Staying healthy is not easy and it takes a multi-pronged approach to stay fit. Often it is the little things that matter. For example, getting off the bus and walking for two stops, buying a black coffee instead of a cappuccino are all actions that add up and make a difference to overall health.

Surprisingly, looking after your feet is on the list of little things that make a huge difference to your long-term health. Visiting your local foot clinicon a regular basis can all make a huge difference to your health. If you want to know more, please read on to find out why.

Better feet keep you moving for longer

There is no doubt that if you have bad feet you are not going to want to get up and go for a walk or a run. Taking an exercise class or going to the gym is going to be painful, so you are less likely to want to do it.

Having bad feet narrows down the kind of exercises you can do. This makes it harder for you to stay fit.

It also means that you will be less active in your day-to-day life. You are going to get in the car to go to the shops rather than walk if walking results in painful feet.

Good posture helps with joint and bone health

When you have bad feet, your posture is affected.  You walk in a way that compensates for the fact that your feet hurt.

This means that you walk in a lopsided and unnatural way. Over time, this puts a huge strain on your spine, hips, knees and ankles.

If you keep good posture and walk properly, it is far easier to maintain strong bones and joints. As you age this will have a big impact on how mobile you are and therefore on how healthy you stay.

Foot care is particularly important for diabetics

If you are one of the millions of people in the world, who suffer from diabetics looking after your feet is even more important. Circulation is an issue for diabetics, so problems with the extremities like the feet are common.

Over time the feet can start to go numb, small cuts do not heel and in time it is possible to lose toes, and potentially also your foot or part of your leg. If left gangrene and other infections can set in.  These serious infections or amputations are life changing. They have a very negative impact on your life. Therefore, for diabetics, looking after their feet is critical.

A chance to spot health issues

Podiatrists and chiropodists can also help you to choose the right footwear to avoid issues with your feet. The way you are built, your gait and how you walk all have an impact on which type of footwear you should wear.

So, if it has been a while since you last visited a foot clinic take the time to make an appointment and start looking after your feet.

But what is? What is it used for? And what’s it made of?

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Well it’s not the ordinary tape you find in a first aid or on supermarket shelves. It is a very thin and highly elastic tape that is adhesive and is applied direct to the skin and at a specific area. In the past when athletes or players needed to protect an area from further injury or strain, a bandage or application would be applied to restrict movement. Therefore lessening the chance of further injury, compressing the area.  However this had obvious side effects such as reduced performance intensity and effectiveness. Not only that but also decrease the bodies own natural healing process as it would restrict blood flow. For example if we injured our thigh or calf, the whole area would be taped and compressed.

What is it used for?

Kinesiology Tape (Or K Tape) on the other hand is able to target specific areas. It opens up the muscle and still allows full range of movement, as well as being able to offer support to the muscle or joint, helping to relieve pain. This has obvious benefits to a sports person and their team.

By supporting the muscle (effected area), if applied correctly the taping improves the muscles ability to contract, reducing pain and feelings of fatigue. Its also a good protective measure giving some resistance to over extension and contraction.

By the tape pulling the skin and fascia (over the muscle) slightly away from the muscle it allows blood flow and lymphatic fluid to access the muscle, thus basically cleaning and reducing the inflammation of the tissue. Aiding the healing process. Compared to the ‘old’ school method where the area was compressed and almost bound.

What is it made of?

K Tape is made from a very thin, porous, 100% cotton fabric. It is latex free and has a heat-activated adhesive. It comes in a variety of colours indicating strength.

Conclusion

Kinesiology Tape is a fantastic piece of kit to help support and aid recovery from minor strain or sprain injuries. It really can ensure that performance need not be effected in the short term and minor injuries can be managed effectively.

More serious sprains and strains however ensure you get the correct treatment plan. As the less effect application such as K Tape will be. As it is not a miracle worker. Any torn/tear in muscle or connective tissue will need medical attention.

On a side note, if you’re looking to train to become a personal trainer, have a look at personal trainer courses at Body Aid Solutions Ltd. Use ‘LOX1′ and get 15% off as well as 0% payment plans!

Thanks for reading,