Keeping your feet clean is the first step towards maintaining their health. Daily washing with soap and water helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can cause infections. However, you also need to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Using a moisturising cream can also help to keep the skin on your feet soft and avoid cracking, which can be painful and prone to infection.

Regularly inspecting your feet can help you catch potential problems early, so look for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in colour. If you notice anything unusual, it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent it from becoming worse. For people with diabetes, regular foot inspections are particularly important as they are more prone to foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. We recommend making foot inspections a part of your daily routine.

Choosing the right footwear is not just about style, it's about taking care of your feet. Well-fitting shoes are your feet's best friends, providing the necessary support and cushioning, so avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can lead to blisters, corns, and other painful conditions. Also, remember that different activities call for different shoes. Running shoes, for instance, are designed to absorb shock and provide support on hard surfaces, while casual shoes may not offer the same level of protection. So, choose wisely for your feet's sake.

A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can have a significant impact on the health of your feet. That’s because exercise helps to improve your circulation, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which contribute to healthier feet. However, if you’re prone to foot problems, opting for low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to reduce the stress on your feet is a good idea.

As far as food is concerned, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important for your overall health, but it can also help prevent conditions like gout, which affects the feet. Staying hydrated is also essential, as it helps to keep the skin on your feet healthy and supple.

Proper foot care is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining healthy feet throughout your life. This involves keeping your feet clean, inspecting them regularly, wearing the appropriate footwear, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While being proactive in maintaining healthy feet is optimal, sometimes there will be situations where consulting an orthopaedic foot surgeon is necessary, whether it be for claw toe surgery, Achilles tendinopathy, or anther issue.