Keeping your feet healthy after all the walking, running, climbing, and standing they do on a daily basis can be more easily accomplished when you take the time and effort to properly care for them before problems pop up. When you do notice signs of any problems, see your foot doctor to take care of them before they get more pronounced and painful, especially if you have diabetes.
Excellent proactive ways to keep your feet healthy include the following:
Regular foot inspections—While it’s especially important for patients with diabetes to perform daily foot inspections, we can all benefit from a daily or at least weekly foot checkup. Look for bruises, blisters, and cuts and don’t forget to look between your toes and at the bottoms of your feet, using a mirror if needed. Check your toenails for fungal infections or any signs of ingrown toenails. Foot deformities like bunions respond to treatment better in the early stages so early detection is preferable.
Correct toenail cutting method—Take the effort to carefully trim your toenails as straight across as possible and a little beyond the end of the toe to help avoid ingrown toenails. This way, the toenail won’t be able to easily grow into the tender skin at the edge.
Wear properly-fitted shoes with custom orthotic inserts—Your footwear needs to be supportive with extra room in the toe box so your toes can move without rubbing against the inside of your shoes. Having a computerized gait analysis performed by your foot doctor will determine your foot type. The use of custom orthotic inserts, braces, and arch supports can alleviate pain and discomfort in your feet, knees, hips, and back as well.
Keep your feet healthy with regular visits to your podiatrist. Consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844and schedule an appointment today!
