Tips for healthy feet from orthopaedic expert Marcel

Whether you’re suffering from a blister on your heel, an ingrown toenail or a bunion: we only notice how important it is to have healthy feet when they start causing us pain. That’s why it’s even more important to take care of your feet regularly. This doesn’t necessarily mean a professional pedicure – you can look after your feet very well yourself. Orthopaedic expert Marcel offers tips and shares exercises for healthy feet.

If you’re suffering from severe issues, our orthopaedic experts would be happy to help: just make an appointment, and our specialists will take care of you.

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Foot care – from your toes to your sole

Our toenails give us greater sensitivity. Why? They increase the pressure on our nerves so we can sense the ground beneath us better. You should keep your nails short and file them to prevent any irritating corners or sharp edges. I also recommend going for a professional pedicure once a year.

Nail care – trim and file your nails regularly

Our toenails give us greater sensitivity. Why? They increase the pressure on our nerves so we can sense the ground beneath us better. You should keep your nails short and file them to prevent any irritating corners or sharp edges. I also recommend going for a professional pedicure once a year.

Walk barefoot

Our feet lead pampered lives: snugly tucked away in our shoes, they don’t need to do a great deal – which causes their muscles to waste away. But healthy feet are fit feet, so you need to give them exercise. A great way to do this is by walking barefoot regularly. The more uneven the surface, the stronger the effect. How about a walk in the forest or through fields? A walk along a river or a specially set-up barefoot trail is another way to train your foot muscles.

Go barefoot – even in the office

You might not have time for an outdoor stroll every single day, but you can still put your foot muscles through their paces in the office. The best way to do this is with a standing desk. Put a soft surface on the floor, such as thick piece of foam rubber or a bouldering mat. Now, when you stand on this, your muscles are constantly activated, which strengthens them in the long term.

Going barefoot – while wearing shoes

That said, you can also exercise your feet while wearing shoes known as ‘barefoot shoes’. While they completely surround your feet, it feels as if you’re not wearing any footwear. They replace the callouses that don't really form if you’re wearing shoes all the time. Their thin sole and soft shaft mean your muscles are much more active than in regular shoes, so you shouldn’t wear them too long to start with. After all, you wouldn’t just do 100 press-ups all of a sudden! Just an hour of wearing the shoes can cause minor muscle injuries, which you’ll experience as aches.

Breaking shoes in

It’s crucial to choose the right shoes for your foot: there’s a lot of variety in terms of fit. Let us advise you in-store, try different pairs on, take a few steps and find the right footwear for your feet. It’s important to always break shoes in. A new pair of hiking boots, for instance, need to be broken in for a month or so (ideally for 30 minutes a day) before you set off on your first big trek.

Identify issues

Are your feet hurting you even though you take good care of them and do foot exercises? Our team is here to help: the right adjustments or insoles will leave your feet standing proud.