The feet help maintain proper posture and allow movement. As the feet bear the entire weight of the body and are involved in most activities, they are more prone to problems such as calluses, corns, cracks, infections, and traumatic injuries. To maintain healthy feet, you should always wear comfortable, good quality and properly fitting footwear. Specially-designed shoe inserts, called orthotics, help in alignment and stabilization of the feet and can also reduce foot pain.
Tips for Proper Foot Care?
The basic instructions for maintaining healthy feet include:
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Scrub them periodically to remove dead skin.
- Check your feet regularly for signs of injuries such as redness, discoloration, cracks or other abnormalities. This is especially important for diabetics or those with neuropathy.
- Wear appropriately-sized footwear that is comfortable.
- Footwear should have adequate ventilation to prevent fungal infection.
- Regularly cut your toenails straight and slightly curved at the edges but not too short.
- Never try to remove a corn, callus or ingrown toenail at home, as it can induce infection.
- Moisturize your feet well to prevent cracks.
- While sitting for long periods, move and stretch your feet and ankles at regular intervals to promote the circulation of blood in the feet.
- Stretch your feet daily and perform foot exercises.
- Never ignore foot pain. Consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
