December 19, 2022
Christmas and the holidays are naturally stressful as we hunt for the perfect gifts. But it's important to take a moment to reflect on what gifts are the most meaningful rather than the most expensive or luxurious. One example of a loved one we may struggle to shop for is our grandma. But finding the perfect stocking stuffers for grandma may not be as challenging as you think!
Shopping for health and wellness gifts is a great angle to take. Seniors are more prone to suffering from foot conditions than we are, and many products that help alleviate these problems are affordable and perfect for stockings.
Let's take a look at some of our top picks!
Stocking Stuffers For Grandma
Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality
Foot File
Medilogics Massage Ball
Sigvaris Compression Stockings
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Misc Gehwol Products
Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels!
Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality
Price: $27
The perfect gift for grandma can be something that helps her with mobility. Joint problems and muscle weakness are quite common in elderly people and can lead to instability, difficulty standing up after sitting, and even falls. So why not enhance her Christmas stocking this year with a multi-beneficial leg product?
Now, this trusty balm won't eliminate mobility problems --- it takes a lot of attentive care, exercises, and visits with healthcare professionals to improve mobility. However, gently massaging Gehwol's Leg Vitality does produce a soothing effect for tired, achy muscles.
The ingredients are scientifically proven to positively affect the circulation and vascular system. Gehwol's Leg Vitality also prevents skin irritation, tightens the skin, and prevents dry, scaly dead skin. These benefits can be extremely valuable for people who have difficulty moving since discomfort can lead to skin care neglect.
Foot File
Price: $8 (2 for $14)
One of the best gift ideas for grandma is a foot file. This pedicure tool scrapes the dead skin off the bottom of the feet. As a result, happy foot filers enjoy fewer calluses and cracked heels and a lower chance of developing a fungal infection.
But a lesser-known benefit of using a foot file is the boost in blood circulation, which can help relax your feet and prep them for a day of walking.
Now, you may be wondering why this is a good Christmas gift for grandma versus someone else. To answer that, studies show that seniors are more at risk of developing plantar keratosis, also known as a "painful, discrete, and focused callus" resulting from dead skin buildup. Aging also leads to the reduction of natural collagen production, which can result in even more dead skin and calluses. A good foot file can help with all of that!
At Feet First Clinic, we have quality double-sided foot files available. Use the coarse side to exfoliate, and the other side to smooth and soften the skin. They also come with a free GEHWOL foot scrub to use with the foot file.
Medilogics Massage Ball
Price: $11
This year, grandma can stimulate blood circulation and soothe her sore muscles with a therapeutic massage ball. This gift is meaningful since countless older adults suffer from bottom of the foot pain.
More specifically, elderly people are more at risk of succumbing to stress fractures, poor circulation, gout (typically in the big toe but it can target the heel), and plantar fasciitis, so comforting and strengthening all of the foot muscles is important.
The textured surface of this massage ball helps it stand apart from other therapeutic balls or the standard tennis balls some use for foot pain exercises.
Sigvaris Compression Stockings
Price Range: $60-190
Fashionable, discrete, and snug compression stockings from Sigvaris can help make daily life easier for seniors. They help preserve health in older adults by preventing fluid buildup and blood clots and improving circulation. Medium-pressure (20 to 30 mmHg) stockings are generally sufficient for seniors experiencing mild swelling and aching legs and feet.
The only issue with choosing compression stockings for Christmas gifts is that you need to arrange a fitting for your grandma, so the surprise element isn't there. However, gifts aren't all about the surprise. When a present is meaningful and used daily, it can be much more valuable than other gifts.
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Price: $15
This heel care cream is all your grandma needs to get through the bitterly cold winters.
Cracked heels can be more common in older adults as the skin around the rim of the heel dries out and thickens. As the fat pad under the heel bears a lot of pressure throughout one's lifetime, it only makes sense for cracked heels to develop if seniors don't take proper precautions. Furthermore, seniors are more prone to dry skin due to water loss in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), causing cracking, itching, and bleeding.
But Dermal Therapy Heel Care can be a lifesaver of a Christmas gift. The ingredients (such as urea and silk amino acids) actively hydrate the skin by imitating the body's natural moisturizing system. It also works as an exfoliant, replacing the dead, old skin with new skin. Lastly, it can restore skin tone in the feet and provide a silky, smooth feel.
