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The feet are perhaps one of the most overlooked parts of the body. Don’t wait until something is wrong to give your feet extra attention. Keeping your feet feeling healthy and looking beautiful is easy!
How to Keep Your Feet Healthy
Here are some simple steps you can take to stay out of our office for painful foot conditions:
- Inspect your feet regularly, being mindful of any changes in appearance, color and texture.
- Maintain good foot hygiene by washing and drying feet regularly.
- Choose proper shoes, and always wear the correct size.
- Keep feet dry to prevent bacterial infections by wearing moisture-wicking socks.
- Alternate shoes each day.
- Trim toenails straight across and gently file away sharp corners to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Avoid walking barefoot to prevent injury.
- When wearing sandals, remember to apply sunblock.
- If your feet hurt, don’t ignore the pain! Consult your podiatrist if symptoms worsen or do not resolve.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you should pay extra attention to your feet, as you are at a higher risk for developing foot problems due to nerve damage and poor circulation. Mild foot problems, such as ulcers, corns, cracked heels and ingrown toenails can turn into serious complications without proper care. Since even the smallest cut can have serious consequences, it is important that people with diabetes inspect their feet every day and visit their podiatrist for routine exams.
When to Consult a Podiatrist
If you are experiencing foot pain, don’t ignore it! Pain, redness, swelling or discoloration are not normal symptoms and should be examined by a trained specialist.