Proper foot care is essential for keeping our overall health in good shape. Many people often forget about their feet, yet they play a vital role in how we move and function in our daily lives. Good foot health is closely linked to our ability to stay mobile. When we wear the right shoes and take care of our feet, we can avoid injuries and long-lasting issues like bunions and plantar fasciitis (Tedeschi et al., 2024). This is important for everyone, whether they are children just learning to walk or older adults who need to maintain their independence.
Foot care becomes even more critical for those with certain health problems, such as diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are at a high risk for foot ulcers and other complications. If not treated properly, these issues can lead to serious infections and even amputations (Pouwer et al., 2024; Coffey et al., 2019). By taking simple steps like checking their feet regularly, keeping them clean, and wearing appropriate footwear, people with diabetes can greatly reduce their risks.
Moreover, maintaining healthy feet can help improve a person’s overall quality of life. When people feel good about the condition of their feet, they are more likely to engage in physical activities. Physical activity not only boosts physical health but also promotes mental well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who prioritize foot health are more active and, in turn, often report feeling happier and more energetic (Wong & Morrison, 2024).
Good foot care is important for people across different age groups. For children, having well-fitting shoes is crucial as their feet are still growing. It can prevent problems that might affect their walking and running ability. In teenagers and young adults, proper foot care can help improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries. For working adults, taking care of feet can lead to better work performance and less fatigue at the end of the day. Finally, older adults benefit from foot care and proper footwear as it helps them maintain mobility and independence, which are key components to leading fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, while it may seem easy to overlook foot care, its importance cannot be overstated. Proper foot care lays the foundation for mobility, plays a crucial role in preventing disease, and enhances quality of life for individuals across various age groups. Making a consistent effort to prioritize foot health can lead to healthier, more active, and happier lives for everyone., Proper foot care plays a crucial role in mobility and overall quality of life for people of all ages. For children and adolescents, maintaining good foot health is vital as it affects their ability to engage in physical activities and reach developmental milestones. Healthy feet help children run, jump, and play without discomfort or pain. When foot issues arise, such as flat feet or ingrown toenails, it can limit their activity and even lead to a decline in social interactions and self-esteem (Rodríguez-Sanz et al., 2018). Therefore, teaching children and their parents about proper foot hygiene and shoe selection can support their growth and development.
In adulthood, proper foot care becomes even more important, especially for individuals working in demanding jobs like nursing, teaching, or retail. These professions often require long hours on their feet, making foot health essential to prevent pain and discomfort that can affect work performance. Many adults report issues like plantar fasciitis or calluses, which can distract them from their tasks and make it difficult to enjoy their personal time as well. According to research, workers who take care of their feet can experience increased job satisfaction and decreased absenteeism (Stolt et al., 2017; Bernardes et al., 2025). This highlights the importance of addressing foot care needs in the workplace and providing appropriate support.
As people age, neglecting foot care can lead to significant health risks and a reduced quality of life. Older adults commonly face problems such as poor circulation, arthritis, and diabetes, all of which can severely impact foot health. If feet are not cared for properly, minor issues can worsen, leading to serious complications like infections or ulcers. These complications often result in falls, which are a major concern for older adults. Falls can cause injuries that limit independence, leading to a reliance on others for daily activities (Morrison, 2024). Regular foot care, including check-ups with a healthcare provider and attention to proper footwear, can help prevent these dangerous situations and support ongoing independence.
However, several barriers can make it difficult for individuals, especially older adults, to engage in proper foot care. Many people may lack awareness about how to take care of their feet or may not recognize the importance of routine check-ups. Access to medical advice can also be limited, particularly for those living in remote areas or with financial constraints (Matricciani & Jones, 2015). This emphasizes the necessity for education around effective self-care strategies, which can empower people to take charge of their foot health.
Overall, the significance of proper foot care affects not just mobility but enhances the quality of life across all age groups. Promoting awareness and education about maintaining healthy feet can lead to positive health outcomes, help individuals stay active, and ultimately improve their overall well-being.
Citations:
Kim, N.G. and Park, H.R., 2025. Foot health status and associated characteristics of nursing students: a cross-sectional study. BMC nursing, 24(1), p.742. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12912-025-03327-y
Tedeschi, R., Giorgi, F. and Donati, D., 2024. Footwear and foot health: unveiling the role of proper shoe fit in preventing podiatric issues and enhancing Well-Being. Applied Sciences, 14(21), p.9938. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/21/9938
Stolt, M., Suhonen, R., Kielo, E., Katajisto, J. and Leino‐Kilpi, H., 2017. Foot health of nurses—a cross‐sectional study. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 23(4), p.e12560. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijn.12560
Pouwer, F., Perrin, B., Lavender, A., Najafi, B., Ismail, K. and Vileikyte, L., 2024. The quest for wellness: How to optimise self‐care strategies for diabetic foot management?. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews, 40(3), p.e3751. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dmrr.3751
Wong, Y.T. and Morrison, S.C., 2024. Health promotion models for improving footcare in older adults: a scoping review. Gerontology, 70(8), pp.785-800. https://karger.com/ger/article/70/8/785/906303
Morrison, Y.T.W.S.C., 2024. Health Promotion Models for Improving Footcare in Older Adults: A Scoping. Gerontology, 70, pp.785-800. https://d-nb.info/133902375X/34
Bernardes, R., Caldeira, S., Stolt, M., Correia, N. and Cruz, A., 2025. Foot health and quality of life of nursing students: an exploratory multimethod study. Millenium: Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, (27), p.e39905. https://ciencia.ucp.pt/en/publications/foot-health-and-quality-of-life-of-nursing-students-an-explorator
Rodríguez-Sanz, D., Barbeito-Fernández, D., Losa-Iglesias, M.E., Saleta-Canosa, J.L., López-López, D., Tovaruela-Carrión, N. and Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R., 2018. Foot health and quality of life among university students: cross-sectional study. Sao Paulo Medical Journal, 136(02), pp.123-128. https://www.scielo.br/j/spmj/a/FPzkTrGLkrBstkcV4dYnBrx/?lang=en
Matricciani, L. and Jones, S., 2015. Who cares about foot care? Barriers and enablers of foot self-care practices among non-institutionalized older adults diagnosed with diabetes: an integrative review. The Diabetes Educator, 41(1), pp.106-117. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145721714560441
Coffey, L., Mahon, C. and Gallagher, P., 2019. Perceptions and experiences of diabetic foot ulceration and foot care in people with diabetes: a qualitative meta‐synthesis. International wound journal, 16(1), pp.183-210. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/iwj.13010
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