Your feet bear the whole weight of your body throughout the day, enduring large amounts of force and pressure. They are often subject to tight shoes, high heels, tight socks, and dirt, adding to the problems.
It is common for people to neglect foot care, often not practicing proper hygiene and wearing unsuitable shoes, leading to several foot problems. While some people wash their feet regularly, it should be understood that this is not enough.
Since healthy feet are vital to your health, it is important to protect your feet from unnecessary pain and other problems. Maintaining proper foot hygiene prevents malodor, fungal infections, dermatitis, ingrown nails, yellowing of nails, cuts, sores, and many other problems.
To improve and maintain the health of your feet, it is suggested to spend at least 5 minutes cleaning your feet daily and to give them a weekly treatment as well. These measures keep your feet healthy and strong, allowing them to support your body better.
# Wash your feetMake sure to wash your feet every day with soap and water while taking a shower. Ensure that you clean between the toes, around the nails, and under your feet.
In addition, wash your feet after exercising or doing activities that cause profuse sweating. Otherwise, sweat is trapped in your socks or shoes, increasing the risk of fungal infections and other foot problems.
# Moisturize your feetIt is essential to moisturize your feet every day to keep them hydrated and nourished. Just as you should clean between your toes, you must moisturize these areas as well.
It is best to use a foot cream that is meant to maintain the health of your feet with the right oils. You can also use coconut oil or castor oil as moisturizers. Castor oil is beneficial if your skin is cracked, thickened, or callused or if you have foot corns.
# Wear good-fitting shoesAside from cleaning your feet daily, keeping them comfortable is also essential. Therefore, you must avoid ill-fitting shoes, which are a primary cause of corns. Wearing tight shoes can block the moisture, leading to cracked and dry feet.
It is suggested to use leather shoes that allow circulation of air within the feet. If you have excessively sweaty feet, use shoes with mesh fabrics.
You can also select broad, rounded shoes that are wide at the front, allowing your toes to sit comfortably. These shoes should have stable, wide heels. Also, avoid pointy shoes that put pressure on your toes and often cause calluses and ingrown nails.
# Use fresh, dry socksIt is highly suggested to use good-quality, soft socks, as your feet constantly rub against them. If you use rough socks, your feet are subject to excessive friction, leading to dryness, roughness, and cracks.
Moreover, wearing a soft, breathable fabric, such as cotton and wool, allows your feet to stay fresh and moisturized. Synthetic fibers can wick the moisture away from your feet.
Do not wear socks that are too tight, as they can trap excessive moisture, increasing the chances of fungal growth. Change into fresh, dry socks immediately if your socks get wet with water or sweat.