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FOOT
CARE TIPS
FOR
THE MILLENNIUM
INTRODUCTION
In
order to maintain healthy feet you must make an effort and care for
your feet. This can prevent many foot conditions that affect the feet.
The sooner you start caring for your feet the sooner they will care
for you. It is essential your foot health becomes a daily routine. Just
as healthy teeth, hair and skin are important, so are healthy feet.
Below is Dr Foot’s 20 foot care tips. If you suffer from diabetes, please
consult a State Registered Chiropodist before you follow any instructions.
- Don’t
ignore pain. Painful feet are not normal. Many foot conditions
can be cured if you visit a chiropodist as early as possible.
- Wash
your feet daily in luke warm soapy water. Do not soak the feet as
this may cause them to become excessively dry
- Dry
your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes.
- Apply
moisturizing cream all over the feet, except in between the toes.
- Inspect
your feet regularly. Particular attention should be given to changes
in color and temperature of your feet.
- You
should contact a chiropodist if your nails become thick, tough and
discolored.
- Any
growth on your feet such as corns calluses and verrucae's should be
monitored.
- Peeling
of the skin or excessively dry skin should be treated. Seek advice
from a chiropodist.
- If
your feet are itchy, that may be a sign of a fungal infection of the
skin. Seek advice from a chiropodist.
- Remove
any hard skin you may have gently with a pumice stone or a skin file.
It is not wise to use a pumice or skin file over a joint. If your
lesion is over a joint, seek advice from a chiropodist.
- Trim
toe nails with a nail trimmer. Cut them straight across and not too
short. Do not cut down the corner as this cam lead to in growing toenails.
Patients with diabetes should have their nails cut by a State Registered
Chiropodist.
- Select
appropriate shoes for your feet. Please refer to our shoes and health
section.
- Purchase
new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest.
- Wear
new shoes in slowly and remember new shoes should not hurt your feet.
- Be
cautious of home remedies for corns and verrucaes as they can cause
damage to your skin.
- Do
not carry out bathroom surgery, cutting out a corn with a pair
of scissors can be very dangerous and can lead to further problems
with the feet.
- Avoid
walking barefoot, as your feet are more prone to injury and infection.
- If
you are at a beach, put sun block cream on your feet as well as the
rest of your body.
- Men
should wear cotton socks that absorb moisture. Women should avoid
excessively restrictive nylon tights.
-
Always
consult your State Registered Chiropodist if you have any foot complaints.
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