Happy Feet: 10 Tips For Maintaining Healthy Feet

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Happy Feet: 10 Tips For Maintaining Healthy Feet

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=67876

The human foot is a marvel of biomechanical engineering that most of

us take for granted until the system fails or breaks down. The

average person will walk the equivalent of twice around the world in

a lifetime, which is a long time on your feet.

Podiatrists who are part of the UCLA Medical Group offer the

following tips for helping maintain healthy feet and avoiding

complications. The physicians are board-certified, provide

comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle

conditions, and also have expertise in the management of diabetic

foot problems and sports injuries.

10 Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet

1. Inspect your feet regularly and pay attention to changes in

color, texture or appearance.

2. Maintain good foot hygiene, including washing and drying between

the toes.

3. Hydrate the skin. Southern California weather and open shoes can

cause rapid loss of moisture from the skin and may result in

cracking or the formation of fissures. It is helpful to replace the

moisture content by using lotions or creams on a regular basis.

4. Buy proper-size shoes. You may not wear the same size in shoes

made by different manufacturers. Purchase new shoes late in the day,

when feet tend to be at their largest. Always buy the shoes that

feel the best.

5. Don't ignore foot pain. Symptoms that increase or do not resolve

within a reasonable period of time need to be evaluated by your

podiatric physician.

6. Cut toenails straight across. Never cut into the corner this

could cause an ingrown toenail. Gently file away sharp corners or

rough edges with an emery board.

7. Exercise. Walking is a great way to keep weight under control and

is an excellent conditioner for the feet. Be sure to wear

appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.

8. Alternate your shoes each day. Since the feet have sweat glands,

your shoes will absorb moisture from your feet, so it is important

to allow your shoes to dry out completely.

9. Avoid walking barefoot to help protect your feet from injury and

infection.

10. Put sunblock on your feet while wearing sandals during the day

to avoid sunburn.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

924 Westwood Blvd., Ste. 350

Los Angeles, CA 90095

United States

http://www.ucla.edu