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Top ten tips for healthy feet

  1. Foot pain is not normal. Do not ignore foot pain. If pain persists, see a podiatrist.
  2. Inspect your feet regularly, look out for changes in color and temperature. Check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Thick or discolored nails are a sign of developing fungus. Peeling or scaling on the soles of the feet can indicate athlete’s foot. Any growth on the foot is not normal.
  3. Wash your feet daily, especially between the toes, making certain that you dry them completely.
  4. When cutting your toenails, cut them straight across, but not too short. Cutting nails at the corner or along the sides can lead to ingrown toenails.
  5. If you have blisters do not pop them. Instead, protect blisters by cutting a hole in a thin piece of foam and placing it over the blister, or cover them with a protective soft gel dressing to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
  6. Make sure your shoes fit properly. It is best to buy new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest. Have your feet measured while standing and if your feet are different sizes, buy shoes in the size of the larger foot. Beware of shoes that need to be “broken-in.”
  7. Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. Alternative your footwear. When traveling, pack several pairs.
  8. Keep your shoes in good condition. Run-down heels put uneven pressure on your foot, which can cause pains throughout the body.
  9. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet.
  10. Apply ice if you suspect a fracture, sprain or dislocation in your feet. Do not use heat or hot water, which promotes blood flow and greater swelling