Foot care is as critical as any other personal hygiene practice. The feet suffer tremendous wear and tear due to walking and are prone to injury. If ignored, foot injuries can lead to skin infections, which can be dangerous, especially for diabetics. So, caring for your feet and keeping them clean and healthy is necessary. While the market has various foot care products that can help with the job, you must use them correctly.

Foot care tips
If you have never followed a foot care routine before, creating one can be tricky. Below, we list some foot care methods to help you get started:

Clean your feet regularly and wear socks
Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water. Use a gentle soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a soft washcloth before wearing socks. Wear socks with extra cushioning and moisture-wicking fiber if your feet sweat a lot. Such socks are especially helpful for people with diabetes.

Do not compromise on shoe quality
When you go shoe shopping, buy the perfect pair that fits comfortably. It should have enough room so your toes do not rub the tops. There should also be a half-inch gap between your hallux and the front of the shoe. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and lead to infection. The pair you choose should not irritate your feet. Investing in well-fitting athletic shoes for aerobics, running, and high-impact activities is a good idea.

Inspect your feet regularly
Check your feet regularly for blisters, cuts, redness, or cracked skin. If you think there is a problem, consult a doctor or physical therapist. Do not ignore even a small issue. Ill-fitting footwear can lead to problems like bunions, hammertoe, and athlete’s foot.

Take care of your nails
Trim your nails from time to time. But do not cut them too short because they can grow into the flesh and cause soreness. After cutting your nails, carefully file the edges. If you wear nail paint, remove it occasionally so that your nails get space to breathe.

Look for corns and calluses
While trimming your nails, gently remove calluses. Callused feet can crack and bleed, causing pain. You can use a pumice stone to soften foot calluses. Sometimes, corns can develop on the feet due to abnormal pressure, severely damaging the skin. Remember that even if you treat corns and calluses, they may return until you fix the underlying cause. These problems could be due to wearing tight footwear or moisture accumulation in the shoe.

Avoid dry feet
Keep your feet soft and healthy by moisturizing them every night. Moisturizing can prevent skin cracking or itching. Rub a thick moisturizer on your feet after showers and before bedtime to keep the skin soft. However, do not put lotion between your toes. Remember that the skin of the feet can get thinner and drier with age. If your moisturizers do not work, check with a doctor about the best foot care products and make it a habit to use them regularly.

Stretch your feet
Regular stretching can help treat foot pain. Try this: straighten one foot and hold for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating the same with the other. There are many exercises that you can add to your at-home foot care routine. These are simple yet important and should not be ignored at any point. Consult a doctor if you experience pain in the foot while stretching.

Invest in a foot care kit
The market has many affordable foot care kits that help people carry out proper foot care at home. These kits come with handy foot care products, including nail clippers, cuticle removers, gloves, foot creams, foot masks, and foot scrubber mats. Check out the available kits online and the products they contain.

The feet are easily ignored when it is time for grooming. But to keep the whole body healthy, you must also care for your feet. You do not have to spend too much money or time to get healthy and pretty feet. Follow these simple foot care remedies at home and see the difference. These foot care methods will not only keep your feet strong and nourished but also lower the risk of chronic foot pain and issues like arthritis and bunions that develop with age and limit mobility. If you think you have a severe foot problem, do not ignore it. Get in touch with a healthcare provider to understand the cause and the available treatments to manage the symptoms and discomfort.