Your feet are incredibly important for making your body function. Without them, one wouldn’t be able to walk, run or perform many activities of daily living. On average, while you may not be keeping count, your feet take about 5,000 steps per day. That amounts to approximately 2.5 miles. Also consider that your feet have to bear the brunt of your entire body weight with each step as well. Dr. Schlomo Schmuel, a podiatrist and owner of Sunset Foot Clinic located in Los Angeles, claims you can say that the feet are the most hard-working body parts, and because they work hard, they deserve a lot of tender care. Here are a few doctors’ recommended ways in which you can help keep your feet healthy.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Good hygiene is the place to start when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. You should start by cleaning your feet with warm water and soap when you bathe. When you are finished in the shower, dry them well. Bacteria and fungus both thrive in a moist or damp environment, and while your feet may require lotion to prevent excessive dryness, you should ensure that they are dried properly. In extreme cases this may require changing socks or even shoes throughout the day.
Perform Feet Examinations
At least once a week, you should perform a self-exam on your feet to look for any potential issues. The most ideal time to do this would be as you are drying your feet. Look on the soles for scaling and between your toes for areas that may be peeling. If you see some of these signs, it could be a potential indication that you have athlete’s foot. Also take a deep look at the nail beds to see if they are discolored for potential signs of fungus. If you happen to be a diabetic, you need to perform these self-exams more often because you are at higher risk for foot infections, foot sores, and neuropathy. For more information on specific issues that may affect the feet, visit an expert in the industry like Dr. Schlomo Schmuel, for more information.
Protect Your Feet in Public Areas
Your risks for foot injuries and infections increase exponentially when you are out in public. This is because you are exposed to not only other people but the scores of bacteria that resides in public areas. If you happen to be at the gym, locker room, or in public pools, consider wearing shower shoes. All of these places are the perfect environment for fungi to multiply, and infections can increase drastically as a result.
Wear Shoes That Fit You Specifically
Sure, this seems obvious enough, but there are still some who wear shoes that may be a tight fit because it may be convenient for them. However, if you wear shoes that increase the pressure around your feet, long-term foot problems can develop as a result. Toe cramps, ingrown toenails, calluses, and foot pain are common occurrences that happen with tightly-fitting shoes. Give your feet room to breathe and lessen the pressure that surrounds them to save from future discomfort.
Do Not Share Footgear
Fungal infections can be easily shared if you share sneakers with someone else. This goes for socks as well. If you are going to wear socks and shoes, always makes sure that what you are wearing belongs to you. The slightest introduction of foreign bacteria can cause serious damage. So, if a friend or a family member were to make you a generous offer, kindly decline for the sake of your foot health.
Understand When You Need a Doctor
While it can be tempting, you should steer away from attempting to treat foot problems yourself. Many engage in what many doctors refer to as “bathroom surgery” where they attempt to correct any underlying problems themselves. However, lacking medical knowledge and equipment can cause one to exacerbate the issue. Usually, foot problems can be cleared with prescription medicine or a procedure done in the office. You must resist the temptation to correct any issues on your own and allow a medical professional to give their personal opinion and operate if need be. You will be much better in the long term for it. Visit Dr. Schlomo Schmuel for further expert advice.
As you can see, your feet are very important and require delicate care in order to keep them functional and healthy. Your feet have a large responsibility, and with it, should come a plan of action to maintain their health. Follow some of these easy everyday tips, and you will always have a pair of strong feet.
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