Our feet are an important part of our body, yet they are often overlooked. We use them the most, therefore, they have a higher chance of damage, whether it be through wearing the wrong-sized shoes, developing a fungal infection due to a lack of hygiene, etc. In fact, for most people, foot care isn’t something to be concerned about.
We certainly can’t deny that our feet keep us going, so neglecting them can automatically impact our lives negatively and hinder our potential. If we develop any kind of foot condition due to a lack of care, it can become a risk to our overall health.
Proper foot care becomes essential if we want our feet to look and feel the best. Read our blog on how should proper foot care be to learn more about this.
Foot Care: Definition
Our feet help us walk thousands of footsteps a day so caring for our feet with a proper foot care routine is crucial. If the feet are in bad condition, it can become a source of pain and discomfort, as well as contribute to ruining our posture and hindering our mobility.
Foot care includes trimming the toenails, regularly cleaning the feet and routinely inspecting them to ensure there are no potential problems that can get worse with time.
Foot Care at Home
Routine foot care doesn’t require any special products, in fact, you can easily carry out your foot care regimen in the comfort of your home. Here are some of the things you can do:
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Regular Inspection
This is something that should be part of your daily routine. Keep a close eye on the state of your feet and pay attention to how your feet feel to see if you have any pain, changes in skin texture, etc. In case you notice pain in your feet, don’t wait for it to get worse. Get in contact with a podiatric physician to confirm that it isn’t a sign of something serious.
Additionally, trim your toenails regularly and cut them. Make sure not to cut the corners too deeply to avoid ingrown nails.
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Moisturize and Hydrate
Moisturizing your feet can help you tackle dry skin and cracked heels. You can use foot care products such as foot lotions, and creams to do this.
Additionally, make sure your water intake is sufficient so you have hydrated skin. You can keep your feet soaked in warm water and Epsom salt for a couple of minutes and then use a soft towel to gently dry them.
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Exercise
Exercising isn’t just good for the rest of the body, it is beneficial for the feet as well. Walking is the most effective as it can boost the flexibility of your feet, improve their function, and reduce the chances of ankles and foot injuries.
How to Treat Corns and Calluses?
Typically, when we wear shoes that are too small for our feet, there is a lot of friction and pressure that our feet experience which is what causes patches of skin to thicken. These thick patches are called corns and calluses.
You can use a pumice stone on your feet when showering. Moreover, try to wear socks to give your skin protection from this friction. Furthermore, you should switch to a pair of shoes that fit your feet seamlessly to avoid getting corns and calluses in the future.
How to Treat Sweaty Feet?
People have sweaty feet for several reasons, some of which include genetics, hormonal changes, stress, etc.
Ultimately, the way to minimize this issue is to wash your feet thoroughly, use anti-bacterial soaps if needed, prevent your feet from staying damp by properly patting them dry, and wear a fresh pair of moisture-wicking socks every day.
How to Treat Foot Warts?
Warts grow on the base of your feet when you walk barefoot on unclean surfaces. These are also called Plantar warts. The best way to prevent these from occurring is to keep your feet away from any moisture and make sure your feet are covered whenever you use a common area such as public pools or showers, etc. Not to mention, they can also spread by physical contact.
When it comes to their treatment, it is best to visit your doctor and get an examination to see if it isn’t anything serious. Your doctor will also recommend you the right treatment for these warts whether it be laser or topical medicine.
Extra Tips For An Effective Foot Care Routine
- Always apply sunblock on your feet if you are going to wear front open shoes and walk in the sun as this can help protect your feet from sun damage.
- Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Instead, you should leave your shoes to air out after every wear to prevent sweat build-up. Otherwise, the sweat and bacteria in the shoes will cause odor and may put you at risk of fungal infections.
- Switch out your socks for a fresh pair regularly, especially if you are doing sports or generally have sweaty feet. This is to prevent fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot from occurring. Also, make sure you only wear socks made out of breathable materials.
- Ditch the tight-fitted shoes and flip-flops that lack support to avoid injuring your feet.
- Avoid smoking as the tobacco in cigarettes can hinder the blood supply to your feet and legs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the common foot problems people face?
Some of the common foot problems people can have include ingrown toenails, blisters, and bunions, as well as fungal skin infections such as Athlete’s Foot.
Q2. Is exfoliation good for our feet?
Gently exfoliating your feet once or twice a week with a pumice stone can keep your skin feeling soft and prevent any dry patches.
Q3. What are the risks of poor foot care?
Poor foot care can be detrimental to your health as it can amplify your risk for infection, especially in your toenails.
