We all started with lovely feet. It takes just a few minutes to play “This Little Piggie” with a baby to see what your life used to be before city sidewalks, uncomfortable shoes and pounding exercises depleted you. However, removing your shoes in front of a professional can feel like a leap of faith. Do they judge our feet? Can they tell anything about us by looking at our feet?
Erin Beckett-Gland, a manicurist, said people apologize for the condition of their feet. “It makes them feel embarrassed, and they warn me. So that’s why I’m here: to make sure they have healthy feet so they can show them off.” Professionals have seen it all, so don’t worry.
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In truth, your feet can suffer from several gnarly problems, and you should not be embarrassed by them,” said podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, a cast member on TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me.” Everyone experiences wild foot problems, and most are treatable.
What Your Feet Say About You
Feet often tell a story, said Beckett-Gland. “I can tell when someone is wearing shoes too small by their toenails or toes. I can tell how they roll their feet or need arch support because of bunions and deviating big toe.”
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Podiatrist Robert Spalding first checks the shoes his customers wear. He says podiatrists see a lot of patients who stand a lot at work. He also noted that almost 90% of foot and toe problems are aggravated or improved by shoes. Your feet might also reveal some of your activities.
When there’s a lot of pressure on your foot, it splays and gets wide and long over time. Along with bruised nails, climbers banging their big toe against the sneaker often causes the nail to lift from its bed. Bunions and excessive calluses around the toes are common in those wearing high heels.