Make a New Year’s Resolution to Take Good Care of Your Feet
Have you made a New Year’s resolution yet? Maybe getting better control of your finances or getting off of that couch to exercise more?
Resolutions like these are too broad and hard to begin. But we have one for you that is very specific and simple to accomplish: Take good care of your feet!
Here are our favorite home foot care ideas that will keep your tootsies healthy and happy:
Check your feet every day. It’s important to keep an eye on your feet and ankles because small problems can become big ones.Look at the soles of your feet and the tops, and inspect between the toes too. Check your toenails for any sign of nail fungus. Note that this step is especially important for those with diabetes, as an unnoticed cut may have trouble healing and can worsen into an ulcer.
Clean those feet daily in warm, soapy water. Be sure to dry completely, especially between the toes.
Apply a rich foot lotion or cream every day to keep your skin smooth.
Find a nail salon that you like and that has all the right qualities of cleanliness and professionalism. Speak up and ask the technician for any special services, for example, if you have diabetes. All tools should come from a newly-sanitized packet. If you choose to take care of your nails at home, be careful to cut them straight across the top – not rounded at the corners – to prevent ingrown toenails.
Is it time to get new shoes? One of the most important ways to take care of your feet is to wear well-fitting, high-quality shoes. Toss any old, worn shoes and those that are too narrow or tight. When shoe shopping, visit the store later in the day when feet are largest. Take some time to walk around the store to make sure that any new footwear fits well.
Don’t forget socks! Socks help absorb moisture to prevent toenail fungus and also keep your feet warm and dry.
Be careful in public areas like pools, locker rooms, showers and spas to protect your feet from bacteria and fungi. Wear shower shoes and flip-flops to avoid contacting surfaces.
Don’t forget regular visits with a foot doctor! This is essential for individuals with diabetes so that any foot damage does not go unnoticed. Let us check your feet and ankles for any abnormalities or injury.
We wish all our patients and friends a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2020!
We Can Help Resolve Your Foot or Ankle Pain
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all
aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the
newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County,
conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.