Getting Back to Basics in Footcare

At Texas Foot Specialists we believe in being proactive about your foot health. Many common foot conditions can be avoided or at the very least, detected in their earliest stages if patients follow some basic foot care routines. Here are some simple steps to caring for your feet:

Clean: Establish a foot care regimen that includes washing your feet daily with soap and warm water and then drying them completely. Apply a rich moisturizer to prevent flaky skin and heel cracks. If your feet tend to sweat excessively, apply a foot powder in the morning before putting on your socks to help avoid athlete’s foot. Keep toenails trimmed short and straight across to minimize the risk of an ingrown nail.

Protect: Keep your feet covered. Limiting the time you go barefoot will greatly reduce the risk of puncture wounds and cuts to the feet. Be sure to wear flip flops or shower shoes in public places like gyms, locker rooms and community pools to prevent direct contact with bacterial and fungal infections. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and lower the risk of melanomas and other skin cancers.

Examine: Set a time to give your feet a self check up. Look for changes in size, color and shape. Note any lumps or bumps that were not there the last time you examined your feet. Check the skin and toenails for anything unusual as well.

Listen: If you are experiencing foot pain, weakness in your ankles, tingling or burning sensations, changes in temperature, numbness, or any other symptoms that are not normal don’t put off getting them checked out. Ignoring foot pain can lead to a worsening of the condition which may mean greater disability and the need for more invasive treatments. Make an appointment at our Houston (713) 664-6677, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 or Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 office so one of our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum can examine your feet, determine if you have a foot disorder and prescribe the correct treatment. Listening means not only to your feet but also to the foot doctor’s instructions for caring for a foot ailment.