It is important to your overall health and well being that you keep your feet clean, dry, and healthy every day. Foot infections and deformities can indicate health problems of a more serious nature. You can avoid developing serious issues with your feet by maintaining a regular foot care routine. Follow the tips in this article to keep your feet healthy.

1. Get a foot exam every year (or more often if you have foot ulcers or foot numbness and tingling (Loss of feeling or numbness in feet). Be vigilant during your foot exam and ensure that your doctor checks both your feet thoroughly, check your foot pulse, examine the bottom of your feet (especially if you are diabetic). If you are diabetic, it is important that you maintain contact with your doctor and that you follow his advice closely. People who are diabetic and do not maintain healthy feet can develop foot conditions that can lead to more serious diseases and even amputation.

2. Check your own feet every day. Examine your feet thoroughly and check between your toes. Especially look for problems such as cracks, corns, calluses, blisters, swelling, dry skin, cuts, and sores. See your doctor if you experience any of these conditions.

3. Wear well-fitting, quality socks and make sure that they are clean and have no holes. Wear well-fitting shoes. Avoid wearing tight shoes, shoes with extremely narrow toes, and low-quality shoes. Make sure your shoes are wide in the toe area and have soft soles. Try to avoid wearing plastic shoes or flip-flops as these can expose you to toenail fungal infections. Check your shoes before you put them on to make sure there are no foreign objects in them and that there are no tears or bumps that can cause you pain and discomfort.

4. Good foot hygiene is especially important in keeping your feet healthy. Wash and clean your feet everyday with warm water. Pat them feet dry with a soft, absorbent towel. Make sure you dry the space between your toes. Apply a moisturizer after drying them

5. To avoid fungal infections of your toenails or athlete’s foot, always wash your feet well after you have exercised or done another type of sports activity that causes your feet to sweat. Dry your toenails and the skin of your feet well.

6. Don’t try to treat your corns and calluses yourself, and don’t use corn plasters. Avoid going barefoot, even when you are in your own home. Trim your toenails regularly, and don’t let them grow too long or get raggedy. If you have problems such as foot ulcers, numbness, or tingling in your feet and toes, see a doctor. Make sure that the nail clippers and nail files that you use on your feet are clean and new.

When your feet are clean and healthy, it is a sign of good health and overall well being. Foot problems like ulcers, sores that don’t heal, blisters, swelling, and discoloration can indicate other health issues. It is important that you see a doctor if you experience any of these issues.