Feet also need lots of care just like other organs of the body. Feet bear a lot of load & pressure. Those hard-working feet deserve a little more attention than you’re probably giving them. 

CARE FOR THE FEET:

1.  Check the feet for any cut, in grown or infected toe nails & swelling.

2.   Moisturize them every day with lotion.

3.   Do not wear tight fitting shoes.

4.   Avoid flip flop & flats as they don’t give adequate support to the feet.

5.   Proper nail trimming is very important, hence, always remember to trim the nails straight across with a nail clipper. 

CORNS & CALLUSES:

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction or pressure. 

The only difference between the two is where they are on your feet. Corns usually form on the top of the foot, sometimes on a toe, while calluses appear on the bottom.

HOW TO PREVENT?

Preventing friction is often the only treatment needed.

1.  If poor fitting shoes are causing the corn, changing to shoes with a better fit will help get rid of the problem most of the time.

2.  Calluses often occur due to excess pressure placed on the skin because of another problem such as bunions or hammertoes. Proper treatment of any underlying condition should prevent the calluses from returning. 

SWEATY FEET:

Sweaty feet are also known as Hyperhidrosis & there is no exact reason for its occurrence. The feet may also have a whitish, wet appearance; sometimes, foot infections are present as well. (Constant wetness breaks down the skin, allowing infection to set in.) Foot odor is common.

HOMECARE:

Good foot hygiene is essential. Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial soap; be sure to wash between the toes. Dry the feet thoroughly. It's also a good idea to change socks during the day. Stash an extra pair of socks at school or at work, and change socks mid-way through the day. Wear shoes that are made of breathable materials.  

ATHLETE’S FOOT:

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash.

The condition is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. 

SYMPTOMS:

1.  Scaly, peeling or cracked skin between the toes

2.  Itchiness, especially right after taking off shoes and socks

3.  Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or greyish, depending on your skin colour

4.  Burning or stinging

5.  Blisters

6.  Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side

PREVENTION:

1.  Let your feet air out. When you can, wear sandals to let your feet air out as much as possible.

2.  Wash your feet daily. Use warm, soapy water and rinse and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

3.  Change socks regularly. Change your socks at least once a day — more often if your feet get really sweaty. 4.  Alternate pairs of shoes. Use different shoes from day to day. This gives your shoes time to dry after each use.

5.  Protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and lockers rooms.

6.  Be aware of the risk factors for spreading the condition. If you live with others, don't share shoes or unwashed bedding and towels.

INSOLES& INSERTS:

Shoe corrective insoles can help with conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, etc. Corrective orthotics are always prescribed by the Doctors. They are never dispensed off the shelf. 

Shoe inserts on the other hand can be dispensed off the shelf & they help with foot or leg pain. They can be used for extra cushioning in sneakers as heel liners or heel cups & as foot cushions. 

DIABETICFOOT HEALTH:

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet. If you can't feel pain, you may not know when you have a cut, blister, or ulcer (open sore) on your foot. A wound like that could get infected. The infection may not heal well because the damaged blood vessels can cause poor blood flow in your feet. 

How can I protect my feet if I have diabetes?

1.  Checking your feet every day

2.   Washing your feet every day

3.   Asking your doctor how to remove corns and calluses safely

4.   Trimming your toenails straight across with a clipper

5.   Always wearing well-fitting shoes and socks or slippers to protect your feet when walking

6.   Protecting your feet from heat and cold

7.   Keeping the blood flowing in your feet

8.   Getting your feet checked at your health care visits