Your feet carry around a lot of weight every day, which is why the health of your feet is of the utmost importance. Here, Cannington Podiatry looks at seven essential foot care tips that will help ensure your feet are well looked after, regardless of how much strain is placed on them.
To keep your feet clean and healthy make sure you wash them daily, dry between your toes, apply moisturiser regularly, and of course, change your socks each day.
By adhering to proper foot hygiene, you’ll reduce your risk of picking up a foot fungal or any other nasty infections.
A lot of painful foot conditions can be avoided with proper nail trimming. To keep your toenails trimmed and healthy, always trim your nails straight across and never down the sides. Also, make sure you use a file to gently smooth and round the corners of your trimmed nails, to ensure they’re kept in tip-top shape.
However, if your nails are curved or difficult to cut, or you have diabetes, it’s best to have your Perth podiatrist trim your toenails for you.
Ill-fitting shoes that are too narrow or short put unnecessary pressure on your feet and can harden your skin and affect your joints. They can also lead to painful conditions, such as bunions and ingrown toenails.
When buying new shoes, make sure they have a firm heel counter that sticks soundly around the back of your foot, that there’s breathing space around your toes and an upper that’s made from natural materials, like leather, so the foot is able to breathe. Also opt for a comfortable, durable sole, such as rubber, as it needs to provide good shock absorption and not be slippery.
If your podiatrist has prescribed orthoses (custom-made shoe inserts), make sure you wear them. When worn correctly, shoe inserts will help align the structure of your foot in a stable and comfortable position for walking and will reduce any pain in your feet and joints.
Did you know that diabetes can negatively impact the health of your feet, causing poor circulation and nerve function?
This makes regular podiatric check-ups essential, but also means you should pay close attention to the appearance of your feet on a daily basis. Make sure you:
Exercising your feet regularly won’t just improve your overall foot health; it will also reduce your risk of sustaining an injury.
Walking is the best exercise for your feet as it takes your feet through their overall range of motion, while also improving circulation, and of course, your overall cardiovascular health.
The best way to know if your feet are in tip-top shape is to consult your podiatrist. So, if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, are diabetic, or have an old sports injury, make sure you schedule regular appointments with your podiatrist.
Good foot health is important for people of all ages, so make sure you take good care of your feet and talk to your podiatrist in Cannington if you’re unsure of anything.