Foot Care

March 8th, 2015

Our feet take a beating every day!  They are designed to support the weight of our bodies for over 12 hours a day!  We really don’t know how important our feet are until we develop pain in them from wearing improper shoes or infections.  For people with diabetes, foot care is essential to prevent serious infections.  Be kind to your feet!  Here are some tips on how to care for your feet properly.

• Wear comfortable shoes.  Shoes that are too tight can result in bunions or skin breakdown at the heel that can be very painful.  I know that for some people, fashion is a higher priority than comfort.  There are fashionable and comfortable shoes.  It’s worth looking for the shoe that will make you look good and your feet feeling good!
• Wear appropriate shoes.  If you know you are going to be walking around for many hours either shopping, walking in a museum, or hiking, be sure to wear a good pair of sneakers that will properly support your feet.  “Flip-flop” sandals are a common reason for foot pain, twisted ankles, and cuts to the feet.  They do not support the foot at all and you are vulnerable to getting stepped on or stepping on broken glass shards in the street.
• Clip your toenails, but not too short!  Toenails that are clipped too short especially at the corners can result in ingrown toenails (where the nail grows into the fleshy part of the toes) and infections that can be very painful.
• Inspect your feet at least once a week.  Foot fungus, commonly called “Athlete’s Foot” can start off between the toes and spread quickly.  You definitely want to start treatment as soon as possible.  Also, look for callouses, thickened skin at the base of the foot usually caused by excess pressure.  They could be signs that your shoes are not providing enough support in those areas and you may need to buy insoles or new shoes.
• Dry off your feet thoroughly.  Wet feet from walking in the shower floor at the gym are breeding grounds for foot fungus.  By keeping your feet dry, you can protect yourself.
• Let your shoes breathe.  Putting your shoes in a cabinet with little air circulation can promote growth of fungi and bacteria.  Store your shoes in an open space for at least 12 hours before putting them away.  Another good tip is to rotate your shoes every 2 days.  This way, your shoes will have at least 24 hours before you wear them again, which is about enough time for them to dry out completely.  If your shoes smell like yeast, you may want to spray anti-fungal powder into the shoes before and after you wear them to kill the mold spores.
• Know when your sneakers “expire”.  If you exercise regularly, I recommend writing the date of purchase with permanent marker somewhere on the inside of the shoe to remind you when to buy new sneakers.  Generally, for people who run at least 5 days a week should change their sneakers at least every 6 months.
• Thoroughly clean your feet at least once a week.  I recommend using a Epsom salts to soak your feet and to scrub off dead skin. Soaking them in warm water and a baking soda also “freshens” them up.  I find this is a great way to end a day of walking around.