Looking After Your Feet

Often we take our feet for granted, only realising their importance when we start to develop a problem, which, of course, is too late.

Remember, your feet must take the full weight of your entire body. This puts them under a lot of stress, and as a result, any foot problems you experience can not just result in general discomfort but also affect how you walk, which in turn can lead to posture problems, and complications with your back, hips, knees and other joints.

That is why we should all take good care of our feet, a little forethought with footcare can ensure that you prevent any problems developing as you get older.

We will talk about the specifics in more detail throughout the rest of the site, but for now, here are some basic guidelines that you should try to follow:

  1. Never shop for shoes in the morning. The reason is that your feet expand as the day goes on, so buying shoes later in the day will ensure that you get a good fit for all hours of the day.

  2. If, as with many women, you feel you need to wear higher heels in your workplace, don't wear them on the journey to and from work. Have a second pair of comfortable shoes that you can wear for commuting and travel.

  3. Wear the right shoes for the right job. If your workplace demands that you wear protective footwear, then do so. You can still get shoes and boots that look stylish whilst offering good protection for your feet (check online retailers, eg. Safety Boots). If you are hiking, wear proper hiking boots, not your training shoes.
  4. When cutting your toenails, try to cut them 'straight', not in a curve, and take care not to cut them too short.
  5. Buy a pumice stone, and use it to rub away any build up of hard skin on your feet.
  6. Socks are cheap, so buy good quality ones and change them every day.
  7. Before going to bed, wash your feet carefully, paying special attention to any cuts and inflamed areas. Then dry them just as carefully, and apply a good quality specialist foot creme.
  8. If you go swimming or attend a gymnasium, then don't walk around barefoot, wear plastic sandals or flip flops.