The best ways to care for your feet to avoid common foot problems

When it comes to your feet, how much care and love do you give them? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. We often don’t think about our feet until something happens to them. When we have even one blister, it can limit our ability to walk or even wear shoes. What was once a natural, everyday activity that we don’t think about and take for granted now becomes more challenging.

There are many things that can put our feet at risk of injury. The most common culprits are flat sandals, high heels, wearing shoes that are too big or too small, not washing your feet properly, not wearing socks, wearing white shoes, not managing underlying health issues that contribute to foot problems. feet like diabetes and not keeping toenails properly trimmed.

However, what if you have an injured or infected foot? How can you prevent those discomforts in your feet from reoccurring?

Here are some easy and simple activities you can do to help keep your feet in top shape. After all, happy feet mean a happy you:

1. Stretch. The act of walking, sitting, standing, going up and down stairs and the like can be seen as some kind of physical activity. While they may not technically count as exercise, you’re pushing yourself. Stretching your foot is a great way to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and joints in your feet that can possibly cause painful discomfort. People with plantar fasciitis, for example, can greatly benefit from brief, daily foot stretches.

2. Wear insoles or orthotics. Shoe inserts and orthotics are great for making shoes comfortable by molding them to the individual shape and contours of your feet. They can make those painful and uncomfortable shoes you’ve always wanted to wear bearable. Orthotics and inserts can relieve pressure, reduce chafing, and provide the unique, specialized support your feet need to be pain-free. There are many types and qualities of orthotics, so it’s important to consult with your podiatrist about which ones will be best for your particular foot pain or condition.

3. Don’t walk barefoot. While it seems to be popular both for trendy style reasons and for perceived foot, joint, and leg health reasons, going barefoot or wearing flats that simulate being barefoot is a good idea to avoid the temptation to go barefoot. While it may seem natural, going barefoot increases your chances of getting foot warts and tendonitis. When you walk barefoot, you also risk injuring the bottom of your feet. Whether you’re walking on fresh grass or in your driveway, sharp objects like rocks and shards of glass can cut the bottoms of your feet. Going barefoot can also increase the risk of burning and frostbite to the bottom of your feet, such as when you walk briefly on a highway or driveway in summer or step outside briefly to read the paper in a cold, snowy winter. day.

4. Wear proper footwear. High heels, as well as flat shoes such as flip-flops and sandals, can cause stress on the feet, leading to blisters and warts on the feet. These types of shoes can also cause pain in the joints, tendons, and muscles of the legs, hips, and back.

5. Wear shoes that fit well. Wearing shoes that are too big can cause blisters. Shoes that are too small can lead to ingrown toenails and crushed toes. While it may not seem practical to be constantly shopping for shoes, it’s well worth the investment. After all, your feet are important and so is their care.

While you may not notice the difference your feet make in everyday life, their care and health are important. If you have chronic foot conditions or pain, talk to your podiatrist for recommendations on effective treatment.