A few minutes a day can prevent serious foot problems. Consistent foot care reduces ulcers, infections, and amputations.
What to know
- Why feet are vulnerable: Reduced blood flow and nerve damage can make injuries easy to miss and slow to heal.
- Warning signs: Numbness, tingling, burning pain, color or temperature changes, calluses, corns, cracks, fungal infections, ingrown nails, blisters, or any sore that doesn’t heal.
- Prevention beats treatment: Daily checks, protective footwear, and prompt attention to small issues keep problems small.
Take action
- Daily routine (2–3 minutes):
- Check both feet, including soles and between toes. Use a mirror or ask for help if needed.
- Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between toes. Moisturize dry skin (not between toes).
- Trim nails straight across; file edges. If vision or flexibility is an issue, see a podiatrist.
- Footwear:
- Always wear socks and shoes (even indoors if you’re high‑risk). Avoid barefoot walking.
- Choose cushioned, well‑fitting shoes with room in the toe box; avoid tight seams or high heels for daily wear.
- Inspect shoes before putting them on; shake out debris.
- Risk reduction:
- Don’t use hot water bottles, heating pads, or soak feet in very hot water—reduced sensation can cause burns.
- Manage calluses and corns professionally; avoid bathroom surgery or harsh chemicals.
- Keep blood flow moving: wiggle toes, take breaks from sitting, and walk regularly.
- When to call the clinic:
- Any cut, blister, or sore that doesn’t start to heal in 24–48 hours.
- Signs of infection: redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever.
- New numbness, color change, or pain in the calf when walking (possible circulation issue).
Talk to your doctor or podiatrist about
- Your foot risk level and how often you need professional exams.
- Custom inserts or therapeutic footwear if you have deformities, previous ulcers, or neuropathy.
- Managing dry skin, nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and ingrown nails safely.
Quick glossary
- Neuropathy: nerve damage causing pain, tingling, or loss of sensation.
- Ulcer: open sore that can get infected without proper care.
- Therapeutic footwear: medically fitted shoes/inserts that reduce pressure points.
Safety note
Don’t ignore a small wound—it can worsen quickly. Seek prompt care for any non‑healing sore or infection signs.