8 Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy

Whether you’re on your feet working, running a busy household, or simply getting from A to B, your feet go through a lot. Just as you would with any other part of your body, keeping your feet healthy is important. Whether it be using the best foot massager for some much-needed relief, or finding the right pair of shoes, here are eight tips to help you keep your feet healthy.

1. Keep Your Feet Clean

It goes without saying, practicing good hygiene can be the best place to start to keep your feet clean and dry. Make sure to use soap and water each day to thoroughly scrub your feet, as well as taking time to dry them off. Depriving your feet of wetness will help to keep fungal organisms away, especially as they love moisture. Taking just a few minutes each day to dry between each individual toe can make a big difference and keep your feet healthy.

2. Buy Shoes That Fit

Finding the right pair of shoes is so important for your feet. In many cases, people tend to purchase shoes that don’t fit correctly, resulting in discomfort and foot problems. To help find the perfect pair, the shoe should have plenty of room for your toe area and should be wide enough so that your feet don’t bulge over the edges.

It’s always best to go shopping for shoes in the afternoon or evening. This is because your feet tend to be slightly bigger at this point. The last thing you want to do is purchase a pair in the morning, finding they don’t fit well later in the day. Also, the types of activities you perform daily should be considered too. There are different exercises and sports that require special cushioning and support.

3. Examine Your Feet

Whether you take regular baths or showers, performing a foot self-exam once each week can be a good way to examine your feet for any problems. As you’re drying your feet, make sure to examine your soles for any signs of scaling, and check between your toes to see if there are any peeling areas as this could be a sign of athlete’s foot. If you notice any nail discoloration, this could be a sign of nail fungus. For those who have diabetes, it’s crucial that you inspect your feet each day, as diabetes can lead to a higher risk of developing foot infections and sores.

4. Cut Toenails Properly

You may not realize it, but the way you cut your toenails can have a huge impact on your foot health. If you’re trimming too close towards the skin, this can result in ingrown toenails which can be incredibly painful and lead to infection. Make sure to cut your nails straight across and be on the lookout for any changes to your nail.

5. Protect Your Feet

If you’re a regular gym goer, there are all sorts of nasty infections that you can pick up in public areas. To eliminate the risk, make sure to put on shower shoes in the locker room, at the pool, or at the gym. With many people using the same facilities as you, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping your feet healthy.

6. Elevate Your Feet

If you have to stand on your feet for long periods, taking frequent breaks can be a huge help, taking the weight off your feet. When possible, make sure to elevate your feet at a 45-degree angle, giving yourself time to relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Elevating your feet can help to reduce swelling. If you are experiencing any pain, taking off your socks and shoes can help to soothe your feet further.

7. Practice Foot Exercises

There are various exercises that you can do to help relieve pain or strengthen your feet. Exercise can help to increase flexibility and improve the length of a muscle in your foot. It’s important that you have shoes that provide good support when exercising, otherwise you may be doing more harm than good.

8. See a Doctor

If you have any concerns about your feet, it’s best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Speaking to a doctor about your worries can give you peace of mind, and point you in the right direction of what steps to take to reduce any pain, swelling, or discoloration of your feet. You may be prescribed prescription medicine or have to undergo a procedure to get your feet back in good health. Getting your feet seen by a specialist can ensure that any minor problems don’t turn into bigger ones.

If you’re constantly on the go, it’s crucial that you take good care of your feet. Whether it be wearing shoes that are breathable, cutting your toenails properly, or practicing foot exercises, these are just a few things you can do to keep your feet healthy.

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