Stepping Into Wellness - Foot Care
Feet are so important. We may not pay much attention to them until they start giving us trouble. In our March issue, we discussed Plantar fasciitis, and another common affliction for our busy feet is “Athlete's Foot” or Tinea Pedis. This fungal infection commonly affects the skin between the toes. It thrives in warm damp environments making sweaty feet, tight shoes and public showers ideal breeding grounds! A golfers nightmare! Symptoms include itching, burning, redness and peeling skin. It can also lead to fungal nail infections. So take the weight off your feet and rea on as to how you can aid a current problem, and indeed protect against this irritation!
Keep feet clean and dry–wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry carefully between your toes. You might even use a hair dryer to make sure all tracs of moisture are eradicated!
Wear breathable footwear–shoes that are made of breathable material such as leather or mesh allows ventilation that is key to reducing moisture.
Change socks regularly–wear clean moisture wicking socks and change them during the day if your feet get sweaty!
Use anti-fungal cream–over the counter creams, powders or sprays can be effective.
Practice good foot hygiene–avoid walking barefoot in public areas, and consider wearing flip flops in communal areas like club showers.
How wearing the right footwear can help
For both Plantar and Athletes foot wearing the right footwear can help considerable in preventing foot issues – especially for golfers!
Support and stability – Golf involves a lot of walking and weight shifting which can strain the feet. High quality golf shoes provide adequate arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure evenly.
Breathability – High quality golf shoes are made from breathable materials that allow air circulation and moisture wicking, keeping the feet dry and comfortable throughout the game.
Shock absorption – walking on uneven terrain and swinging a golf club can significantly impact the feet. Well-designed golf shoes typically feature cushioned midsoles and shock-absorbing materials to minimise the impact on joints and prevent excessive stress on the feet. As well having the cleats or spikes offer a superior grip on the turf reducing the risk of slipping.
Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate both Plantar Fasciitis and Athletes foot so we highly recommend investing in golf shoes that fit properly and are made from the best materials.
The Reflex
The history of reflexology spans several cultures over thousands of years. The earliest evidence is from ancient Egypt, with 2330 BCE tomb paintings depicting foot and hand therapy. Similar practices were used in ancient China and India, aligning with acupuncture principles.
Modern reflexology began in the early 20th century with Dr. William Fitzgerald's “zone therapy,” discovering that pressure on body zones alleviated pain. Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, refined these ideas in the 1930s and 1940s, mapping the body onto feet and hands. Her work popularized reflexology in North America.
Today, reflexology is recognized for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall health.