General Foot Care Tips

Maintaining proper foot care is essential for overall health and comfort. Here are some tips to keep your feet happy and healthy:

1. Daily Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet every day with soap and water. Ensure thorough rinsing, especially between the toes, and dry them completely afterward.

2. Nail Care: Trim your nails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short or digging at the corners. This helps prevent ingrown nails.

3. Avoid Corns and Calluses: Refrain from trimming, shaving, or using over-the-counter products to remove corns or calluses. Seek professional help if needed.

4. Wear Clean Socks: Opt for clean socks or stockings, changing them daily. Avoid ones that are too tight or short, as they can restrict circulation.

5. Choose Properly Fitting Shoes: Ensure your shoes fit well and provide adequate support. Here’s how to find the right fit:

- Only buy shoes that are comfortable from the start.
- Don’t count on shoes to stretch over time. If they’re too tight, inquire about stretching options.
- Have your feet measured regularly, especially as they may change size over time.
- Shop for shoes in the late afternoon when feet tend to swell.
- Size varies by make and style, so prioritize comfort over sticking to a specific size.
- Opt for shoes with a roomy toe box, snug heel, and secure instep.

Remember, the foot is a complex structure that requires attention and care. Neglecting foot health can lead to various issues, especially considering factors like excess weight and prolonged standing. Conditions like plantar fasciitis can arise from overuse or poor footwear choices.

Fortunately, there are products available to alleviate foot pain and prevent future problems. Custom-made orthotics, gel heel cushions, and non-prescription foot orthotics are among the options that can provide relief and support, not only for your feet but also for related issues in the back, hips, knees, and ankles.

References

1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Ingrown toenail: Learn More – How to cut toenails properly. [Updated 2021 Dec 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513131/

2. Latt, L. D., Jaffe, D. E., Tang, Y., & Taljanovic, M. S. (2020). Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 5(1), 2473011419896763–2473011419896763. https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011419896763

3. Herchenröder, M., Wilfling, D., & Steinhäuser, J. (2021). Evidence for foot orthoses for adults with flatfoot: a systematic review. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 14(1), 57-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-021-00499-z