Five ways to avoid an emergency podiatrist appointment

Posted on: 28 March 2022

Your feet take a lot of punishment every day — they have to take your weight so you can stay upright and move around. Your podiatrist can help when things go wrong, but there are plenty of ways you can look after your feet to stop problems from arising in the first place.

Good hygiene

Many foot problems arise from inadequate cleaning or drying. You should make sure you wash your feet every day with soap and water and should take special care to dry them properly, especially between the toes. Damp toes can lead to problems such as athlete's foot or toenail fungus, which can be very stubborn and difficult to remove. You should also make sure you change your socks every day, or more often if they become sweaty.

Proper shoes

The support given by your shoes is crucial to foot health. Make sure you get new shoes regularly, especially if the soles and heels of your shoes have worn down. This can cause your foot to land improperly as you walk and run, which can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Make sure your feet are properly measured and that your shoes are a perfect fit. You should also make sure you wear the right footwear for different activities — walking boots or running shoes for example.

Toenail care

You will probably need to cut your toenails every month or two. You should use toenail clippers and cut the nail straight across, but not close enough to the skin to cause injury. You should then file down any sharp edges. Proper nail care will help avoid problems such as ingrowing toenails or fungus.

Stretching

Before any sport or exercise that could put pressure on your feet, you should carry out some simple stretching exercises. Any kind of stretching will help, although your podiatrist can provide a tailored set of exercises. This will prevent strains and sprains. You should also take care if you are new to exercise — building up gradually will ensure you keep fit without causing any damage to your feet.

See a podiatrist

Finally, don't ignore any problems that arise. Minor issues with the feet can quickly get worse if not treated, and they can also be a sign of health issues elsewhere in the body. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat your foot pain and will ensure that you stay active without risking any further injury.

For more information on podiatry services, contact a professional near you.

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