Miscellaneous Products From Gehwol
Price Range: Roughly $18-30
When pondering stocking stuffers, it's important to shine a light on all products from Gehwol. They continue to master the art of combining natural ingredients and medicinal properties to create multipurpose foot care products.
The following products are perfect as stocking stuffers and are all available at Feet First Clinic:
Gehwol's Foot Bath
Gehwol's Lipidro Cream
Gehwol's Med Express Foam
Gehwol's Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream
Gehwol's Fusskraft Herbal Foot Bath
Gehwol's Foot and Shoe Deodorant
Gehwol's Med Lipidro Cream
Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin
Gehwol's Extra Universal Foot Cream
December 15, 2022
Holiday shopping can feel like a daunting ordeal that takes away from the fun. Your list is long, and you don't have ideas for some people --- which is okay! But it doesn't have to cause so much stress. When you're stuck on what gift to get for your grandparents, friends, and other relatives, medical gifts may inspire you more than you realize. The health and wellness industry is known for producing excellent products, opening your mind to many gift options.
Gifts that promote foot health can help those with debilitating foot issues. But they can also help prevent foot conditions before they develop. And they're simply fun to use. We're talking foot creams, scrubs, and other luxurious products fit for a spa session!
The gifts we'll discuss today focus on skincare; they shine on their own and work well as stocking stuffers. But the best way to gift products from a foot care clinic is by compiling a foot care gift set! It's fun to try more than one product, and it gives loved ones the tools for a great self-care day. Let's take a look at our top picks!
Foot Care and Medical Gifts: Gift Guide 2022
Below is a general overview of the products in our gift guide. But don't worry, we'll cover all the details.
Bath products
Scrubs, creams, and deodorants
Leg balms
Dermal therapy heel care
Foot Bath Products
Products like Gehwol's Revitalizing Bath Salt and their Refreshing Foot Bath are underrated and affordable medical gifts. They're suitable for people of all ages and help loosen and soothe dry skin.
But they do even more for the body than you may realize. First, foot bath products combined with hot water help promote healthy blood flow, which can relieve pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. They can also warm your overall body temperature, which alleviates muscle tension, reduces stress, and may help prevent sickness or fight flu symptoms by strengthening your natural immunity (perfect for the winter!).
Helpful tip: It's best to start a spa session by bathing your feet, as it leaves a clean base for exfoliation and moisturizing by washing away bacteria and dirt.
Scrubs, Creams and Deodorants
Foot Scrubs
Many bath products prep the feet for exfoliation by softening the skin. But gifting someone an additional exfoliation product will take your medical gift game to the next level. Exfoliation tools prevent itchy, flaky dead skin from building up while simultaneously unclogging your pores. Gehwol's Soft Feet Scrub is a nice gift choice. Moreover, you can toss an affordable foot file into your gift box to buff the skin.
Foot Creams
To restore the skin's natural barrier functions, you should always moisturize after soaking and exfoliating. Gehwol's Soft Feet Cream, Universal Foot Cream, and Med Lipidro Cream are just a few examples of medicinal moisturizers that work wonders. So why not gift them to someone you love? They'll get to enjoy smooth skin and fewer cracks and calluses.
If your loved one already has severely painful cracked heels, try gifting them Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care instead.
Foot Deodorants
Deodorants are useful to have on hand. Moreover, they fit in nicely with a foot care gift set but can also hold their own amongst other stocking stuffers. Regarding health benefits, foot deodorants (sprays, powders, etc.) can fight foot odour and target plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweating). The latter is extra common in winter as we stuff our feet into warm winter boots.
Leg Balms
Many of our elderly loved ones suffer from lower leg issues and have mobility problems. Likewise, if your grandparents struggle to move freely, it can lead to neglect, and problems like skin irritation and severe blood flow restriction can arise.
A good gift for grandparents is a high-quality leg balm. Gehwol's Leg Balm prevents leg ailments, slows skin aging, and can even strengthen your veins. Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality also refreshes tired legs.
But again, don't assume medical gifts are just for your grandparents. Many young people credit Gehwol's leg products for helping with tired achy legs after a long day.
