Welcome to Tri-County Foot & Ankle
Everyday Foot Care
Our feet are important in our everyday lives. The problem is that we tend to neglect them. When this becomes a habit, it can cause significant trouble. Ignoring foot problems can mean pain, limited mobility, and expensive doctor’s visits. On the other hand, if feet are cared for and looked after regularly, they will perform without pain or complication.
Routine hygiene is the most basic way to care for the feet. Wash and dry them thoroughly daily. Remember to get between the toes and keep the toenails trimmed and short. If the feet feel dry or there are signs of dryness or cracking, use a moisturizer designed for the feet.
When using moisturizer on the feet, try to avoid applying between the toes. If cream or lotion sits too long, they can cause fungal and bacterial growth. When moisturizer is used between the toes, it can also cause the skin to soften too much.
Shoes are also an important aspect of foot care. When one is picking out shoes, make sure they are the correct size. Shoes need to be snug, but not too tight. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose they can cause foot problems as well. It is highly recommended that shopping for new shoes be done later in the day. The reason for this is that the feet will have settled and swelled to their full size by then. To keep your feet at their most healthy, avoid wearing high heels or flip flops too often. Instead, choose shoes that are good for your feet. Good shoes pad the soles of your feet and support the arches and ankles.
Socks should also be worn daily with closed-toe shoes. They may feel hot during the summer months, but they absorb sweat and moisture off the feet. Without socks, the build-up of sweat in a closed-toe shoe can cause fungal problems and athlete’s foot.
The best thing to remember in every day foot care is that shoes do make a difference. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure that your shoes show no signs of wear. Shoes should offer ample support for the arches and the overall foot. Additionally, try to make foot cleaning and maintenance a daily habit. If you keep these things in mind, your feet will stay healthy and safe.
Managing Your Feet
If you have smelly feet, that may be indicative of excessive bacteria, as well as the need for proper management of your feet. Adjusting your diet and eating healthier is the best choice for addressing excessive sweating and smell in your feet. Check your footwear and make sure they are comfortable. Avoid wearing the same pair for long periods of time, especially without socks. Clean your feet regularly, use a spray, and soak them with home remedies.
Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, contact one of our podiatrists from Tri-County Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Keep Your Shoes Clean as Part of Your Daily Routine
Keeping your shoes clean is one important factor in ensuring your feet stay clean too. Make sure to always wear socks to prevent moisture from accumulating in your shoes or on your feet. Wash your feet often to repel foot odor and odor-causing bacteria. Antiperspirant sprays are also great for killing bacteria and getting rid of foot odor. Other less common solutions include using insoles that have activated charcoal, or carbon. Activated charcoal insoles are absorbent and can be adjusted to fit the size of your shoe. Use moisture-absorbing material like cedar shoe trees or newspaper to put in your shoes after wearing them. Don’t forget to also swap often between different pairs of shoes.
Regular Checkup of Injuries
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in The Villages®, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.