Many of us have set routines for looking after our faces (cleanse, tone, moisturise), or our hands (trim nails, manicure, moisturise), but do you have a routine for looking after your feet? They’re one of the most overlooked parts of the body, but one of the most important too! Here are 7 essential items for first-rate foot care at home.
1. A Good Pair Of Clippers Or Scissors
To ensure that your feet stay in the best of health, invest in a good pair of clippers or scissors. Cut your toenails regularly. To do so safely, make sure that you cut them straight across (don’t round down the corners) and don’t cut them too short. This will help you to avoid ingrowing toenails.
2. Antibacterial Soap
One of the most important things for good foot care at home is antibacterial soap. If your feet often sweat (this is very likely if you play sport or spend lots of time on your feet), an antibacterial soap will rid you of foot odour and help you to avoid fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
3. Plasters
No matter how well you look after your feet, blisters and cuts are a fact of life. If you get one, cover it with a plaster to avoid infection which will only make it worse. You can use gel plasters for additional cushioning, which will help to relieve the pain too.
4. Sun Cream
Feet are often overlooked when applying sun cream. Apply one to your feet when you are wearing sandals or if you are going barefoot to avoid painful sunburn. Make sure that you choose one with a high SPF to give you the most protection.
5. Pumice Stone
Pumice stones are pieces of volcanic rock which can be used to smooth your skin. If you rub your damp feet gently with a pumice stone, it will remove layers of hard, dead skin from your feet. Just remember not to exfoliate any sore or red areas.
6. Well-Fitting Shoes
Foot care at home starts with well-fitting shoes. Many problems arise when people wear shoes which don’t fit properly – this can cause rubbing, changes to your gait (the way you walk) and injury. Choose shoes with plenty of cushioning, and save high heels for special occasions.
7. Your Podiatrist’s Contact Details
Looking after your feet at home is extremely important, but it’s also vital to know when to seek the advice of a professional. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in problems with the feet and lower limbs. It is advisable to visit a podiatrist for a check up regularly – as you would with a dentist – to catch any potential issues before they get worse.
Daily Foot Care Routine for Healthy Feet
Taking care of your feet daily is essential for preventing common foot problems and maintaining overall foot health. Here’s a simple yet effective routine you can incorporate into your daily schedule to keep your feet in great condition:
Wash Your Feet Thoroughly
Clean your feet daily with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria. Be sure to scrub gently between your toes, where moisture can build up and lead to fungal infections. After washing, rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue is left behind.
Dry Between the Toes
After washing, it’s crucial to dry your feet completely, especially between the toes. Moisture trapped in these areas can create an environment for fungal growth, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot. Use a clean towel and pat dry rather than rubbing, which can irritate the skin.
Moisturise to Prevent Dryness
Apply a good moisturiser to your feet daily, focusing on the soles and heels where the skin is prone to becoming dry and cracked. Avoid applying lotion between your toes to prevent excess moisture build-up. Moisturising helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and keeps your feet feeling soft and smooth.
Check for Any Issues
As part of your routine, take a moment to inspect your feet for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Early detection of issues can prevent more serious conditions. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to address it promptly or consult a podiatrist for advice.
Wear Proper Footwear
Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, corns, and more serious foot problems over time. Ensure that your shoes have enough cushioning and ventilation to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day.
By following this simple daily foot care routine, you’ll be able to prevent many common foot issues and keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Remember, your feet support you all day long, so giving them a little extra attention each day can go a long way!
Foot Care for Specific Conditions
Certain foot conditions require extra attention and care to manage at home effectively. Here are some common foot problems and tips on how you can address them using specialised care routines and products:
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that often starts between the toes, causing itching, redness, and flaking. To manage this condition at home:
Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap, making sure to dry thoroughly between the toes.
Apply an antifungal cream or powder specifically designed for athlete’s foot.
Change your socks regularly, especially if your feet sweat a lot, and avoid going barefoot in communal areas such as gyms or swimming pools to prevent reinfection.
Bunions
Bunions are painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to tight or ill-fitting shoes. While surgery may be required for severe cases, you can manage bunion pain at home by:
Wearing wide, comfortable shoes that offer plenty of room for your toes.
Using bunion pads or orthotic inserts to relieve pressure and reduce discomfort.
Soaking your feet in warm water to ease soreness and inflammation, followed by gentle foot stretches to maintain mobility in the toes.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, caused by inflammation of the tissue connecting your heel to your toes. To alleviate symptoms at home:
Perform daily stretches to improve flexibility in the foot and calf muscles.
Use ice packs on the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
Wear shoes with good arch support, or use orthotic insoles to relieve pressure on the heel.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop from friction or pressure, often from wearing tight shoes. To treat them at home:
Use a pumice stone to gently exfoliate the thickened skin after soaking your feet in warm water.
Apply a moisturising cream to soften the skin and reduce the build-up of dead skin cells.
Wear well-fitting shoes with cushioning to prevent further friction and protect sensitive areas.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling. To manage this condition at home:
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and soften the nail.
Gently lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton under it to help guide the nail away from the skin.
Avoid cutting your nails too short and always trim them straight across to prevent ingrowth. If the condition worsens, see a podiatrist for professional treatment.
These specific foot conditions can often be managed at home with the right care and products, but it’s important to consult a podiatrist if the issue persists or worsens. At Northwich Foot Clinic, our podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating all foot-related problems. If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, book an appointment online today for personalised treatment.
At Northwich Foot Clinic, our experienced podiatrists are all registered with the College of Podiatry and are dedicated to providing the highest quality foot care. Treating people from Northwich, Cheshire and beyond, we can help you with a variety of issues. Book your appointment online today.
