Feet are such an important part of the human body and also remain one of the most neglected ones! If you don’t care for them properly, then you can expose yourself to unnecessary problems such as pain, fungal infection, etc.
Luckily, there are a few easy steps to keep your feet healthy.
If you want to keep your feet healthy, here are some things you can do.
Keep your feet clean
If you ever consult a doctor for any feet-related problems, the first thing they will recommend is to maintain good foot hygiene. Always scrub your feet with soap and water when you bathe. You should also keep them dry if you want to avoid fungal infections. You probably already know how fungal organisms thrive in moisture. So, cut their source of food and deprive them of dampness to make it more difficult for it to grow. Moisture between your toes is the perfect environment for the fungal infection to grow and multiply.
Don’t ignore the pain in your feet
If you are experiencing a tingling sensation or numbness in your feet, then don’t overlook it as a one-time incident. These symptoms are indicative of some other condition. Therefore, you must consult a podiatrist in Houston immediately. Did you know that a burning or tingling sensation in your feet is a sign of a compressed nerve? Some of these symptoms may even point towards more serious conditions such as diabetes or a peripheral vascular disease where the arteries in your feet get blocked. Additionally, if you notice that your feet are swelling inexplicably, this may be a sign of kidney malfunction that is causing fluid build-up. There are many such telltale signs that are begging for attention and must be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Get rid of smelly feet
Foot odor is incredibly common and an embarrassing problem. But, before you act on it or get embarrassed about it, you must first understand why your feet smell at all. Did you know that your hands and feet contain more sweat glands? Therefore, the perspiration mixes with the bacteria living in your shoes or socks generate that odor. The best way to get rid of that smell is to drop a black tea bag in a warm footbath and leave your feet to soaked for at least half an hour. This will reduce bacteria in your feet and also reduce the smell.
Perform a foot self-exam
Once a week before you shower or bath, you must conduct a foot exam. As you dry off your feet, observe your soles, and look for scaling in between your toes. If you do, this may be a sign of an athlete’s feet. You should also look for discoloration of the nails, which is a sign of nail fungus. If you are diabetic, then it is all the more reason to inspect your feet every day since diabetes can lead to an increased risk of foot sores and infections.
Maintain your toenails
When you cut your nails, cut them straight across and avoid trimming them close to the skin. Avoid trying to round the corners as it can lead to painful ingrown nails. You should also avoid hiding ugly toenails with polish. You may not know this but a cracked or discolored toenail is a sign of nail fungus. Hiding it underneath a nail polish will only make it worse.
Buy single-use, breathable footwear
Did you know that you could get fungal infections by wearing people’s shoes as well? Avoid borrowing shoes from someone else and only invest in single-use footwear to keep your feet healthy. You should also keep your feet dry and healthy by wearing shoes made of leather that allow your feet to breathe. If you are prone to excessive sweating, then consider wearing shoes made from a mesh fabric to increase breathability.
Most importantly, wear shoes that fit you properly. Do you know why this is important? Tight shoes can cause long-term damage. So, when you are shopping for shoes, account for foot swelling that can occur at the end of the day. The toe of your shoes should be rounded and spacious to allow your big toe to sit comfortably.
Know when to see a doctor
If you have been struggling with foot woes for quite some time, then you must see a foot doctor immediately. Don’t ignore it as it can culminate into a more serious problem later. For someone who is experiencing consistent swelling, discoloration, redness, or sweaty feet, you should meet a podiatrist without any more delays. Some problems are treatable through prescription medicine. Don’t wait for it to get worse!
Following these tips will keep your feet active and pain-free.
