Your feet don't just take you where you need to go; their many components work together to support your body and give it balance. If one component doesn't function properly, the rest of your body suffers. And, unfortunately, your feet are vulnerable to many types of damage that can creep up without your knowledge. Having proper foot hygiene and protecting your feet from injury are two major ways to ensure that you have good feet that function at their greatest capacity.
Step 1
Buy shoes that are the right size. Ask a professional in the shoestore to help you choose a pair that best suits your feet. Because shoe sizes can vary by manufacturer, you may need to try on a few sizes for each brand you try on. The UCLA Medical Group recommends trying on shoes late in the day because that is when your feet are at their biggest. As you walk around during the day, your feet expand and spread out with each step.
Step 2
Wear comfortable shoes. The best shoes to wear on a daily basis should be cushioned and styled for walking or running, says the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension. Walk around the shoestore wearing any style you're interested in buying. Skip pairs that are too tight or pinch your feet or have high heels and pointed toes that cause uncomfortable pressure or rub on your feet, says the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension office.
Step 3
Wash your feet every day with warm water. Scrub them thoroughly with body soap whenever you shower, and don't forget to wash the spaces in between your toes. If your feet are prone to sweating and odor, wash them with a mild, antibacterial soap, suggests Health Services at Columbia University.
Step 4
Dry your feet completely if your feet easily develop odor. This will reduce the amount of bacteria that thrive in the moist areas between your toes. If necessary, use an over-the-counter foot powder to reduce sweating and apply corn starch to your shoes to keep them dry.
Step 5
Moisturize your feet if they are prone to dryness. Hydrating the skin on your feet helps reduce the cracks and fissures that form when dry weather and open shoes evaporate your skin's natural moisture, says the UCLA Medical Group.
Step 6
Cut your toenails across rather than around. Cutting into your toenails' corners can result in ingrown toenails, says the UCLA Medical Group. Use an emery board if you have bothersome sharp corners in your nails. Get a professional pedicure if you want extra maintenance or you're unable to bend down to reach your toes.
Step 7
Visit your health care provider if you have any troublesome foot issues. If you have a corn or wart that doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment, resist the urge to use a razor or scissors or you risk causing more damage, says the New Mexico University Cooperative Extension. Don't ignore persistent pain in your feet, either; it could be a symptom of an underlying health condition that requires professional treatment, according to the UCLA Medical Group.
Things You'll Need
- Cushioned shoes, walking or running style
- Foot powder
- Corn starch
- Emery board
- Nail clippers
- Mild, antibacterial soap
- Foot moisturizer
References
- New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension: Healthy Feet
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Foot Tips
- UCLA Medical Group: Happy Feet--10 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet
- Health Services at Columbia University: Foot Odor
- Medical News Today: Maintaining Healthy Feet
