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FOOT CARE TIPS
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There is a common misconception about feet. Most people don't pay any attention
to their feet until something is wrong with them. They should be nurtured and kept
healthy in order to maintain your daily routine. The Society of Chiropodists
and Podiatrists lists some helpful tips for proper foot maintainence:
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Wash feet daily with soap and warm water.
Do not soak them as a lot of people do when coming home from a long day at work or
school.
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Apply a moisturizer to all areas of the foot.
Do not apply between the toes, however.
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Apply a light layer of foot powder.
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If any part of your foot has hard skin, gently remove with a pumice stone.
Do not use a pumice stone on hard skin that has formed over a bone or joint
area. Consult a podiatrist/chiropodist if these hard spots are painful.
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Be sure to trim toenails regularly with toenail clippers.
Always clip straight across the nail and not rounded in the corners.
Improper trimming can lead to ingrown toenails.
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Feet should be kept warm. If you have cold feet, it could be due to lack
of circulation.
Exercise regularly to improve blood flow.
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Wear the right shoes. See tips below.
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Finally, if you have consistent pain in your feet, something is wrong.
Consult a registered chiropodist or podiatrist.
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Tips for Picking the Proper Shoe
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Walk on a tile floor or a sidewalk with bare, wet feet to check
your footprint.
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The flatter your foot is (the majority of your foot appears on the
print) the more you need a shoe with stability.
This will keep your foot from rolling from one side to the other.
Rolling feet can cause ankle damage.
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One (1) centimeter should be the length from your longest toe to the
end of the shoe.
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Make sure the upper part of the shoe lays on your soles evenly.
This was prevent some discomfort when exercising.
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When actually shopping for the shoe, always ask the staff for help
in picking the proper shoe for you. Specialty running shoe shops are
usually more knowledgable on how to pick the proper shoe.
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For more information on feet and proper care tips, visit the Resources page and click on:
Feet For Life
American Podiatric Medical Association
WebMd - Search for foot injuries
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