Moisturize diabetic feet
CategoriesFootwear Health

Stress: How foot pain can affect mental health

When having a rough time with anxiety and stress some people suffer from headaches, dizziness, tiredness, low appetite, low moods, or all of the above but as well as this a symptom not many people are aware of is foot pain, here is how stress and anxiety can have an effect on our feet…

Numb and Tingling Feet

Anxiety can cause numbness in many ways, during times of panic, the blood vessels constrict, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. This reduces blood flow to different parts of the body, hands, and feet in particular which can potentially cause, tingling, numbness, or a cold feeling in the face, hands, arms or feet, this is once again caused by the blood rushing to the important parts of the body that can aide fight or flight.

Cold Feet

Another sign your feet are trying to tell you that you are stressed is cold feet, many people use the expression getting cold feet, when stress is involved, we mean actual cold feet and that you are currently experiencing high stress and anxiety. Cold feet can occur because, hyperventilation causes blood vessels to constrict, which slows down blood flow dramatically. Blood is still flowing into your feet but, because it’s slowed down it causes them to experience less heat and feel colder.

Acne, Eczema, or Psoriasis Breakouts

According to Foot Files “Stress can cause all kinds of skin flare-ups, from extra acne to increased issues with eczema and psoriasis. The reason: Stress can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut and can also cause your body to produce cortisol, which whacks out your hormone levels.”

Ways to relieve your legs from pain and help your mental health…

  • Stretching your legs by doing yoga.
  • Add stretching or walking to your daily routine.
  • Relaxing and taking a warm bath to help relax the muscles.
  • Use a vibration pad or foot wrap.

For remedies to help with foot issues listed above or foot pain in general be sure to check out our Herbal Remedies blog over on Uufey.com or click below!

If you’re an individual who struggles with any of the issues listed above it may be best to visit your GP and receive medical assistance and try some of the self-help strategies listed above.

 

Care for diabetes
CategoriesHealth

Diabetes: The importance of looking after your feet

How can diabetes affect your feet?

Diabetes can cause a limited blood flow to the feet, sometimes this can result in weakness of the feet and makes sores difficult to heal. Symptoms of low blood flow can be numbness and pain, as well as dry skin and cold feet. Sometimes tingling may occur, and this may be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by a consistently high level of glucose in the bloodstream. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious medical condition so consistent numbness or tingling in the limbs should be taken seriously and advised by a medical practitioner.

If you have diabetes, to properly care for your feet you should:

  • Have your diabetes reviewer refer you to a podiatrist if you experience numbness, tingling, cold feet, or foot pain.
  • Keep feet clean and moisturized to avoid cracked skin and sores or wounds that could be difficult to heal.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that don’t cause friction sores, calluses, or ulcers.
  • Don’t walk on surfaces that may graze or wound the skin of the feet.
  • See a podiatrist for other foot health issues that can escalate such as ingrown toenails, corns, or hard skin.

How to keep feet clean and minimize the chances of infected sores.

Moisturize diabetic feetFoot baths not only help keep the feet clean and skin moisturised but can also help in inflammation reduction and an increase in blood flow to the feet. Diabetics can benefit from regular foot baths if dealing with the symptoms of diabetes. For the added benefit of its antifungal properties, 2-4 drops of tea tree oil can be added to a foot a bath to help keep feet and nails bacteria-free. If dry skin on the feet is an issue, Epsom salt or coarse sea salt can be added for an exfoliating effect. Always moisturise feet after a foot soak to protect the moisture barrier of the skin.

How to keep feet moisturised to avoid cracked skin.

Avoiding cracked skin is important for diabetic feet because cracked skin can lead to infections and sores that are hard to heal. Cracked skin is more common in feet that lack blood flow. By keeping feet moisturised you can reduce the chance of dry and cracked skin. To remove dry skin, consider using a pumice stone during a foot soak, then moisturise. Use a moisturiser that is thick and made for feet or hands as a facial or body lotion will be less moisturising because it is designed not to clog facial pores. Look for moisturisers with added moisturising properties such as Hyaluronic Acid that helps the skin to hold onto its moisture.

