Your feet are some of the most crucial body parts. The feet maintain your balance, get you wherever you want, and support your general well-being through physical activity, among other functions. Unfortunately, it is easy to overlook the significance of your feet until you suffer an injury or condition. Typical concerns like fallen arches, damaged bones, cracked skin, and corns can induce discomfort and limit mobility. However, Kenneth Meisler, dpm, pllc & associates, emphasizes that you can prevent these concerns through appropriate foot care. Here are some of the best podiatrist foot care recommendations.
1. Wash Your Feet Every Day and Wear Dry, Clean Socks
Clean your feet every day with lukewarm water. Avoid excessively cold or hot water, as it can harm your skin, especially if you have diabetes, as you are likely to have reduced skin sensation. Utilize gentle soap and a sponge or soft washcloth. Then, rinse and thoroughly dry your feet before wearing shoes or socks.
Once your feet sweat, moisture gets trapped against the skin by the socks. Socks that are overly tight around the calf or ankles could also trigger irritation or other concerns. Diabetic patients are at greater risk of numerous foot concerns. As such, diabetics should consider specialized socks made with moisture-wicking fiber and added cushioning.
2. Check Your Feet Often
Inspect your feet for tiny cuts, cracked skin, blisters, or any redness. If you cannot see the bottom of your foot, utilize a handheld mirror. If you identify any issues, consult your podiatrist. Never dismiss any issue with your feet, even if it does not currently cause discomfort.
3. Cut Your Nails Regularly and Carefully
Maintain your nails well-trimmed but not excessively short. Nails cut excessively short may get ingrown and cause infection or soreness. Ideally, you should cut your nails straight across and meticulously file their edges to avoid injuring your skin. If you have difficulties cutting your nails, request your podiatrist for assistance.
4. Always Wear Nicely-Fitting Shoes
Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters that result in infection or other concerns. Therefore, ensure you select shoes that will not irritate the feet. Preferably, wear shoes that support your ankles and feet to guarantee comfort and safety when walking. Your podiatrist can help you select shoes that fit correctly for general wear or sports-related activities and suggest shoe inserts for correct support.
5. Moisturize Your Feet Every Night
Keep your feet ‘ skin healthy and soft by moisturizing it before you sleep. Moisturizing helps prevent cracking and itching. However, ensure you do not apply lotion between the toes.
6. Avoid Walking Barefoot In Public Areas
Wear your shoes whenever you are in a public space, such as pools, locker rooms, or gym showers. Fungi are overly contagious and may remain on the surface for long after an infected individual walks on it. Besides, there are numerous harmful items like sharp objects or tiny rocks on the surface that your eye might not catch, which might injure your foot. Such injuries are not only uncomfortable but could also raise your susceptibility to infections.
Foot health is crucial for everybody. Sadly, most individuals only give their feet much thought if they develop an issue. The foot care guidelines suggested above will help avoid the likelihood of infections and keep you pain-free and mobile. If you want assistance with an exercise plan to enhance your foot health and avoid chronic concerns, or if you currently have diabetes, your podiatrist can help. Irrespective of your foot condition, a podiatrist can offer a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.