Keep Your Feet Healthy and Injury-Free

Tips to maintain healthy and injury-free feet are provided below.

• Examine feet daily in good light. Look for areas of dryness or cracking, especially around the toenails, between the toes and on the soles. 
• Wash feet in warm, soapy water each day. Dry feet thoroughly.
• If feet become excessively dry, moisturize the soles with unscented lotion.
• Never walk barefoot either indoors or outdoors.
• Avoid exposing feet to extreme heat, such as hot sand or pavement. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Check bath water temperature with your elbow before entering. Do not use hot water or a heating pad to warm cold feet; instead, wear loose socks if feet are cold.
• Trim toenails straight across and gently round corners with a fine emery board or pumice stone.
• Visit a physician or podiatrist to treat corns or calluses. Do not use commercial corn or callous removers, footpads or arch supports.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Avoid shoes with open toes or heels, sandals and shoes that squeeze toes together.
• Buy new shoes late in the day when feet are slightly enlarged to assure they will fit comfortably at any time. New shoes should never be worn more than two hours at one time.
• Wear seamless socks or stockings with shoes. Socks should be clean and changed daily.
• Avoid using garters or elastics to hold up stockings, or any garments that are tight around the legs.
• Walking is the best exercise for the feet, provided shoes fit properly. After exercising, be sure to check feet for signs of irritation or blisters.
• Prop up feet when seated to increase circulation. Wiggle toes and move ankles up and down for five minutes, two or three times a day. Don’t cross legs for long periods of time.