Your feet may seem like the last part of your body that needs nourishment and care. After all, they can withstand the daily beating of walking, standing and running. The years of use have made them hard and resilient to sharp rocks, burning, sun-scorched sand and ill-fitting heels.
When there are cuts, bruises and blisters on the feet, they seem to heal quickly, though the process may be uncomfortable.
It is during these times of healing that we realize how important our feet are and that it doesn't take much to temporarily hinder their proper functioning.
More serious injuries such as a broken leg or foot, can greatly affect our quality of life by making us partially immobile.
Our feet are important, and so often we take the health and proper functioning of our feet for granted. It doesn't take much, however, to hinder or take away our ability to stand and move.
Much of the common foot ailments are the result of poor foot care, often in the form of ill-fitting shoes. Another cause of common foot issues is bacteria build-up and poor toenail care.
Taking care of your feet is important. Here are some reasons why:
- Prevent disease and infections
- Prevent injury
- Provide proactive treatment for possible, foot issues
What is Adequate Foot Care
Taking care of your feet may sound easy, and it is, which means that anyone can do it, anytime.
Here are some ways you can take care of your feet:
Do a foot self-exam. Spend two minutes or less physically examining each foot. Look for any lesions, sores, cuts, bruises, etc. Then rub and apply pressure to various parts of the foot, feeling for knots or sensitive areas.
Wear properly-fitting shoes. Be sure to have shoes that aren't too small. Shoes that are too small can cause bunions, calluses and issues with the toenails, among others.
Avoid wearing high heels when possible . If you're at a party or in a business dress office, there are foldable flats that you can whip out of your purse and wear in place of the heels.
Wear socks. If your feet are prone to excessive moisture, or you're about to work-out, wear cushioned, moisture-wicking socks to avoid blisters and bacteria-ridden, smelly feet.
Thoroughly clean your feet every day. A day of being in warm, confined shoes can make the feet smelly, sweaty and bacteria-ridden.
Proper cutting of toenails. Clipping one's toenails can be like pulling teeth. It can be tedious, and depending on the conditions of one's toenails, downright gross. However, toenails and toenail bed will have lower risks of breakage, chipping and injury if the toenails are properly cut short.
Have foot powder handy. Foot powder is essential for anyone with an active lifestyle or who has issues controlling the overabundance of sweat and odor.
Regularly massage your feet. After self-examining your feet, a firm, but gentle massage of one's feet can work out the kinks, knots and stiffness of the feet. Plus, your feet work hard each day. Reward them.
Your feet are important and essential for everyday living. The routine care of them will help protect them from injury and disease and keep them functioning properly for many more years to come.
For more information or additional tips and suggestions on how to care for your feet, contact your local podiatrist.
