In South Africa, walking long distances is a daily reality for many, whether for commuting to work, school, or markets. While walking offers excellent health benefits, it can impact foot health if proper care is neglected.
“While we encourage walking for overall wellbeing, there are certain factors that can cause long-term damage to the feet,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, manufacturer of leading South African footcare products. “Factors like poor-fitting shoes, untreated foot conditions, and general neglect can lead to painful and persistent problems that affect your mobility and overall well-being.”
Some of the conditions experienced by long-term walkers include stress fractures to the bones in the foot which can lead to osteoporosis; tendonitis as a result of overusing tendons such as the Achilles; plantar fasciitis which impacts the tissue between the heel and the toe; heel pad atrophy where the pad of the heel starts to shrink; as well as neuromas which is the painful enlarging of nerve tissue in the foot.
However, just a few simple footcare techniques incorporated into daily life can prevent these long-term conditions. Kroko has shared 3 ways to keep feet healthy and happy – no matter the distance!
1. Wear the right shoes for walking
The incorrect size or type of shoe can cause ample discomfort and long-term trouble. Wearing the right shoes from the start will prevent many foot problems later in life in a number of ways:
• Support: Shoes are designed to support your feet and protect them from external harm. Poor-fitting shoes can cause musculoskeletal problems, such as back, hip, and knee pain, by altering your gait and posture.
• Comfort: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause blisters, chafing, corns, and calluses, especially for those walking long distances. Always try on both shoes, as most people have slightly different-sized feet.
• Breathability: Natural, breathable materials are key to keeping feet fresh and dry, reducing the risk of fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot.
2. Address common foot challenges early
If you’re wearing the wrong shoes, or simply walking long distances in less-than-ideal conditions, you can develop foot challenges like corns, calluses, and cracked heels. It’s important to address these quickly with effective remedies to prevent long-term health issues:
· Corns and Calluses: These hardenings on the skin develop as a response to friction or pressure. You can use products like Kroko Corn and Callus Remover, Kroko Corn Protectors, and Kroko Corn Plasters to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
· Cracked Heels: Open shoes and walking barefoot over long distances can cause dryness, leading to cracked heels. Moisturising regularly and wearing appropriate footwear can prevent this issue. However, if you are suffering, Kroko HeelFix or Kroko Heel Balm are great options for treating your heels.
· Fungal Infections: These thrive in warm, moist environments, such as closed shoes worn on a hot day over long distances. Keep your feet dry and fresh with Kroko Foot Powder and Kroko Foot Spray, which offer antifungal protection while reducing odour.
3. Take care of your feet daily
It’s important not to overlook your feet when practising daily cleansing and care rituals. Here are some great ways to keep your feet healthy when travelling long distances:
• When bathing or showering, you must wash and dry your feet thoroughly to prevent moisture retention.
• Change your socks if there is excess moisture as this will ensure feet are kept dry.
• It’s also best to wear natural fabric socks as these are more breathable than synthetic.
• Trim your toenails regularly to prevent ingrown nails as a result of wearing closed shoes over long distances.
Hammond explains that proper foot hygiene and the right footwear can prevent long-term problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and deformed toes. They also ensure greater comfort and mobility in the short term.
“At Kroko, we understand the importance of foot health in maintaining an active lifestyle,” she says. “When you care for your feet today, you’re investing in your future well-being. It’s not just about comfort – it’s about preventing long-term issues that could significantly impact quality of life.”
For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Kroko.
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