We all love a relaxing foot massage at the saloon. But the pricey experience invariably holds us back till it becomes absolutely necessary. However, salons are not the only way to pamper our feet and maintain their well-being. Creating a simple yet effective foot care routine at home can provide the same relaxing benefits and contribute to overall foot health. For many others, foot care doesn’t feature in the priority list. But the neglect can cause discomfort and trigger various foot-related issues, affecting overall health.
Following a daily foot care routine is important for happy feet and a healthy body. Read through to know all about the importance of foot care and the best foot care routine to follow.
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Importance of Foot Care
Contrary to popular belief, foot care is not just about maintaining the appearance of the feet; it is about preserving their health and functionality. Here are some benefits of maintaining a daily foot care routine:
- Prevent Infections Due to Moisture
First of all, you need to maintain a basic foot care routine. Basic and regular foot care prevents moisture retention and stops fungal and bacterial infections from growing on the foot. Also, infections can be the result of dirt and water, which, when cleaned regularly, protect your foot from any ailments.
- Toenail Care
Toenails care is a significant part of your foot care. Thus, you must clean and maintain them properly. Otherwise, they will get infected due to fungus or complicated issues like ingrown toenails. These cause swelling and extreme pain in the foot.
- Foot Care After Exercise
A lot of people suffer from pain in their limbs after heavy physical activities. Since these activities cause overexertion of limbs, muscles and nerves become stiff. That’s why people experience pain. So, to counter this, it is necessary to give your limbs and feet some rest. While doing that, you can opt for light exercises for muscle activities as they will combat diseases like hammertoe.
- Diabetes
Diabetes patients should check their feet regularly and maintain proper foot hygiene. Diabetic people develop irregularities in blood circulation, which means their feet don’t receive enough blood flow. As a result, it leads to infections and ulcers, and in cases of severe infections, foot amputation is required.
Foot Care Routine To Opt For
The steps of an ideal foot care routine are:
- Foot Soaks – Dip the feet in warm water for about half an hour. For the salon-like relaxing feel, add Epsom salts, essential oils, or any foot-soaked product. These help to detoxify and soften the skin.
- Exfoliate – Remove the feet from the water one by one. Using a pumice stone or foot file, gently exfoliate the feet, removing all calluses and dry, flaky skin.
- Nail Care – Trim the nails weekly. Always trim the toenails straight across. Avoid cutting them too short as this can cause ingrown nails. Use a nail file to smoothen out the edges.
- Foot Massage – This is the most relaxing part of the foot care routine. Give yourself a relaxing foot massage using a moisturising foot care cream or oil. Massaging the feet improves blood circulation and eases foot tension.
Special Foot Concerns
Daily foot care may unveil special foot concerns. These are specific foot-related conditions that require special attention and care. In some cases, medical intervention is recommended. These are:
1. Diabetes Foot
Why is foot care important for diabetics? Because it can lead to amputation if not managed well. Diabetic foot refers to foot problems that arise due to diabetes-related nerve damage and reduced blood circulation. People with long-drawn and uncontrolled diabetes are at the highest risk. To take care of diabetic feet, inspect them daily for any cuts, sores, or changes. Follow a daily foot care routine, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid walking barefoot. Always seek immediate medical attention for any foot issues.
2. Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin. They are a result of friction or pressure on the feet. Corns are smaller and appear on the toes, whereas calluses are large and develop on the soles of the feet. To treat them, soak feet in warm water and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone, and moisturise regularly. Wearing proper-fit shoes and using cushioned insoles helps prevent their recurrence. Medical treatment may be required for severe cases.
3. Sweaty Feet
While sweating is common in hot, humid months, people with sweaty feet, sweat all around the year. It is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating of the feet. People with sweaty feet must practise good foot hygiene by washing their feet twice a day and wearing moisture-wicking socks. Use foot powders and antiperspirants to keep feet dry. Always go in for breathable footwear and alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely.
4. Foot Odour
If you are experiencing that pungent smell from your socks, shoes, or feet, it’s foot odour. Foot odour is the unpleasant smell that emanates from the feet due to excessive sweating and bacterial growth. If left unattended, it can lead to other foot concerns. To take care of foot odour, follow a proper foot care routine. If the foot odour persists, consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
5. Warts
Warts are the types of skin bumps that cause pain and more severe issues. These happen due to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. Warts of feet are called plantar warts. Generally, they are found at the bottom of the feet. Using salicylic acid will give good results on the warts. But in the cases of stubborn warts, laser therapy or surgery is required.
Athlete’s Foot
It’s a fungal skin infection that occurs due to excessive moisture in the feet. People who have sweaty feet easily develop this infection. The symptoms of an athlete’s foot are itchiness, rashes, blisters and redness of skin. So, you need to visit a doctor if your infection doesn’t get cured within two weeks. Also, you can try the remedies like soaking your feet with warm water and Epsom salt.
Fungus Nails
Fungus nail or Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail. It causes discoloured, brittle, smelly or thickened nails. It can be treated with self-care and using antifungal creams. It’s recommended to see a doctor in case of serious conditions. Also, you should wear breathable shoes and trim your nails properly.
Conclusion
Foot care is an essential part of daily grooming. It helps keep the feet healthy, contributing to overall well-being. Follow a daily foot care routine, combined with weekly foot soaks and deep massages. The best foot care routine will include washing, exfoliating, and massaging the feet every day. Use good quality foot care cream and essential oils for a relaxing and comforting effect. Remember to inspect your feet carefully each time. Feet concerns like diabetic feet, sweaty feet, and unpleasant foot odour must be addressed instantly to avoid foot-related issues and serious complications.
