We put our feet through a lot. Standing, walking, running, squashing them into weird shoes, forgetting they exist until something starts to hurt. If you’re someone who ignores your feet until they scream at you, now’s a good time to stop.
A quick check once a day while you’re getting dressed or after a shower can make a huge difference. Look for dry skin, blisters, or anything else that feels off. The sooner you spot something, the easier it is to sort out.
Sort Out any Problems Early
If you’ve got something like an athlete’s foot or your toenails are starting to look a bit dodgy, don’t wait it out.
That stuff doesn’t usually go away on its own. A lot of people don’t realise how common foot issues are, but one of the big ones is nail infections. They’re annoying, they look bad, and they don’t go away with wishful thinking.
If you’re dealing with discoloured, thick, or crumbly nails, it’s probably time to look into a proper toenail fungus treatment. You can grab treatments at most pharmacies and they’re easy to use at home.
Keep Them Clean and Dry
Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to skip when you’re in a rush. Washing your feet properly every day and drying them well – especially between the toes – stops a lot of issues before they start.
Damp skin is the perfect place for all sorts of nasties to grow, and no one wants that. If you get sweaty feet, swap socks during the day if you can. It’s a simple thing, but it helps more than you’d think.
Cut Your Nails the Right Way
No one needs to be dealing with ingrown toenails because they hacked away at their nails with blunt scissors. Use proper nail clippers and cut straight across. Don’t go digging into the corners, even if it feels satisfying.
And don’t let your nails get too long, or you’ll start getting pressure inside your shoes which can lead to pain or bruising. Keep it simple and regular.
Give Your Feet a Break
If you’re on your feet a lot, give them a proper rest now and then. Prop them up at the end of the day, especially if they’re feeling tired or swollen.
A quick foot soak or a bit of moisturiser with a foot massage doesn’t hurt either. You don’t need fancy products – just a bit of effort and some attention. Your feet will thank you for it.
Choose Shoes That Actually Fit
We’ve all bought shoes that looked great but felt like medieval torture devices. Fashion’s fun, but not if it leaves you limping.
Make sure your shoes fit properly, especially around the toes and heel. You want some room to wiggle your toes, no pinching, and definitely no rubbing. If you walk a lot or stand for long hours, go for something supportive with a bit of cushioning.
If you’re always struggling with shoes that don’t fit properly, get them measured in case your shoe size has changed – you’ll be surprised!
