The Agony of De Feet

Summer is almost upon us. Are you ready for baring your feet in those cute sandals?

Here are some tips for keeping your feet happy:

1. Always make sure that you have the correct foot measurement. Your feet tend to swell towards the afternoon, so keep this in mind if you are trying on shoes in the morning. An incorrectly sized shoe is the most likely cause of sore feet.
2. The moment that you try on shoes you should be able to tell if they will work for you or not. Any shoes that pinch in the first few minutes will not improve with wear.
3. It is a good idea to wear “water socks” in oceans and lakes. You never know what you might step on in the water that could cause foot injury.
4. Going barefoot indoors can promote good stimulation and blood circulation for your feet
5. Always treat blisters and sores on your feet. Wear a band aid to keep the area clean and free from becoming infected.
6. Your feet have 250,000 sweat glands, so wash them daily
7. Most people walk thousands of steps each day, so make sure you are wearing the proper socks, change them regularly and wash them in hot water
8. Cut you toenails with a toenail clipper straight across. Uneven cutting can lead to ingrown toenails.
9. Apply sunscreen all over your exposed skin and don’t forget your feet
10. Walking is a healthy thing to do for your feet. Exercise also increases the blood flow.
11. Your feet have more bones in them than any other area of your body. So protect your feet from broken bones by wearing shoes when you are lifting something heavy or operating machinery indoors or outdoors.
12. Massage you feet. Start with each toe and gently rub it. Then proceed to the balls, middle zone and heels of the feet. In each area kneed it softly at first, gently increasing pressure to work out the tension and soreness. Lotion is another treat, but make sure the lotion is dry before you try walking on a tile floor!
13. Soak your feet in Epson salt and warm water for a special spa treatment
14. Elevate your feet whenever you are relaxing. Take the pressure off of them for a while.
15. Make sure that your nail salon has passed the health department’s inspection. Your manicurist/pedicurist should be using sterile instruments with each customer.
16. If you give yourself a pedicure, carefully push back cuticles with the correct cuticle stick.
17. Always wear flip flops in a gym shower to avoid contacting a foot fungus.
18. Wear sandals outside. You need to protect your feet from things lurking in places you can’t see as well as sweltering sidewalks and burning beach sand.
19. Walking along the beach is invigorating for feet. The cool water feels delightful as it covers your feet. The grains of sand give your feet a natural massage. But always look where you are walking.
20. Talk to your doctor about any sores or unusual changes you see on your feet or any pain you experience when you walk or run

So remember to take care of your feet and if you do they will carry you happily through the upcoming months of summer and beyond!