Simple Suggestions for Healthy Feet

Simple Suggestions for Healthy Feet

  • Keep your feet clean.
  • Apply lanolin or olive oil to dry skin.
  • Avoid using hot water and strong soaps.
  • Dry skin carefully. Do not rub hard with a towel.
  • Do not cut corns, callouses or ingrown toe nails. Always seek professional treatment.
  • Avoid bruises, burns, cuts, cracks and frostbite. Seek immediate professional care if any of these injuries occur particularly  any ulcer or sore on the foot or leg.
  • Avoid exposure to cold and dampness.
  • Avoid the use of harsh or strong medications such as antiseptics containing iodine or carbolic acid, etc., corn cures, or chemical compounds and ointments for athlete’s foot.
  • Take regular exercise to improve circulation.
  • Do not sit with your legs crossed, nor walk about barefoot, even in the house.
  • If your eyesight is poor, ask a member of your family or a friend to examine your feet on a regular (preferably daily) basis, but do not let them provide any home treatments.
  • Never use animal wool around your toes, it shrinks and may cut off the circulation.
  • Do not use hot poultices.
  • If you sit close to a fire, protect your legs with a blanket to prevent damage to the skin.
  • Do not use commercial corn pastes, paints or plasters, they can and do, cause serious damage.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking impairs the circulation, particularly in persons with diabetes. It can seriously worsen foot and leg problems.