Most of us don’t often think about the health of our feet, yet sore feet are an extremely common complaint. Just as you brush your teeth and go to the dentist to prevent dental problems, you can help to prevent foot problems by taking good care of your feet. Follow these tips on how to care for your feet.
1. Observe good foot hygiene. Wash your feet every day with warm, soapy water. Use a pumice stone to remove calluses and dry, flaky skin from the feet. This is most effective if you do it while the feet are still wet and the skin is soft. When you are done, dry the feet completely. Be sure to dry well in between the toes, especially. Dampness on the feet and between the toes can lead to the development of fungal infections.
2. Trim the toenails straight across. Do not round the edges of the toenails. This will help to prevent ingrown toenails. If the edges of the nails are sharp, you can smooth them with an emery board.
3. Apply lotion to the feet to keep the skin soft. Don’t use too much, especially between the toes. The skin should be moisturized but not damp.
4. When you wash your feet each day, check the feet for any signs of injury. Look for small cuts, scratches, or signs of infection. If you find an injury, apply antibiotic ointment. However, if the injury gets worse or signs of infection develop, visit your doctor for treatment right away.
5. Use sunblock. If you wear shoes that expose the skin of the feet, always apply sunblock to the feet to prevent sunburn.
6. Choose shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. If you have high arches or flat feet, you should use arch supports or custom orthotic inserts to give your feet the extra support that they need. If you aren’t sure what type of support your feet need, visit a specialised shoe store. The professionals there will evaluate the structure of your feet and recommend the best type of shoe and insert for your needs.
7. Do your shoe shopping late in the day. This is when the feet tend to be most swollen. Have your feet professionally measured every time you purchase shoes, as feet often change size over time. Choose shoes that fit comfortably. There should be ½ inch of space between the tip of your longest toe and the edge of the shoe. Keep in mind that shoes that have a rounded toe box provide more space for your toes than shoes that have a square or pointed toe box.
8. Avoid high heels as much as possible. High heels put too much pressure on the balls of the feet and alter the natural distribution of the body’s weight. If you must wear high heels, try to wear them for only short periods of time. Select heels that are two inches or less, and opt for wedges rather than stilettos.
9. Exercise regularly. Staying active helps to maintain weight, which reduces the amount of pressure on the feet and relieves pain in the feet. Regular exercise is also good for circulation, which helps to maintain foot health.
10. Visit a podiatrist. If you have chronic foot issues or an acute foot problem, like bunions, foot fungus, or an injury, visit a podiatrist for treatment.
These steps will help to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. If you need a comfortable, yet stylish pair of shoes, you can visit a Foot Solutions store in your area. Finding the right shoes will keep your feet healthy. At Foot Solutions, we have a wide variety of footwear, and we can create custom arch supports to meet your specific needs.
