Most people neglect the importance of taking care of their feet and often focus on other body parts such as hands and hair. However, feet are also vital parts of the body. They allow you to move freely, help you do various physical activities, and go wherever you want to.
Unfortunately, taking feet for granted is easy until you encounter a problem or an injury. Moreover, you’re more likely to develop foot conditions because of improper care as you get older.
To avoid any foot-related issues, practicing appropriate foot care techniques can help you keep your feet healthy, regardless of your health status or age. Regular foot clinic visits can make a difference when caring for your feet. If you want the best services from a foot clinic, click here to look for options available.
Below are the other ways to take care of your feet better:
1. Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Not all people practice good foot hygiene and often prioritize other beauty and health treatments. However, if you want your active lifestyle to stay pain-free, you should prioritize proper foot hygiene.
Here are some of the simple foot care tips that’ll keep your feet healthy and look fresh:
- Keep your skin smooth and soft with foot cream. If you’re not using one, ask your podiatrist for the best foot cream product. Then, apply it to your feet. Don’t put lotion between your toes to avoid infection.
- Wash your feet with warm water regularly. Whenever your feet get wet, dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Use products, including foot sprays and powders, to keep your feet odor-free and dry.
- Trim your toenails to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Scrub your feet and the heels using a pumice stone or foot scrubber to remove dead skin and calluses.
Although it’s easy to forget about foot care, practicing the above tips regularly may help maintain your feet’s health over time. When planning to stay outdoors for a long time, apply sunscreen to your exposed feet to avoid sunburn.
2. Exercise Your Feet
While exercise may put stress on your feet, keeping them strong is essential. Your foot muscles function like other muscles, so they need regular exercise.
One of the best ways to exercise your feet is to take a walk. It doesn’t need to be a long walk. Sometimes, a stroll in the park can help keep your foot muscles firm and flexible. But if you want to make the most out of your walking session, you can wear an ankle pedometer to count your steps. If walking causes sore feet or legs, you can use arch support inserts to keep your feet in an appropriate position to support your weight when walking.
Other than walking, you can consider stretching exercises for your feet. Stretching relaxes and elongates your muscles, preventing contractions and spasms. Once combined with toe-strengthening exercises, such stretches may also help prevent repetitive stress injuries.
3. Use The Right Footwear
The wrong shoes may cause damage to your feet. Those who often wear high heels are probably familiar with the feeling of pain due to aching arches and pinched toes after wearing them for an extended period. To avoid that, wear appropriate footwear.
Purchase shoes that provide appropriate support and fit well to your feet. Choosing and wearing the right footwear for each activity or sport is also critical. For example, buy a pair of running shoes instead of footwear designed for walking if you enjoy running.
The tips below will help you buy the proper footwear:
- Use socks when trying on some shoes.
- Opt for the size that fits your bigger foot if your other foot is quite big.
- Check the footwear’s quality, durability, and strength.
- Don’t buy based on the brand name because it doesn’t always guarantee comfort.
- Try on the shoes you prefer and consider walking around with them to know whether they’re comfortable. Avoid buying uncomfortable shoes to prevent pain or damage to your foot.
These are some of the things to remember when looking for appropriate footwear. If you’re confused with the available options, your podiatrist or foot doctor can help you choose the footwear that offers the most stability and support for your feet.
4. Wear Socks
Some people overlook the significance of socks, but they’re an essential part of your foot care regimen. Not only do they effectively absorb moisture, but they also protect your feet from potential wear and tear.
Most of the impact of running or walking is absorbed by layers of fat in your heels. Once you spend more time on your feet, your heels could require extra help. While you can rely on shoe inserts, a pair of quality, soft socks may add extra shock absorption.
The fat layer may get thinner as you age, so using soft socks is crucial. Furthermore, socks serve as a barrier between your shoes and feet, minimizing the chances of calluses and blisters. For day-to-day wear, you can use socks made with wool, cotton, and other natural fibers. These are absorbent and can eliminate moisture from your feet to your shoes’ breathable parts.
5. Be Barefoot
While you need proper footwear when wandering outside to prevent bruising and cuts, not using socks and shoes whenever possible is an excellent way to give your feet relief. In addition to relief, baring your feet allows you to look at your feet.
When inspecting your feet, check your toenails’ colors and health. Yellowish-brown or discolored spots on your toenails can signify a fungal condition that may deform your nails over time.
You must also check for ingrown nails and keep an eye on scratches, warts, and unhealed sores, especially if you have diabetes. If you have blisters, treat them immediately using an antibacterial ointment to avoid infection. If other foot issues like swelling persist, consult your doctor to manage foot pain and get proper treatment.
Conclusion
Keeping your feet healthy doesn’t need to be complicated. By incorporating the above steps into your daily routine, you can take care of your feet with ease. When done right, you can ensure that your feet will feel and look their best. If you experience discomfort or pain in your ankles or feet, consult your doctor immediately.