Six Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy

Our feet take on a tremendous amount of pressure every day just by walking or running. In fact, 75 percent of Americans will experience some kind of foot health problem at some point in their lives. Oftentimes we forget to take care of this vital part of our body, so we’ve compiled six ways you can keep your feet healthy in honor of Foot Health Awareness Month:

1. Make sure your feet are kept clean and dry. Good hygiene is an important factor when it comes to foot health. When you shower, clean and scrub your feet with soap and water. Once you’re done, be sure to
   dry them thoroughly to prevent fungus from growing.
2. Don’t forget about your toenails. Keep them trimmed straight across without cutting too close to the skin. If you have a toenail that is cracked, crumbling, thick or discolored, avoid using nail polish to cover
   it. This could aggravate an infected nail and make the issue worse.
3. Keep shoes on in public, especially in gym locker rooms, public pools, and hotel bathrooms. Fungi breed in places like this and going barefoot could result in a foot infection. Additionally, don’t share foot gear with others.
4. When choosing footwear, go for something breathable. This will help your feet to stay dry. Finding shoes that fit properly is also important. Shoes that are too tight can cause long-term foot problems, so consider how much your feet swell and purchase a size that will compensate for that. When trying on new shoes, wear the same kind of socks you’d normally wear to get the best idea of how they will fit. Skip pointy shoes, which can cause cramp your toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses.
5. Keep an eye on your feet to identify any issues. You should give yourself a foot exam once a week while taking a shower. Look at your feet for scaling or peeling between your toes, as well as any nail discoloration.
6. Speak with your doctor about foot issues. Do not attempt to treat things yourself because it can make the problem worse. Persistent pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration should be looked at by a doctor. Most of the time, issues like this can be cleared up with a prescription or an in-office procedure.

Your feet help you get where you need to go, so when thinking about your overall health, don’t forget about them.