SIMPLE PREVENTATIVE FOOT CARE STEPS
- Use a mirror to look at the bottoms of you feet (cuts, blisters, and ingrown toenails are red flags). Ask a member of your family for help if you need it. Diabetics should check their feet every day.
- Elevate your feet when sitting down to aide in increased circulation in your feet. Simple stretching, walking, or a gentle foot massage can get the blood flowing to your extremities.
- A warm foot bath is also helpful. Dry your feet completely before you put on your shoes.
- Shoes protect your feet, but can be harmful over prolonged periods of time. When sitting for a long time, stand up and move around every now and then. If you cross your legs, reverse or uncross them often.
- Don’t smoke.
If you experience any pain or discomfort that persists over a two week period, don’t delay. Contact your family doctor or podiatrist for an examination.
Proper Shoe Care Tips
A comfortable shoe that fist well can prevent many foot problems. Follow these helpful guidelines:
- Shoe size may change as you age, so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
- Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other. Make sure your shoes fit your larger foot.
- Don’t buy shoes without trying them on first. Shoe sizes can vary depending on the kind, make, and style. .
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they feel right. The heel of the shoe should not slide up and down when you walk.
- Choose a shoe that is shaped like your foot. Styles with high heels or pointed toes can hurt your feet.
- Stand up when trying on shoes to make sure there is about 1/2 inch between your toe and the end of the shoe.
- Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
- Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and hope they will stretch.
- The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material.
- Soles should give solid footing and not slip. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.
- Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.
Warning Signs
- Dry Skin
- Corns and Calluses
- Warts
- Bunions
- Ingrown Toenails
- Neuromas
- Hammer Toes
- Heel Spurs
- Swollen Feet
Both diabetes and peripheral artery disease can cause poor blood flow to the feet, which can cause scrapes or bruises to become infected more easily. This makes good foot care very important. Make sure to check with your doctor if you develop a sore on your foot that does not heal.
Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of your health care. Your doctor should look at your feet often. If you have foot problems, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor.
Source:
US Health and Human Services/National Institute on Aging/Foot Care
