Did you know that the average adult walks the equivalent of more than 4 times around the world in a lifetime? It's hardly surprising that between 75 and 80% of adults have some form of foot problem during their lifetime.
We need to look after our feet as much as any part of our bodies. Unfortunately, we often neglect them, and it's not until our feet become uncomfortable that we pay them any attention. To keep problem feet at bay, follow these tips and transform your feet into loveable tootsies you can be proud of.
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Wash your feet daily in mild, soapy water for just a few minutes. Soaking them for longer will disrupt the balance of natural oils in your skin. Dry your feet properly with a soft towel, paying careful attention to the spaces between the toes.
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File hard skin away gently with a foot file or a pumice stone. For best results, use a pumice stone in the bath or shower when the skin is soft. Follow with a foot file (looks like a large emery board) after bathing when your feet have dried. For really smooth and polished feel, finish your “treatment” by applying moisturising cream.
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Apply cream to your feet daily, more often if they are really dry. Use a good, thick moisturising cream and rub into the feet, paying particular attention to the sole and heel areas while avoiding the toenails and spaces between the toes. Specialist foot creams are available from your podiatrist and pharmacy.
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Keep the spaces between the toes fresh and dry with a little surgical spirit. Dip a cotton bud into surgical spirit and simply wipe the bud between the toes. Repeat daily to prevent any sogginess or Athlete's foot from developing.
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Keep nails trimmed. Using proper nail scissors or clippers, follow the natural curve of the end of the nail, leaving a 'free edge' of nail at the tip of approximately 2-3 mm (0.25 inch).Do not cut or dig into the sides of the nail as this can create an ingrown toenail.
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Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools and gym changing rooms. Wearing flip flops can reduce the risk of picking up infections such as Verrucae and Athlete's foot.
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Make sure you are wearing the right shoes for you. Poor choice of footwear may cause many foot problems, yet few of us even realize we are wearing the wrong shoes.
- See a podiatrist. If you have any concerns about your feet, a podiatrist can identify any problems and discuss the best treatment options with you. Even if you haven't a specific foot problem, it's a good idea to visit a podiatrist once in awhile to identify any problems you may have early and to advise you on the best ways to care for your feet.