How to pamper your feet?

Mélanie Faure 4:52 p.m., March 02, 2022

They are a central part of our body.

Our feet are linked to our back, our spine and can cause pain and even affect our autonomy.

It is therefore important to take care of it.

There are two kinds of pathologies.

On the one hand, there is dermatology: corns, calluses and ingrown bodies.

And on the other, functional disorders: muscle and bone pain, such as tendinitis. 

Muriel Montenvert is a podiatrist and Secretary General of the French Union for Foot Health.

She explains that often it is negligence that leads the French to push the door of their podiatrist.

She gives the keys to take good care of her feet.

Which pair of shoes to choose?

Can you wear heels without damaging your back?

Yes, but up to... 3 cm in height!

"It's not beautiful, it's not very high, admits the podiatrist on Europe 1. The higher we are, the more we will internalize our center of gravity and the more we risk creating pathologies at the level of the forefoot, at the level of the back."

For children, forget ballet flats, which are too flat, causing shock waves and premature wear on the joints.

Finally, it is important to alternate the types of shoes.

And when we are unable to choose, can we stay barefoot?

This poses no problem, unless you are diabetic or suffer from neuropathy.

From what age should you take your child to the podiatrist?

Four years is the ideal age for his first consultation... if no anomaly is detected beforehand.

"Your child is running in the park, his feet are too inward, he falls more than the others,..." details Muriel Montenvert, who explains that it is important to deal with the problem as soon as possible.

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"The child's foot is flat up to 4 years old, so don't worry if he has flat feet", explains Muriel Montenvert, who stresses that the choice of the first shoes is crucial.

"Afterwards, we will work on the sole so that it is flexible enough to allow a good unfolding of the step and that there is sufficient support at the level of the back. You should not buy shoes that are too rigid , but not too soft either.

What are the factors that cause tendonitis?

It is due to a morphostatic disorder, namely the overall positioning of your body in space.

"When you walk badly, you will create other pathologies", analyzes the Secretary General of the French Union of Foot Health.

"The feet are the basis of everything. If you're crooked at the bottom, you're crooked at the top. It will cause pain."

>> READ ALSO

- How to avoid and treat small and big sores on our feet?

Can we go to the beautician to get rid of the corn on the foot?

Estheticians are not trained to perform a pedicure.

"They are not allowed to use sharp tools," explains Muriel Montenvert.

"If you have horns and pathologies, go to the podiatrist."