Quick foot-care tips
With summer just around the corner, what better time to get your feet in shape for those days when your feet will be on show to the world.
Here are a few tips to keep your feet in good condition over the warmer months.
Moisturise!
Do your feet ever feel dry around the heels? Do you get deep cracks in the skin? These are indicators that your skin is too dry and needs some extra attention. A simple and effective way to keep your skin hydrated is to apply a moisturiser that is designed to be applied to the feet. Choose something that contains urea to help moisturise dry, flaky skin and act as a chemical exfoliator. Aim percentage of urea to be between 10 and 20%. Gently apply the cream after your shower to ensure your feet are nice and clean prior to application. It is also suggested to put socks on after applying the cream to help with absorption. Staying hydrated will also help keep your skin moisturised.
Get rid of your dry heels!
If your heels are very dry and cracked, a podiatrist can remove all that rough skin with a standard general appointment. If you are looking for a home solution, use a pumice stone once a week and continue with your daily use of moisturiser. Avoid going barefoot and wear comfortable, cushioned shoes to reduce the pressure your feet are under.
Trim your toenails straight across.
Take care when cutting your toenails and try avoid cutting the down the sides. This can cause ingrown toenails which can be quite painful and lead to further complications. It is best to cut your nails frequently and don’t cut them too short! If you are prone to ingrown toenails, visit a podiatrist who can manage them for you.
Wear the right shoes.
Wearing inappropriate shoes regularly can lead to issues like bunions, heel pain, painful corns, just to name a few! A good tip when buying new shoes is to go shoe shopping in the afternoon, as your feet tend to swell throughout the day. Avoiding footwear with a high-heel will ensure that pressure is not going to unnecessarily be on the ball of your foot.
Foot health should be maintained all year long however this can be made difficult with existing health conditions or injuries. When foot health requires more than just simple maintenance, consult with your podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment.