A person's feet.

Sandal and open-toed shoe season is well underway, and feet are easily one of the most neglected parts of our bodies. Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. Show your tootsies some love with these tips on how to keep them healthy and in top condition, no matter the weather!

Keep your feet clean and dry

Foot health starts with good hygiene. Thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water when you bathe, making sure to dry them well afterwards. Fungal organisms love moisture, so depriving them of any wetness will make it harder for them to thrive. Especially make sure to dry in between your toes – this is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.

 

Inspect your feet

After you shower, have a good look at your feet. Do you notice any scaly skin? Any discolouration on your toenails? By doing this, and assessing what you find, you will be able to catch any issues you may have before they arise. This is especially helpful in catching things like athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections.

 

Protect your feet in public areas

We all like to go swimming every now and again, just make sure that you’re taking the right precautions. Wet, dirty floors, like those in changing rooms or shower rooms at the gym, are breeding grounds for bacteria that causes things like verrucae and plantar warts. Both afflictions can be very painful and take a long time to go away – they usually need help from a GP – so make sure to take preventative measures, like wearing flip-flops or shower shoes, when walking around.

 

Choose breathable footwear

This is an especially important tip if you suffer from overly sweaty feet. With over 250,000 sweat glands per foot, this can create the perfect condition for bacteria to thrive. Make sure to wear socks that keep your feet dry – socks made from synthetic fibres work better than fabrics like cotton or wool at wicking away perspiration, and this can help to keep you more comfortable too. Breathable footwear materials, like leather or canvas, allow the air to circulate, keeping your feet perspiration free.

 

Wear shoes that fit properly

Wearing poorly fitting shoes can result in long-term foot problems, like ingrown toenails and callouses. Always go shoe shopping at the end of the day, to account for any swelling that may occur, and always wear the right socks or tights for the pair of shoes you are trying on.

 

Know when to see a doctor

A lot of the time, self-treatment for painful foot issues can just make them worse. If you’re ever unsure of anything concerning your feet, make sure to see a GP and get it checked out. Allowing a doctor to look will prevent any minor problems from becoming major ones.