Category: Foot Care Tips

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Keep Your Feet Beautiful with These Simple Tips

If you missed out on August 17th’ National I Love My Feet Day, this is the perfect time to remind you to show some gratitude to your feet.  Our feet do so much for us, from carrying our entire body weight to carrying groceries. One way to show your feet some love is to keep them beautiful. The first step is to rid yourself of dry skin and keep your feet moisturized. Here are some easy tips to do that.

Use gentle soap in the shower. Harsh soaps can make dry skin worse. When buying soap try to look for words like “For Sensitive Skin” and “Moisturizing.”

Keep it warm. When you shower or bathe, it’s best to stick with lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out skin even more.

Scrub off dead skin with an exfoliant. Using a pumice stone works great. You can also use a simple foot file. Another option is to use a liquid foot scrub that is designed to exfoliate. Rub it on in the shower and wash it off.

Soak your feet. Try a mixture of 1 part Listerine, 1 part vinegar, and 2 parts warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.

Seal in moisture. Apply a lotion after you bathe or shower. Showering and bathing can dry out your skin. Try applying lotion to lock in the moisture that showers can take out.

Put on cream at night. Applying cream to your feet when you go to bed can also help.  To keep it sealed in, try pulling socks on over the cream.

Avoid open-backed shoes.  They can cause increased weight and increased friction from the back of shoes resulting in cracked heels. Dry cracking skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve function (autonomic neuropathy).  Heels should be kept well moisturized with a cream to help reduce the cracking. If an open sore is noted, make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

If you have any issues with foot health, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For more information and answers to your questions and to schedule an appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785. 

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Foot Tips to Keep Summer Fun!

The glorious summer weather is finally here. The great outdoors beckons with fun and adventure, but it can all put quite a bit of pressure on your feet. Don’t worry though, follow these tips and you’ll have a fun-filled summer.

There are several things you can do to make sure your feet stay in the best of shape during summer, here are some easy tips to follow:

Always wear shoes!

Yes, it’s tempting to kick off your shoes and go barefoot but going barefoot can lead to all sorts of problems. It’s important you know your feet. Your feet need to have the support that only shoes can provide, especially when you’re walking long distances.  Shoes also can protect your feet from sharp objects. Finally, wearing shoes can protect you from athlete’s foot and other bacterial infections.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Everyone remembers to use sunscreen on their arms and legs, but often forget about their feet. The ankles and the tops of the feet are very likely to get burned if you don’t apply sunscreen. Also, remember to reapply after going into the water.

Avoid blisters!

Blisters can get much worse during the summer months, especially due to sweaty feet. Try to buy shoes that are already comfortable and soft. If you are getting blisters, make sure to wash the area with soap and water and avoid popping the blister. If you have to pop it because it becomes extremely painful, do so with a sterile needle and let the fluid drain out, leaving the skin intact. This, however, is not advisable for those with diabetes.

Keep these tips in mind and your feet will thank you for it! If you have any issues with foot health and mobility, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For more information and answers to your questions, and to schedule an appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785.