While this product doesn't necessarily scream "spa day," it still works as a part of a general foot care routine. So feel free to include it in a gift box or use it as a standalone present for someone who will cherish it.
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Hopefully, it's becoming clear that medical gifts can be more valuable than gifts that sit around collecting dust. And Dermal Therapy Heel Care is one of, if not the best, medicinal products.
Cracked heels have the potential to burden everyone, from your best friend to your grandmother --- dry skin doesn't discriminate! Severely cracked heels can make walking almost unbearable and cause swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. So if you're catching wind that someone you love is suffering, why not brighten their holidays by gifting them some relief?
Dermal Therapy helps skin cells deep below the surface absorb and lock in moisture, which fights cracked heels. This cream is a moisturizer and exfoliator that removes dead cells, revealing fresh, young skin.
December 5, 2022
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Walking is low-impact; it doesn't require fancy or expensive equipment, helps improve blood flow, and can lower blood pressure, amongst other benefits. Fundamentally, walking is how we get around.
Because we rely on this form of movement, we must keep our feet healthy to ensure walking is pain-free. However, the feet are complex, and some foot conditions may make walking painful or uncomfortable. The foot contains more than 25 bones. More broadly, the foot splits into three sections: the toes, the midfoot, and the heel and low ankle. The foot's various bones and muscles need to work in unison. If not, biomechanical abnormalities can cause multiple foot conditions.
This article explores five main reasons why your feet hurt when walking.
Common foot conditions
Plantar fasciitis
If you experience pain in the heel of your foot, it could be plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue (called the fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot. The fascia connects the heel of the foot to your toes. Pain when walking would be felt within the bottom of the foot, specifically the underside of your heel.
Since most people heel strike (I.e., the first body part to touch the ground), much of the impact of walking or running is in the plantar. The band can tear, swell, and inflame when the plantar fascia becomes overloaded or damaged.
Plantar fasciitis develops over time rather than being an acute injury. If recognized early, treatment can be as simple as rest and icing. Early signs and symptoms include a dull pain in the heel of the foot and bottom of the foot pain first thing in the morning.
Metatarsalgia
Pain in the ball of your foot may be metatarsalgia. The ball of your foot lies between your arch and toes. Metatarsalgia is a condition where the ball of the foot becomes inflamed. It is usually a result of overuse or faulty foot mechanics. Inflammation of the bones and soft tissue follows.
Flat feet
You may experience pain in the arch of your foot when walking. A common cause of pain when walking is flat feet. Flat feet are not necessarily a condition but rather a biomechanical abnormality which may cause imbalances in the bones and muscles of your feet. Uneven distribution of weight when walking can put added stress on specific parts of the foot.
A low or collapsed arch characterizes flat feet. Flat foot disrupts the foot's biomechanics by impeding the arch's ability to properly support our body weight and absorb the force of our movement. The load is then displaced onto the toes, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. As a result, pain can develop in these areas and the feet.
Morton's Neuroma
You may suffer from Morton's neuroma if you experience pain in the base of your toes. Morton's neuroma is a foot condition that targets the balls of your feet - most often in the area between your third and fourth toes. The foot condition arises when the toe's tissues thicken and swell, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, and a tingling/numbing sensation. A familiar anecdote for Morton's neuroma is akin to having a pebble in your shoe.
You may experience pain from Morton's neuroma during walking because of your gait. When walking, you typically land on your heel and take off with your toes and forefoot. Thus, if the pain you experience is more on the "up" than the "down" of how you walk, the underlying condition could be Morton's neuroma.
Arthritis
You may experience pain anywhere in your foot as a result of arthritis. Arthritis is a broad term that describes a disease known for inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain) in the body's joints. We can break arthritis more broadly into several specific foot conditions. Types of arthritis that may impact your ability to walk and cause pain include:
Hallux rigidus: Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the big toe. When one suffers from hallux rigidus, the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) stiffens. Over time, arthritis can lead to a bone spur.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Consistent wear and tear over time cause the cartilage between the joints in your body to break down.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. It commonly targets the small joints in the feet by attacking the tissue and causing inflammation and calcification. The result is stiff joints, chronic pain, and joint dysfunction.
