Take Care of Your Feet
Our feet take the brunt of our daily movement. Step after step, they carry us through our day. From the gym, to work, to home, and weekend plans, they provide the support we need. Crammed into tight shoes or sandals with little support, they slowly develop problems if we ignore them. It starts with an ache here, or a blister there, and turns into ingrown nails, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and sometimes much worse. As our feet are pushed too far, we are forced to slow down.
When we think of the importance of foot care and prevention, we often associate it with the elderly or those with diabetes. While foot health is extremely vital in those populations, it is actually important for all feet, of all ages and conditions. When it comes to foot health, prevention is your greatest tool. Adapting a simple, daily routine can have a big impact on the health of your feet. An ongoing routine could protect you from infection, deformities, and many diseases. If you value being mobile and independent, regular foot care is the best way to remain that way.
A Simple Daily Foot Care Routine
Healthy feet rarely happen by accident; they’re the result of small habits repeated daily. A good routine takes only a few minutes: inspect the tops, soles, and spaces between your toes for cuts, redness, or changes; wash with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes; moisturize the tops and soles to prevent cracking; trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails; and rotate your shoes and change your socks so moisture doesn’t build up. Checking the inside of your shoes before you put them on takes seconds and prevents many injuries.
Choosing the Right Footwear
The shoes you wear have a large effect on your foot health. Look for a supportive sole, a roomy toe box that doesn’t pinch, and a secure fit through the midfoot. Shop later in the day when your feet are at their largest, and replace athletic shoes once the cushioning breaks down, typically every 300–500 miles of running or after several months of regular wear. Match the shoe to the activity, and if you have flat feet, high arches, or recurring pain, custom orthotics can provide support that off-the-shelf shoes can’t.
Foot Health for Every Age
Foot care needs change across a lifetime. For children, watch growth and gait and address pain rather than dismissing it as “growing pains.” Active adults should focus on preventing overuse injuries by progressing activity gradually and supporting the foot properly. Older adults and people with diabetes benefit most from daily foot checks and regular professional care, since reduced sensation and circulation make small problems easier to miss and more serious if ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Care
How often should I have a professional foot checkup?
Healthy adults can be seen as needed, but anyone with diabetes, neuropathy, or recurring foot problems should have regular checkups every few months to catch issues early.
Are over-the-counter foot remedies safe?
Many are fine for minor issues, but acid-based wart or callus removers can harm the skin, especially for those with diabetes or poor circulation. When in doubt, ask us first.
When should I see a podiatrist instead of waiting?
See us if pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, limits your activity, or comes with swelling, numbness, or a wound that won’t heal.
Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the things you love. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle has board-certified podiatrists in Murray, Draper, and Tooele serving patients across the Salt Lake City area. Call 801-261-1391 or request an appointment online. We get you in quickly, and appointments are always available.
Why Wait Until Something Goes Wrong?
An investment in your feet is an investment in the quality of your life.
Foot and Ankle Exercises
Achilles TEndon Exercises
For mid-substance Achilles tendinitis, these exercises can help get you back to your favorite activities fast.
Calf Stretches
Tight muscles can cause problems for many reasons and change the way you move. Learn how to stretch your calf muscles the right way.
Lateral Ankle Exercises
Follow along with these stretches and exercises to increase the mobility and strength in the ankle joint.
Shoe Selection
Finding the Right Sandals
The shoes you choose can have a big impact on the health of your feet. Read more about which kind of sandals may be causing you trouble.
General Tips on Choosing Shoes
When choosing shoes there are so many things to consider. From the right activity and fit to the amount of support. Check out this guide for more information.
Your choices in footwear for sports can dramatically affect your performance. There are several things you can do to both improve your game and protect your feet.
Learn More About Conditions and Treatments
How Many Bones Are in the Foot? A Simple Guide to Foot and Ankle Anatomy
Learn how many bones are in the foot and understand the anatomy of the ankle and foot, including the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot.
Plantar Fascia Tear: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Discover the causes and symptoms of a plantar fascia tear & learn about treatment options such as rest, orthotics, immobilization, and when surgery may be needed.
Crossed Toes (Crossover Toe): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Learn what causes crossed toes, early symptoms, and treatment options. Discover when to seek care and how to prevent progression.
