One part of our bodies that we don’t normally think of are our feet. However, feet get a lot of abuse, and we use them for almost every activity. They play a crucial part when walking, running, or even just standing. This is why it is important to properly care for them, and keep them in top condition.
This article will go over some important foot hygiene tips to give you healthy, soft feet. Not only will it feel good to have healthy feet, but it can also play an important role in preventing a variety of foot problems.
Moisturizing
Rough and scaly feet are really undesirable for most people. Moisturizing can help alleviate this problem, and will instead give you soft feet. A person should be moisturizing their feet at least once a day if they want to have healthy, touchable feet.
Prior to moisturizing, make sure that excess dead skin is removed. Then take a shower or give yourself a foot bath. This will soften up your skin so the moisturizer can penetrate in more easily, thus it will be more effective when applied. It is also a good idea to moisturize right before going to bed. That way the treatment is working while you sleep.
If your feet are extremely dry or there is a lot of callus build up, you can wrap plastic around the moisturizer or put on socks on while you sleep. This will lock in moisture and soften your feet much faster. Don’t do this too often though, because it can make your feet too fragile.
Remove Dead Skin
Over time dead skin and calluses can build up on our feet. This naturally occurs and helps to protect our feet from rough surfaces. However, the layers of dead skin can sometimes get too thick. This can be really unsightly, because it will have a yellowish tint. Plus, the calluses are rough to the touch and can look crusty. In severe circumstances they may crack open, and start to bleed. This is why it is important to frequently remove the dead skin from your feet.
The best way to routinely remove calluses and dead skin from your feet is to use a pumice stone. The first step is to soak your feet in warm water or take a shower. This will soften the feet so it is easier to remove the dead skin. Next, take a pumice stone and gently rub it back and forth on the desired area. The porous stone will slowly buffer away the dead skin. If you do not do this very often, or have thick calluses, it may take a while to remove the dead skin.
Foot Exercises
If you are always on our feet during the day, then they can feel fatigued and sore. Occasionally, give them a break and do some foot exercises as well as stretches to help revitalize them. Here are some of the things you can do to energize your feet.
Take off your shoes and let your feet breathe for a while. Shake them around and wiggle your toes. This will help to loosen up your joints and muscles. Do different things to stretch your feet out. Try to write the alphabet on the ground with your toes, make a gripping motion, point your toes out, or move your feet as if you are pressing a gas pedal.
Foot Massages
Massaging your feet is a really beneficial thing to do. Not only does it feel good, but it can also encourage healthier feet. A foot massage can alleviate different pains and cramps, will loosen muscles. The more elastic your feet are, the less likely you will suffer from a variety of foot problems. Massaging your feet can also increase flow of blood to the area. This increased blood flood can help your feet regenerate more quickly after injury or surgery.
Here are a few tips on how to give yourself, or someone else, a foot massage. Make sure the feet are warmed up prior to giving a massage, this will help to relax the muscles. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the sole of the foot, and begin working it in. Use your thumbs and move them in circular motions. Start at one end of the foot and move towards the other. After massaging the sole, move to the individual toes.
Footwear
Shoes that fit good are a must have. If you have uncomfortable shoes that leave your feet feeling sore, chances are you are building up calluses. If you really love your shoes, than one option is to consider purchasing some sole inserts. These will help reduce and redistribute the pressure on the feet. Thus, they will help to prevent calluses.
If you are prone to dry skin or cracked heels, sandals and shoes with an opened back should also be avoided. This is also true if you are trying to recover from a foot injury. Open back shoes do not retain any moisture and give almost no support. They will provide enough room for a person’s feet to expand, and this could result in cracking and reopening of wounds.
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