In my opinion, one of the best things about living in LA is year-round flip flop weather. I wear flip flops every single day of the year. I’ve been super lucky in my jobs, which have allowed me to wear flip flops to nearly all my jobs for the past 15 years (with the exception of a position that required a torturous 1.5 years of closed toe shoe wearing). However, I would go barefoot most of the time if I could. One of the few bright spots of the pandemic, is that since I’m always home I never have to wear shoes.
I know a lot of women love their shoes and their shoe collections. I just see them and think about pain and swampy feet. I am a “comfort over fashion” kind woman. Not that I’ve been pain free in the foot department. Carrying around a larger body puts a lot of pressure on feet. It’s a lot of work, there can be swelling, and plantar fasciitis is real, y’all. Now I admit, flip flops are not the height of healthy foot wear. However, there are a number of ailments that I’ve avoided because of them: bunions, hammer toes, calluses, squeezed toes and more. But what I haven’t avoided is plantar fasciitis.
A number of years ago, I was suffering from plantar fasciitis fairly badly on a daily basis. Over the years I’ve improved the situation considerably, with occasional flare ups. But surprisingly, I’ve had zero issues since I’m barefoot everyday!
There seems to be two main camps in terms of dealing with pf (I’m not gonna keep typing plantar fasciitis). There is the “get extra support crowd,” and the “strengthening your foot” crowd. Since I’m not a fan of lots of things on my feet, you can probably guess which camp I’m in. I fully believe the foot exercises I do have helped me be pf free during this time!
My favorite exercise, by far, is calf drops and raises. Now again, I’m not a doctor, this is what I believe has worked for me. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist. If your doctor is a support only person, maybe ask if they think strengthening your feet could help as well. I personally think that all the shoes with extra support leave our feet too weak to properly support us and our weight. Even when I’m not up for any other exercising, I’ll try to work on my feet. It feels great and it keeps the pain away! Of course, like anything, there are always people who require the extra support. If that you, get the support! Do you! Get the tools you need to live your best, most comfortable life! I’ve got no judgement for anyone who uses tools to make their lives better.
If you’ve experienced stabbing pain in your heel with your first steps in the morning, you’ve probably heard of plantar fasciitis. This painful condition is a result of tissue degradation on the bottom of your foot.
By far one of the most annoying foot pain conditions, plantar fasciitis symptoms are persistent. They consist of a sharp, stabbing pain toward the back of your arch, at the front of your heel bone. I have also had clients with plantar fasciitis pain surrounding the heel or traveling forward along the arch of the foot.
Here are products and exercises I use to keep my feet happy!
Correct Toes encourage the foot to move, flex and bend. As muscles strengthen, the foot is able to support itself, eliminating the need for artificial arch support and orthotics.
A strategically placed metatarsal pad under your transverse arch alleviates pressure on the ball of your foot and keeps toes properly positioned. It also encourages healthy movement in the joints of your foot. The use of pads can realign your toes while offering benefits to those dealing with a number of foot ailments.
Great for foot strengthening exercises. You try to grab the sack with your toes. See some of the exercises below.
Great for massaging the bottom of your feet! Feels good, and helps relax the muscles.
This foot massager feels AHMAZING when you feet are sore and tired.
My Favorite Exercises
Favorites sources for info on how to take care of your feet:
My Foot Function Instagram Account
For more feet related posts check out these:
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