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
