Foot health advice can cover a variety of foot health topics including ways to treat or avoid foot problems. Some foot health advice is designed for the general public, while some may be specifically for people with diabetes since they are susceptible to serious foot health problems.
Foot health advice regarding footwear may focus on avoiding foot problems that can be caused by footwear. Bunions are a common example of one of the foot health problems that can be caused by ill-fitting shoes.
Shoes need to be wide enough as to not pinch the toes. Womens high heels with narrow, pointed toes can put so much pressure on the bone structure of the foot that they cause bunions. Blisters and corns are other foot problems that can be caused by ill-fitting footwear.
Regular foot washing helps foot health by removing bacteria, cleaning off dirt, and preparing the feet for the most effective moisturizing. Every part of the foot, including the areas between the toes, needs to be dried thoroughly after washing.
By applying moisturizer right after bathing and drying the feet, the moisturizer can lock in the moisture of the skin that has been enhanced by bathing. This can make the moisturizer more effective in preventing and treating dry skin. Foot lotions and moisturizers should never be applied between the toes.
Trimming toenails too short can cause ingrown toenails. A toenail that is cut too short may cut the skin as it grows.
Many home remedies for ingrown toenails can be found on the Internet or by word of mouth, however, many are ineffective. The best care of an ingrown toenail includes placing a small piece of sterile gauze between the nail and the skin, but this gauze must be changed at least daily to prevent infection.
Diabetic patients are susceptible to serious foot health problems. Due to complications of diabetes, the feet of the diabetic patient may sustain a cut or injury without the diabetic patient feeling the injury.
Infection is a serious concern for diabetic patients since an infected foot injury can lead to gangrene and the need for amputation. People with diabetes should wash and inspect their feet every day. If a foot problem or injury is detected, the diabetic patient should notify the doctor.
