Your feet go through quite a bit on a daily basis, so it makes sense to care for them as diligently as you would your teeth or your hands. Fortunately, it’s easy to adopt a basic foot care regimen that may help you avoid problems that could otherwise send you to the podiatrist. Some regular maintenance will also help your feet stay as soft and smooth as possible. Here are three tips to keep in mind.

How to Care for Your Feet

1. Clean Them Regularly

Wash your feet daily with soap and water in the shower or bath. Some people may be more prone to excess sweating of the feet, even when it’s not hot outside. This can make wearing shoes uncomfortable and may cause other issues like odors and infection if the damp skin breaks down. If this is a concern, use an antibacterial soap, dry feet thoroughly after washing, and apply an antifungal or foot powder. If you’re wearing socks, opt for a material that wicks moisture from the skin for ample comfort.

2. Use Moisturizer Daily

Don’t skimp on moisturizing daily as part of your foot care routine. This part of the body doesn’t have as many oil glands as other parts of the body, making it more vulnerable to dryness and rough patches. 

To achieve smoother skin on your feet, begin by exfoliating to slough away dead skin cells.If your skin is especially dry, it can be helpful to soak your feet in warm water to loosen the rough areas. Then, apply the moisturizer of your choice. Ideally, use something that is thick and deeply hydrating, with nourishing ingredients like butters or oils. Do this overnight and slip a pair of thick socks on your feet each night to wake up to softer feet.

3. Avoid Tight Footwear

No matter how stylish the pointy-toed heel or the square-toed pump, it’s not worth the discomfort that your feet may suffer as a result of wearing them. As a general rule, remember that your shoes shouldn’t hurt you. There should be enough wiggle room in the toe box to prevent your toes from becoming pressed too tightly inside, an issue that could lead to bunions. Make sure there’s sufficient arch support, and watch that the back doesn’t cut into your skin.

If you seek a reliable podiatrist for more comprehensive foot care services, turn to the team at Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH. Serving the community since 1985, Dr. John M. Rootring in Kenwood and Dr. Jay T. Feist in Bridgetown offer a range of services to ensure your feet remain healthy. Dr. Stephanie Liette in Kenwood specializes in wound care and ankle care. Rely on them for everything from ankle sprain treatment to diabetic foot care. Visit the website for more information, and call (513) 984-1911 to schedule with Dr. Rootring  or Dr. Liette or (513) 574-2424 to schedule with Dr. Feist.