Be sweet to your feet

With the government recommending that we walk 10,000 steps a day it is vital that we ensure that our feet are up for the job. Caring for your feet has never been easier. Here are a few things you can do that will help keep your feet in tip top condition.

1. Wash your feet every day.
Making sure your feet are free from dirt especially between the toes, bacteria and sweat will help prevent infections occurring and your feet smell nice!

2. Keep them dry.
Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes as bacteria and fungus thrive in warm damp conditions.

3. Protect your feet.
If you go swimming or share a communal shower at the gym wear flip flops. Try not to go bare foot as these places are hot spots for the spread of infections.

4. Clean hosiery every day.
Make sure you put on a clean pair of socks or hosiery every day. This will ensure that your feet stay clean, fresh and prevent odours from developing. As our feet sweat in shoes it would be advantageous if you could try and rotate the shoes you wear to allow them to dry out, thus also preventing the build-up of bacteria and unpleasant odours.

5. Moisturise.
The easiest way to remember to moisturise your feet is by making it part of your daily routine. For example, rubbing in the moisturiser when you are watching your favourite soap on the T.V., applying it as soon as you get out of the shower or before you go to bed. You decide, but make sure you do it! Moisturising will ensure that your skin remains supple and hydrated reducing the risk of the skin becoming dry and cracked.

6. Nails.
Keep the nails a suitable length and remember not to cut down the side of the nail as this could encourage the nail to become ingrowing.

7. Remove any hard skin.
If you are prone to getting hard skin, especially around the heels try and remove it by using a foot file and apply a rich moisturising cream such as Flexitol or CCS cream as these creams have properties that help reduce dry cracked skin.

8. Get help.
If you are concerned about your feet or finding it difficult to care for them, make an appointment to see your podiatrist straight away.