Walking Is Good for Your Feet

An active lifestyle requires healthy feet.  We all know that walking is good for your heart, great to help maintain weight and keeps you fit.  We also know that it can put a great deal of strain on your feet, which makes it hard to stick to a walking program. But when your feet are functioning properly, walking is actually good for your feet too.  It increases circulation in your feet, helps keep the joints moving well and maintains the elasticity of the soft tissue, muscles, and tendons.

“I think the foot is an incredible structure,” says Dr. Diana Perry of CIC Foot & Ankle in Flagstaff. With twenty-six bones, thirty-two joints, one hundred and three ligaments and numerous muscles and tendons, each component relies on the others to work properly. “One of the best things you can do to keep your feet healthy is to use them,” says Perry. Walking can help improve the overall function of your feet.

Every step you take helps the circulation in your feet.  Through the process of walking, blood moves throughout the foot, and around the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones.   Good circulation maintains normal temperature throughout your body and your feet.  It also aids in the normal production of sweat and oil to help nourish the texture of your skin. People with poor circulation generally have dry skin because of the lack of normal oil production and perspiration.  This also leads to thickened nails and fissures in the feet.

Promoting good circulation through walking is important for your feet.  “Circulation is also critical in helping to fight infection if you have a bruise or cut on your foot.  Proper blood supply provides oxygen and nutrients to the structures of the foot and removes waste products,” says Perry.  “Good circulation also provides essential nutrients to maintain the health of nerve sheaths and is important to sustain normal nerve function.”

On the flip side, poor circulation can interfere with walking. “Your legs and feet will let you know if there is a problem. If your leg cramps when you walk even a short distance, pay attention,” says Perry. “To stay healthy, your feet need oxygen and nutrients. Proper blood flow brings them what they need.” Without good blood flow, the nerves and muscles in your feet are affected and become painful resulting in burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. She says, “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a doctor.”

“I want to help my patients move through life,” says Perry. “There are so many ways available to us to keep you on your feet. I want everyone to know that every step they take is important.” Walking provides perpetual therapy for your feet. It’s one of the many reasons why it should be part of your everyday.  If your feet cause you discomfort, Dr. Perry urges you to see a foot doctor. FBN

By Greer Banks

Dr. Diana Perry, DPM is a podiatrist who treats a wide range of foot problem. She specializes in limb preservation and trauma of the foot. She can be reached at CiC 928-719-7400.