Moisturize diabetic feet

A foot massage with a moisturiser also helps to increase blood flow and to absorb the moisturiser into the feet. With a generous amount of moisturiser, apply all over and use the thumbs in upwards and outwards T-motions across the length of the foot to soothe muscles and stimulate blood flow to the area.

How to keep feet warm and dry.

Diabetes keeping feet warm

Because of the chances of decreased blood flow in diabetic feet, the feet may become cold, sometimes going tingly or numb. Cold feet can cause discomfort, muscle cramps, and dry skin. To keep feet warm, wear insulating socks such as specialized thermal socks or thick wool socks, and wear slippers when walking on cold surfaces. Additionally, keeping feet dry can be beneficial for heat retention and to decrease the chances of sores from tender skin. Wearing boots or shoes that are designed with leather or suede over non-waterproof materials such as canvas can be beneficial if in a wet climate.

Footwear for diabetics.

Diabetic shoes should be well fitted, not too small or too large, to reduce the chances of corns, calluses, or blisters forming from friction and pressure. Signs of an ill-fitted shoe include redness, tenderness, and pain. Diabetic feet can sometimes be prone to swelling or inflammation, so a wide fit that does not constrict the feet may be a good option. Cushioning with an insole is also good for diabetic feet to help in pressure distribution to stop calluses from dry skin. Shoes such as flip-flops, backless shoes, and high heels are not advised as they can cause uneven weight and pressure distribution.

Here at Uufey shoes, we offer a range of wide-fit shoes and boots, with added cushioning from our orthotic inserts, that are ideal for sensitive feet. Our full leather, suede, and leather-lined shoes are a perfect choice of footwear to keep feet warm and dry, and thick rubber soles add height and stability without damaging high heels. Uufey shoes are designed with a wide fit and deep heel cups, giving sensitive feet stability, cushioning, and support.

CategoriesHealth

Walking Daily: What Are The Benefits?

According to the NHS  ‘A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise’, therefore any walking is beneficial, if you don’t have the time in your day to fit in a full 30/60-minute walk, doing a quick and easy 10 minutes is still effective and very achievable.

Walking to improve our physical health

There are many reasons why walking daily is massively beneficial to our day–to–day life starting with weight loss, it’s proven walking 30 minutes a day helps reduce body fat, although walking may not be the most strenuous form of exercise, it is an effective way to get in shape and burn fat. While you cannot spot- reduce fat, walking can help reduce overall body fat (including belly fat), which, despite being the most dangerous type of fat, is also the easiest to lose!

Walking in park

As well as this walking 30 minutes daily can also help towards increasing cardio cardiovascular fitness, if you go at a brisk pace at least 3 miles per hour. This can also help strengthen our bones, walking at least three to five miles a week can help build your bone health.

Walking to improve our mental health

A daily exercise can help wonders with your mental health such as anxiety and depression, walking thirty minutes can help keep your anxiety at bay, just as chronic anxiety and stress release excess hormones that wreak havoc on your physical and mental well-being, exercise and walking, specifically release feel-good endorphins that serve as natural painkillers.

Walking Dog

Not only this walking daily is great to help your, self–perception and self–esteem, as after exercise you, mainly tend to feel a lot more focused, alert and feel like you’re able to complete the tasks of your day more efficiently. A study found that walking was positively associated with better and improved sleep. The individuals who averaged the most steps during the month-long- study and who spent the most minutes being active reported significantly better sleep, on average than those who walked the least.

