Foot Care Basics
“The best way to prevent foot problems is to take care of your feet from the start. It’s a good idea to look for any irritation, cracks in the skin, itching between the toes, or anything that’s making you uncomfortable in a shoe, like a bunion or callus,” says Tracey C. Vlahovic, a professor at Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine in Oakland, Calif.
Where to Start
- 1. Clean your feet daily and wear clean, dry socks
- 2. Inspect your feet and toes regularly
- 3. Cut toenails carefully and regularly
- 4. Try self-care for calluses and corns
- 5. Seek help for bunions, hammertoes and crossover toes
Promoting Healthy Feet
- 6. Improve your balance and mobility
- 7. When to wear shoes around the house
- 8. Choose the right type of shoes
- 9. Consider orthotics
- 10. Try an over-the-counter version for heel pain
Foot Exercises
- 12. Give your feet a workout
- 13. Try new shoes on in the middle of the day
- 14. Try new shoes with your orthotics or insoles
- 15. Have both feet measured regularly
- 16. Don’t assume every pair of shoes your size will fit your feet
- 17. Stand during the fitting process
- 18. Take a walk
Treating Foot Pain and Fungal Infections
- 19. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in certain public areas
- 20. Rotate your shoes
- 21. Wear the right type of socks
- 22. Try OTC preparations and other home care
- 23. Consider remedies for plantar hyperhidrosis
Arthritis Foot Care
- 24. Know when to call the doc
- 25. Try sneakers with rocker soles
- 26. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
- 27. Use ice — and heat
- 28. Move more
- 29. Use the right painkillers
Diabetic Foot Care
- 30. Watch for diabetes warning signs
- 31. Keep your blood sugar under control
- 32. Check your feet every day
- 33. Wear the right socks
- 34. Outsource care for your toes and soles
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Try new shoes on in the middle of the day | Badly fitting shoes contribute to all sorts of foot problems, from corns and toe deformities to plantar fasciitis. It’s best to try on new shoes after you’ve been on your feet for a while. |
| Wear the right type of socks | Special socks made of sweat-wicking materials can reduce friction between the feet and shoes, and reduce the risk of blisters, which can lead to ulcers. |
| Use ice — and heat | Both can help, but for different reasons.
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