Essential Tips for Foot Care
Taking good care of your feet is one of the most essential but overlooked parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s especially important for those who are particularly athletic and active. Proper foot and ankle health is essential in order to perform these activities in a safe and effective way. People use their feet every day and deserve to live without the pain and discomfort that unhealthy feet can cause. In order to prevent poor foot health, you should observe the following tips from foot and ankle specialists.
Check Your Feet Every Day
Performing a daily inspection for any cuts, blisters, or swelling is one of the easiest ways to spot any early signs of foot-related maladies. This inspection should be done with bare feet and should only take a few minutes to complete. You can also check the bottoms of your feet using a mirror.
Wash and Moisturize
Washing your feet may be one of the neglected parts of your shower routine. But it is key that you wash them under warm water every day to get rid of any harmful germs or bacteria. It is also essential to dry your feet thoroughly afterward in order to prevent any potential fungal growth.
It’s also a good idea to rub lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet. This keeps your feet smooth and free of calluses.
Shoes and Socks
While socks are usually worn for comfort or because they’re fashionable, they can also provide some important health benefits. Your feet contain some of the most active sweat glands on your body. Socks help absorb a lot of this sweat, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause blisters and athlete’s foot. It is also important to wear socks around the house to keep your feet clean and free of harmful germs.
Shoes are another layer of protection for your feet and should always be worn while you’re walking outside. Shoes protect your feet from both the cold ground and the hot pavement of summer. Athletic shoes can also prevent potential sprains and other injuries while you’re running or playing sports. In this case, it is important to wear the right kind of shoe for the activity you’re doing, something a foot and ankle specialist can help you decide. Finally, it is important to wear shoes that fit comfortably and don’t move around while you’re wearing them.
Stay Active
It’s important to keep your feet active to allow blood to continue flowing to them. You can even perform foot exercises to strengthen and support the muscles in your feet. If your job requires that you remain inactive for long periods at a time, you can practice techniques that will keep your feet in good health. One bad habit to avoid is crossing your legs for long periods of time because it can disrupt your blood circulation. While you’re sitting, you should also wiggle your toes and ankles to loosen them up and keep the blood flowing.
Check with a Doctor
If you think there may be something wrong with your feet or if they are just uncomfortable you should consult a doctor. Going to a foot and ankle center will provide you with the most knowledgeable experts of foot care. These specialists can determine if you have any serious foot problems and how to prevent them in the future.