5 Tips for Healthier Feet in the New Year
Make sure you are wearing appropriately sized shoes
Most of us love shoes. However, when wearing the wrong shoes a lot of issues can arise. Bunions, hammertoes, painful callous and ingrown toenails are some of these conditions. When choosing a shoe make sure the toe box is wide enough to spread your toes out inside. Also make sure your toes are not up against the end of the toe box, but not so far back that the foot is constantly slipping when walking. If you are someone who likes a bit of height to their shoe, try a wedge to avoid putting so much pressure on the ball of the foot.
Socks matter, choose wisely
Socks are important and the wrong ones can lead to painful conditions. Socks protect the foot from impact and friction as well as help promote healthy skin on the feet. Cotton socks are soft and absorbent but should be limited in sports due to poor performance. Wool is good for warmth and intermediate moisture output. Silk is good for thermal insulation. Polyester is the best for keeping feet dry as it has good wicking properties.
Check your feet daily
Foot checks are important. A lot of times we don't realize something is wrong until we are having discomfort or pain. Checking your feet daily to make sure you do not have any new areas of irritation that could become blisters or callous. Check your toenails and look for changes or areas of irritation around the nail beds or corners. The quicker you notice something the easier it is to make a change to prevent a larger issue like an ingrown toenail or a painful crack in the skin.
Moisturize!
The skin on the bottom of the foot is much thicker than skin anywhere else on the body, it needs to be moisturized. Think about the amount of time throughout the year that we wear sandals or shoes without socks; this will also lead to dry skin on the bottom of the feet. Remember that socks help keep your feet hydrated. Hot showers can also contribute to dry skin. Get in the habit of applying lotion daily to your feet but avoid putting lotion between your toes. I also recommend to my patients applying some Aquaphor to their toenails after getting out of the shower as nails like to be hydrated and this can help prevent ingrown toenails.
Don’t delay foot care
Most importantly, if you notice any pain or changes in your feet, make an appointment sooner rather than later. If it is giving you pain, it is a problem. You do not have to be in pain, but the first step is making an appointment to have your condition evaluated and treated.