The connection between our foot health and our mental health is something that is often overlooked, but not to be underestimated! If you suffer with a foot condition such as foot pain, arthritis, arch pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, or Morton's Neuroma, you’ll likely have experienced firsthand the impact it can have on your overall mental wellbeing.
Foot health can have both a direct and indirect effect on your mental health, especially if you’re in regular pain or discomfort because of it. So, to help you understand the relationship between our feet and mental health, we delve into some ways the two are interconnected in this blog, as well as looking at ways to manage the pain and improve your day-to-day life.
What is Foot Health?
Foot health refers to the overall condition of the feet, which are crucial for supporting our body and allowing proper mobility and comfort. There are many factors that contribute to good foot health, including maintaining a good level of hygiene, choosing the right footwear, and keeping on top of foot conditions.
Regularly inspecting your feet for signs of cuts, sores, corns, or anything out of the ordinary, is important for maintaining foot health. In doing this, you can often spot signs of common foot conditions early, allowing you to take the recommended preventative measures to stop your condition from worsening.
Can our Feet Indicate Health Problems?
Yes, our feet can definitely indicate health problems! Looking at your feet regularly to spot signs of change can help you identify health issues early on. Some common health conditions that can often be indicated by your feet include:
Diabetes
It is widely known that diabetes can affect foot health, so much so that the term ‘diabetic foot’ is very common when talking about diabetes. Symptoms in the feet which may be an indication of diabetes include numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. Find out more about Diabetic Foot, and see our recommended products to manage symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing any symptoms, it’s always best to talk to your local GP.
Arthritis
Arthritis impacts your joints, including those in the feet. Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis are all common types of arthritis which can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet.
Neuropathy
Nerve disorders such as Neuropathy, often caused by diabetes, can impact the feet. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, pain, and loss of balance.
Nutritional Deficiencies
The health of your feet, particularly your skin and nails, could be an indication of a nutritional deficiency. Signs of brittle nails or changes in skin texture could indicate a lack of certain nutrients in your diet.
How Foot Health Impacts Mental Health
As well as considering how foot health can indicate wider health problems, it’s also important to look at how foot problems can impact our mental wellbeing. Living with a foot condition can have a detrimental impact on our mental health, and here are just a few reasons why:
1. Pain and Discomfort
Living with pain and discomfort in your feet every day can have a severe impact on your life. It may prevent you from living your life to the fullest, and, for example, achieving fitness goals, which can cause stress, disappointment, and low mood.
2. Mobility and Independence
Many foot conditions impact mobility, which in turn reduces your independence. Being able to move, get out of the house, and enjoy everyday tasks, gives us a sense of accomplishment. Having this freedom taken away by a foot problem can commonly lead to issues related to mental health.
3. Physical Activity and Endorphins
It is a well-known fact that regular physical activity is good for our mental wellbeing as well as the physical health benefits. The release of endorphins when exercising is a mood booster, and missing out on this because of foot pain can impact your mental wellbeing even further.
4. Self-Care and Body Image
Taking care of our body and appearance extends to our feet. Some common symptoms of foot problems, including blisters, sores, and ingrown toenails, can make you self-conscious and lead to negative body image.
How to Treat Foot Pain and Improve Mental Health
If you are experiencing foot pain which is having a negative impact on your quality of life and wellbeing, there are several steps you can take to manage the pain. Physical therapy, stretching exercises, pain medication, NHS-approved orthotic inserts, and weight management, are all things to consider to help you manage discomfort.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, or find that it’s impacting your mental health, we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and recommended treatment.
Regular Walking Benefits Mental Health 
If you’re suffering with a foot problem, long-term or temporary, diagnosed condition or undiagnosed, you’ll want to make sure that your mental health doesn’t take a hit because of it. You may not be up for marathon running just yet, but engaging in light exercise and activities is key for maintaining a positive mind and body — activities like walking, for instance.
Walking has a number of mental health benefits and can hugely boost your wellbeing if incorporated into your daily routine. It has been proven to have a positive impact on your mood, reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost self-esteem. Establishing a regular exercise routine also helps to add structure to your day, which can be hugely beneficial for those who suffer from mental health challenges.
These many benefits mean that regular walking or other physical activity, particularly when combined with being outside and getting fresh air, is essential for us all. But how many of us don't get the physical exercise we need because of discomfort when walking? This is where proper foot care and management of foot conditions is vital.
Prevention is Key
When it comes to maintaining your foot health, prevention is the most important thing. If you can keep on top of a regular routine to ensure your feet are always in good condition, you will significantly reduce your chances of developing many common foot conditions.
A crucial aspect of good foot health is choosing the right shoes and insoles to properly support your feet. Your footwear should provide a good level of arch support and cushioning to ensure comfort when going about your daily routine.
NHS-approved Orthopaedic Shoes and Insoles
Orthopaedic shoes and arch support insoles are specifically designed to help improve everyday comfort when walking and doing physical activity. Whether used as a preventative measure or as treatment for foot pain or a foot condition, they can prove invaluable.
At FootActive, we provide a huge range of insoles for comfort and sports insoles, as well as to treat specific foot conditions. Browse our range of insoles online today, to experience firsthand the benefits they have on overall foot health and wellbeing.