16 Aug Tips from a professional Podiatrist to look after your feet
Introduction | How to take care of your feet
If you are constantly having foot problems then it is important to take good care of your feet. We have put together a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to take good care of your feet. Many of them are small but can change your life if you experience foot issues.
We’re experts in foot care, and we can help you find the best treatment options for your feet.
Diabetes can cause a number of problems with your feet. You may find you develop ulcers or blisters, experience numbness and tingling in your feet or even lose all your toes because of the condition. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent the worst from happening:
Cut your toenails straight across, and not in an arched or curved shape.
- Cut your toenails straight across, and not in an arched or curved shape.
- Get your cuticles pushed back every two to four weeks (depending on how often you moisturize).
- Don’t use nail clippers if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Instead, file them down with a foot file for healthy toenails that won’t break easily
Choose shoes that are the correct length and width. A shoe should feel comfortable when you first try it on.
When choosing shoes, consider your foot size, shape and width. A shoe should feel comfortable when you first try it on. If it doesn’t, don’t wear them because they will only become tighter during the day. Try on a variety of styles and brands until you find something that feels right for you.
If possible, buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet are likely to be a bit swollen as this will help you get an accurate idea of how they will fit later in the day.
When buying online check any returns policy – especially if buying online without trying them on first as returning shoes can be difficult and time-consuming if they don’t fit properly or aren’t what you expected once they arrive!
Limit the amount of time you spend walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces such as tiles or lino.
You should wear shoes at all times. It’s important to protect your feet from the sun, infections and other hazards such as sharp objects and hot surfaces.
Shoes that are good for walking on hard surfaces include Sandals with a rigid heel (e.g., flip flops), Crocs, thongs or slippers made of leather or rubber. If you have high arches, these types of shoes will also help to support your foot and keep it in line with your leg. Shoes that are poor choices for walking on hard surfaces include: Any kind of sandal that has no heel support (e.g., ballet flats), any type of shoe that has a flexible sole (e.g., flip flops) or those with soft soles (e.g., running shoes).
Choose well-fitting socks that have no joins or seams. Cotton is often a good choice for people with diabetic feet.
If you’re diabetic, you may find that your feet are more sensitive to heat and cold than the average person’s. So make sure that the socks you wear are made of cotton and have no joins or seams that can rub against your skin.
You should also make sure they are comfortable and not too tight. Some people with diabetes have circulation problems in their lower leg, so it’s important that they keep their feet warm but not sweaty by wearing long socks (that cover up to the ankle) as well as a thicker pair underneath if needed. They should never be too tight because this could cause chafing on top of sensitive areas like heels or toes (which often become dry and cracked). Also, remember to look for socks with a good grip in these areas so they don’t slip off when walking around barefoot
Wear supportive shoes when walking long distances, exercising or taking part in sports.
- Wear supportive shoes when walking long distances, exercising or taking part in sports.
- Take regular breaks from foot-related activities.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time.
Avoid exposing your feet to extremes of hot and cold temperatures.
- Don’t stand or walk barefoot on ice or snow
- Don’t stand or walk barefoot on hot surfaces. The heat from the ground can cause your foot to swell, which can lead to blisters. This is especially dangerous for older people with poor circulation in their feet.
- Avoid going without socks in cold weather as this can cause frostbite and other serious problems such as chilblains (cold-induced swelling of the skin). It’s also advisable not to wear shoes made from leather in extremely cold environments as they may not be breathable enough to prevent your feet from getting too cold.
Do not smoke, as it can damage the blood vessels in your feet and increase your chances of developing foot problems.
If you smoke, it is important to quit smoking. Smoking can make the blood vessels in your feet narrower and less flexible and can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching them. This can lead to poor blood flow, reduced oxygen supply to the feet, and an increased risk of developing the peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
PAD is a condition that affects the arteries in your legs. It usually develops gradually over time and will get worse if it’s not treated. PAD is associated with both cardiovascular problems (such as heart attack) and stroke as well as foot ulcers or amputation due to diabetes complications.
Wash your feet every day using lukewarm water, dry them gently, especially between the toes, and then apply a moisturising cream to keep the skin soft and healthy.
Wash your feet every day using lukewarm water, dry them gently, especially between the toes, and then apply a moisturising cream to keep the skin soft and healthy.
Do not use hot water. Hot water may cause damage to sensitive areas of the feet, such as corns and calluses. It also opens up pores on your skin causing them to become more susceptible to odours or infections such as athlete’s foot.
Gently massage the cream into your dry skin ensuring you cover all areas around your toes and heels including between each toe (where most athlete’s foot occurs).
Do regular checks of your feet for cuts, cracks and other problems such as swelling or redness – if you notice anything unusual make sure you contact our team straight away.
- Do regular checks of your feet for cuts, cracks and other problems such as swelling or redness – if you notice anything unusual make sure you contact our team straight away.
- If you’re in pain or concerned about the state of your feet then it’s important to seek advice from a podiatrist as soon as possible.
By looking after yourself now you reduce the risk of developing potentially serious diabetes-related foot conditions in the future.
Looking after your feet is important because it helps to prevent foot problems. By taking care of your feet, you reduce the risk of developing potentially serious diabetes-related foot conditions in the future. Looking after your feet can also help prevent other types of foot problems like infections and pain.
Get in touch with Paul Miller Podiatry Strood Today
So there you go, a few simple tips that can help you keep your feet healthy. If in doubt, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist with any of the above areas. Find our contact information here.