Taking Care of Your Tootsies
While they might not get enough credit, your feet are extremely tough and important! Your feet and ankles are not only responsible for getting you to and from places, but they also provide you with balance and stability. Performing activities like running, jumping, and walking are done with your feet, allowing you to stand upright by holding your body weight.
However, your feet are also often neglected. You may ignore your growing toenails or thick calluses or walk around barefoot, leaving them unprotected. In order to keep your feet happy and healthy this year, here are some tips to follow:
Do: Wear the Right Shoes
Much like the lesson in the movie Cinderella, the shoe must be the perfect fit! People often have one foot bigger than the other, so the rule of thumb is to fit your shoes to your bigger foot. For a properly fitting shoe, the ball of your foot should sit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, your toes should not touch the tops, and there should be no rubbing or slipping in the heel.
When it comes to shoe shopping, it is easy to choose the most trendy and stylish; however, they may not be the best fitting. Cloth-style shoes are acceptable for leisure activities, but sneakers are recommended for a more active lifestyle. Sneakers are more protective of your feet and more supportive of your arch.
Because of how much work your feet undergo, your shoes also experience a fair amount of wear and tear. When your shoes begin to lose support or break, it is important to replace them with a new pair.
Don’t: Wear High Heels Frequently
You may wear high heels to the office because they are empowering, or perhaps you have weddings to attend, and you want to dress more elegantly. Wearing high heels is acceptable as long as it is done sparingly. High heels can have a detrimental effect on your physical health, changing the position of your feet and further affecting the alignment of your spine, hips, and knees. If you choose to wear high heels, select a pair with a broad heel to increase the amount of support they give you.
Do: Wash your Feet Daily
Whether you wear socks and shoes, flip flops, or walk around barefoot, your feet come in contact with many different things. And while particles of dirt come off while standing in the shower, it is important to pay your toes a little more attention.
Make sure to wash your feet every day with soap and water. You can also use a pumice stone to help soften any calluses that may be developing on your heels or the balls of your feet. Most importantly, it is vital to thoroughly dry the skin in between your toes to prevent any fungus or infection from developing.
If your feet begin to develop an odor or irritation, use an at-home vinegar foot soak. The antifungal properties of vinegar have been proven to be beneficial for your feet.
Don’t: Share Pedicure Tools or Shoes
Sharing pedicure tools and shoes is both unsafe and unhygienic for your feet. The bottoms of your feet are vulnerable to bacteria and fungus. By sharing foot products, you are not only increasing your risk of infection but the risk of whoever’s shoes and tools you may be borrowing. Shoes particularly collect sweat that may come from your feet and trap moisture, making the risk of infection and fungus even higher. By sharing footwear, you are facilitating the spread of bacteria and fungus.
Do: Call Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers For Podiatric Care
The compassionate and extensively trained staff at Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers proudly keeps up with the latest technology and techniques in podiatry to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. With our knowledge, we love to educate our patients on their therapy and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
If you are in need of podiatric care, our services are designed to meet your needs. Contact us online or call us at (215) 392-4009 today.