3 quick tips to prepare you for walking daily

Walking with music

  1. Make sure you have the correct footwear as this will help towards the ultimate comfort whilst getting, your daily steps in which will make you enjoy your daily walks a lot more, as you’re not going to feel good walking in uncomfortable shoes and could result in serious foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.
  2. Be sure to warm up, starting out with a slow-paced walk then building up into a brisk walk won’t feel as hard when first starting to walk daily!
  3. Make a playlist of all your favorite songs, this will help you enjoy your walk that little bit extra and get you in a good mood! Not only does music pump up our mood it is also proven to help improve our workout speed (quicker calorie burn). This is because we synch our stride with the music’s tempo or BPM (beats per minute). The faster the BPM the quicker you will go, which will then lead to more calories burned! To improve, as well as this, make sure you’re using the correct technique, walk at a steady pace, swing your arms freely and stand as straight as you can.
Blazer Trend
CategoriesFashion

Trend Spotlight: Spring Fashion 2022

Spring is the time of new beginnings, so what better time for trying out a fresh new look? Cultivating a new look doesn’t need to mean buying a whole wardrobe of new clothes, current trends are just that- trends, and were once a trend before and will be again. Recycling your old clothes into new outfits rather than excess buying is a great step towards sustainability. Here are some probably-own-already ideas to incorporate into your new aesthetic this spring, and how Uufey shoes can match your spring style to bring you fresh fashion with orthotic comfort.

Trend 1: Never say no to neutrals

Neutrals have risen in trend over the last few years with shades of beige, cream, brown, pink, and grey being popular neutral colours to build a small but interchangeable wardrobe. Minimalism and capsule wardrobes have become increasingly popular lifestyle choices for sustainability and have lent to the rise of colour-coordinated aesthetics from monochrome and now to neutrals. Colour-coordinating an aesthetic means clothing can be mix-and-matched, giving outfit versatility without a huge collection of different pieces. Neutrals are a perfect new look for spring after winter hues. Pair our Chemin Grey Orthotic Trainers with a beige monochrome outfit for an on-trend neutral look that gives all-day comfort and a warm spring feel.

Trend 2: 2000’s Nostalgia

The early 2000s trends have been making a comeback 20 years later as Gen Z and young millennials take on the style of their childhood, bringing some forgotten styles back into the latest looks. The early 2000s style was experimental, fun, and colourful, so is it any surprise that in the new ‘anything goes’ fashion culture of today that it’s making a re-emergence? Low rise jeans and embroidered denim, as well as tie-front tops and co-ord outfits, were all seen in early 2000s celebrity street styles that are back in for 2022. Tie-front cardigans are a perfect spring look and a great way to add some nostalgia to an outfit, and low-rise and wide jeans can add some 2000s chic to a modern look. For more inspiration, think early 2000s Gwen Stefani, J.LO and the members of Destiny’s Child.

Here at Uufey, we think our Sarah Zest Ankle Boot is a perfect matchup for a nostalgia inspired look. With a utility boot design, this classic style has been around since long before the 2000s and its timeless appeal made it through then and beyond. The early 2000s footwear was all about colour, chunky soles and stand out style, and Sarah Zest has all of these. Match Sarah Zest with wide-leg jeans and a tie-front cardigan for all-day supportive comfort and a cute, throwback fit.

Trend 3: Bringing back blazers

A classic blazer is a great outwear choice for spring that can take you from preppy to a more unique and original look depending on your outfit. Classic and timeless choices never truly leave the fashion sphere, but they make a bold ascension from time to time. Big blazers are the next thing from 2022, a natural progression from the oversized streetwear and shoulder pad outfits as seen over the last few years.

Green Blazer Trend

Cill Cut-Out Bootie is the perfect addition for a blazer outfit, Cill is a bootie built for style and comfort, giving sensitive feet cushioning and support. The brown leather and suede classic cut-out ankle boot style match any preppy and structured outfit whilst adding a modernising look with a thick rubber sole designed for stability. Wear an oversized blazer over ripped jeans with Cill Bootie for a fashion-forward preppy and grunge style fusion.

Whatever your aesthetic choice, Uufey’s footwear range with modern classic designs and orthotic comfort will have a shoe or boot for you and whatever your footwear needs.

Read our most recent trend spotlight blog post about Bohemian and Preppy fashion.

