The Mind-Body Connection: How Foot Health Affects Your Mental Wellbeing

Having previously studied psychology at university, the connection between physical and mental health has always fascinated me. One area that is often overlooked is the impact of foot health on our overall wellbeing (Almeida, Brocklehurst and Sharples, 2023). We rely on our feet every day to get us to places, yet many of us don't realise how these can influence our mental health. Foot health and mental wellbeing are more closely linked than you might think, and taking care of your feet could be a key factor in improving your overall quality of life.

Here are three ways in which foot health can impact our mental wellbeing:

1. Reduced social engagement

Reduced social engagement can be caused by the physical pain preventing someone from visiting places they previously went to or by their self-consciousness of their feet. In the case of self-consciousness, this is particularly the case when people suffer from fungal nail infections and are on holiday near beaches or engage in sports or exercise (e.g. yoga) that require barefoot. Patients of foot conditions often find excuses to not attend these places. This avoidance behaviour can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression as people begin to loose contact with their friends and experience fomo (fear of missing out). It is a wonderful feeling to hear about patients that can now visit the places the previously avoided.

2. Psychological effects of pain

Let's face it, foot conditions can be really painful. From the pulsating sensation of an ingrown toe nail to the pin like or burning feeling of a corn (if between the toes), foot issues can get us down and make sleeping difficult. The painfulness of these conditions can lead to cognitive issues such as the inability to concentrate. Flare ups particularly in the case of ingrown toe nails are concerning and can lead to heightened levels of anxiety. The increased sensitivity to pain can result in people becoming frustrated easily and personality changes if left untreated for a long time. However, the pain is not all doom and gloom. It is important to recognise it is their for a reason to make us aware of problems and protect us from further damage - that is why it is always best to seek help from a foot health professional as soon as these issues arise.

3. Loss of independence and daily functioning

Foot problems can severely limit mobility, making it difficult to carry out essential everyday tasks such as walking, driving, or standing for extended periods. This loss of physical capability can prevent individuals from going to work, maintaining their social lives as well as performing basic self care and household chores. This can then lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness and reliance on family members. This dependency can erode self-esteem and contribute to feelings of being a burden to loved ones, issues a foot health professional can alleviate. The psychological toll of losing independence can be particularly profound in older adults, who may already be facing other age-related challenges that affect their autonomy. In severe cases, untreated foot conditions can escalate to serious complications, and in the worst-case scenario, foot amputations. Such outcomes can drastically alter a person’s mental health and quality of life.

I provide professional foot health treatments across Buckinghamshire, covering areas including Aylesbury, Wendover, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Milton Keynes, Chalfont, and Gerrards Cross as well as areas outside Buckinghamshire. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier feet and a happier mind.