A stable base, our supports and what should be, our perfect pair. They carry us through every step of our lives. From the moment you get out of bed in the morning to the last step you take before sleep, your feet take on every task and keep you moving. Yet many people only start thinking about their feet when something goes wrong.
Caring for your feet shouldn’t be a luxury; it’s an essential part of our overall health. So what does foot care really mean, and how can you show your feet the love they deserve?
Why you should love your feet?
You and your feet are in a lifelong committed relationship, you can’t just switch them out for a newer style when the wear and tear becomes visible. They are home to a quarter of the bones in our bodies, held together by over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is a complex system designed to work together to keep you moving.
Just like in a great relationship, your feet will communicate when they have concerns, through pain, fatigue, and visible changes. The ideal is you care enough for them that they don’t need to tell you when they need fixing, instead you meet their needs through your own daily decision and actions.
Daily Foot Care
It’s all about starting a habit! Just like any other relationship, it’s the daily small acts of care that will go a long way to keep your feet happy and healthy.
Wash: Use soap and water daily. Make sure to get rid of all the dirt and bugs collected throughout the day.
Dry: After the shower, dry your feet, especially between your toes. Trapped moisture can lead to soggy skin and fungal infections. (pro tip: if you struggle to reach your feet, try securing a dry washer to the end of a spatula to dry in between your toes).
Moisturise: Dry, cracked feet are never enjoyable. Minimise this risk by applying moisturiser to your feet and legs daily, avoiding between your toes. (pro tip: leave your moisturiser next to the couch or bed to apply when seated at night).
Always remember to check your feet regularly. Keep an eye out for any redness, swelling, cracks or changes to your normal.
Toenails
Toenails may seem low maintenance, but they still need attention. Remember to trim them straight across, avoid cutting them too short, and don’t go digging into the corners. Improper care can lead to painful ingrown nails and/or become prone to infections.
If your nails are thick, discolored, or tricky to manage, don’t ignore the signs. That’s a good time to see a podiatrist rather than trying to manage it on your own.
Shoes
We’ve all been tempted by a shoe that looks great but doesn’t treat us well. Footwear that squeezes your feet or lacks support can lead to ongoing pains and concerns. When searching for your next pair of shoes, here are some things to keep in mind.
- A roomy toe box – You should be able to wiggle your toes
- Correct length and width – Your feet can change overtime
- Cushioning to absorb shock and keep you comfortable
- A stable base to keep you balanced
You don’t have to give up on style or a matching outfit, but your shoes should work with your feet, not against them. If your feet hurt at the end of the day, that’s valuable feedback. Listen to it!
Keep them moving!
What are the daily activities you love the most? High chance you are using your legs and feet to partake in these. Every day we are putting hours of stress through our feet, so what can we do to avoid pain and injuries?
Regular gentle stretching and massaging of your calves and feet can help avoid pain and the stiffness we all experience after a long day on our feet.
Resting is also just as important. Letting our bodies recover properly, reduces risk of overuse injuries. Any kind of aches and pains or swelling are our feet telling us its time to kick them up and give them a rest. Once again, listening to the signs your body is telling you is the best way to start caring for your feet.
When to call your Podiatrist
One of the most important ways to love your feet is knowing when to seek professional care. Give your podiatrist a visit if you experience:
- · Ongoing foot or heel pain
- · Numbness or tingling
- · Changes in skin color or temperature
- · Painful callus or corns
- · Nail changes or infections
Early treatment often means simpler solutions and faster relief.
Final thoughts
Your feet support your independence, mobility, and quality of life. Today is the day to begin creating small daily habits to care for them. Treat them kindly, listen to what they’re telling you, and don’t hesitate to seek help when they need it. After all, they’re with you for every step of your journey, and you only get one perfect pair.