Podiatrist giving treatment
CategoriesHealth

Podiatrists: What to expect when visiting

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs, as well as this they also correct and prevent deformity, keep people active, mobile treat infections, and relieve pain. Not only this a podiatrist will give you and your family advice on how to look after your feet and what type of shoes to wear.

How can a podiatrist help you?

Podiatrists are medical specialists who have been trained to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions related to our feet, ankle, lower limbs, and their associated structures. Injury, overuse, or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments, or tendons in the foot, can cause foot pain.

So, if you’re struggling with sore feet and don’t know why you can book in with a podiatrist, and they can give you advice and even medical help with the issue and tell you what the condition is, etc.

Podiatrists checking for pain

If you’re an individual who has recently noticed pain on your toenail or you’re noticing the skin next to the toenail becoming tender or swollen this could indicate an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist can also help with this by removing the ingrown toenail and may prescribe something to also help!

Ingrown toenails and sore feet aren’t the only conditions podiatrists help with those are just a few examples, if you’re having trouble with any sort of foot conditions like the ones listed above that is what a podiatrist can help with.

What foot conditions do podiatrists treat?Man suffers from foot pain

How to know if you need to see a podiatrist

You may want to see a podiatrist for advice and treatment if you have painful feet, thickened or discoloured toenails, cracks or cuts in the skin, growths such as warts and verruca’s, scaling or peeling on the soles, or any other foot-related problem.

How can Uufey Shoes help with any of these issues?

Uufey Shoes provide footwear with amazing support and comfort although anyone can benefit from wearing Uufey Shoes products, individuals with foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, Sensitive Feet, Diabetes, etc will benefit the most from our products.

Uufey shoes are designed with comfort as its number one priority as who wants to wear uncomfortable shoes? With built-in orthotic features. Uufey’s footwear range includes many features such as removable inserts, EVA midsole technology, orthotic footbed, wide fit, deep heel cups, and stability improving soles.

Three  Zone Comfort is infused in every pair of shoes during the production process, providing you with,

  • Stability: Reduces muscle strain and helps you to maintain balance.
  • Arch Support: shock-absorbing arch supports are ideal for preventing and treating heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
  • Cushioning: extra support for ultimate comfort and durability.
CategoriesFootwear Health

How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics?

Foot pain, soreness and joint strain are serious problems as they affect your wellness and can inhibit your most productive lifestyle. Orthotics are a useful way to aid in pain prevention and management by providing support, cushioning and stability. Orthotics can reduce the likelihood of strain and injury whilst engaging in activity, as well as being a great daily shoe for prevention of future foot conditions. But what is orthotic shoe technology? How does it differ from orthopaedic? How can you know if it can benefit your lifestyle?

Although generally conflated, orthotic and orthopaedic shoes have their differences. Orthopaedic shoes are medical shoes, often custom made for correcting the foot position. Orthotic shoes are more general, and rather than medically correct the foot, will aid in the function and natural alignment of the foot by providing stability, arch support, and cushioning.

Medical intervention with custom orthopaedic shoes may be necessary if more extreme and diagnosed chronic conditions, whereas orthotic shoes may be helpful if you have sensitive feet, flat feet, or feet that are prone to soreness and aches.

Could you benefit from orthotics?

  • Do you have a hard time finding comfortable shoes?
  • Do you have wide feet?
  • Do you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet?
  • Are you prone to pain in the toes, arch, or ankle?
  • Do you have bunions or callouses?
  • Are your feet sensitive to your activity levels?
  • Have you experienced pain in the knees or hips from misalignment?

If so, orthotic shoes may be beneficial for your lifestyle.

What can orthotics do?

