If you want to keep your feet healthy, try using the tips below. Provided by the College of Podiatry, these tips will keep your feet in great shape while helping you avoid any foot-related issues.
To help keep your feet healthy consider women’s orthopedic shoes.
Keep Your Feet Clean
Washing your feet on a daily basis is important. Use soap and water to thoroughly clean them. Avoid soaking them, however, since too much time in the water can cause the naturally occurring oils of your skin to be destroyed.
Thoroughly Dry Off Your Feet
After you wash your feet, make sure that they are completely dry. Don’t forget to check in between each of your toes. These crevices are prone to fungal problems. Drying them thoroughly will help prevent issues like athlete’s foot.
Deal Effectively With Calluses And Dry Skin
To counteract dry skin on your feet, use a high-quality moisturizer on any dry areas. Just avoid getting it between your toes.
Use a file or pumice stone to get rid of dry, hardened skin or calluses. Be gentle, however. If you get too rough, you could wind up causing damage to the underlying skin.
Trim Your Toenails With Care
Keep your toenails neatly trimmed using clippers that are specifically designed for your feet. Avoid cutting downward at the edges of your toenails. Otherwise, you could get ingrown nails. Instead, cut the nails completely straight across the top.
Wait until Later In The Day To Shop For Shoes
Don’t go shoe shopping first thing in the morning. Instead, wait until later in the day. Feet have a tendency to swell throughout the day. By waiting to buy shoes until your feet are slightly swollen in the afternoon, you can be sure that the footwear that you purchase will always fit comfortably.
Tips For Work Shoes And Boots
Many jobs call for specialized footwear. For instance, people in the construction industry often have to wear shoes with steel toes or with soles that are specially designed to prevent slipping.
Instead of wearing high heels all day, slip on comfortable shoes for your commute. Then, after you arrive, you can put on your heels.
Minimize The Length of Time That You Wear High Heels
Instead of wearing high heels every day, save them only for important occasions. If you do wear high heels, try to choose heels that are lower than 2 inches. If you regularly wear shoes with heels higher than that, it could wind up harming your feet.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Make sure that your shoes are appropriate for the types of activities that you are doing. For instance, you should never wear sandals when hiking or climbing mountains. If you regularly participate in sports, the College of Podiatry has a lot more tips on footwear for active people.
Always Wear Clean Socks
Put on a different pair of socks each day. Opt for socks that are made out of natural fibers like wool, bamboo, or cotton. These fabrics are a lot more breathable than synthetic fabrics, which can help keep your feet at a comfortable temperature. You can also find socks that are made specifically for different types of sports.
Much like your shoes, your socks need to fit properly on your feet. Check to make sure that they aren’t too tight around your foot or ankle.
For swollen feet, opt for socks that can comfortably expand with your feet. Avoid socks with elastic since they can quickly become too tight around your leg.
If you suffer from neuropathy and don’t have a lot of sensation in your feet, double check that your socks are completely smooth. Any bumps or seams on the inside of a sock could wind up harming your skin. To minimize rubbing, try putting on your socks inside out so that the seam is on the outside.
Take Extra Precautions In Areas Where People Go Barefoot
Athletes foot can easily be transmitted in areas where people go barefoot. Anytime you are going to be at a swimming pool, showering at a gym, or in another area where people gather, always put on flip-flops or water shoes.
A word of warning about flip-flops, however: don’t wear them too frequently. They don’t offer enough support for your feet, which can cause pain in your heels and arches.
Consider Seeing A Podiatrist
If you are experiencing pain in your feet or if you have questions about proper foot care, a visit to a podiatrist may be in order. They can help you identify any underlying issues.
If you have a medical problem that impacts your feet, you should regularly have them inspected by a qualified doctor. Conditions like bad circulation, a weakened immune system, and diabetes can all cause major foot problems that should be addressed right away.
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