Easy Tips To Improve Your Foot Health Today!

Our feet are a foundation of the body – they keep us moving and able to do the things we need (and want!) to do. Foot pain, or injury, can then have a devastating impact on our day-to-day lives, meaning maintaining good foot health is more important than ever. Our fantastic Podiatrist, Jays, has put together a list of simple things you can start doing today to help improve your foot health!

Make sure your shoes are a good fit

When spending long periods of time on our feet, the effects of poor footwear will really start to show. Make sure you’re wearing footwear that is comfortable and fits well. Blisters and aching feet are generally a sign of poor fit or a lack of support.

Double check your shoe size every time

It is best to try on footwear before purchasing, even if you are planning on purchasing the same brand, model and size. This is because there can be small variations in shape (with newer models) that can make significant differences with fit. Also, our feet can change shape over time, meaning a shoe that once fit well years ago may not fit so well now.

Be smart about moisture

Having a waterproof pair of shoes when in the garden or doing activities where water is involved is beneficial, as it helps to keep your feet dry if water splashes on your shoes. If feet get damp in shoes for extended periods of time, there is an increased risk of fungal infections and skin cracks that can bleed.

Be weary of old shoes

People tend to use old worn out footwear in the garden or when doing ‘messy’ tasks. This is not a good idea as old footwear can lack support. This lack of support can lead to pain in our feet. It is therefore a better idea to have a separate pair of shoes in good condition that is fine to get dirty.

Protect and check your feet daily if you have Diabetes

Many people with diabetes are worried about their feet because they only hear the bad news stories (of gangrene, amputations and the like). In general, if you are careful and aware of the risks then there is no need to worry. Most people with diabetes can have very normal feet for a long time. Those with diabetic symptoms (such as a reduced blood supply or a reduced ability to feel their feet) can easily prevent complications with two very simple practices. Firstly, checking feet visually everyday will allow a person to see any problems that have not been felt throughout the day and any problem found can be treated promptly with a quick healing time. Secondly, avoiding going barefoot when outdoors will prevent any unnecessary trauma to our feet, like stepping on sharp objects.

Prevent ingrown toenails before they occur

A good nail clipping technique can be useful to prevent ingrown nails. Clipping nails straight across works well for most people. However, for people with curved nails that are more prone to ingrowing, rounding the corners gently is fine as long as the nail is not ripped. Ripping will leave sharp jagged edges behind which will greatly increase the chances of the nail ingrowing.

Know the risks of at-home treatment

Be careful with ‘at home’ corn treatments available from supermarkets and pharmacies. These pads can work well for superficial corns but do not work well for deeper corns. It is also not advised to use corn pads if there is a lack of feeling in the feet, as the salicylic acid in the pads can cause a large wound without the user realising.

Despite doing the right things, sometimes problems with our feet are inevitable. After all, we’re all different and so are our feet. Here at The Podiatrist, we’re all about you realising your potential. If pain is persisting and getting in the way of your daily activities, we can accurately diagnose and treat your condition to have you pain free as quickly as possible. If corns or thickened/callused skin is your issue, we have the skills and tools to debride and remove these annoying skin lesions more effectively than any home treatment ever could. If that ingrown nail just isn’t going away, we have the instruments and techniques for both short and long term relief. If the simple preventative measures aren’t working, please come in and see us, we’re here to help. No video selected.