Whenever we discuss the topic of nail care and foot problems with any of our patients, we always stress how important your feet are. They are the way that you make your way through the world and help you “stand up” to everything that you need to.
It’s important that you look after your feet because they do so much for you in return. Under the banner of nail care and foot problems, we’ve done some research and come up with these things to do to keep you and your feet moving.
File Those Calluses
Whether you prefer using a foot file or pumice stone you should file those calluses so your feet don’t have any unnecessary friction against your shoes. There is a procedure here and it starts with soaking your tootsies in a foot bath or tub for about 15 minutes so the skin softens up.
If you want to add a little something to your foot bath, tannic acid is a great antibacterial agent that can actually reduce your chances of getting athletes’ foot.
Attack Fungus
Keep in mind there are many different antifungal treatments that you can buy at your local pharmacy. They come in a variety of forms like sprays, liquids and powders as well as creams and lotions.
When you’re looking at handling nail care and foot problems, you should understand that these work on mild cases of athlete’s foot. Quite often they won’t do much for toenail fungus. If you’re looking for a spray or medicated powder to help you with something like sweaty feet, you’ll want to make sure the product you choose has aluminum chloride in it.
If you spend a lot of time outside, it’s also a good idea to put sunscreen on the very tops of your feet. When the warmer weather finally gets here, an SPF of 30 is the best bet when you’re wearing scandals or going barefoot.
Finding the right kind of insoles is another proactive idea. These help you if you have a job where you’re standing for long periods of time. It’s important to look for an insert with a supportive shell at the bottom. Inserts with a firm shell make these types of supports much stronger and function better. If you can, it’s always the best idea to come in and see us so we can fit you with the right kind.
Making sure you keep those toenails clipped is another way to look after nail care and foot problems before they begin.
