Our feet often suffer neglect which can lead to pain, infection and deformity. Proper foot care is particularly important for people who have underling health problems such as diabetes, poor circulation, and loss of feeling in the feet. Podiatrist Dr. Rosemarie Caillier shares her top 10 foot care tips to promote foot health awareness.
- Trim nails straight across keeping the length even with the tip of the toe. Soften the corners with an emery board. Improper nail cutting is the most common cause of ingrown nail infection.
- Buy shoes at the end of the day when the feet have had time to swell.
- To improve circulation in your feet, wiggle your toes and move each foot as if you are tracing the alphabet.
- Don’t leave polish on your nails all the time.
- Wear your proper shoe size. Know that the size of your feet changes as you age.
- Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet.
- Wear shoes in public areas to avoid athlete’s foot infection and plantar warts.
- Keep the skin between the toes clean and dry.
- Remember to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet.
- Examine your feet daily for signs of trauma or infection. Use a hand mirror, if necessary, to look for cracks in the skin, redness, or open wounds.
Take care of your feet so that they can last a lifetime. See your podiatrist if you experience any problems with your feet.
