Proper foot care
Proper foot care is important to foot health.
- Examine your feet regularly. Check them for cuts, scrapes, bruises, calluses and corns.
- Pay attention to swelling, redness and increased temperature on the legs, feet and ankles, which might be a sign of infection. See a physician immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
- Practice proper foot care. Wash your feet daily and dry them well. Protect the skin with lotion, moisturizer or petroleum jelly after you clean your feet.
- Always wear shoes when you are walking or standing in warm, damp places such as a locker room.
- If your feet sweat, use a light dusting powder to absorb the moisture.
- Always use a clean towel after exercising. To avoid spreading fungi and bacteria, do not share towels.
- Change your socks or hose daily or more often, especially if they get damp. Use cotton socks for exercise and sports.
- Wear leather or canvas shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Do not wear the same shoes all the time. Let them air out between wearings.
- Trim your toenails straight across using a nail clipper. Never cut down corners.
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and do not rub.
- Avoid narrow, tight shoes with pointed toes.
- Avoid shoes with high heels.
- Exercise daily. Walking is one of the easiest and best exercises to increase circulation in your legs and feet. Always wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes for walking.
- If you are overweight, lose weight to lighten the load on your hips, knees, ankles and feet. Before you reach your ideal weight, protect the heel cushion and small joints in your feet when you exercise. Use an exercise bicycle instead of walking to avoid putting added stress on the joints in your legs. Be sure to check with your provider before starting an exercise program.
- If you smoke, quit. Not smoking will improve the flow of blood to your legs and feet.