At the risk of plagiarizing the advertising platform of a well-known insurance company, Montgomery Foot Care Specialists want you to know that when it comes to taking good care of your feet, there are certain actions that you just do. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should be doing to care for your feet on a regular basis:

1. Choose the correct shoes. Shoes that crowd your feet will either cause trouble or worsen any foot trouble you already have such as ingrown toenails, hammertoes, or bunions. Remember that the size shoe you wore at 22 may not be the same at age 42, so be sure to have your feet re-measured from time to time. “Correct” also means the right shoe for the activity you’re planning. Running shoes are not recommended for lifting weights, and you can’t get away with basketball shoes for playing tennis.
2. Get rid of old, worn out shoes. We know they’re comfy and familiar. But they’re misshapen, and they smell. Any support they used to give you has long since disintegrated, so they’re not helping your feet the way they should.
3. Add some variety to your shoe wardrobe. Changing shoes allows your foot to change positions and will avoid the possibility of putting too much pressure on the same part of your foot every day. In addition, when you wear the same shoes every day, you may not be giving them enough time to dry out from normal foot sweat.
4. Make checking your feet a habit. Get familiar with your feet, and check them daily for any changes. Look for unusual nails – which may indicate fungus, and changes in skin color or skin growths – possible signs of skin cancer. A great time to make this check is after you shower – and while you’re at it, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
5. If you have diabetes, enlist some help. Diabetics may not be able to feel problems with their feet, so get someone to check them with you. Early intervention with problems in the diabetic foot can save you from amputation.

Practicing basic foot care can avoid many problems with your feet, so make it “what you do.” When you do experience foot distress of any kind, don’t hesitate to contact our qualified podiatrists, Dr. Heidi M. Christie or Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts. Make an appointment online or give us a call at our office in Montgomery, AL at (334) 396-3668.