Foot pain treatment
RICE
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This essential combination of treatments is highly effective against several chronic foot conditions. RICE allows for proper rest and promotes recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics are custom-built corrective shoe inserts designed to support the unique structures of our feet. Orthotics act to correct or accommodate biomechanical abnormalities, foot deformities, and a variety of joint and muscle conditions. Orthotics intend to improve your gait, manage pain, and better disperse your body's weight when walking and running.
Proper footwear
The correct footwear is critical for healthy feet. For instance, proper footwear can provide structure, balance, support, and protection when walking. Ill-fitting shoes are the leading cause of foot pain and problems: according to a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research in 2018, "Between 63 and 72% of participants were wearing shoes that did not accommodate either width or length dimensions of their feet". A study done amongst older adults in 2020 also found that 90% we wearing shoes with worn-out soles.
Visit us at Feet First Clinic for a shoe fitting session and we can help you find footwear perfect for you.
Visit our chiropodists
Our dedicated licensed chiropodists are committed to providing quality care and services for all your foot and ankle needs. Chiropodists can diagnose, treat and help manage various foot conditions, from callus removal to ingrown toenails to bunions.
November 28, 2022
Bottom of the foot pain can target anyone, and sometimes you must find ways to manage it on your own. There are countless scenarios where you may not be able to see your chiropodist right away. Maybe you're out of town, or your foot specialist is busy tending to other patients and won't have an appointment available until next week (after all, they're that good!).
Effective bottom of the foot pain treatment requires following the "homework" your foot specialist assigns you until you get to follow up with them. It's their job to give you the tools to find some pain relief when you're on your own, and it's your job to follow their instruction.
Luckily, we've devised a list of tips you can follow at home to ease your foot pain!
What Causes Bottom of the Foot Pain?
First, let's help you understand your discomfort a little more. You may be wondering why your foot pain is localized and not more spread out. You may be feeling:
Heel pain on the bottom of the foot
Sharp pain on the bottom of the foot
Shooting pain on the bottom of the foot
This type of foot pain is generally caused by the following:
Overuse and exercise-related muscle strain.
A foot condition like Morton's neuroma (sharp, shooting pain near the toes) or plantar fasciitis (sharp pain between the arch and heel, often worse in the mornings).
Wearing ill-fitting footwear for lengthy periods.
Having flat feet (pain arises from a lack of arch and your foot pressing flat on the floor).
How Can I Treat Bottom of the Foot Pain From Home?
Here are some helpful tips you should follow in your quest for pain relief:
Use a therapeutic massage ball
Practice foot care
Rest your feet and try over-the-counter painkillers
Perform foot stretches and exercises
Wear supportive footwear indoors
Use a Therapeutic Massage Ball
Massage balls are affordable lifesavers for those who struggle with bottom of the foot pain. They only cost around $11, and since you can use them daily it's a great bargain! The main purpose of a therapeutic massage ball is to help you perform self-myofascial release, which is a fancy term for using a self-massage technique to loosen tight muscles.
These little wonders can also enhance the capability and performance of your foot muscles. They loosen those bothersome, tight muscles and prep them to prevent sudden injuries. Furthermore, rolling the ball along the bottom of your feet targets specific trigger points that cause plantar fasciitis pain.
Practice Foot Care
Treating your foot pain doesn't have to be boring. Sometimes it can include an activity you enjoy on a regular day, like a hot foot soak with revitalizing bath salts. Specifically, hot water and foot bath products work together to relieve sore muscles and boost nerve and muscle function!
You can also massage your own homemade foot scrubs into your feet, paying attention to the bottom, to boost blood circulation and practice self-myofascial release. As a bonus, luxurious foot baths and other foot care routines are great for your skin health!
Rest Your Feet and Try Over-the-Counter Pain Killers
Is your pain currently unbearable? Try this tip before the others!
There isn't much you can do for acute pain initially but rest and seek immediate relief. As the pain becomes more manageable, you will be able to make use of other ways to treat it. But you might want to start with simple R&R and a trip to the pharmacy for ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Make sure to elevate your feet while resting, and apply ice if needed!
Perform Foot Exercises and Stretches
Exercising and stretching your feet may seem daunting when you're hurting, but there are countless collections you can master to help ease the pain.
