Oftentimes, the most important jobs in our society are some of the most difficult. Some of the individuals we need most such as law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters, farmers and many more, have jobs that can cause extensive physical problems. With so many of these vital jobs requiring long hours on the go, it’s no wonder foot pain is such a common problem for so many hardworking Americans. Our feet are incredibly valuable to us, but when we don’t take care of them properly, it can lead to other issues with our overall health and wellness. Team ALTAI™ is here to help by sharing information to keep your feet healthy and prevent issues in the future.
Foot Anatomy: Deeper Understanding
The human foot is very complex with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The foot is divided into three sections: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. The forefoot includes the toes and the five long bones that run along the top of the foot. The midfoot is the group of bones that make up the arches of your feet. The hindfoot is made up of the heel and the ankle. The heel bone is the largest in the foot. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot work together with the bones to allow us to perform the many complex movements we are capable of. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon of the foot and connects the heel to the calf muscle which allows us to run, jump, stand on our toes, and more.
Selfcare for Foot Pain
When severe injuries and conditions affect your feet, medical treatment may be required. Always consult your physician for medical advice. But luckily there are many ways to take care of your feet by yourself that may help prevent doctor visits.
Healthy Feet, Healthy Body
Your feet can indicate many things about your health and wellbeing. Stiff joints can indicate arthritis, tingling or numbness can indicate diabetes, and swelling can indicate issues with different organs. If your dogs are barking, you should listen! For general footcare, be sure to wash your feet daily, trim toenails straight across, examine your feet, and wear comfortable shoes that fit. Be sure to follow up on a tough day on your feet with your favorite pain-relieving techniques!
How can ALTAI™ help?
Team ALTAI™ has set out to make the most comfortable, durable, and protective boots possible for a wide variety of tough job and outdoor applications. ALTAI™ boots are made with SuperFabric®, which is one of the toughest fabrics in the world and protects our customers’ feet from cuts, abrasions, punctures and more. It’s water-resistant and breathable, which helps keep the wearer’s feet dry and at an optimal temperature. Our boots come with zippered options to maximize efficiency when putting them on and taking them off. Our 6-inch and 8-inch boot models offer great ankle support to keep your feet and legs secure. We have chosen Vibram® to supply our outsoles and they do a tremendous job providing comfort and stabilization. So, whether you are a law enforcement officer, first responder, warehouse worker and beyond, ALTAI™ could be your solution to healthier, pain-free feet.
ALTAI™ Boots That Might Interest You
Outdoor Boots
Behind every great pair of boots, is a great pair of socks. We’ve all experienced a horrible mismatch between the two: too hot, too ‘slippery,’ blistery, the list goes on. Finding the right match between which socks to wear with your boots can mean a world of difference while you’re on your feet for extended periods of time.
Some sock materials will be better for certain temperatures, wetness, or sometimes just come down to personal preferences. Here’s a general guide to the typical socks materials to consider:
Synthetic Fabrics: There are a huge array of synthetic fabric socks. From cooling polyester fibers for the summer, to fabrics that “trap in” heat, without the bulkiness of thicker materials.
Wool: Known for its incredible insulating abilities, wool is one of the most popular types of socks for many adventurers. Synthetic blends of wool or merino may be preferable, since wool can be considered scratchy for some.
Cotton: Although the most common sock material, cotton socks are not recommended for hikes or long excursions. Cotton is extremely absorbent (imagine foot sweat!) and tends to dry very slowly.
Silk/Wicking Materials: Other kinds of socks, like silk, can be used as a liner inside your sock. These materials can help wick away moisture, keeping your “main sock” comfortable and dry.
Among these sock options, you will also want to consider whether your adventure will require lightweight, middle-weight, or mountaineering socks. Choose based on the temperature, dry/wet environment, and weather you will be facing. And it’s never a bad idea to have a back-up pair, for the unexpected.