Take the Steps to Good Foot Health Describes why foot health is important and can help reduce injuries Almost all movement starts with your feet! Feet provide stability and balance for the rest of the body, so it is important to protect them from harm. Service members with physically demanding job duties may be at higher risk for foot injuries. However, there are several things you can do to keep your feet healthy and injury-free. Common Foot Injuries among Warfighters Plantar fasciitis Stress fractures Achilles tendonitis Blisters Ingrown toenails One of the best ways to prevent foot-related injuries is to wear shoes designed for the activity you will be doing. Choose proper-fitting shoes that are comfortable and supportive. The image below shows what to look for when selecting new footwear. Good heel support A cushioned arch that’s not too high or too thick Flat, non-skid soles Enough room for your toes Another thing to consider is a shoe’s rigidity, or stiffness. Shoes with mild to moderate rigidity are recommended over those with minimal stiffness. To lower your risk of injury, you may also want to avoid shoes that are extremely inflexible. Replace Worn-Out Shoes Always monitor your shoes for signs of wear. In general, running shoes should be replaced after 300-600 miles of use. If you have prior foot injuries, a heavy strike when you run, extreme arches or abnormal foot mobility, shoes may need to be replaced more frequently.Consider replacing your shoes if: The tread or sole appears to be worn out Your feet feel tired after physical activity You experience pain in your shins, knees or hips after being active Shoes are visually deformed, leaning inward or outward The shoes become uncomfortable Other Ways to Protect Your Feet Do Regular Checks It is crucial to check your feet constantly for signs of injury. Closely examine your feet for swelling, bruises, blisters, cuts and sores. If you identify wounds, apply appropriate treatment.Wear Fresh Socks Changing your socks daily can help control moisture, regulate temperature, reduce friction, improve hygiene and boost comfort. This can improve overall wellbeing, health and performance among Warfighters.Seek Treatment When NecessaryIf you have a serious injury, getting prompt medical care can reduce long-term impact. Early and proper treatment can improve Warfighter readiness and reduce the risk of complications. Did You Know?Your feet may show signs that there are problems in other parts of your body. Sometimes foot issues can mean something more serious is going on, like a chronic health condition. If you experience constant tingling, burning, numbness or swelling of your feet, reach out to your health care provider. Though they may be easy to forget, your feet play a vital role in your health. Take care of your feet by wearing appropriate footwear and replacing shoes when necessary. If you experience persistent foot pain, talk to your health care provider. Additional ResourcesDefense Health Agency. - “Injury Prevention: Blister Prevention”Johns Hopkins Medicine - “Foot Pain and Problems”Medline Plus - “Foot Health”ReferencesHelton GL et al - “Association Between Running Shoe Characteristics and Lower Extremity Injuries in United States Military Academy Cadet”
