Stop to consider how often you think about the fact that you DON’T have foot problems. It’s probably been a while. We tend to take our health for granted, until the day when our lifestyle catches up and we wish we could go back and do things differently. People often overlook simple things they can do to maintain healthy feet. These steps are not complicated, but adding them to your foot care routine will help to keep foot problems at bay. If you have any questions, reach out to your local NYC podiatrist.
Hygiene Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet
Your feet bear the weight of your body and have the potential to come in contact with a lot of dirty situations throughout the day. Make sure you are taking care of them, just like you would your teeth and your face at the end of the day.
- Daily washing
Wash your feet every night with warm water and gentle soap. Rinse well and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. Make sure they are dry before you put on socks. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist, dark areas so don’t provide a happy home for them!
- Moisturize
Consider a daily moisturizer on your feet, especially the heels or other dry areas. Do not use moisturizer between your toes.
- Check for Broken Skin
Check your feet daily for cuts and scrapes. This is especially important if you have diabetes or any other disorders that decrease circulation and weaken the nerve endings in your feet. Seek medical attention if you notice any areas that seem infected or otherwise unusual.
- Trim Your Toenails
You should keep your toenails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Give Your Feet Some Extra TLC
Elevate your feet to reduce swelling and pain. Get a pedicure, or do one at home. Massage your feet and lower legs. All of these things help to maintain healthy feet.
Prevention Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet
- Always wear shoes in public places
We’re talking about gyms, locker rooms, and pool decks. Always wear some type of footwear when you are in public. Foot conditions such as athlete’s foot thrive in locker rooms and are very contagious.
- Wear Shoes that Fit You Well
Shoes provide support and stabilization. By supporting your feet well, you set yourself up for less pain and musculoskeletal issues throughout your entire body. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose heels with a wide base for weight support.
- Shoes should have a supportive arch.
- Sneakers and other athletic shoes should tie securely.
- Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little larger. Make sure you can wiggle your toes, if not the shoes are too small.
- Reach out to a Podiatrist
Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat a wide range of foot conditions including injuries, infections, and anatomical abnormalities. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact a NYC podiatrist for a consultation. It is always better to catch problems early before they get worse!
Not sure who to call? Best Foot Doctor NY has offices throughout Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Contact us today.