March 11, 2022

5 Tips to Protect Your Feet

Too often, life gets busy and it’s easy to take for granted one of the most important parts of our body, our feet! They take us from A to B but can sometimes not get the tender loving care they deserve. To avoid foot issues creeping up on you, we’ve got some handy tips to protect and care for your feet:

Take a seat and examine your feet
After a shower, sit down to dry your feet thoroughly. Take your time to check the soles, behind the heels and in between the toes. Keep an eye out for any wounds, cracks, calluses, dry or wet skin. If you check them every day you’ll be quick to pick up on anything out of the ordinary which may prevent a much bigger issue occurring. If you’re struggling to reach, place a hand mirror on the ground for a better look.
Don’t forget to moisturise!
Keep your moisturiser next to the bed or where you do your daily foot check so you can’t forget. Cover the whole top and bottom surface of the foot. If you struggle to reach your feet, squirt a walnut size amount on the top of one foot and use the other foot to rub it in, make sure you do both sides. If you are a diabetic or have very dry callused skin, speak to your podiatrist about specific moisturiser types that are best for your skin type.
Check your shoes
Check the inside of your shoes before putting them on, especially if the sensation in your feet is affected. Run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in or the seams of the shoe are protruding awkwardly.
Keep them covered
Enclosed footwear can help to protect your feet from sharp objects that can damage and break the skin barrier. Aim for a well-fitted boot or trainer that can be fastened with laces or a strap to support the foot and prevent rubbing. If unsure, ask your podiatrist about appropriate footwear designs for your foot type.
Regular podiatry checks
Book in to see your podiatrist for routine screening assessments which will check your blood flow and nerve function in your feet, along with managing any skin or nail risks you may have. If you have noticed any changes between your appointments that you are concerned about, call the practice and schedule an earlier appointment. When in doubt, get it checked out.