Top Ten Foot Health Tips
- Don't ignore foot pain�it's not normal. If the pain persists, see a podiatrist, if not at least a GP.
- Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discoloration of the nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Scaling or peeling on the soles of feet could suggest athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
- Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely always.
- Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e., hiking shoes for hiking).
- Alternate your footwear � do not wear the same pair of shoes every day.
- Make sure that your footwear fit properly. Purchase new shoes, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
- Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Try not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to getting infection.
- Be careful when using home remedies for foot health problems; self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one. Consult GP or podiatrist if needed.
- Avoid walking barefooted�your feet will be more prone to injury and infection such as athlete�s foot. At the beach or when wearing sandals, always use sunblock on your feet just as on the rest of your body.
- If you are a person with diabetes, it is vital that you see a podiatric practitioner at least once a year for a check-up.
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