Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. So if you neglect your feet that can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems. Keep your feet clean and dry: Healthy feet start with good hygiene. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with soap and water when you bathe. Afterward, dry them well.
Examine your feet for problems: Perform a foot self-exam once a week when you take a bath or shower. Cut toenails properly: Cut nails straight across and avoid trimming too close to the skin or drastically rounding the corners of the nails, which can cause painful, ingrown toenails. Don't hide “ugly” toenails with polish: A discolored, thick, cracked, or crumbling nail could signal a nail fungus. Applying nail polish to an infected nail could make the problem worse. Protect your feet in public areas: Be sure to wear shower shoes at the gym, in locker rooms, and at public pools. These places tend to be breeding grounds for fungi that can lead to infections. Avoid sharing footgear : You can get fungal infections by wearing other people's shoes, as well as socks worn by another person. Head off sweaty feet : Wearing socks that keep feet dry will help your feet stay healthy. Choose breathable footwear: To help keep your feet dry and healthy, wear shoes made of leather to allow air to circulate. Wear shoes that fit properly: Shoes that are too tight can cause long-term foot problems.
