Your feet are an important part of your body, providing support, stability and balance. Each foot is a complex system of 26 bones, 33 joints, a network of nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons and more than 100 muscles.
With all those connected parts, there's plenty that can go wrong. That's why it's crucial to take care of your feet.
Healthy Feet Are Happy Feet
To keep your feet happy and healthy, practice proper hygiene. Improper hygiene can lead to blisters and skin and toenail infections.
Follow these hygiene practices:
- Keep your feet clean! Wash and dry them every day.
- Keep toenails short and clean.
- Ditch the sweaty socks! Change your socks daily or more often if they get sweaty. Wear moisture wicking socks to reduce the chance of blisters or fungus.
- Moisturize your feet to prevent dry and cracked skin. Fungal infections can get in through the cracks in your feet and toenails.
- Don't forget the sunscreen! Feet can get sunburned too, so make sure to protect them.
Proper foot hygiene is especially important if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Proper care can prevent nerve problems like neuropathy, fungus and infection.
Check your feet regularly for any changes like bumps, bruises, cuts or swelling. If you see anything concerning, talk to your doctor.
Standing A Lot?
Standing all day puts pressure on your feet and can lead to some serious health issues like pain in the lower back and leg, cardiovascular issues, fatigue and discomfort. After all that standing, your feet could use a break!
Here are some tips to help relieve foot pain:
- Stretch your legs, feet and ankles during the day. This prevents muscle cramps and keeps your body limber. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends exercising your feet once a day by raising, pointing and curling your toes for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. Rotate your ankles to relax your feet and loosen your ankle joints.
- Wear well-fitting shoes. When you're on your feet all day or walking a lot, make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and a padded sole.
- Get safe pedicures. Whether you go to a salon or do it at home, make sure all instruments are sanitized and properly cleaned. Make sure to cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Get a foot massage! They feel good, release tension and boost circulation.
- Soak your feet. This can relax muscles and increase blood flow.
- Kick up your heels! Putting your feet up is not only relaxing after a long day, but it's a great way to reduce swelling from sitting or standing too long. It's recommended to have your legs above your heart to improve blood flow.
If you have ongoing foot pain, swelling or wounds that don't heal, talk to your doctor.
ProviderFinder®
Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) can answer questions you have about your feet or refer you to a specialist if needed. If you don't have a PCP, use Provider Finder to find an in-network provider.