Washing your feet daily will keep your skin clean and bright, prevent odor, and can prevent corns, infections, ingrown toenails, and calluses. [2] X Research source
Pumice stones are a great way to remove broad calluses on your feet, especially around your heels. [4] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Socks and feet that are dry and clean are the best defense against foot odor.
Don’t moisturize between your toes. If this area stays damp or wet, it can lead to fungal growth and infection. [5] X Research source
Avoid ingrown nails by cutting your toenails straight, not at an angle or rounded at the edges. [6] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. To smooth the edges down after trimming, use an emery board and file gently in one direction only. Nail polish is acceptable to use on healthy toenails once in a while, but don’t apply polish to unhealthy nails or to cover up discolored nails—this could be a sign of infection and covering it with polish will prevent it from clearing up.
Dark green vegetables, such as collards, kale, spinach, bok choy and broccoli Edamame, soybeans, and white beans Figs and oranges Sardines and salmon Almonds
Mushrooms Fortified orange juice, almond milk, tofu, breakfast cereal, and oatmeal Liver Mackerel and canned tuna
Moderate exercise will also help prevent and manage osteoporosis by promoting bone health. [9] X Research source
Yoga Tai chi Qigong The Feldenkrais Method
Place your foot flat on the floor, or sit down with your legs in front of you. Work on lifting each toe individually. After one to two minutes, work on spreading your toes apart and away from each other, just like splaying your fingers.
Avoid wearing flip flops too often in the warmer months, as they don’t provide any support and can cause foot pain. Wear sturdy shoes with about a 1–1. 5 in (2. 5–3. 8 cm) heel. Make sure your shoes provide proper arch support, and wear orthotics or custom orthotics for additional support if you need it. [12] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
If you do go for a pedicure, bring your own tools whenever possible. Never share pedicure instruments with others, especially emery boards. They are porous and cannot be sterilized properly, meaning they can trap and spread bacterial and fungi.
Diabetics should examine their feet every day for injuries like blisters, calluses, scaly skin patches, cracking skin, and cuts and wounds. Treat wounds immediately, and make sure your doctor looks at your feet at every visit. [13] X Research source
When using public swimming pools or showers (such as at hotels or gyms), wear water shoes or flip flops to protect your feet from possibly contaminated water. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include burning, itching, redness, and peeling. [14] X Research source Warts are rough, grainy growths on the skin that may have black pinpoints scattered throughout. Nail fungus, which can enter the toenail through a crack or break, can cause nails to become brittle, thick, and discolored. [15] X Research source
Aging, extreme cold, and joint pain can also cause foot pain, but if you frequently experience pain in your feet, talk to your doctor.
A bunion, which is a protruding bone that sticks out from the side of your foot where the big toe meets the foot. Bunions can cause pain, but unless the pain is severe, shoe inserts and cushions are usually favored over surgery. Hammertoes, which occur when the toes begin to bend downward at the middle joint because of out-of-balance muscles. This condition can be treated with proper footwear, foot supports, or possibly surgery. Having flat feet, when the entire sole of your foot makes contact with the ground. It is treated with strengthening exercises, arch supporting inserts, or orthotics. Calluses and corns, which are patches of thick, hard skin caused by constant pressure and rubbing. They can be trimmed or removed medically, treated with medicated pads and patches, or softened with soaking and gentle scrubbing with pumice. However, see a podiatrist if you have a corn or callus that goes deep into your foot, as it may need to be removed in an office. [17] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Gout, which is characterized by swelling, stiffness, pain, and redness of the joints in the feet, especially the big toe, as well as the ankles and knees. Gout is a form of arthritis and is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
