Feet do a huge amount of work, yet most of us hardly give them a thought. We push them into tight shoes, keep them busy for hours and only pay attention once they start to hurt. The good news is that a short foot care routine takes very little time and can keep your feet clean, comfortable and in good shape. These easy habits fit neatly into any family’s week.
Wash Well and Dry Carefully
A daily wash with warm water and a gentle soap clears away sweat and germs. What many people forget is the drying. Damp skin between the toes is exactly where fungus likes to grow, so pat each gap dry with a soft towel. If your feet get sweaty easily, putting on a fresh pair of socks halfway through the day can help.
Look After Skin and Toenails
Heels often turn dry and cracked, particularly in winter or during sandal season. Rubbing a moisturising cream over the tops and soles of your feet can soften them. Just keep the cream away from the spaces between your toes, as that skin should stay dry.
- Cut toenails in a straight line instead of curving the corners.
- Use clean clippers and smooth any rough edges with a nail file.
- Try not to pick or tear the skin around the nails.
- After a bath, a pumice stone can be used lightly on hard skin if it feels comfortable.
Pick Smart Socks and Shoes
Socks made from breathable fabrics or materials that pull moisture away from the skin help feet stay dry. Shoes should fit properly and give your toes space to wiggle. Walking barefoot at home is lovely, but in shared places such as pool decks and gym showers, slip on sandals or flip flops to lower the chance of picking up common infections.
Treat your feet kindly at the end of a long day as well. Roll the sole of your foot over a small ball, stretch your calves or simply rest your feet up on a cushion for a while.
Give Your Feet a Quick Check
Every few days, look closely at your feet, including the soles and the gaps between your toes. Watch for cuts, blisters, colour changes, swelling or spots that feel warmer than usual. This matters even more for anyone with diabetes or poor circulation, since they may not feel minor injuries. A podiatrist can help if a sore is slow to heal, pain does not go away, nails become thick or discoloured, or the shape of your feet changes. The CDC advice on diabetes and your feet explains why daily checks help.
At WhatsOnTech we believe healthy feet help people stay active at every age. Find more ideas in our podiatry guides.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice.
