Keep Your Feet Healthy
April was National Foot Health Awareness Month! It may be over, but that doesn't mean you should stop caring for your feet. Taking great care of our feet is essential, not just for the health of our lower extremities, but for our overall well-being. If we want to stay active well into our senior years, we need to keep an eye on our feet and that starts with everyday self-care. What are some great foot care habits to get into that won’t take up too much of your time, but make a big impact? Here’s a simple list of five habits to start applying daily.
Check Your Feet
Inspect your feet every day! This is helpful to do during or after your shower (make sure to wash your feet!). Keep an eye out for specific concerns like bunions, cracked skin, blisters, rashes, and minor cuts or bruises. If you notice any unusual changes, let your podiatrist know right away.
Use Lotion
Dry feet can be a real pain to deal with. To clear this up, remember to apply hydrating cream, lotion, or even petroleum jelly. These are easily found at any drugstore. Apply a thin layer to the tops and bottoms of your feet, avoiding in between your toes, as this can cause a fungal infection. For sweaty feet, consider using cornstarch or a special foot powder in between your toes to absorb any moisture and prevent infection. Moisturizing foot soaks may do the trick, as well!
Wear Proper Footwear
Blisters and bunions are often the results of poor-fitting shoes. Always ensure you’re wearing shoes that fit well, support your feet, and give you great support.
Trim Nails Carefully
Keeping your nails cut may not seem like a foot health concern, but it can be! Trimming your nails too short can cause ingrown nails, so keep an eye out for that. Trimming straight across your nail and carefully filing the edges will do the trick.
Control Your Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage in your feet, reducing blood flow and making it harder for your feet to resist infection and heal from any injuries. Ensure you’re watching your blood sugar for not only your overall health but for your feet, too!
Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.