Having healthy feet is essential, especially if you want to feel good and stay active every day. That is why if you neglect your feet, chances are it can lead to unexplainable pain and other foot problems. Do not worry because keeping your feet happy and healthy is not a tough job to do. You do not even need to spend hundreds of dollars to get proper foot care, and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Remember, your feet take care of you every day, which is why it’s just right to take care of the time and again. In this article, we will list some helpful tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.
- Always keep your feet dry and clean – Having healthy feet starts with practicing good and proper hygiene, which is why you have to make sure that you clean and scrub your feet using soap and water every time you take a bath. After you’re done, make sure that you dry them well, especially in between your toes. This is because fungal organisms love to thrive in covered and moist environments, and we do not want that to happen at all.
- Observe your feet for any problems – We suggest that you perform a foot self-exam at least once a week after taking a shower or bath. When you’re drying off your feet, it is best to look for any scaling on your soles and peeling in between your toes because it could signal the athlete’s foot. It would be best if you also observed for discoloration of nails, which could sign a nail fungus.
- Do not share your socks, slippers, shoes, and footgear – According to experts, you are more likely to catch fungal infections if you wear other people’s shoes or socks. That is why always be mindful of renting shoes. It would be best to bring your own footgear if you’re going skiing, skating, or bowling to keep your feet healthy.
- Go for breathable footwear – In order to keep your feet healthy and dry, it is best if you wear shoes that are made of leather so the air inside will circulate. If you have excessively sweaty feet, we suggest that you look for shoes made with mesh fabrics to give you maximum breathability.
- Control your sweaty feet – According to studies, we have about 250,000 sweat glands on each foot, which is why do not be embarrassed if you have sweaty feet. But as we mentioned, having a moist environment at your feet can cause bacteria and fungi to build-up, which is why we suggest that you wear socks to keep your feet dry and healthy. Socks that are made with synthetic fibers tend to absorb moisture quickly compared to wool or cotton socks. Excessively tight pantyhose is not an option as well if you have sweaty feet because it can trap moisture.
- Wear shoes that fit you correctly – Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause long-term foot problems. According to studies, it is best to shop for shoes at the end of the day to make up for the swelling that occurs later in the day. We suggest that you go for a shoe that’s rounded and broad to give your toes plenty of room.
- Do not be afraid to go to the doctor – If you are experiencing any foot-related problems, do not attempt to treat them yourself. It is still best to go to your doctor and have it checked. Any discoloration, swelling, redness, and pain you feel at your feet should be checked out by a podiatric doctor. Do not be afraid because these foot problems can be cured with prescription medicine or minor procedures most of the time.
- Do not hide dirty and infected toenails with nail polish – Remember, a thick, cracked, and the discolored nail can be a sign of nail fungus. This is why the moment you notice your toenails are experiencing any of these, do not avoid the problem and apply nail polish to hide them because it could only make the situation worse. We suggest that you deal with it and go to your nail technician or doctor to cure it.
- Cut your toenails properly – When cutting your toenails, it is best if you cut straight across and avoid trimming too close to your skin. Please do not go all the way to the nails’ corners because it can cause painful ingrown toenails.