Stress is a part of modern living but if it isn’t managed, it can have several consequences on our overall health and wellbeing. When we feel stressed, increased levels of stress hormones affect various parts of the body. We already know that stress affects the heart, brain, and our immune system. However, the impact of stress on the feet is often overlooked.
Here are five ways stress can show up in our feet.
1. Increased Muscle Tension and Foot Pain
When under stress, our body’s natural “fight or flight” response is activated, leading to increased muscle tension. This physiological reaction is meant to be temporary and prepare us for immediate physical action if we need to move quickly. However, chronic stress prolongs this response, and leads to muscle tension which affects the lower limbs. The muscles in the feet and calves can become tight, causing discomfort and pain. This pain can be exacerbated by activities that require long periods of standing or walking, creating a vicious cycle where stress leads to pain, and pain increases stress.
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2. Plantar Fasciitis
Stress can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, a common condition which occurs when the plantar fascia which is the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Stress can cause small tears in the plantar fascia, making it difficult to walk. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, you may find you’re more susceptible to this condition.
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3. Poor Circulation and Cold Feet
Stress affects cardiovascular function by constricting blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation. Reduced blood flow to the extremities, including the feet, can result in feeling constantly cold. Poor circulation can also delay healing of wounds and exacerbate conditions like varicose veins or peripheral artery disease. The feet, being the farthest point from the heart, often bear the brunt of circulation issues, making them a key indicator of underlying stress-related cardiovascular strain.
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4. Increased Risk of Injuries
There is a relationship between stress and the risk of injury. Stress can affect focus, body awareness, and motor coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. For the feet, this means a higher risk of sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
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5. Compromised Immune Response and Infections
We know that chronic stress compromises our immune system, which makes it harder to fight off infections. Our feet are in touch with the ground and therefore frequently exposed to the elements, and therefore are more prone to fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, and other bacteria. During times of more stress, it’s important to take a little extra care of your feet and practice regular foot care.
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Call the family-friendly team at Sanders for a podiatry check up
Quality footcare, good daily habits, and proper footwear can alleviate some of the symptoms of stress that affect our feet. Our experienced podiatrists can provide treatment for specific conditions like plantar fasciitis, athlete’s foot and general foot pain. Your feet take thousands of steps each day. They work hard for us! Give them some regular care and attention to stay fit, well and healthy for the journey of living.
Phone us to make an appointment for a podiatry check-up. Our podiatry clinics are in three locations around Adelaide.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)
Sander Podiatry Stirling – 08 8339 3344
Sander Podiatry Mount Barker – 08 8370 1590
Photo by Jake Hills on Unsplash