Reduce Pain

Foot pain can be caused by strain, impact stress, and by not having enough or no support. Orthotic footwear helps to align the foot to a natural position to reduce muscle strain from an uncomfortable or unnatural walk or run gait. The muscles in our feet weaken over time, so it’s important to wear the right footwear and engage in exercise designed to strengthen foot muscles. Orthotics also cushion the feet and provide arch support to reduce impact stress that can cause injuries such as hairline fractures and Achilles tendinitis. If you experience pain in your feet, typically after walking or exercise, orthotic footwear may be beneficial for your feet.

Reduce Chances of Injury During Activity

During physical activity, running injuries and strain can occur in the feet after muscle use. This may alter the walk or jogging gait to an unnatural position as the body tried to compensate, leading to further injury. Supportive footwear that absorbs impact stress to the legs and feet can help reduce the likelihood of a strain injury. If you experience aches in your Achilles tendon, arch, or lower legs, these may be signs your activewear shoes are not providing adequate support. It may also indicate that your running posture can be improved, which is something orthotic shoes can help to realign with extended wear.

Aid In the Prevention of Future Foot Conditions

Providing optimum foot alignment, cushioning and support can act as a preventative measure even if you don’t yet have a foot condition but want to reduce the likelihood of developing one. Foot and leg pain are a common ailment in later years, and reduced mobility can have a negative effect on overall health and longevity. By pre-emptively planning the future heath-span of your feet, you may drastically alter your potential wellness later in life. If you find foot pain, strain, or soreness to be an infrequent experience, orthotic footwear could still be beneficial as a preventative measure for further foot health problems, whilst providing maximum comfort in the present.

Correct Posture and Walk Gait

Orthotic shoes are built to aid in the natural alignment and weight distribution of the foot. This means the walk gait, that affects strain, stress impact, and long-term foot function, is optimised. Posture can also affect upper legs, hips, and lower back, so pain in these areas may indicate an incorrect posture. Incorrect posture can be caused by compensating for pain in an isolated area of the foot or leg, muscle tension or weakness, or bad weight and force distribution. If you feel discomfort when walking it may be a symptom of bad posture or misalignment that orthotic shoes can help with.

How can Uufey Shoes be beneficial for your lifestyle?

Uufey shoes are designed with comfort in mind, with built-in orthotic features. Our footwear range includes features such as removable inserts, EVA midsole technology, orthotic footbed, wide fit, deep heel cups, and stability improving soles.

Three Zone Comfort is infused into each and every one of our shoes during the production process, offering you:

  • Stability: reduces muscle strain and helps you to maintain balance.
  • Arch Support: shock-absorbing arch supports are ideal for preventing and treating heal pain and plantar fasciitis.
  • Cushioning: extra support for ultimate comfort and durability.

For more information on how traditional shoe styles can cause strain to your feet, read our blog post here.

Woman holding love balloon
CategoriesFashion Footwear

Love Is In The Pair

The festive season is behind us and the next holiday is here! Holidays are a time to show your love to family and friends, but what about self-love? The importance of self-love cannot be overstated. By keeping yourself happy and healthy, you can live your most proactive life and share love with others. This Valentine’s Day, show yourself some self-love by treating yourself to a fantastic outfit that shows your best self, and with comfortable footwear to match.

Woman drinking glass of wineUufey Shoes are designed for style and comfort, with orthotic insoles and built-in stability. Whether you’re going on a romantic date this Valentine’s Day and need some shine in your step, or spending Valentine’s Day with your friends as Galentines and want to mark the day with a cute outfit, we have the perfect shoes for you.

Friends smiling with heart sunglasses

Shine Sandals

Shine is the highlight of any outfit. If your evening plans are on the fancier side, these sandals are the perfect choice for a luxe look. The 3cm heel gives you an added boost without the discomfort of high heels, and the tie fastening gives stability to walk with confidence. Pair with a white blouse and pink culottes for a stand-out outfit with romantic flair.

Shine orthotic sandals

Kene Chelsea Boots

Add some sparkle into your stride with Kene Chelsea, a full leather Chelsea boot with easy access side panel embedded with a touch of golden sparkle. The supportive low 2cm heel and comfy fur lining are perfect for sensitive feet. Try Kene for a casual glamour aesthetic this Valentine’s Day by pairing with black leather skinny jeans, a light blouse and some golden jewellery for added flair. Endlessly versatile, Kene can take you from all day Galentines celebrating, to a fancy evening dinner with that special someone, all in supreme comfort.