Some great choices for the bottom of the foot include ball rolls (with your trusty massage ball) and the towel stretch. But those are just the tip of the iceberg! To learn more about foot stretches and exercises, check out our Pinterest Board!
Wear Supportive Footwear Indoors
This is a great way to keep your foot pain from getting worse.
Walking around barefoot all day isn't as harmless as you think, even indoors. For example, neglecting proper foot supports can put extra strain on the plantar fascia if you have plantar fasciitis. In other words, impact absorption, cushioning, and arch support are just as necessary inside the house.
This doesn't mean you have to wear your running shoes inside (although there's no harm in that!). It does mean you can invest in ultra-cozy orthopaedic slippers with moulded footbeds and deep heel cups for arch support. Many slippers also come with removable footbeds, which can host your custom orthotics or Superfeet insoles. After all, sometimes foot pain means wearing your medical devices at home.
October 31, 2022
In Ontario, there are two terms for a foot specialist: a chiropodist and a podiatrist.
Many prospective patients ask themselves if there is a difference between the two occupations. They assume there must be since there wouldn't be two words for one specialty, right?
But the truth is, there are very few differences between chiropodists and podiatrists. Even if you research the definition of both professions, you can be left feeling just as confused as when you started. You'll often find that the internet tells you that they are healthcare professionals who tend to the feet, so what gives?!
Despite your confusion, there are some reasons medical experts split foot care experts into two categories. Let's explore why the healthcare world doesn't simply settle on one term!
Podiatry and Chiropody: Key Differences
Now that we have a clear understanding of each profession, the question remains; why does the medical industry insist on preserving two terms for foot specialists?
The terms are not interchangeable, despite how similar they are. Let's look at why.
Education
It takes longer to become a podiatrist. According to the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association, podiatrists must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. This is a four-year post-baccalaureate program. On the other hand, chiropodists complete a post-secondary diploma in chiropody. Furthermore, both often have additional education in a science-related field from an accredited university.
Terminology and Word Choice
Even though they don't go to a traditional medical school, you can use the term "foot doctor" to describe a podiatrist, as podiatrists obtain their D.P.M. You should not use this term to describe a chiropodist, although "foot care expert" and "foot specialist" certainly qualify.
Diagnoses Communication
Podiatrists can "communicate a diagnosis" to their patients, which stems from Ontario law granting them one of the six primary care professions in the province. This does not mean that a chiropodist cannot participate in effective communication with their patient.
Specialties
With their background in sports medicine, a podiatrist may be a better fit for someone experiencing a foot/ankle fracture or sprain. They're also the only foot specialists able to perform surgeries on the forefoot bones. One may be able to argue that a podiatrist is better suited for a severe condition requiring surgical intervention. For example, surgery for severe heel spurs or bunions.
However, a chiropodist can also address foot conditions and may be a better fit for establishing follow-up visits, ongoing care, foot care treatments, and giving advice on managing your foot health.
For more information about the things a chiropodist can and cannot do, visit our FAQ.
Availability
As of May 2022, there are over 600 chiropodists and only 60 podiatrists in Ontario. With limited access to podiatry, it's important to reiterate that those suffering from foot issues can explore chiropody and don't have to wait for a podiatrist to become available. Of course, the exception is if you require bone surgery.
In addition, unlike a podiatrist, you do not need a referral to see a chiropodist (although your private extended benefits may require one for coverage).
Coverage
Podiatrists can bill OHIP. Chiropodists cannot bill to OHIP, but they can bill companies that offer extended healthcare coverage, like Manulife and Sunlife.
Can a Chiropodist and Podiatrist Treat the Same Conditions?
Unless you require surgery on the bones in your feet, or you are not covered by extended health insurance and need OHIP coverage, you can see a chiropodist instead of a podiatrist.
It can be difficult to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, so there's no reason to neglect the expertise, kindness and care a chiropodist can offer you. Plus, they treat the same conditions as podiatrists, which include (but are not limited to):
Skin conditions such as calluses, corns, plantar warts, and cracked heels.
Toenail conditions like ingrown toenails, cracked toenails, and discoloured toenails.
