It is not without reason that Socrates once said, “To him whose feet hurt, everything hurts.” The feet are the foundation of human body and any problem down there will be felt elsewhere in the body. So, it is very necessary to know how to take care of foot. The human foot was designed to walk on the surfaces like earth, grass and sand. But the fact is that we are now forced to walk on hard surfaces like tiles, marble and concrete which are pretty hard on our feet. If we neglect symptoms of basic foot ailments and pain that may be turned into some serious health hazards. So, we will look into simple 6 tips how to take care of foot in this article.
6 Tips How to Take Care of Foot:
1. Take a Good, Long Look in the Mirror:
When was the last time you took a good look at your feet? Your answer will be really disappointing. Medical issues such as arthritis, diabetes and circulatory or nerve disorders can also be indicated by foot problems. “Use a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet,” suggests the National Institute on Aging. “Look for cuts, blisters, and ingrown toenails.” If necessary, enlist a family member to help examine your feet. Also, your feet should not hurt all the time. “Persistent foot pain can be an indication of injury, irritation or illness,” cautions the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
2. Pamper Those Babies:
While inspecting your feet, it is a great time to take a few minutes to give them a good massage. Not only do massages feel good, but they are also a wonderful way to increase circulation and release tension. Use a good lotion while rubbing them down and you will add some moisturizer back into those feet that feel dry and cracked after a winter of neglect, heated air, and cold temperatures.
3. Give Them Some Exercise:
Yes, exercise. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) recommends several simple exercises to prevent foot discomfort and to even strengthen toes. Try picking up marbles one at a time with your toes. Massage and provide overall foot conditioning by taking a walk on the beach or on lush green grass in the early morning. You can even use a golf ball to roll under your foot to ease arch strain, foot cramps, or heel pain.
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4. Increase Vitamins and Minerals:
With 26 bones in each foot, you have 52 total bones in your feet that accounts for almost one quarter of all the bones in the body. Osteoporosis, a disease of progressive bone loss, can also affect your feet. In fact, according to the AOFAS, a stress fracture in your foot may be one of the first signs indicating the presence of Osteoporosis. Increasing your intake of calcium and Vitamin D can help maintain bone quality and decrease your risk of fracture. Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of calcium. Dietary supplements can also help, but be sure to talk to your doctor.
5. Pedicure Properly:
For those who get professional pedicure, it is recommended to visit salon first in the morning, when footpaths are typically cleaner. Also it is a good idea to take your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can easily move from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques. Also, do not allow the technician to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Instead, opt to provide your own clean pumice stone. If you are choose to go the DIY route at home, use a straight-edged toenail clipper and cut straight across the nail : resisting the urge to round the edges. To further decrease the risk of infection, utilize a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles instead of cutting them.
6. Check for Fungus:
Dark, warm, moist areas – like your favorite boots and shoes – are perfect breeding grounds for a fungus to grow. Fungal infections can be hard to cure and lead to dry skin, blisters, itching, redness, and peeling. While over the counter creams are helpful, you should see a doctor if the symptoms don’t clear up after two to four weeks. The Institute on Aging offers the following suggestions to prevent infections:
- Keep your feet clean and dry by paying close attention to the area between your toes and making regular changes to your shoes, socks, or stocking.
- Do not buy tight shoes
- Dust your with a talc-free powder to help maintain a moisture-free environment.
- Do not apply nail polish to cover up thick, discolored toenails, which can also be a sign of a fungal infection. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to breathe.
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