How to Maintain Good Feet

Routine maintenance is essential for healthy feet.

Well-maintained feet are not only physically attractive, they are an important part of your health and require routine care to prevent them from causing problems. Due to constant stress, your feet need regular pedicures and proper footwear to keep them in good shape and prevent health issues such as sprains, fungal infections and arthritis. In addition to at-home maintainence, have your doctor check your feet during your annual physical to ensure they are healthy, especially if you suffer from diabetes or arthritis.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Mirror
• Toenail clipper
• Foot scrubber
• Foot exfoliating scrub
• Moisturizing lotion
• Sunblock with SPF 30
• Shoe inserts

1. • 1
     Check your feet for cuts and blisters. Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet for anything that seems unusual, such as dark spots or bumps.
   • 2
     Clip your toenails straight across. Trim your toenails with clean, sharp toenail clippers to prevent spreading germs or causing an infection. Avoid cutting your toenails at an angle, as the toenail will grow into the skin and cause ingrown nails.
   • 3
     Exfoliate your feet with a gentle foot scrub to remove dead skin cells and encourage new growth. New skin is not only healthier and softer than old skin, but it is easier to maintain.
   • 4
     Slough off hard skin on the bottom of your feet with a foot scrubber. Shower for at least 10 minutes, and gently rub the foot scrubber against the bottom of your feet to remove dead skin. The skin is softened in the shower, which makes it easier to get rid of old skin.
   • 5
     Moisturize your feet with lotion daily after showering to keep them hydrated. Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 during the summer to prevent sunburns while wearing sandals or open-toe shoes.
   • 6
     Keep your feet up when sitting to maintain circulation. Also, keep your legs active if you tend to cross your legs while sitting.
   • 7
     Wear shoe inserts to reduce the amount of stress on your feet while walking. Shoe inserts often have rubber or gel to reduce pressure.