Kene leather chelsea boot

Sarah Zest Ankle Boots

If your Valentine’s Day this year is a more casual occasion, Sarah Zest Ankle Boots in Burgundy are a great way to add some romantic red to your attire. Sarah Zest’s stylish suede upper give this utility style boot a feminine edge whilst supporting foot alignment, and the 3cm block heel gives height and stability. This ankle boot will give you all-day comfort whatever your plans for February 14th. Style with slim blue jeans and a floral print blouse for the perfect look.

Sarah Zest ankle boots

Enjoy reading this content? Read on to find out the hottest trends for 2022.

woman wearing black high heels fashion
CategoriesHealth

Can High Heels Be Bad For Your Feet?

How Can High Heels Damage The Feet?

High heels may be beautiful, but can they be hiding a less than beautiful reality for your foot health? High heels give legs a slender and toned look through drastically altering the position of the foot. By balancing most of the weight on the ball of the foot, pain in this area can arise as well as a hardening of the skin and blistering. This can even cause a shortening of the Achilles tendon. Other problems caused by unnatural weight distribution are arch pain, as well as pain and cramping in the toes. 

As a secondary effect of an altered weight distribution of the foot, your walk gait may be altered when wearing heels to accommodate discomfort and help balance. This may go on to cause strain and stress to muscles in the ankles, legs and knees. Prolonged stress on areas of the foot can eventually lead to conditions such as bunions and hammertoes, and even arthritis in extreme cases. 


The Science Behind High Heels

woman feet on tip toes

High heels force the foot into a plantar flexed position, like when pushing the gas pedal of a car. This position is achieved through engaging the ankle joint and can over time cause stiffness of the Achilles tendon. When wearing high heels, muscles are engaged even in a non-moving stance position. This causes muscle strain and fatigue. 

Naturally, a foot in motion rolls from heel-to-toe in a back-to-front motion. When wearing heels however, the gait is altered and reduced in length, with weight and force unnaturally distributed, resulting in knee flexion as well as hip and lower back strain. This can cause a higher risk of knee osteoarthritis because the knees absorb shock over the natural foot motion distribution. 


How To Wear Heels Safely

Obviously, heels are not the best for your feet, but sometimes that’s not going to stop a person when heels are such a fashion staple. Here are some tips to prevent some of the described foot problems when wearing heels:

  • Limit your time and take a break. Taking a break between long periods of heel wearing can help ameliorate some of the compounding stress and tension. Try carrying an extra pair of shoes and switching out your heels throughout the day, or slipping them off when seated. 
  • Stretch. Try some stretches focusing on stretching the Achilles tendon. Facing a wall for support with knees slightly bent, stretch one leg backwards with both feet remaining flat on the floor until there is a stretch resistance in the tendon of the stretched leg.
  • Find the correct fit. Poor fitted heels will exasperate gait and strain problems. Make sure your shoes are as comfortable as possible and don’t allow the foot to slide when walking.
  • Add padding. Heels can cause pressure on the balls of the feet, added padding such as an insole could help keep pain at bay. Additionally, adding padding around common pressure areas such as the little toe and heel can alleviate some pressure that may negatively affect posture and gate. 

What Are The Alternatives To High Heels? 

Fashionable footwear doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. To keep your toes healthy, it’s best to wear supportive, well-fitted shoes, along with measuring your feet and wearing the right shoe size.

If you like to elongate your frame with heels, why not try an alternative such as platform shoes or block heels? Unlike traditional high heels, block heels don’t drastically alter the position of the foot, and sometimes the slight elevation of the heel can be beneficial for people who feel discomfort in flat shoes because of tendon or arch problems. 

