Feet first, not last
Every great journey starts with a single step, and healthy feet can make that journey more pleasant. Practicing good foot hygiene and making proper footwear choices are two important actions to get you started on the right path.
Head, shoulders, knees, feet and toes
If your personal hygiene starts at the top by washing your hair and face, and loses some of its momentum by the time that you get down to your feet, keep reading. Basic care of your feet is important to protect them from several foot-related conditions, including athletes foot.
Athlete’s foot affects more than athletes
Basic care that can help feet stay healthy, includes:
- Washing your feet every day and drying them completely to avoid giving fungi an ideal place to thrive
- Clipping your toenails clean and short; trimming them straight across
- Changing your socks at least once a day
- Checking your feet regularly for cuts, sores, swelling, dryness, and infected toenails. Using a mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or asking a family member to help.
- Avoiding going barefoot outside to avoid injury
- When visiting a salon for foot care, choose a salon that is clean and licensed by your state’s cosmetology board. And confirming that the salon sterilizes instruments after each use (such as nail clippers, scissors, and other tools) is important.
- Choosing shoes that are comfortable; a square or round toe box allows for more space to help prevent bunions, corns and calluses is best.
Diabetics require close attention to feet
Diabetes can damage the nerves and affect blood flow in feet and legs, and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of all people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage, most often in feet and legs.
Nerve damage can lower your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold, which may cause you to miss a small injury that could become serious if not treated early.
Check in with your doctor sooner, not later
Following the foot care tips above can help your feet stay healthy, but if you see or feel an issue with your skin or nails, see your doctor or podiatrist before a problem becomes serious.
