When was the last time you gave your feet some love? A foot rub or pedicure can go a long way to aid aching or sore muscles and to relax any tension. After all, your feet carried you all day and helped you get you where you need to be. This month, we encourage you to take special care of your precious feet to prevent issues down the road. Here are our top tips for foot care:

Daily Tips

• Wash your feet each day, even if you’re not showering every day. Not only will warm water help to soothe any aches or soreness, it will also help provide another check for any changes in your feet. Use soap and warm water (don’t forget in between the toes!) to fight fungi and bacteria, and then dry your feet completely before putting anything on them.
• Assess your feet after washing. Treat injuries with first aid and look for skin changes or new bumps.
• To prevent bacterial or fungal infections and foot odor, rotate the shoes that you wear so that they have time to fully dry out after each wear.
• If you stand or walk a lot during the day, stretch your feet and give them a quick rub to relax them.

General Foot Care Tips

• If you get pedicures, make sure the tools that are used are sterilized. The first appointment of the day is a good way to ensure that.
• Wearing nail polish for a long stretch of time can weaken the toenails. Take a break between pedicures.
• Wear shoes that are the right size and shape. Shoes should fit your feet, not the other way around. Don’t buy shoes that need to be broken in, as some materials do not stretch out. Supportive padding and heel cups will prevent problems caused by strained muscles tissues. Have a foot condition that needs extra support? Orthotic inserts will do the trick – ask your podiatrist.
• Toenails should be trimmed straight across not too short to prevent problems with ingrown toenails.
• Wear flip-flops in communal shower and pool areas to prevent the contraction of contagious infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Don’t forget to put sunblock on your feet! There is skin there too, and at risk of burning!
• Eat healthy and exercise. If you have other conditions like diabetes, make sure to control your blood sugar levels to maintain healthy feet.

Wondering how your feet are doing? Come see us at Texas Foot Works. Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz can assess your feet to make sure your feet are healthy. If you are worried about a foot health condition, we can help too! Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices!