April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. The campaign strives to educate the public about the importance of foot health and the benefits of podiatric medicine. Without proper foot care, you’re more likely to experience foot disorders, like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis, that make standing and walking painful. Here are some tips to keep your feet in good health.

4 Foot Care Tips

1. Inspect Feet Daily

Check your feet every day to catch potential foot disorders early. Use a small mirror to look for cuts, broken skin, swelling, cracks, discoloration, bruising, toenail fungus, and other issues of inflammation or distress. Seek treatment from a podiatrist to make a full recovery.

2. Wear Proper Shoes

The shoes you wear affect the health of your feet. They should fit properly and provide arch support. Without sufficient arch support, you’re at higher risk for developing foot disorders, including blisters and plantar fasciitis. 

3. Trim Toenails Correctly

Use nail clippers to cut your toenails straight across. Avoid digging into the sides of your nails when cutting as it may lead to ingrowths. Trim your nails every six to eight weeks or more often if you’re active.

4. Don’t Go Barefoot in Public

Although it can be freeing to walk around in your bare feet by the pool or in other public places, you shouldn’t do it. Walking without shoes exposes your feet to bacterial and fungal organisms, increasing your risk of infection.

For more information about the conditions podiatrists treat, turn to the professionals at Deer Creek Foot Care in O’Fallon, MO. Dr. Warren Trampe has more than a dozen years of experience diagnosing and treating foot disorders and approaches every patient with respect and compassion. For more information about their services, including complications from diabetes, heel pain, and ankle fractures, visit their website, or call (636) 240-1127 to book an appointment.