Foot Work? Do You Care For Your Feet?
We expect a lot from our feet– they carry us through life, quite literally. But how often do we actually care for them? I don’t mean a quick toenail trim, I mean really give them some attention?
Question– How much time do you spend on your feet each day? And how much time do you spend caring for your feet daily, weekly, monthly?
Whether you’re managing your health after cancer, living with diabetes, navigating ageing, or just noticing a bit more wobble in your step, your feet deserve more than an afterthought.
The Feet: Small Structures With Huge Influence
The human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is also packed with sensory receptors that constantly communicate with the nervous system and brain.
These receptors help the body understand:
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pressure under the feet
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balance and posture
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how weight moves through the body
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where we are in space
This communication system is known as proprioception, and it plays a key role in balance, mobility and confidence in movement.
As we age — or when the body has been through illness or cancer treatment — these signals can sometimes become less clear.
Why Your Feet Matter (Far More Than You Think)
Did you know?
When your feet aren’t functioning well, everything above them feels it: knees, hips, back, your mood, and even your pelvic floor (especially if you are female). And when sensation is reduced– as it often is in diabetes, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, or simply as we age– we lose key connections to the world beneath us.
Fun fact (not so fun if you have a fall): According to research, reduced foot sensation is directly linked to increased fall risk in older adults (NHS Falls Prevention Guidelines 2023)
What Can Go Wrong– And Why It Matters
Let’s take a quick dive into some common culprits:
Peripheral Neuropathy– Often caused by cancer treatments or diabetes, rusults in numbness, tingling, pain or weakness. Feet might feel like they are walking or cotton wool or at the other extreme, hot cools– and often both. This affects balance, mobility, confidence and quality of life.
Diabetes– High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making foot care essential. Small injuries can become serious infections before you know it.
Ageing– As we age circulation slows, skin thins, and we lose the fatty padding that helps cushion our soles. Combine that with stiff joints and reduced flexibilty (remember 33 joints in the foot), and it’s a recipe for discomfort and instability.
Did you know? Older adults with foot pain are 60% more likely to restrict their daily activities (Journal of Foot & Ankle Research 2022), this will have a further knock on effect. Restrict your movement further and you become weaker and stiffer and the cycle goes on.
Reflexology and Sensory Awareness
One of the reasons reflexology can feel so grounding is that it stimulates many of these sensory receptors in the feet.
Gentle pressure and rhythm can help:
• stimulate underused nerve endings
• improve awareness of the feet
• encourage circulation
• calm the nervous system
For people experiencing peripheral neuropathy, fatigue or reduced sensation, reflexology can sometimes help reconnect the brain with what is happening underfoot.
You may also find this helpful:
Steady on Your Feet – How Foot Care Supports Balance
Simple Daily Footwork
A few minutes of attention each day can make a real difference.
Try this simple routine:
• Toe movements – gently wiggle and spread the toes
• Ankle circles – encourage joint mobility
• Massage ball rolling – stimulate the sole of the foot
• Short barefoot time at home – allow sensory receptors to activate
These small actions can help maintain circulation, mobility and sensory awareness.
Special Note for Those Living with or Beyond Cancer
Foot pain and nerve damage are common side effects of some cancer treatments. Whether it’s due to chemo, radiotherapy or reduced movement during recovery, your feet need some extra care.
You are not being fussy. You’re being smart. Mobility, independence, and confidence are all tied into how your feet feel.
Common Questions About Foot Health
Why do my feet feel less sensitive as I get older?
Ageing, reduced circulation and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy can affect the sensory receptors in the feet.
Can cancer treatment affect the feet?
Yes. Chemotherapy can sometimes cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to tingling, numbness or reduced sensation.
Can reflexology help foot sensation?
While reflexology does not treat nerve damage, gentle stimulation of the feet may help improve awareness and circulation.
Why is foot care important for balance?
The brain relies on sensory signals from the feet to maintain stability. When these signals weaken, balance and confidence can be affected.
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If you would like help improving foot mobility, balance or sensation, I offer reflexology and gentle movement sessions in Clacton-on-Sea and Bury St Edmunds, supporting people recovering from illness, cancer treatment and age-related changes.