Here are the foot care tips shared by Sydney’s Bio Allied Health team of podiatrists:
1) Keep them clean: You may think that your feet are automatically being cleaned in the shower with the soapy water running over them. But it is important to scrub them to remove any dirt or potential nasties that could be lingering on the surface of our skin and nails.
2) Dry them: Thoroughly drying our feet after a bath or shower is important to prevent a possible tinea pedis (fungal) infection. Fungus loves moist, humid and dark environments, so if we don’t dry our feet well enough, you may find yourself developing a fungal infection. Don’t forget in between the toes!
3) Exfoliate and moisturise: Our feet can easily dry out, particularly in summer months. To remove any potential callous formation and to prevent painful heel cracks, it is important to exfoliate after a shower followed by moisturiser application. This will help to keep your feet soft, smooth and healthy.
4) Choose good footwear: Ill-fitted footwear can lead to several problems such as foot or toe deformity, nerve issues and ingrown toenails. It is important to find shoes that are not too tight or too loose to prevent such problems from occurring.
5) Keep your nails trimmed: Having well-manicured toenails will help to avoid nasty problems like ingrown toenails that can lead to a lot of discomfort and infection. Toenails must be cut straight across, never follow the natural curve of your nail. Keep our toenails well-trimmed will also help to prevent those pesky little holes in our shoes or socks.
6) Let them breathe: It is important that we let our feet have some time to breathe to avoid potential fungal infections. It is not good to allow our feet to be in shoes and socks all day. And, of course, when choosing socks, make sure they are a breathable material, such as cotton or bamboo, to avoid excessive sweating, particularly in the warmer months.
7) Know when to see a podiatrist: If you are noticing any changes to your feet or are unsure about something, book an appointment with a podiatrist. It is key not to self-diagnose or attempt to treat anything yourself without a professional opinion.
The podiatrists at Sydney’s Bio Allied Health are here to help. Book an appointment today
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