Beyond the aesthetics of a perfect pedicure , our feet are often the most overlooked part of our body, despite bearing the full weight of our existence every day. In his book, La salud a tus pies (Or, Health at Your Feet), physiotherapist Jesús Serrano highlights the crucial roles feet play—supporting, cushioning, propelling, and balancing us. Serrano stresses the importance of caring for our feet just as we do the rest of our bodies, through healthy habits and exercises designed to prevent future problems.
His insights remind us that foot care is essential not only for mobility but for long-term well-being too. Serrano argues that modern footwear hampers these natural functions, labelling shoes as "fragile" and overly restrictive. He emphasises that, like any part of the body, the feet need to be trained and stimulated to work effectively.
Ideally, toes should be well-aligned, arches strong and flexible, and ankles should have a full range of motion . While he doesn’t suggest adopting the extreme foot structures seen in "barefoot" populations, he views them as an admirable model of natural foot health. Feet form the foundation for good health According to Serrano, we must recognise how deeply our feet influence the rest of the body.
Even something as small as an ingrown toenail can disrupt the body’s alignment, potentially affecting areas like the jaw due to altered posture. Serrano explains that every movement we make relies on feedback from our feet, and even a sim.
