What to Do Annually for Healthier, More Beautiful Feet

We don’t often think much about our feet. Mostly, we ignore them because they are the low man on the totem pole, so to speak, and we forget to pay attention to them. But taking care of your feet year-round is one of the most important things you can do for long term health and wellness. After all, where would you really be without strong, healthy feet?

So, here are some practices to help you take good care of your feet every day—no matter the time of year.

 Wash Your Feet

Sometimes, when we’re in the shower, we forget to clean our feet with soap and water because we’re too busy focusing on the things up top. But your feet probably sweated at least a little during the day, and a good, thorough rinse is important. It’s also a good idea to avoid soaking your feet for too long because this can make them dry out. 

Check Your Feet

Make sure you’re keeping a good eye on your feet, meaning that you check them consistently for cuts, scrapes, sores, bruises, swelling, and any other issues. You should also check your toenails for signs of infection, especially if you like to get regular pedicures. It’s important to make sure there isn’t something sinister lurking under polish that has been there for way too long.

Trim Your Toenails

 Some people let their toenails grow and grow, but this can be uncomfortable when you’re wearing shoes and can also easily lead to an ingrown nail. Instead, cut them straight across with a pair of clippers at least every six to eight weeks, and if you are concerned about ingrown nails, you can round off the edges with an emery board. 

Moisturize It

Keep an eye on your feet and look for signs of them becoming cracked or dry. If you notice this problem, use a moisturizer to give the texture of your feet more softness and to keep them hydrated and healthy. It doesn’t have to be a flowery scented moisturizer either; something inexpensive from the drug store will do just fine.

Choose Shoes Wisely

It’s important to wear shoes that give you arch support, and flipflops and flats, though popular, don’t do the trick. Make sure you wear shoes that fit your feet, and if possible, visit a store to be fitted. Nothing’s worse than wearing shoes that are too tight. Finally, don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Rotate your shoes so they can last you longer and so that your feet are able to get support from more than one pair.

Visit Suffolk Foot and Ankle

If nothing is wrong with you, it’s still a good, healthy choice to visit Suffolk Foot and Ankle at least once a year. This will ensure that nothing is going wrong, and our podiatrist can give you more tips like the ones above. However, if you notice pain, sores, or other problems with your feet, it’s paramount that you make an appointment as soon as possible.