Most people are very hard on their feet, walking almost 8,000 steps a
day. And honestly, no one bothers to give their feet a little TLC except
for an occasional pedicure. It is important to pay more attention. Here
are a few things every podiatrist wishes their patients would do -
Do not use the public shower barefoot:
Locker rooms and gym showers are a breeding ground for fungus that leads to athlete's foot, so make sure you wear water shoes or flip-flops. Go that extra mile when drying your feet. Similarly, if you plan for a pedicure, try to get the first appointment when the pedicure tubs are expected to be the cleanest.
Your feet are an insight to your overall health:
For instance, if the skin of your feet gets shinier or thinner or hair on your feet starts to disappear, you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD can lead to stroke or heart problems because clogged arteries within the legs are normally linked to blockages elsewhere within the body. Also, if your foot ulcers don't heal; they may be a consequence of undiagnosed diabetes.
Avoid pointy pumps:
Shoes that squish the toes together are likely to get you bumps or bunion. The skin over the bunion will get irritated, red, and swollen, making it very difficult for you to walk. Also, avoid wearing heels that are above 2 inches.
Your toe length is important:
In case your second toe is longer than the first toe, you are likely to get hammer toes, bunions, and even back problems because of pressure gets distributed throughout the body. The weight should ideally leave the first toe, but because the second toe is longer, it flattens and rolls, causing foot problems. In case you are suffering from this condition, speak to your podiatrist and learn about the best footwear for you.
Fungal infection:
In case the toenails have become discolored or are getting thicker, chances are you are suffering from fungus. Make sure you keep the feet dry at all times and get rid of sweaty socks to prevent fungus - which flourishes in moist, warm environments and can attack your skin through small cuts or separation between the nail bed and nail.
Take good care of your feet if you are diabetic:
In case you suffer from diabetes, make sure to check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, ulcers and redness. If you neglect your wounds, you may get an infection, causing serious consequences.
Your feet are actually getting bigger:
Did you know that there is a possibility that you have gone up half-size in the past decade? Feet tend to get both wider and longer as you start to age because the ligaments and tendons that link small bones start to lose elasticity. Measure the feet once a year so that you are aware of your true size. If you wear shoes that don't fit you properly, you may end up with a lot of discomfort, accelerating or creating a bunion or blister, among other problems.
Knowing your feet well and taking good care of them helps you stay fit and healthy!
Do not use the public shower barefoot:
Locker rooms and gym showers are a breeding ground for fungus that leads to athlete's foot, so make sure you wear water shoes or flip-flops. Go that extra mile when drying your feet. Similarly, if you plan for a pedicure, try to get the first appointment when the pedicure tubs are expected to be the cleanest.
Your feet are an insight to your overall health:
For instance, if the skin of your feet gets shinier or thinner or hair on your feet starts to disappear, you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD can lead to stroke or heart problems because clogged arteries within the legs are normally linked to blockages elsewhere within the body. Also, if your foot ulcers don't heal; they may be a consequence of undiagnosed diabetes.
Avoid pointy pumps:
Shoes that squish the toes together are likely to get you bumps or bunion. The skin over the bunion will get irritated, red, and swollen, making it very difficult for you to walk. Also, avoid wearing heels that are above 2 inches.
Your toe length is important:
In case your second toe is longer than the first toe, you are likely to get hammer toes, bunions, and even back problems because of pressure gets distributed throughout the body. The weight should ideally leave the first toe, but because the second toe is longer, it flattens and rolls, causing foot problems. In case you are suffering from this condition, speak to your podiatrist and learn about the best footwear for you.
Fungal infection:
In case the toenails have become discolored or are getting thicker, chances are you are suffering from fungus. Make sure you keep the feet dry at all times and get rid of sweaty socks to prevent fungus - which flourishes in moist, warm environments and can attack your skin through small cuts or separation between the nail bed and nail.
Take good care of your feet if you are diabetic:
In case you suffer from diabetes, make sure to check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, ulcers and redness. If you neglect your wounds, you may get an infection, causing serious consequences.
Your feet are actually getting bigger:
Did you know that there is a possibility that you have gone up half-size in the past decade? Feet tend to get both wider and longer as you start to age because the ligaments and tendons that link small bones start to lose elasticity. Measure the feet once a year so that you are aware of your true size. If you wear shoes that don't fit you properly, you may end up with a lot of discomfort, accelerating or creating a bunion or blister, among other problems.
Knowing your feet well and taking good care of them helps you stay fit and healthy!
