More often than not, our feet are among the parts of our body that get the least attention. Not many people give their feet the care they need to avoid foot problems and related complications. As a result, it is only when we feel foot pain and discomfort that we pay attention on the condition of our feet. Little do we know that regular care, proper exercise, and foot hygiene promote healthy feet, a great contributor to our overall feeling of well-being.
Here are some of the questions that many people fail to ask on how to take care of their feet in order to be fit and healthy.
What is the simplest element to take good care of my feet?
A good posture -especially while standing– is the starting point to properly caring for our feet. It is important to stand up straight, to have a proper balance on your feet, with our toes positioned straight ahead. Lift your feet’s arches slightly so that the outside edges of your soles can support your body weight, enabling an even distribution of body weight.
Is choosing the right shoes important?
The shoes that we wear should be properly chosen to promote foot health. Our footwear shouldn’t be so stiff that it squeezes our toes. There should be enough space to allow your toes to move. The daily use of high-heeled shoes is a big no-no; as much as possible, high-heeled shoes should only be used when attending special occasions. High heels, because they disrupt our normal weight distribution across our feet, tend to cause excessive pain on the ball of our feet, as well as ankle pain.
What is the appropriate footwear during hot weather?
Open sandals or shoes with ventilation holes are the advisable type of footwear during hot weather in order to provide maximum ventilation to your feet. This will avoid excessive sweating by your feet, preventing the development of bacterial and fungal infections that cause athlete’s foot.
What other activities can I perform to enhance blood circulation on my feet?
To provide your feet with easy and enjoyable relief, give yourself a simple foot bath that is both cold and hot. In doing this, set aside two basins. On one basin, fill with hot water that is bearable to the touch and pour in 20 ml of mustard oil. On another basin, place cold water, but not to the point that it’s uncomfortably cold to the touch. Allow your feet to be soaked, first in the hot water for about three to four minutes. Then shift to the basin with cold water. Repeat the steps five to seven times and dry your feet carefully using a dry towel, preferably rough. Afterwards, it would be better to apply a moisturizing cream on your feet in order to replenish the oil on your skin. Plus, you will enjoy this simple foot relaxation at home without the need to go to a spa.
How do I soften my rough feet?
For about two weeks, simply do this exercise prior to sleeping. Dip your feet on warm water with herbal shampoo or a teaspoon of baking powder. Soak for about 10 minutes before drying them off, then apply a good skin softening / moisturizing cream.