Structural abnormalities that cause foot pain, like Plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bunions.
Contagious conditions such as fungal toenail and athlete's foot.
Additional conditions like foot odour.
Diabetic foot care, assistance and guidance.
October 27, 2022
Halloween 2022 is just around the corner! And for people with painful foot conditions, researching Halloween walking tips is a top priority.
The spooky season is a trendy time in Toronto, and it incorporates exercise more than other holidays. Trick or treating is a time for long walks around the neighbourhood with the kids, scoring candy and witnessing all the creative costumes.
So when it comes to walking, what are some safe Halloween ideas? How can you embrace the holiday while avoiding debilitating foot pain?
If long walks are usually painful for you, but you don't want to miss out, keep reading!
The Right Footwear
Trick or treating for the kids won't be much fun if their parents are hobbling around in pain. But you can avoid that scenario by investing in the right footwear that complements your foot condition and alleviates foot pain while walking.
First, make sure you ditch your unsupportive shoes and shop for the right pair. Your shoes should be supportive in the arch and heel areas to promote a healthy range of motion and regulate your gait. They should also be fitted according to the length and width of your foot and leave enough space in the toe box.
To guarantee optimal Halloween walking safety and go the extra mile, you can consult your chiropodist about whether you need stability or neutral shoes. You may need stability shoes to boost motion control if you have flat feet or overpronate.
Here are some other considerations for your trick-or-treating journey:
Custom orthotics: When you support your feet with orthotic inserts, your legs and feet relax into an ideal alignment position, reducing muscle strain. For added Halloween walking safety, try a custom orthotic fitting if you have plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, high arches or one of the conditions listed here.
Compression stockings: More than just glorified pantyhose, compression socks are a stylish medical device that helps with edema (swelling), pregnancy-related foot pain, varicose veins and more. As a bonus, they offer an extra layer of protection against cold feet and promote blood circulation.
Orthopedic footwear: These are shoes specifically designed to accommodate abnormal foot mechanics and structure, setting them apart from everyday footwear.
Perfect Posture
Sometimes we slump into a natural walking position and neglect our posture. But ignoring your stance can be more horrific than any Halloween costume on the street.
Try not to look down too much while trick-or-treating with the family. Additionally, pay careful attention to slouching, rolling your hips, and taking excessively long strides. These actions are proven to put too much stress on the lower leg joints.
Instead, keep your head up and elongate your neck and spine. You should also strike the ground in a "heel-to-toe" position. Not only will you prevent foot pain while walking, but your neck and back will thank you for practicing good posture.
Step Counting
Sometimes, making your walks more fun can help in the pain department. If you like, you can use Halloween as an opportunity to start counting your steps, aiming for close to 10,000 steps per day.
Not only does reaching this goal feel rewarding, but walking this much can also do the following:
Improve heart health
Reduce the risk of diabetes
Improve mental health
Boost fat-burning metabolism
If 10,000 steps seem too daunting for your foot pain, don't stress! Research suggests that achieving between 5,000 - 10,000 steps is also sufficient.
Preparation and Practice
It's a bad idea to wait until Halloween night to get some exercise. Instead, you should take short walks whenever you get the opportunity.
To be fair, certain conditions, especially osteoarthritis, can make a long walk downright excruciating. But if you wait until Halloween to go for a walk that clocks 10,000 steps or more, you'll be in too much pain to enjoy the experience and may have to call it quits and go home.
Taking short, easy walks leading up to October 31st is the way to go. The key is to ease into it while walking slowly and avoiding putting too much pressure on your feet.
For even more protection, you can lead up to your trick-or-treating adventure by performing exercises from home, with calf raises being one of the best.
Rest With a Candy Haul
Recovery time is key for letting the healthy effects of exercise take place.
Scientifically speaking, exercise creates microscopic tears in your muscle tissue. But recovery periods trigger fibroblast cells to repair the tissues. This will help the next time you go for a long walk by making your muscles stronger and healthier.
And how does this tie in with Halloween? Whether it's leftover candy at the house or candy the kids didn't want, you can reward yourself after a long night of walking by resting your feet (and snacking on some treats). For optimal rest, try keeping your feet elevated for 15-20 minutes before soaking them in a warm foot bath.
