Let’s face it. We all love our feet but also tend to neglect them too. Whether they are hidden in heels or buried under layers of socks and sneakers, this part of the body is almost always left out of our priorities. Feet tend to get painful and callous pretty fast if not taken care of properly. However, there are some small things that can be done consistently and repeatedly to keep your feet healthy and happy throughout the year. Some of these tips may seem like common sense, but only a few actually follow them. Keeping your feet clean, dry, and moisturized will go a long way in keeping them healthy and pain-free. So we have compiled this ultimate guide on how to take care of your feet so you won’t have to worry about cracked heels or sore toes again!
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Dry feet are happy feet
Dry feet are susceptible to cracks and infections. So one of the best tips you can follow is to keep your feet dry. Avoid wearing socks that are too thick, and choose footwear wisely. Avoid swimming in socks or keeping your socks on when you go for a swim. It’s also best to avoid walking around in socks or sneakers all day long. Try to keep your feet air-dried as much as possible. If you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to walk around at home with your feet bare, wear thin cotton socks. These will allow your feet to breathe while still keeping them dry. Also, try to wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and follow it up with a moisturising foot cream or olive oil. This, along with a pair of cotton socks, will keep your feet dry and happy.
Change your socks often
Wearing the same socks for too long can cause an infection called Tinea, which is a type of fungus that thrives in moist and warm environments like your feet inside a pair of socks. Tinea has a few different variations, but Athlete’s foot is one of the most common ones. It causes itchiness in the soles of your feet and the inside of your toes. It also causes flaky skin. If you notice that your socks are wet or have begun to smell, change them immediately. Wearing the same pair for days on end is not only unhygienic but can cause infections, especially in warm weather.
You’re wearing the wrong shoes
Footwear and the type of shoes you wear can make a huge difference to your feet. You may be wearing the wrong shoes or the wrong type of footwear, which can be responsible for aching and tired feet or even callouses. Regularly switch up between different pairs of shoes. This will help your feet stay healthy and reduce the risk of developing foot conditions like Tinea, Athlete’s foot, and Blisters. If you work out or do activities that require you to wear sneakers, it’s important to clean and disinfect them regularly. This can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus, which can be harmful for your feet.
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Don’t forget about your toenails
Ever heard of Neglected Onychomycosis? Well, it’s a condition that is caused by fungus and is commonly known as “toenail fungus.” It mostly affects your toenails and can lead to them becoming brittle, discoloured, and even deformed. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and can get inside your nails because you’re not cleaning them properly. Your nails grow slowly and are often neglected compared to fingernails. So it’s important to keep an eye on them and cut them regularly. Regularly (at least once a week) clip your toenails straight across; avoid curling them at the edges.
See a chiropodist
A chiropodist is a foot specialist who can help diagnose and treat any problems that you are experiencing and help relieve any pain. If you do not know your local chiropodist, then you should check out thefootandankle.clinic who will be able to advise and help with any issues you are having with your feet or toenails.
Foot massage with Vaseline
This one may sound a bit weird, but it works. Applying a generous amount of Vaseline to your feet and massaging it in can help minimize the appearance of cracks and calluses on your feet. It also keeps your feet soft and moisturized. If you are experiencing dry, cracked heels, try this home remedy. Mix together one part warm water to two parts olive oil or Vaseline and apply it to your feet and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing it off with a pumice stone or foot scrubber. This will help exfoliate your skin and remove the dead skin cells that make your feet look unappealing and can be dangerous for your health if left untreated for too long.
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