What will you discover about your foot health, when you read your footprint? You won’t know until you try. Once you do it, chances are, you’ll find the information quite interesting.
You might assume that you need to visit a podiatrist’s office, to get the job done. Not true. You can “read” your footprint in the comfort of your own home. It’s easier than you probably think.
If you have “normal” feet, when you take a step, your heel touches the ground first. The arch of your foot stays above the ground and your toes touch the ground last.
Issues occur, when this doesn’t happen. They include:
- Over-pronation is the act of your foot rolling toward the inside.
- Under-pronation is the act of your foot rolling toward the outside.
- Over-pronation causes arch strain and knee pain. Under-proation increases the possibility of stress fractures and ankle sprains.
Preparation
Before you do the following “watermark” test, take a few minutes to check your feet for any issues such as toenail fungus.
If you think you might be dealing with a fungal nail infection, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with us. This is the best way to confirm whether or not a problem exists.
Because toenail fungus never goes away on its own and only gets worse if left untreated, it’s important to have it diagnosed as quickly as possible.
Footprint “Watermark” Test
To read your footprint, submerge your foot in a bucket of water. Make several footprints on a long piece of brown or differently colored paper.
If most of your foot shows, including the middle, you have flat feet. Molded-leather arch supports may be extremely helpful to you. When purchasing athletic shoes, look for shoes that feature soles designed to stop the “rolling in” motion.
In the event that the front part of your foot doesn’t connect to your heel, you have extremely high arches. When you walk, extra weight lands on the outside of your feet.
One of the best footwear options for you is athletic shoes, which feature extra cushioning built-in to help alleviate the problem. High-top athletic shoes are also a good choice, because they help to eliminate the possibility of twisting your ankle.
Like handprints, everyone’s footprints are unique. They indicate a lot about you. What you learn from them makes it easier to purchase the type of shoes that are most comfortable for you. Why not take a few minutes to read your footprint, today?
