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 are Dr Foot’s 20 foot care tips. If you suffer from diabetes, please consult a State Registered Chiropodist before you follow any instructions.

1. Don’t ignore pain. Painful feet are not normal. Many foot conditions can be cured if you visit a chiropodist as early as possible.
2. Wash your feet daily in luke warm soapy water. Do not soak the feet as this may cause them to become excessively dry.
3. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes.
4. Apply moisturizing cream all over the feet, except in between the toes.
5. Inspect your feet regularly. Particular attention should be given to changes in colour and temperature of your feet.
6. You should contact a chiropodist if your nails become thick, tough and discoloured.
7. Any growth on your feet such as corn’s calluses and verrucas should be monitored.
8. Peeling of the skin or excessively dry skin should be treated. Seek advice from a chiropodist.
9. If your feet are itchy, that may be a sign of a fungal infection of the skin. Seek advice from a chiropodist.
10. 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.
11. Trim toenails 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.
12. Select appropriate shoes for your feet. Please refer to our shoes and health section.
13. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest.
14. Wear new shoes in slowly and remember new shoes should not hurt your feet.
15. Be cautious of home remedies for corns and verrucas as they can cause damage to your skin.
16. 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.
17. Avoid walking barefoot, as your feet are more prone to injury and infection.
18. If you are at a beach, put sun block cream on your feet as well as the rest of your body.
19. Men should wear cotton socks that absorb moisture. Women should avoid excessively restrictive nylon tights.
20. Always consult your State Registered Chiropodist if you have any foot complaints.