During this back-to-school season, we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care thought it might be a good idea to offer our patients a primer on basic podiatric care. It’s estimated that about 75% of people will experience foot or ankle problems at some point in their lives. Fortunately, by being proactive about the health of your feet, you can minimize your risk for many common foot conditions. Below are some basics sure to keep you at the head of the class when it comes to healthy feet and ankles.
Start with Good Hygiene—wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and then dry them completely. Pay particular attention to the spaces between your toes as this is the place where athlete’s foot often begins. Apply an anti-fungal or talcum powder each morning to help keep feet dry. A good quality moisturizer before you go to bed at night will help prevent heel cracks.
Examine Your Feet Regularly—when you’re cleaning your feet, this is a good time to look them over and check for anything abnormal. Cuts that don’t seem to be healing, redness, swelling, growths, bruises, and skin rashes, or toenail changes can all be indicative of a developing foot disorder. Be sure to schedule an appointment at our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office to get anything unusual evaluated by our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral and Dr. Nrupa Shah.
Make Smart Shoe Choices—perhaps the single biggest factor in being proactive in the health of your feet is your footwear. Choose shoes that are well made and fit properly. Did you know that it’s estimated 9 out of 10 people are wearing shoes that are too small for them? Get your feet professionally measured as shoe size can change as you age. Avoid high heels and narrow toes boxes. These encourage deformities such as bunions and other painful conditions like ingrown toenails.
Avoid Walking Barefoot—your feet are vulnerable to cuts and puncture wounds when you walk barefoot, even at home. Out in public places like community pools and gyms, walking with your feet uncovered greatly increase your risk of fungal infections and warts.
If you have questions about your feet and how to best care for them, be sure to contact us.
