It's no surprise that feet change over time, becoming bigger and flatter as gravity bears our weight down on them and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles decrease proper circulation in our legs and swells our ankles and feet. Not only that, loosening tendons and ligaments can lead to an increased risk for plantar fasciitis, bunions, ankle sprains, and more. Related: What's in store for those aging feet?
Keeping this in mind, it's good to follow these foot care practices:
Inspect your feet daily for swelling, calluses, and other abnormalities.
Wash your feet everyday and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Make sure shoes fit properly. Shoes that are too tight or too narrow can cause pressure spots and irritation.
Take care of toenails. Trim them carefully and properly; otherwise, you run the risk of ingrown toenails and other conditions that can only be fixed surgically. Get help if you can't do it yourself, or make an appointment for a pedicure.
If you have diabetes, you must take extra good care of your feet! If you know or love someone with diabetes, you'll do them a great favor by volunteering to help. Quite often, people with diabetes are unable to perform some of these steps and recommendations by themselves. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the feet, making it hard to notice small sores, which can result in ulcers when left untreated.
See a podiatrist regularly for a professional foot inspection, at least once a year, or more if you have diabetes or other health conditions that affect the health of your feet.
For additional foot care advise, NHS Choices is a good resource. Stay well!
Keeping this in mind, it's good to follow these foot care practices:
Inspect your feet daily for swelling, calluses, and other abnormalities.
Wash your feet everyday and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Make sure shoes fit properly. Shoes that are too tight or too narrow can cause pressure spots and irritation.
Take care of toenails. Trim them carefully and properly; otherwise, you run the risk of ingrown toenails and other conditions that can only be fixed surgically. Get help if you can't do it yourself, or make an appointment for a pedicure.
If you have diabetes, you must take extra good care of your feet! If you know or love someone with diabetes, you'll do them a great favor by volunteering to help. Quite often, people with diabetes are unable to perform some of these steps and recommendations by themselves. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, a loss of feeling in the feet, making it hard to notice small sores, which can result in ulcers when left untreated.
See a podiatrist regularly for a professional foot inspection, at least once a year, or more if you have diabetes or other health conditions that affect the health of your feet.
For additional foot care advise, NHS Choices is a good resource. Stay well!