Treat Your Feet: Tips For Effective Foot Care

When we talk about health, we tend to focus on exercising and eating well. Your feet may not be the top priority when outlining health goals, but it's important to take good care of your toes. In this guide, we'll offer some top tips for effective foot care.

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-s-feet-on-swimming-pool-965988/

Try shoes before you buy
Wearing shoes that don't fit comfortably will put you at risk of blisters and sores and it could also affect the way you walk. Always try shoes before you buy. If you buy a pair of shoes and they don't fit, send them back. Your shoes should be comfortable. If they are too tight, your toes are squashed, or they're too big and there's a huge gap between the end of the shoe and your feet, buy a different size. Some people have naturally wider feet than others. If you find that standard sizes are too narrow, shop at stores with wide-fitting ranges or search online for brands that cater to wider feet. 

It's particularly beneficial to take the time to find well-fitted shoes if you're buying shoes that you are going to wear for long periods, for example, at work, or you're looking for footwear for playing sports and exercising. 

Clean and moisturize your feet
Most of us devote time to cleansing and moisturizing our faces every day, but when was the last time you washed, scrubbed and moisturized your feet? Keeping your feet clean is important for hygiene reasons, as the feet are prone to sweating. The skin on your feet can also become rough and hard, especially if you spend time outdoors barefoot. You don't have to sell feet pictures to want to look after your feet. When you shower daily, take a moment to clean your feet and wash between your toes. Use a pumice stone or an exfoliating brush or gloves to remove dead skin once a week and apply moisturizer if your feet feel dry. You can also use foot soaks to gently soothe your toes and nourish your skin. 

Try to keep your feet dry
Many of us will be familiar with being caught in sudden downpours and trudging through the rain in wet boots and soggy socks. It's an unpleasant feeling to have wet feet, especially when it's cold outside, but it can also harm your skin. Try to keep your feet dry. Invest in sturdy, waterproof shoes for hiking and outdoor pursuits, and dry your feet thoroughly with a towel as soon as you get home if your feet do get soaked. Always remember to dry the skin between your toes.

Let your feet breathe
In the warm months, your feet can produce a lot of sweat. Wear socks if you are wearing shoes or let your feet breathe and opt for sandals or open-toed shoes. 

Taking good care of your feet may not be the top priority when it comes to your health goals, but it's beneficial to look after your toes. Buy comfortable, supportive shoes that fit, let your feet breathe in the hot summer months, cleanse and moisturize your skin and try to keep your feet dry.