A Daily Routine For Healthy Feet

Comfortable and
healthy feet are very important to our general wellbeing. People rarely consider the consequences of neglecting their feet yet neglect can lead to long term and sometimes chronic pain and discomfort. With only two feet to stand on we don't have a lot of spare capacity so looking after them is pretty important and starts with a daily routine.

A regular daily routine is very important if you are to keep your feet healthy and pain free. Even if you have neglected them for some time it is never too late to start doing the right thing for them and there is a lot that you can do for yourself.

Diabetes has a massive impact on your foot care and if you have diabetes, you should consult a registered podiatrist/chiropodist for a professional check up.

Your daily routine should include washing your feet in soapy, warm water. Avoid soaking, no matter how pleasurable it might feel at the time, as this can remove the natural oils. Afterwards, make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly paying particular attention between the toes.

Apply moisturising cream all over the foot, except for between the toes if your skin is dry before applying a light dusting of foot powder.

Once your feet are clean and dry you can inspect them carefully to see what else might be necessary. Hard skin can be removed gently with a pumice stone, but not if it is over a boney area or joint. If you have hard skin over a joint or boney area, or if there is pain associated with the hard skin, consult a registered podiatrist/chiropodist.

Your toe nails need to be trimmed regularly, using proper nail clippers. Cut the nail straight across, not too short, and don't cut down at the corners as this can lead to in-growing nails.

Keep your feet warm, and exercise regularly to make sure you maintain good circulation.

Comfortable shoes are important to the health of your feet so make sure you wear the right shoe for whatever you are doing. This can vary considerably according to your work and lifestyle.