Most of us are so engrossed with our physical appearance, but we sadly neglect our feet. Our feet deserve just as much attention as our faces because their comfort and beauty matters too. Don’t feel de’feet’ed just yet, here are eight things you can do!
#1 INSPECT AND MOISTURISE YOUR FEET
- Check your toes, soles and heels for any cuts, swelling or blisters.
- Lather them with lotion, cream or petroleum jelly.
- Put on a pair of socks and have a long slumber.
#2 INVEST IN PROPER FOOTWEAR
- Use gel pad inserts to reduce cutting and chafing.
- Wear breathable shoes made of leather, canvas or mesh.
- Get insoles made of foam, gel, cork, and leather.
#3 GO AU NATURALE
- Take a break from mani-pedis to avoid discolouration.
- Trim your toenails straight across with a nail clipper and smooth the corners with an emery board.
- Push back, don’t cut cuticles to protect new nails from bacteria.
#4 MANAGE CORNS AND CALLUSES
- Corns and calluses are thick, hard patches of skin on your feet.
- Corns appear on top of your feet or toes while calluses appear on the bottom. Caused by excessive rubbing in tight shoes or pressure from long sports, here’s how you can treat them:
- Wear thick socks or prescription foot orthotics.
- Use a pumice stone to rub the callus while in the shower.
- Use corn pads.
#5 KEEP YOUR SWEATY FEET UNDER CONTROL
While some perspire because of stress, medications or hormonal changes, others inherit sweaty feet called hyperhidrosis. Here’s what you can do:
- Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and dry them out.
- Sprinkle them with cornstarch, baby powder or antifungal powder.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks and change it frequently.
#6 TREAT WARTS
Warts are small growths of hardened skin brought on by a virus. They thrive in moisture, so here are some measures to take for cleaner feet:
- Wear flip-flops in public showers and pool areas.
- Change your shoes and socks every day.
- Keep your feet dry.
#7 MOVE MORE
- Try the legs-up-the-wall yoga pose.
- Roll a tennis ball under your feet.
- Wiggle your toes and move your ankles several times a day.
#8 ENJOY A GRATIFYING FOOT SPA
- Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
- Add aromatherapy oils like lavender oil and jojoba oil together with Epsom salt.
- Get a relaxing foot massage or book a reflexology session.
Don’t hesitate to see a podiatrist for more foot care alternatives. Our feet haul our weight through all that standing, walking and running. Let’s shower them with love.
Sources: Healthline, Very Well Health, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, MyHealth, WebMD
