Taking good care of your feet is very important. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, require you to be careful and monitor your feet more closely. Some helpful hints for good foot care are:
- Keep a close eye on your feet. Look at them daily to check for swelling, redness, blisters, corns, cuts or calluses. If you have difficulty reaching your feet try using a mirror or have someone else to look them over for you. If you detect problems contact your podiatrist or physician.
- If your feet seem to stay very dry try using a water based cream such as Sorbolene or Eulactol. Make sure you use the cream on your feet and heels but not in-between your toes.
- Don’t use talcum powder.
- Use tepid water to clean your feet. It is not necessary to soak your feet but if you do, DON’T soak for long periods of time as it dehydrates your skin.
- Do not walk around barefoot to reduce possible risk of injury.
- Cut toe nails strait across and gently file edges. Never cut shorter than the end of your toe, and never cut down the side, this could lead to ingrown toenails and possibly cause infection.
- Always wear clean and proper fitting foot attire.
- Don’t smoke — it further reduces blood supply to your feet.
- Exercise and good eating habits are important to overall health — including your feet.