Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Feet

Did you know that April is Foot Health Awareness Month? At Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., the month of April is about getting back to the basics of caring for your feet to ensure a lifetime of good foot health. There’s a lot you can do to prevent foot and ankle problems from cropping up. So, today seems a good time for Dr. John C. Marzano to discuss some of the basic do’s and don’ts for keeping your feet happy and healthy.

• Do inspect your feet for problems regularly. Keep them clean and dry, especially your toes. A gentle foot rub with a pumice stone can remove any dead skin. Use a moisturizer to keep the skin nice, soft, and hydrated. Get to know your feet from a podiatrist. These healthcare professionals specialize in everything foot and ankle and can tell you what’s normal and what isn’t.
• Do measure your feet every time you shop for new shoes. It may surprise you, but the human foot changes in shape and size throughout your adult life. Some of these changes come in the form of wear and tear, age, and injuries.
• Don’t round the edges of your toenail. Cut them straight across and never too short to avoid painful ingrown toenails.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public spaces like gym locker rooms, hotels, communal showers, and pools. You may step on a sharp object and injure your feet at the beach or pick up a virus like athlete’s foot.
• Do wear proper shoe gear. Wear the best shoes based on the activities you have planned. Proper footwear keeps your feet healthy and safe. Make sure you wear comfortable and supportive shoes as much as possible.
• Do visit a podiatrist at least once a year, especially if you have diabetes. Set up regular checkups. This helps minimize the risk of serious complications such as amputation or loss of limb.
• Don’t ignore foot pain. If your feet look or feel any different, seek the help of a podiatrist immediately. Your foot pain can get worse if you put off or delay treatment.