When we think of our beauty regimen we often forget about our feet. However, we rely on our feet and often put them through a lot: we walk miles every day, sometimes wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes. Some of us need to stand for long hours at work. Your feet have to bear the entire weight of our body and take us where we need to go, so they deserve your attention. It is important to take care of your feet to keep them healthy.
Here are 6 essential things you should do to take care of your feet.
Be active
You should exercise regularly to keep your feet in good condition. Exercising will encourage more blood flow to the feet and keep them healthy. You don’t have to do vigorous exercise: just taking a stroll in the park every day will be enough. Simple walks will make your foot muscles strong and your ligaments flexible. You should also be sure to walk on grass or flat tracks so that you don’t stumble or hurt your feet. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes when going for a walk. Otherwise, you may damage your feet and affect your mobility.
Wear proper shoes
It is essential to always wear quality shoes that are appropriate for the activity you are doing. If your work requires you to stand for long hours then you must wear flat shoes: wearing heels will make your feet ache, not to mention your back. On the other hand, if you are playing basketball, then flip-flops will be a bad choice as they will put your feet at risk of injury.
Your shoes should also fit you well. Many people have one foot that is larger than the other. If this is the case for you, you should buy shoes that are the right size for your larger foot. Make sure you try shoes properly before buying them by walking around a bit inside the store to make sure they feel comfortable. If you buy shoes that are the wrong size it can cause hammer toe, foot pain, blisters, ingrown toenails, and other issues. Though heels are bad for your feet, many women find it impossible to ditch them. So, use them sparingly. You will have chronic pain on the feet, knees, hips, and back if you wear high heel shoes for too long or too often.
Keep your feet clean
You should maintain excellent foot hygiene at all times. You must wash your feet carefully every day to get rid of dirt and bacteria that can build up. Make sure you wash between your toes to lower the risk of developing tinia or other skin conditions. You also need to dry your feet properly after washing them, otherwise it may lead to fungal growth. Use a foot file weekly to get rid of dry skin. You can also use a scrub to remove the skin.
Moisturize your feet
You should apply to moisturizer, preferably one containing cocoa butter, to your feet every day to keep them hydrated and prevent cracked heels. Before moisturizing your feet, soak them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes for best results. If you want, you can add aromatherapy oils to the water for an indulgent touch. This will loosen dry skin cells and make the layers of skin soft.
Nail care
You should also be sure to cut your toenails regularly. However, be careful not to cut down the sides as this will cause ingrown toenails. Instead, you should cut straight across the top of the nail. Additionally, you shouldn’t wear nail polish on your toe nails for long periods of time. You should remove polish regularly and check the toenails for any signs of nail fungus. When removing nail polish, use a non-acetone polish remover to keep your nails in good condition. Wearing nail polish for a long time can also cause discoloration of your toenails.
Go for pedicure
It may not be practical to go for a pedicure too often but you will find it beneficial whenever you can manage it. A professional pedicure can bring the life back to your feet. Apart from getting rid of dry skin and cutting your toenails, they also give your feet a relaxing massage that improves blood circulation. You can also do a DIY pedicure at home using a pumice stone, scrub, moisturizer, and essential oil.
If you take good care of your feet then you will avoid serious issues like Athlete’s Foot, nail fungus, foot pain, and more. These problems are not only uncomfortable and unsightly, but they can also affect your mobility. Be sure to keep your feet clean, wear proper shoes, stay active, and don’t forget to moisturize your feet regularly! You should inspect your feet regularly to identify any issues and visit a podiatrist if you have any concerns.
