our surroundings, using sensory input which is weakened if not totally lost with modern footwear. And don’t get me wrong, I love a great heel or some cloud-like Hokas, but they might have caused us to completely lose touch with our foot health in the name of fashion.
Our feet are remarkable structures, each comprising 26 bones, 33 joints, and a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The 52 bones that make up the foot and ankle comprise 25% of bone structure in the human body. They provide support, balance, and propulsion, allowing us to stand, walk, run, and jump. Despite their resilience, our feet are susceptible to various issues that can impact our quality of life if neglected.
Women are even more susceptible to long term issues with foot health due to the impacts of wearing heels on posture, foot and arch strength, and toe spacing. Foot pain has been normalized in women as we are expected to deal with it because we’ve been taught “pain is beauty”. In fact, bunions, the most common foot deformity, is far more common in women than in men due to the fact they have weaker connective tissue in their feet and are more likely to wear tight, high-heeled shoes. It is estimated that about 1 out of 3 people over the age of 65 have a bunion to some degree and women are 10x as likely to get bunions than men.
One of the primary reasons foot health is crucial is its direct correlation with mobility. When foot problems arise, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or ingrown toenails, mobility can be significantly compromised. Simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs become painful and challenging, affecting not only physical but also mental well-being. Mobility is a key pillar of longevity. As we age and our mobility decreases, we are more susceptible to falls which drastically decreases both health span and lifespan. Those who had reported >1 fall in the last 3 months had an average mortality of 16.4% in the next year (40.5% mortality over 3 years) compared with 8.5% (25.7% over 3 years) for non-fallers.
Foot health is also closely linked to systemic health. Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. Conditions such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease can manifest symptoms in the feet, including neuropathy, poor circulation, and delayed wound healing. Monitoring and caring for foot health can help in early detection and management of these conditions, potentially preventing severe complications like infections and amputations.
Mobility and strength in our feet play a pivotal role in maintaining proper posture and alignment throughout the body. Misalignments can lead to a domino effect, causing issues in the ankles, knees, hips, and even the spine. Chronic foot conditions can contribute to conditions like back pain and osteoarthritis, highlighting the interconnectedness of our body's biomechanics. Evolutionary biologist Daniel E. Lieberman caused an international stir nearly a decade ago when he published a paper showing that running in cushioned sneakers actually encourages people to hit the ground harder than running barefoot. The energy that gets shot up your leg is about three times bigger in a cushioned shoe than if you’re barefoot. These harsh impacts increase the risk of chronic foot conditions and joint issues.
I’m sure we’ve all seen that hippie looking old man running barefoot outside or the gym bro doing deadlifts with nothing but socks. Turns out, practices like these can have a direct effect of improving so many aspects of our mobility and longevity. Walking, running, and working out barefoot are actually better for our joints, leading to better form and decreased risk of injury. Preventive care and proper footwear are also key components of maintaining optimal foot health.
With the increased awareness of the importance of foot health, there has been an emergence of companies in the space. Peluva, started by Mark Sisson, founder of the clean condiments brand Primal Kitchen, towards minimalist footwear. Companies like Peluva and Vibram are working to get us back to our roots by putting our feet back in their natural state, while still providing protection against the dirt and elements. Their minimalist shoes aim to blend fashion and function while improving foot strength mobility and overall health. While they may not seem stylish, minimalist shoes are on the rise and the health benefits seem to far outweigh the initial stigma against 5 toed footwear.
Sisson claims “feet are the new sleep” alluding to the rise of sleep being recognized as a determinant of health and the plethora of companies targeting the sleep market. As more folks realize the importance of feet, we will most certainly see a rise in consumer-focused companies innovating in the market and individuals looking for ways to improve their foot health. Foot health company Naboso, has gotten a head start, creating an entire line of products from insoles to toe spacers to massage tools in an effort to empower consumer to take care of their feet.
Although it may seem uncorrelated, prioritizing foot health is paramount for overall well-being and quality of life. By understanding the importance of caring for our feet and adopting proactive measures to maintain foot health, we can safeguard mobility, support proper alignment, and mitigate the risk of systemic health issues. So be kind to your feet for they are the foundation on which our health stands.
Thoughts on the toed shoe revolution or other feet related trends? Let’s play footsie in the comments section!