TIPS FOR HEALTHY FEET

Summer is approaching and it is
time for all of us to think about preventing foot problems. People are exposed
to the viruses that cause plantar warts by walking barefooted. Fungal
infections are prevalent during the warm weather and the increase in activity
often leads to an increase in injuries to the feet.

 Here are some simple measures that anyone can
do to help prevent problems for your feet:

Check your feet daily for cuts, cracks,
blisters, sores, swelling, redness or sore toenails. Hold your feet up to a
mirror to check the bottoms of the feet or have someone help you. Do not soak
your feet in water. This will only cause your feet to dry out more.

• 
  Wash feet in warm water daily and use non-drying
  soap.  Test water with your hand before
  putting your feet in the water to avoid burns
• 
  Dry feet well especially between the toes. Pat
  your feet dry; do not rub them
• 
  Apply lotion on feet if you suffer from dry
  skin.
• 
  Do not put lotion between your toes. Lotion
  between the toes helps bacteria to grow. Powder between toes helps keep moist
  skin dry and helps prevent fungal infections
• 
  Debridement or filing of corns and callouses
  should be performed by a podiatrist especially for patients with diabetes or
  vascular disease
• 
  Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your
  feet from injuries. Avoid shoes that expose your toes or heels. These types of
  shoes increase your risk for injury and potential infection. Wear shoes made of
  leather and wear white cotton socks. Flat shoes with good arch support and wide
  toe boxes are the best.
• 
  Wear well-fitting shoes. It is best to shop for
  shoes at the end of the day when the feet may be more swollen.
• 
  Break in shoes slowly. Wear them for one to two
  hours daily for the first few weeks to ensure they do not cause irritation.
• 
  Feel inside of shoes before putting them on to
  make sure they have no sharp edges or objects that might injure your feet.
• 
  Always wear socks or stockings to avoid
  blisters.
• 
  Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that
  are too tight below the knee.
• 
  Any lesions that change size or color or bleed
  should be immediately evaluated by your doctor
• 
  Do not smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and
  increases risk of circulatory problems.          
• 
  Exercise daily, if possible
• 
  Do not use corn-removers or other drug store
  foot remedies. These can be harmful
• 
  Cut toenails straight across and smooth edges
  with an emery board to prevent injury
• 
  Use sunscreen on your feet to prevent burns.
• 
  All skin lesions should be evaluated by your
  doctor. These lesions could range from viral warts which
  can spread to cancerous skin lesions.

The feet are the mirror for the
body. Diabetes and vascular insufficiencies affect your feet. The skin on your
feet show redness before an ulcer occurs. Ulcers can be caused by diabetes and
vascular problems. It is vital that ulcers be addressed by a professional to
prevent infections such as osteomyelitis (infection of the underlying bone). It
is important to have your feet evaluated for lesions, warts and skin cancer.
The feet are often forgotten. However these skin abnormalities can affect your
feet and significant problems can be avoided if they are found early.

Livingston Foot Care Specialists at 1685 Newbridge Road, in North
Bellmore 516-826-0103 www.livingstonfootcare.com