Top Tips To Care For Your Feet

Maintain healthy nails

A very common ailment podiatrists see regularly is fungal nail infections. This is evident when the nail becomes discoloured, thickened and brittle. To help avoid fungal nail infections, frequently wash and dry your feet, avoid going barefoot in public showers or pool areas (thongs are great to wear in public showers), don’t wear the same pair of socks two days in a row, hang your socks inside-out in the sun (UV light is a natural fungus killer), don’t share footwear with other people, air your shoes regularly in the sun and try not to wear the same pair of shoes each day.

Wear correctly fitting shoes

Up to twice your body weight in force is applied through your feet and legs with every step, so it’s important to have comfortable and appropriate footwear. To avoid pain, it is important to have shoes that fit well and are comfortable. This is especially so for athletes and people who are constantly working on their feet, including tradespeople, teachers, hospital staff, police and emergency services. Podiatrists commonly see that people wear shoes that are too small for them, so make sure that there is about 1.5 centimetres (thumb width) of space between your longest toe, which may not be your big toe, and the end of the shoe. Having a shoe that bends with your feet, especially at your toes, is also important not only for comfort, but also for facilitating training routines. Don’t underestimate comfort, there is now evidence to say that shoe comfort can help reduce injury risk, so make sure that you get the shoe that is most comfortable not just your favourite colour.

Foot and lower limb pain or tiredness

It is very important not to ignore what your feet and legs are telling you. One of the most common serious foot conditions in Australia is Plantar Fasciitis, which is noticeable through a deep ache or shooting pain in the heel. There can be many different reasons why people might be getting tired legs, from muscle fatigue due to muscle imbalance, through to reduced blood flow or blood pooling in the legs. Seeking podiatry advice can help manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Find a podiatrist near you Head to www.podiatry.org.au and select - Find a Podiatrist to find a podiatrist near you.