Foot care is essential for every individual and family regardless of the age. As people age, they are required to pay attention to their feet to keep them healthy. However, with the busy work schedules, lifestyles people are not able to take good care of their feet.
The lack of care leads to many foot problems. Moreover, some people suffer from foot problems due to other illnesses. However, it is possible for everyone to take care of their feet at home. In the case of foot problems it is best to consult a podiatrist. This post shares some easy to use foot care tips at home.
Examine your feet regularly
Podiatrists suggest examining your feet at least once a week for any problems. Check for any signs of redness, swelling, blisters, punctures or insect bites. Some people might need the help of another person to examine their feet, especially old persons. You can use a magnifying glass to check your feet that helps to see the problems signs clearly. In case there are any signs of redness, blisters, swelling, etc, you must consult a podiatrist for the same.
Wash your feet every day
To keep the foot problems at bay, every person should wash their feet every day and as soon as they arrive home. Washing the feet with a mild soap washes away the dust and removes the odor-causing bacteria. Removing the bacterial and dust minimizes the chances of infection and foot problems. It is best to wash your feet in warm water but not hot. Also, don’t forget to dry your feet after washing. Dry between the fingers as any moisture in these areas can lead to infection.
Wear the right footwear
It is important to use the accurate size of shoes or sandals to keep your feet in good shape. Don’t wear shoes or sandals that are too tight or too loose. Tight footwear and high heels put pressure on the bones and muscles in feet that cause problems like spine and back pain. Wearing high heels is one of the main reasons for lower back pain as it changes the natural posture of the spine. Moreover too tight footwear puts a pressure on the fingers and sides of feet that causes problems.
Blood circulation
The inadequate blood circulation in the lower legs and feet lead to foot problems. Prolonged sitting in a position can lead to post blood circulation that is one of the main causes of foot problems in Australia. People who work in a job or business that involves prolonged sitting, should take breaks and walk in the breaks to keep the blood circulation going. To maintain the circulation in your legs and feet :
• Do not wear tight shoes or socks
• Don’t sit with crossed legs for long
• Do not smoke
Moisturize your feet
The dry skin of feet is the cause of many conditions like itching between the fingers and burning sensation due to infection. Use a good moisturizer or cream to moisturize the dry skin of your feet that protects you from many foot conditions.
Tips to address the foot conditions
People who don’t take care of their feet and eat a poor diet can develop a variety of foot conditions like corns, calluses, foot spurs, and ingrown toenails. Let us check some tips to address some common foot conditions.
Corns and Calluses
People with corns or calluses can soak their feet in warm (not hot) water for 20 minutes and file the corn or calluses using a pumice stone or callus file. Use it in a circular motion and sideways to remove the dead skin. Also, you can use non-medicated pads to protect your feet from irritation. Use a foot cream with salicylic acid, or ammonium lactate to soften the corns or calluses.
Heel Spurs
Use heel pads or cups in your footwear to give some cushion to your feet and protect them from the pressure due to your bodyweight. Apply cold compression using ice packs to your feet but not more than 10 minutes. Use the proper foot orthotics according to your foot condition.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails grow when the edge of a toenail cuts into the tissue surrounding it that leads to inflammation. Sometimes ingrown toenails also happen if the skin grows over the toenail bed. You can use a toenail clipper to cut the ingrown toenails, or you can consult a podiatrist. If you are looking to cut the ingrown toenails Gold Coast you can visit a podiatrist to get the job done and proper treatment.
Final words
These are some tips for foot care at home that you can use to keep your feet in good health. However, in case you have a foot condition that needs treatment, you must consult a podiatrist for proper treatment and medication.
