Top 10 Foot Care Tips

10 Foot Care Tips

1. Inspect your feet daily.
This is one of the most important foot care tips because it can detect changes and problems may be prevented.  If you have any signs of trauma like redness or blisters, cuts, cracks, swelling or
color changes you should have these assessed by a podiatrist immediately. Using a mirror can help you see all areas on the bottoms of your feet, particularly if you have problems with mobility.

2. If the shoe fits?
These foot care tips may seem like common sense but there are many people out there who do not follow them and this can later cause a lot of problems with your feet. Be certain that your shoes fit with room to wiggle your toes. Always look and feel inside your shoes before putting them on, especially if you have diabetes. This is incase there are any foreign objects there, such as gravel, that could cause sores or irritation which could lead to complex problems. Always wear clean and well-fitting socks.

3. Toe the line
Wash your feet everyday and make sure that you dry them thoroughly paying particular attention between the toes. Making sure you have dried between the toes will minimise the risk of cracks in the skin and secondary fungal infection. By following these simple foot care tips you will find that over time your feet will feel and look much better.

Foot Care Tips To Give You Top Feet

4. Nail Care
Always cut your nails straight across and then smooth the edges with an emery board or nail file. If reaching your nails comfortably is a problem, have your podiatrist do this for you. This will also provide an opportunity for an overall foot check, both of services which we offer to our customers at our Podiatry clinic in Bearsden Glasgow.


5. PLEASE! Do not self-treat
Always see a podiatrist for corns, callus or ingrown toenails. Do not attempt to self-treat these conditions. Self treatment can often lead to secondary infections or delays in healing. 

6. Prevent Cracking
Having dry skin on your feet is common. Applying cream daily will help prevent dry skin from cracking but avoid putting cream between your toes. Cream in the crevices can make skin more susceptible to infection. Creams which contain urea will be much more effective in treating dry skin. Some simple steps like these foot care tips can inform people so they can look after their own feet and prevent infections.

Some Simple Foot Care Tips

7. Keep the blood flowing
Gentle daily exercise can help with circulation problems. Using the muscles in your lower leg activates what is known as the ‘muscle pump’ which helps return blood back up the leg. If you experience cramping of your calves while walking you must discuss this with your podiatrist. Lower leg cramping can be a sign of intermittent claudication, which is one of the first signs of impaired circulation.

8. Keeping it moderate
Protect your feet from extremes in temperature. Keep bath water temperate in the 85-90 F degree range (30-32 C). If you have diabetes or know that you have neuropathy, you may not be able to feel if the water is too hot, and you could suffer serious burns. Never use heating pads or hot water bottles if you have loss of sensation of your feet. Protect your feet from temperatures that are too cold if you
already know you have a circulation problem. Prolonged exposure to cold can decrease circulation in your feet even more.

9. Pump It Up
Ask your healthcare professional about an exercise program that's right for you. If you need advice on the right footwear for your chosen activity your podiatrist will be able to explain the differences and help you choose from the vast range of shoes out there. The right shoe for the job is vital to reduce the risk of problems.

10. Last and definitely not least.
It's so important to practice preventative care like the tips listed here, every day. If
you notice anything that does not look normal please arrange an assessment with
your podiatrist immediately. Prevention is always better than cure, so discuss any
concerns regarding your feet with your podiatrist. The Podiatrist will explain why
your feet are the way they are and what you can do to prevent injury and keep you
comfortable for longer.