The feet are one of the most important, yet under-appreciated parts of the body. Our ability to be mobile, to run and walk, to balance and to enjoy a full life all depends on the health of our feet. That being said, too many of us neglect or fail to take the preventative steps needed to keep healthy feet and keep them functioning.
The team of experts at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois has created a short list of tips you can include in your daily routine to improve and protect the health of your feet. Foot care is an ongoing process, and it will ultimately reward you in the long run. Foot conditions and disorders are painful, disabling, and can prevent you from doing the things you love most!
Routine’s For Healthy Feet
1. Clean Your Feet Daily and Wear Clean, Dry Socks
Your feet get dirty, quickly. They spend almost all of their time in socks or shoes, accumulating oil, sweat and bacteria that can cause foot conditions. Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water, soap and gentle exfoliation. Hot water can damage or dry out the skin and lead to a variety of foot conditions. Those with diabetes should take extra care when cleaning their feet.
Routine cleaning will help you prevent skin conditions from forming or worsening. In some cases, foot skin conditions and fungus is only treatable by a trained podiatrist and prescription medications. Don’t let it get to that point!
2. Inspect Your Feet Regularly
This step takes no more than a minute of your time, but in some cases, it can be life-changing. Because our feet are exposed to harsh environments, bacteria and other problematic materials, they are especially prone to infection and fungus.
Checking your feet for blisters, small cuts, or cracked skin can be an early intervention method that catches problems before they develop. If you notice any concerning changes or injuries, contact a podiatrist immediately. It’s always better to air on the side of caution.
Diabetic patients should be checking their feet every day, for more information, visit our page on diabetic wound care.
3. Cut Nails Carefully and Regularly For Healthy Feet
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and health concerns, and can affect your natural gait as you try to walk in shoes. Long nails collect and trap bacteria if they aren’t properly manicured and cared for. Conversely, cutting your nails too short can lead to ingrown nails and serious infections.
There shouldn’t be any pain associated with cutting your nails. If you feel sharp pain or a pinch, chances are you are cutting your nails too short, or are cutting the nearby skin, creating an opening for bacteria. Proper nail-cutting techniques can be addressed by the expert podiatrists at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois.
4. Always Wear Well-Fitted Shoes
Shoes that don’t fit your feet properly can cause a long list of problems including:
- Abrasion blisters
- Calluses
- Arch pain
- Hammertoes
- Bunions
- Affected gait
- Back pain
Wear shoes that properly support your feet and ankles to ensure safety while walking. Your feet should have enough room front to back, as well as on each side so that the structure of your foot is not being compressed. The result of this will change the structure of your foot and can lead to chronic pain.
5. Moisturize at Night for Healthy Feet
Moisturizing your feet at night allows them to breathe and gives them the moisture needed to avoid chronic dryness, cracking, itchiness and irritation. This is a great way to keep the skin on your feet looking healthy and feeling smooth.
6. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
This applies more so to those with Diabetes, but it is important to understand that your dietary health can lead to diabetes and a range of uncomfortable and in some cases disabling foot conditions.
Diabetes eventually leads to peripheral neuropathy, as well as Peripheral artery disease, and can contribute to the formation of diabetic wounds, and possibly amputation. Regular physical activity and proper nutrition are keys to preventing type 2 diabetes and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels.
Professional Podiatrist Services Available in Algonquin, Illinois
For more tips and information about foot health, reach out to the professionals at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois today! Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide diagnosis and treatment for any and all foot-related conditions and injuries.
Call our office to speak with a member of our team or schedule a consultation online today!