Here at Uufey we provide comfortable, orthotic, fashionable footwear. Orthopaedic Footwear aims to correctly align the foot position and give the feet optimal comfort and can also help prevent foot conditions by supporting joints and muscles.

Included in our range is Shine Orthotic Sandal. With a raised heel, this sandal alternative gives added height whilst not compromising on comfort. Stilettos may be iconic, but you will always look your best when you feel your best. 

Shine Orthotic Sandals with Arch Support

Please note the content of our blog is not intended to substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. 

clothes on hanger
CategoriesFashion Sustainability

Fast Fashion Impact on Workers and The Importance of Choosing Transparent Brands

Do you know where your clothes are coming from? Are the businesses you buy from transparent when discussing the manufacturing journey of their products? These are important questions that people should be asking.


Let’s Recap On Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is the cycle in which brands are overproducing low quality garments in order to follow trends seen in fashion shows. Consumers are then encouraged to buy these products and discard of those which they had bought when following the earlier trend. Over production leads to over consumption, which is not a sustainable process in which the fashion industry can continue to follow. The fast fashion cycle is causing many problems for not only the environment but in the lives of garment workers.

If you would like more insight into this topic then you can read about it on our blog post ‘The Impact of Fast Fashion On The Environment’.


Fast Fashion: A Danger To Garment Workers

factory

Sweatshop is a term you have likely heard of but what exactly does it mean? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a sweatshop is ‘a small factory where workers are paid very little and work many hours in bad conditions.’ This is a very simple explanation to what is actually an incredibly complex problem.

The World Counts found that ‘the clothing industry in Bangladesh accounts for about 80% of the country’s exports and around 40% of its industrial workforce.’ This is an example which portrays how vast this problem actually is. With this data in mind, it is estimated that there are over 3.5 million garment workers, with over 80% of these workers being women.

Bangladesh is just one of many countries that have these sweatshop working environments. Millions of people are working long hours in poor conditions and are often paid less than minimum wage. And why? Because the fashion industry promotes over consumption, according to the Wall Street Journal ‘In 2018 the average American bought 68 garments a year.’ Meanwhile the workers creating the garments are paid well below the minimum living wage. Whilst overproduction is a problem that needs to be sorted by brands themselves, it is also down to consumers to be more mindful in who they give their business to and how they dispose of old garments.


Dangerous Working Environments

work environment

There are thousands of stories from workers who have discussed the terrible conditions in which they are forced to work. An example that shows truly how much of a danger these environments are, is ‘The Rana Plaza Disaster,’ which involved 5 Bangladesh garment factories collapsing. Killing over 1000 workers and injuring a further 2500, this is one of many tragic accidents that have occurred due to problems being overlooked for the sake of fast fashion. 


Unimaginable Working Hours And Unpaid Wages

The Worker Rights Consortium estimates that during the pandemic, garment workers have been denied over half a billion dollars of earned wages. The average worker is doing over 100 hours of work per week and taking home a wage far less than the living standard, often forcing themselves to work overtime in order to be able to pay for necessities like rent and food.

With working excessive hours and lacking the money to nourish themselves it is incredibly common for factory workers to be injured whilst at work. However, workers do not have the opportunity to join worker unions and are often left jobless without financial support.


Taking Advantage Of The Vulnerable In Society

fast fashion worker

These factories seek out the most vulnerable in society in order to exploit them and force them to work in such inhumane conditions. According to Labour Behind The Label ‘Gender discrimination runs deep throughout all of the countries in which garments are currently produced. Women are often subjected to verbal and physical abuse and sexual harassment.’

As well as this, the industry also employees an incredibly high number of children. Child labour is an incredibly common problem which is often overlooked due to the lack of support workers receive. According to Eco Friendly Habits ‘there are an estimated 250 million kids working in sweatshops worldwide. In developing countries, an estimated 168 million children aged between 5 to 14 years are forced to work in apparel factories.’


