Tips for Healthy Feet: Routine Foot Care to Keep Your Feet Free From Disease, Fungus, and Infections
Your feet are the most used and neglected part of your body. Most people don’t pay too much attention to their feet, until they act up, that is.
When it comes to keeping your feet healthy, a little bit of preventative care can go a long way.
To help keep your feet in good shape, and less susceptible to disease, fungus, or infections, it’s important to give your feet some routine love and care.
- Footwear - Choose your footwear wisely. Tight fitting shoes can lead to problems such as ingrown toenails, bunions, and other problems. Instead of stuffing your feet into too-small shoes, be sure to measure your foot before you get new shoes as your feet can change sizes over time.
- Wash - Wash your feet once a day. Make it part of your routine. Your feet do a lot of work during the day, and they get hot, sweaty, and dirty. A nightly wash is refreshing, and as a bonus, it will keep dirt out of your bed! A daily wash can help keep your feet clean and healthy — just don’t forget to dry them.
- Moisturize - Keep your feet from getting dry and cracked by applying moisturizer daily. Just make sure that the parts between your toes don't become OVER moisturized, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
- Insoles - Help keep your feet comfortable by getting properly fitted insoles for your shoes. Proper arch support can go a long way towards maintaining foot health.
- Powders - For those who are prone to athlete’s foot or other fungal diseases, anti-fungal lotions, or foot powders may be the way to go, especially if you're going to subject your feet to long hours in damp places.
It is especially important for people with diabetes to care for their feet properly. For many people with diabetes, the nerve function in their feet is minimal — making the need for routine care even more important.
By doing routine care on your feet you will have a better chance at knowing when a sore or problem arises. The sooner you catch it - the better off you will be.
Don't skip your feet!
For more information on foot care in Houston, contact Dr. Anthony LaMarra. Dr. LaMarra is Houston's leading podiatrist, dedicated to providing Houston residents with the best foot care possible.