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Clean
your feet daily with soap and water
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Dry
your feet completely especially between the toes
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Never
go barefoot in public
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Wear
comfortable, properly fitting footwear
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Moisturize
your feet especially your heels. With age, not only does our skin
become more fragile, we perspire less leaving our skin drier and less
elastic. Ideally, a moisturizing cream should be applied twice a day
particularly after a bath or shower. Wearing socks over moisturizer
while you sleep will keep the moisturizer on your feet for an extended
period of time.
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Pumice
Stone using a pumice stone daily removes dead skin and will make
your feet smoother and softer
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Cutting
your toes nails should be done with nail clippers because they can
be cut in a straight line thus preventing ingrown toenails. Do not
cut them to short otherwise you may cut your skin. Round out rough
edges with a nail file to prevent catching on socks and nylons
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Nail
Polish is a cosmetic that should be used with care. Your nails
are indicators of your overall health and you may not notice discolouration
if your nails are painted. Try using alcohol-free nail polish remover,
as it is less drying than its alcohol-based counterpart
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Ask
for Help once you can no longer comfortably reach your feet to
trim your toenails or when you have vision problems, get help from
a chiropodist or a podiatrist. Podiatrists and chiropodists are primary
care practitioners who diagnose and treat foot aliments. Podiatrists
are able to perform surgery whereas chiropodists must use non-surgical
means of treatment. A referral from your doctor is not necessary.
Not only will they trim your nails, some will even pamper you with
a foot massage. There may be a charge for these services depending
on where they are obtained. You may be able to obtain reimbursement
from private extended insurance depending on your policy. To locate
a chiropodist in Ontario call 1-877-232-7653 or for a podiatrist
in Ontario call 1-866-424-6762
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Orthotics
are shoe inserts designed to support, align, prevent or correct a
foot deformity and improve foot function
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Sports
such as running can be very hard on your feet. While walking, the
feet support a load of 120% of your body weight. If you run, your
feet are carrying a load of 3 times your actual body weight most of
which is absorbed by the forefoot and big toe. If your favourite sport
causes excessive force on your feet it is essential that you wear
the correct footwear for the activity
