Our feet are often neglected because they are hidden away in shoes and socks most of the time. Many of us are guilty of ignoring foot pain and discomfort and refusing to seek treatment for a Podiatrist or Chiropodist.

If you want to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, here are a few tips:

1. Have your feet measured. When we get older our feet become longer and wider. Having your feet measured is often associated with buying children’s shoes but many good shoe shops will offer foot measuring for adults too.
2. Wear good fitting shoes. ‘Sensible shoes’ are often thought of as unfashionable and boring, however you’d be surprised at the variety of sensible shoes available from all good shoe shops. Shoes which pinch or rub do not fit well and if you need to ‘wear them in’ they certainly will not fit well! When you try a shoe on it should be instantly comfortable. Always remember to try the pair on, as often people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Avoid pointy shoes, which can cramp your toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses. Shop for shoes in the afternoon. feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest.
3. Cut toenails properly. Toenails should be cut straight across, not rounded at the corners. Although this may look pretty, a rounded nail can be become ingrown and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Also, try to avoid cutting too close to the skin.
4. Keep your feet clean and dry. Healthy feet start with good hygiene. When you have a bath or shower make sure you take a moment to thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water. When drying your feet, don’t forget to dry between the toes as excess moisture between the toes can be a breeding ground for fungal infections.
5. Use a good moisturiser on a daily basis. After bathing, take a pea size amount of foot moisturiser and massage into your feet to keep them hydrated. We recommend a good moisturiser which you can but from a podiatry clinic or pharmacies. Try to include this into your nightly routine, moisturising the feet is just as important as brushing your teeth.
6. Examine your feet. When drying your feet or applying moisturiser take a moment to examine your feet. Look for any changes in your foot health such as, peeling between the toes, open sores or discolouration of the nails. Often an underlying health condition can present itself in the feet. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day since diabetes leads to a higher risk of foot sores and infections.
7. Change your socks. Wear, clean, dry socks every day and change them if they become too sweaty. Warm, moist, sweat covered feet is perfect for swarms of bacteria to grow on.
8. Rest. Remember that proper rest is good for every part of the body. Lay back and put your feet up once in a while. Lack of stress can have all sorts of benefits for your body.
9. Keep your feet at a constant temperature. In the winter some people are prone to chilblains. The best way to combat this is to keep your feet warm in the icy weather. If your toes do get cold make sure that they warm up slowly because it is the rapid heating of cold toes that causes chilblains.
10. Know when to visit a Podiatrist. A Podiatrist is an expert in all aspects of the foot and can treat many foot related conditions. Never attempt to self diagnose or treat your own foot problems. DIY bathroom surgery is never recommended. Allowing a Podiatrist to treat you can help prevent minor problems from becoming major problems. If you have any concerns regarding your foot health make an appointment with our Podiatrist today.

Your feet take you everywhere you want to go. Give them the care and attention they deserve by keeping them clean and choosing your footwear carefully. You can do wonderful things for your feet by making slight adjustments to the things you do every day. Stick to these simple tips in order to keep your feet in top-notch shape.