10 Steps to Healthy Feet

Did you know that your feet are one of the most important parts of your body? It’s vital that you look after them. Healthy feet make it much easier and quicker to get on with our lives.

There are many natural remedies that you can carry out at home that will make your feet comfortable and look great at the same time.

If you are having a health overhaul of your body – start at the bottom with your feet! Here are some simple and practical methods that give your feet a whole new lease of life.

Feet can be affected by aches and pains, strain, tiredness and irritation and sores. Inappropriate footwear and poor toenail maintenance are major contributory factors. Feet can also become infected – especially with fungal infections. Foot problems tend to get more common as we get older but the roots of theses problems often lie in our youth!

Our 10 steps to healthy feet

1. Protect your feet from heat and cold.

Walking bare foot on hot sand may seem like a good idea but can actually damage the underside of your feet. Also, it is not good for your circulation to let your feet get cold. Wear socks made from a natural material such as wool.

2. Gently wash your feet daily

Wash your feet every day using a natural soap that will not damage the skin. Do not soak them for too long in water as the skin will lose its natural moisture. Always dry very carefully between your toes to prevent skin infections and irritation.

3. Moisturise well

Dry feet are not healthy feet! Keep an eye on any patches of dry skin because they can spread rapidly and become a bigger problem later. Using a natural moisturising cream will help. Or you could use olive oil to massage your feet before bed.

4. Take care of your toenails

It is often safer to file your toe nails as opposed to cutting them. You could do this weekly, or more frequently if necessary. Take this opportunity to check nails for any changes in colour or texture or rough spots – this could be a sign of an infection.

5. Footwear

Inappropriate shoes are the single most important cause of foot problems yet we all wear them! Get your shoes fitted properly and take time to gradually get used to new shoes. It is important that you feel comfortable with your shoes, and that they aren’t too tight, or too lose.

6. Avoid irritation

Avoid irritating substances that could cause problems, like alcohol, salt water, razors and iodine. If you are going to use a bandage, use one that is hypoallergenic.

7. Foot care

Inspect your feet daily. If you think you need someone else’s help – ask for it. When you are looking at your feet focus on wounds, cuts, hard spots, scrapes, blisters, or swollen or red areas.  

8. Walking

Take a gentle walk for 45 minutes or an hour every single day. You can also exercise your feet by raising your legs and ankles up and then bringing then down. Repeat for 5 minutes, two or three times a day. Most sports are good for you feet. Adopt a generally healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and drinking.

9. Control your sugar intake

Diabetes is a major problem for foot health because it destroys the nerve endings in the feet. You can take steps to avoid diabetes by controlling your diet and getting plenty of exercise. If you already have diabetes your doctor should be giving you special advice on foot care.

10. Get an appointment…

If you have any sort of abnormality develop on your feet that you are concerned about you, consult a doctor or a podiatrist. They will be able to advise you further.

Do these steps work?

This very much depends on you! Your feet will be as healthy as you let them. It takes some time and attention.

Recommendations…

The most important thing is to be aware of what’s going on! It is easy to ignore your feet because they are on the end of your legs! You will be glad that you put in the effort when walking becomes a pleasure and not a pain.