Healthy feet refer to feet that are free from pain, discomfort, and any visible abnormalities. They have good circulation, smooth and unbroken skin, properly aligned bones and joints, and strong muscles and ligaments. Some symptoms of feet that are not at their healthiest include the presence of corns, calluses, and bunions or fungal infections and pain.
All things considered, healthy feet are essential for overall well-being as they provide the foundation for mobility and physical activity. A podiatrist or foot and ankle doctor can help you have healthy feet and give you tips for maintenance.
Here we have some helpful foot care tips for maintaining healthy feet between podiatrist visits.
#1 Inspect Your Feet Regularly
Take the time to inspect your feet regularly, paying attention to any changes in color, texture, or appearance.
- Are your nails healthy or is there yellowing or thickening?
- Are there any changes in sensation? Are you feeling numbness in your feet?
- Are there new bumps that have developed? Corns and bunions present as visible bumps.
- Is there broken skin anywhere on your feet? If you have diabetes, a small cut can quickly progress to a serious complication.
The goal here is to catch any potential issues before they worsen and bring them to the attention of your podiatrist.
#2 Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Practice good foot hygiene and keep your feet clean. Make it a point to wash your feet daily. It is simple and can greatly benefit your feet.
- Fill a tub or basin with warm water.
- Add a small amount of mild soap or body wash to the water.
- Place feet in the soapy water.
- Using your hands, wash your feet thoroughly. Gentle scrubbing motions are adequate for the removal of dirt or germs. Cover all areas, including the top, sides, and bottom of your feet, and between your toes.
- After washing, thoroughly rinse your feet with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Use a clean towel to dry your feet, and don’t skip the areas between your toes.
- Always wear clean socks and avoid going barefoot around the house.
#3 Keep Feet Moisturized
To keep the skin on your feet soft and to prevent dryness and cracked skin, use a moisturizer. This is best done after washing your feet. Cocoa butter and shea butter are great moisturizers. If you have cracked skin, apply a healing ointment.
#4 Ensure Proper Nail Care
Long toenails can make footwear uncomfortable. So, cut your toenails very carefully, always trimming them straight across. Avoid cutting them too short, as it can result in ingrown toenails.
#5 Wear Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support. Try to avoid wearing flats, high heels, and other footwear that are not created to provide foot support. This is very important, especially if your job requires you to be on your feet all day or if you are going to be walking for a long time.
#6 Seek Podiatry Services
If you are feeling heel pain or skin itching, do not ignore it or replace a doctor’s advice with at-home treatments. A podiatrist is very knowledgeable on all foot and ankle issues and can quickly assess your issue and create a treatment plan to restore your feet to good health.
Top Podiatrist in Naples, FL
A lot can go wrong when it comes to your feet. Luckily, you have the highly skilled and experienced podiatrist, Dr. Cody Togher at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, whom you can trust with the care of your feet.
Dr. Togher offers a range of treatments, from conservative aids to minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, all while taking an individualized approach. We will recommend what is most appropriate for your condition.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Togher, call our office at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online request form. The friendly staff at the Joint Replacement Institute looks forward to welcoming you to our world-class facility!
