The soles of your feet are one of the most important parts of your body. Without healthy feet, you face mobility problems, freedom of movement, and physical discomfort. For some people, their feet may be a little harder to maintain. Many face issues with foot odor, itchy feet, or cracked feet. Odds are, if you maintain an active lifestyle, you have probably experienced an issue with your feet at some point in your life.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can maintain healthy feet all year round.
Keeping Your Feet Healthy One Step At a Time
Keeping your feet healthy is vital for your overall health. There are several different ways your lifestyle or choices can impact your feet and how healthy they are over time. You should remember some basics; these simple tricks can prevent the most common foot ailments.
Daily Care for Your Feet
Looking after your feet is a daily process, just like taking a bath or a shower daily. Here are a few ways you can keep your feet feeling great:
- Check your feet daily for any swelling, sores, cuts, tender toenails, or discoloration.
- It may sound counterintuitive, but as you clean your feet with warm water and soap, avoid soaking your feet regularly as this can cause dry and flaky skin.
- Dry your feet properly, ensuring the space between your toes is adequately dried. Bacteria thrives in humid environments. So, if your feet aren’t properly dried, you run the risk of causing strong foot odor.
- You can prevent cracks in your feet by applying moisturizer or dermatologist-approved lotion to your feet. Moisturized feet are not as prone to cracking and dryness. If you have a dry skin type, it is vital that you use lotion or a foot cream, daily. Try applying a heel and moisturizing balm at night and sleeping with socks on if your feet feel extra dry.
- Wear well-fitting shoes. When in doubt, speak to a foot care professional for advice on the best shoe for your foot shape.
- Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to some uncomfortable feet. Flats and sandals should have supportive arches. This can help you prevent any pain issues that arise from irregular support.
Common Issues
An active lifestyle usually causes the most common foot care problems that people face. Other issues are caused by poor hygiene, diet, ill-fitting shoes, or disease.
- Athlete’s foot – A fungus that causes peeling and itchy feet, sometimes leaving your feet with an unpleasant smell.
- Calluses – Caused by tight shoes and friction from running and other sports, these rough patches of skin can be pretty bothersome.
- Sweaty feet – Whether it is a medical condition or due to weather and closed shoes, sweaty feet can lead to smells and skin issues if uncared for.
- Diabetes feet – Diabetics often experience sores and patches of nerve damage. The damaged nerves can lead to foot injuries that you might not know as you cannot feel them.
No matter the issue, there are many ways to treat your feet and ensure that they are as healthy as can be. Daily care can prevent further problems from developing or even forming in the first place.
Birmingham Footcare Specialists
Keeping your feet healthy can boost your confidence when the weather is warm; if you are struggling to keep your feet in tip-top condition or have a concern consult with a Birmingham Foot Care Specialist.
