Do you have an awe-inspiring daily step count? If you spend all day on the go, you know how quickly your mood can go downhill when your feet start to hurt. Your feet are your foundation, and any trouble or pain you experience can quickly cascade through your entire body. An issue as small as an improperly trimmed toenail can cause problems all the way from your foot to your hips and back. Taking great care of your feet is essential when you are on them all day, and here are ten foot care tips you need to know to keep them in top shape.

How to Care for Your Feet

1) Inspect Your Feet Daily

If you aren’t experiencing any pain, it is easy to completely ignore your feet from day to day. You want to take a couple of minutes out of your day to look your feet over and inspect for any signs of trouble. You will want to keep an eye out for any blisters that may be forming, cracked skin (especially between your toes), and any cuts you haven’t noticed. Most of these issues can be treated quickly before the problem escalates.

2) Moisturize Your Feet Regularly

Another essential foot care tip is applying lotion to your feet following your bathing routine and before going to bed. Moisturizer will prevent the skin on your feet from becoming cracked and rough. Cracked heels can be painful to walk on and may open you up to possible infections. In the winter, when humidity levels plummet, you may find you need to apply lotion more frequently or switch to a thicker lotion to prevent your feet from drying out. Don’t neglect your nail beds and cuticles in the moisturizing process. Applying cuticle oil or saving will prevent issues from cropping up due to dry skin in these areas.

3) Keep Your Feet Dry

While you want to moisturize your feet well, you want to avoid getting your feet wet. Dry them well after you bathe; make sure to get between your toes. If you suffer from sweaty feet, you may find that a foot antiperspirant will alleviate this problem. Wet feet are a breeding ground for fungus, so keep them as dry as possible.

4) Let Your Feet Breathe

While it is important to wear footwear when you are up and moving, you should find time in your day (or night) to let your feet breathe. Remove your socks and allow air to circulate around your feet to reduce potential problems with fungal infections, circulation and odors.

5) Wear Appropriate Footwear

Another foot care tip is to wear the right shoes for the job. When you are on your feet for eight or more hours a day, the right shoe can make all the difference. Your shoes need to fit well and have appropriate arch support and cushion to protect you when standing for long periods. Make sure you also choose shoes that allow your feet to breathe, especially if you have sweaty feet.

Additionally, steel-toe boots can save your toes from serious harm if you work in an environment with heavy equipment. Protective footwear may be your best option in some work settings, even if not required by your employer.

6) Splurge on socks

Finding the right sock is another foot care tip that can help eliminate a lot of common foot problems. Poorly fitting socks can lead to blisters, while tight socks may impede circulation. You should look for a sock that fits comfortably, stays in place in your shoe, and allows your feet to breathe throughout the day.

7) Keep Your Nails Trimmed

Trim your nails straight across on a regular base. Nails that are too long can interfere with your footwear, while nails that are cut too short can be painful. Keep your nails trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails and painful infections.

8) Massage Your Feet and Pay Attention to Circulation

If you are running around all day, it is important to take a few minutes at the end of the day and gently massage your feet. You can roll them on a massage ball or even a tennis ball to help maintain healthy circulation. If you do get a chance to sit, try to put your feet up and avoid crossing your legs. Poor circulation to your feet can cause swelling, which can be painful and impair your mobility.

9) Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet and controlling blood sugar is extremely important for feet. High blood sugar and obesity can lead to nerve damage making it easy to miss serious problems developing in your feet.

10) Exercise

Simply exercising and using your feet regularly will help keep them healthy. While you are on your feet all day, you are likely to be getting this done, but just as with any exercise routine, make sure you are stretching your feet before you get going and when you finish each day to make sure they are ready for action.

Indications of Potential Foot Problems

One of the first indicators of a problem with your feet is pain. Whether this pain is severe or just uncomfortable, you need to identify the source to get ahead of any growing concerns. Additionally, you will know something has gone awry with your care routine if you see any of the following:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Blisters
• Corns / Callouses
• Dry, cracked heels
• Flaky skin between your toes

When to Schedule an Appointment

You should schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist any time you have concerns about your feet that you can’t manage on your own at home. Specifically, be aware of the following symptoms and signs:

• Severe pains
• Problems putting weight on your feet
• Tingling or numbness
• Swelling that won’t go down with rest

Finalword

Taking care of your feet is essential to your overall health. If you are interested in learning more about foot care and other healthcare issues, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. You can also enroll in one of our courses. Visit Avidity Medical Design Academy for more information. If you are interested in purchasing scented soaps and candles, visit Avidity Medical Scentations. We look forward to hearing more from you!