Most people are born with healthy feet, however three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age.
Care for Your Feet
Healthy feet provide for your safety and overall health. Healthy feet that are pain free, assist you in keeping your balance and allow you to stay active. Paying attention to your feet can even provide an early warning sign about serious health problems such as diabetes and arthritis.
Some warning signs it might be time to visit the doctor or foot specialist include:
- a sore on your foot which is infected and doesn’t heal
- pain that ceases when you rest
- unusual foot coldness, cramps, numbness, tingling or discomfort
- less sensitive to foot pain, hot or cold
- the skin on your feet or legs changes colour
- a change in the shape/structure of your foot
Basic Care
Avoid foot pain by:
- Checking your feet every day. Don’t wait until your feet hurt. Look for cuts, bruises, blisters, infected toenails or swelling. Ask for help if you are unable to do this on your own.
- Wash your feet every day with warm water. Don’t soak your feet any longer than 10 minutes to prevent skin cracks. Dry thoroughly between your toes.
- Maintain feet in soft and smooth condition. Apply cream on the top and bottom of your feet if you discover the skin is dry and cracked.
- Wipe off excess cream and don’t apply between your toes. Use talcum powder if your feet sweat a lot.
- Comfortable shoes and socks are ideal. Many foot problems are caused because shoes do not fit, do not give proper support or don’t provide sufficient grip.Socks will help keep feet dry…wear a dry and clean pair every day. Avoid socks with ridges or an elastic as they can irritate or restrict circulation.
- Proper care for your toenails. Cut or file nails regularly, (with appropriate nail care tools). Trim your nails straight across and never shorter than the end of your toe.
- Stay active every day. Walking is the best way to keep your feet healthy because you can do it anytime, anywhere – free of cost!
In order to increase circulation, prevent cramps and maintain muscles in tip-top shape, do these exercises:
- While holding onto a table or chair back, stand on tiptoes, then rock back to your heels. Complete 20 times.
- While in the sitting position, alternate pointing your toes toward your head then pointing your toes downward; rotate ankles in circles in one direction and then the other.
- While in the sitting position, pick up marbles with your toes.