Tackling The Fast Fashion Problem: Brand Transparency

Going forward, brand transparency is incredibly important. It is time for businesses to take accountability for their actions. Industry giants are being encouraged to create a more sustainable manufacturing process. Fashion Checker states that ‘transparency in production supply chains is the first step towards improved working conditions but it is not the solution.’

Whilst putting pressure on businesses it is also important for consumers to take action. There are a vast number of resources that will help you understand which retailers are taking on the transparency pledge and working towards creating a more sustainable world. Brand transparency benefits consumers as they are made aware of the manufacturing process, this added insight can help when deciding to buy products from brands.

CategoriesHealth

Running Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Why Do People Get Injuries When Running?

Running injuries commonly happen when a person uses the incorrect footwear for their needs, or use incorrect technique resulting in a strain injury. When running, a lot of stress is put on the joints of the legs, feet and lower back. Strain can be an immediate injury or gradually sustained over time from this stress.

During running, our posture naturally self-corrects to the most comfortable running position, but this may go on to cause gradual strain to other areas of the legs and feet, for example, heel striking may feel comfortable but could eventually lead to calf strain if the running shoes don’t have enough shock absorption. 

Here Are Some Of The Most Common Running Injuries:

 

Women exercising outdoors

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is when the heel tendon becomes inflamed, usually with the symptoms of swelling, unusual warmth, and soreness. If care to reduce further damage is not taken when showing symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis, this may result in a tear of the tendon, usually needing surgical intervention.

Hamstring Injuries

Because your hamstring helps to stop your lower leg momentum when running, gradual tears in the hamstring fibres can occur. Stiffness, tenderness and pain are symptoms of hamstring strain and efforts should be made to rest the muscles before a permanent injury.

Knee Strain

Knee Strain is the most common running injury with up to 50% of running injuries being to the knees. Runners Knee refers to pain around the knee and kneecap that although isn’t usually permanent, can take up to 6 weeks to go away when the knee is given proper time to recover by not being put under stress with hard exercise or excursion.

Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures are hairline cracks that form in the bone after stress. The impact stress of running can cause these hairline cracks to form in the feet and legs. Pain, tenderness and swelling can all be symptoms of hairline cracks. Should you suspect a hairline crack you may wish to see a doctor for an X-ray and rest the bone by not doing hard exercise.   

Should you get an injury you may wish to follow the RICE protocol – rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Rest is important to stop an injury further progressing and to begin healing. Ice can help to reduce swelling and pain in an area of discomfort. Swelling can be prevented by compression with either a sock or bandage, and elevation can further reduce swelling and pain by raising the affected area above the level of the heart. Keep the RICE protocol in mind should you sustain a running injury but always seek professional medical advice if pain does not go away.

Prevention

You can aim to prevent running injuries by employing the right running technique and footwear.

Correct Technique

Woman exercising

The three strike positions are heel strike, mid-foot strike, and toe strike. The one in which you choose to employ in your running technique depends on your physique so that force is distributed around the feet and legs in the most optimal way for reduced stress. Heel striking can be high impact on the knee and tibia.

Mid-foot striking can stop over-striding by keeping the legs closer in line to the body, distributing weight more evenly. Toe-strike can be stressful on the calf and Achilles heel, but is often referred to as the natural way to run as the ‘springiness’ of the tendons helps in continuing momentum, however tendons in the legs can become strained. Running form will vary by individual but keep these factors in mind when experimenting in finding a running style that is comfortable for yourself and always stop if pain occurs.

Correct Footwear

chemin trainers

Footwear that absorbs shock and so reduces the risk of stress injuries is important for runners. Orthopaedic footwear should also fit the feet correctly, comfortably supporting the arch and midsole, and helping the foot stays in correct posture.

Opting for suitable footwear such as Chemin, a supportive orthotic trainer with shock absorption will help protect your feet from injury. Chemin cushions the ball of the feet for correct running posture and gradually moulds to your foot to fit like a glove. The lightweight EVA midsole will conform to your specific foot shape for unique support, providing maximum comfort and support when running.

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