The Foundations of Foot Health: 6 Ways to Keep Your Feet Happy and Healthy

Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. So, if you neglect your feet, it can lead to unnecessary pain and problems. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Use these tips to keep yourself active and your feet pain-free.

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Keep your feet clean and dry

Healthy feet start with good hygiene. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with soap and water when your in the shower or bath. Afterward, dry them well. Bacteria and fungal organisms love moisture, so depriving them of any wetness will make it more difficult for them to thrive. Excess moisture between and around the toes can create a great environment for a fungal infection to begin.

Some people use anti-fatigue mats to decrease foot and lower limb disorders. For instance, if you need to stand for long periods of time, you may be a potential user of anti-fatigue mats.

Cut your toenails properly

Cut nails straight across and avoid trimming too close to the skin or drastically rounding the corners of the nails. Doing these things can cause painful, ingrown toenails which can lead to further infections if left untreated.

Know when to see a doctor

Don’t attempt to self-treat painful foot woes, the professionals know best. Any pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration that is ongoing should be checked out by a professional. Usually, the problem can be cleared up quickly with prescription medicine or a minor in-office procedure. Allowing a doctor to take a look will help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

Finding a podiatrist isn’t hard either thanks to most places having an online website, whether you need to find a podiatrist in South Melbourne or check with your local GP to get more information.

Examine your feet for problems

Perform regular foot self-exams around once a week when you take a bath or shower. This can drastically lower the risk of infection, as it allows any signs or symptoms to be treated early. As you’re drying off your feet, take a good look at the soles of your feet for any scaling, as well as between your toes to check for peeling areas. These signs could signal athlete’s foot. Also, look for discoloration of the nails, which could indicate a fungal infection.

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Protect your feet in public areas and avoid sharing footgear

Be sure to wear shower shoes at the gym, in locker rooms, and at public pools. These places tend to be breeding grounds for fungi, which can lead to infections. You can also get fungal infections by wearing other people’s shoes, as well as socks worn by another person. 

Wear shoes that fit properly and are breathable

To help keep your feet dry and healthy, wear shoes that are made of leather, or are tested for breathability to allow air to circulate. If you’re prone to excessively sweaty feet, look for shoes made of mesh fabrics for maximum breathability. Or 

Shoes that are too tight can cause long-term foot problems. Shop for shoes at the end of the day to compensate for foot swelling that occurs later in the day, and wear the same type of socks or hosiery you’ll be wearing with the shoes. Opt for a broad, rounded shoe with plenty of room for your toes and a wide, stable heel. Avoid pointy shoes, which can cramp your toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses. By following these easy tips, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain-free.