Your feet deserve as much care as the rest of your body—after all, they carry you through every step of your day.
It’s easy to forget to give them a little love but really, all you need is a simple routine. A simple daily foot care routine can do wonders for your foot health, keeping your feet happy, pain-free, and looking their best.
From cleaning and moisturising to choosing the right footwear, these easy tips will help you maintain healthy feet and prevent common foot problems.
Step 1: Clean your feet daily
Start your routine by washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. This removes sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells while preventing fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Make sure to dry your feet properly, especially between the toes, as moisture can lead to smelly feet and other issues.
Tip: If your feet need extra attention, use a gentle foot scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin. For areas with hardened skin, a pumice stone can help smooth things out.
Step 2: Keep your skin soft and smooth
Dry, cracked skin doesn’t just look bad—it can lead to discomfort and infections.
After cleaning your feet, apply a moisturiser like shea butter or a foot cream to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Avoid putting lotion between your toes to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Bonus: Set aside a few minutes for a weekly foot care routine with deep moisturising treatments to keep your feet extra smooth and healthy.
Step 3: Trim and care for your nails
Proper nail care is key to avoiding ingrown toenails and keeping your feet pain-free. Use proper nail clippers to trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. A nail file can help smooth out rough edges to prevent snagging.
If you notice issues like ingrown toenails or persistent nail problems, a visit to us at our podiatry clinic in Watsonia can prevent them from worsening.
Step 4: Choose the right shoes and socks
Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support is crucial for your foot health. Tight shoes or high heels can lead to foot pain, cracked skin, and even foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Opt for breathable shoes that keep your feet comfortable and dry throughout the day.
Don’t forget to wear socks that wick away moisture, like cotton socks or moisture-wicking socks, to prevent sweaty feet and fungal infections. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day to allow them to dry out completely.
Step 5: Check your feet for problems
Take a moment each day to inspect your feet for any signs of trouble, such as blisters, cracked skin, or unusual redness. Catching these issues early can prevent more serious foot problems down the track.
Reminder: If you experience persistent foot pain, heel pain, or other recurring foot issues, seek early intervention from a podiatrist.
Step 6: Strengthen and stretch your feet
Healthy feet aren’t just about skincare—they need regular exercise to stay strong and functional. Strengthening and stretching your feet can improve circulation, enhance flexibility, and prevent foot pain or injuries. Simple exercises can make a big difference:
- Toe curls: Spread a small towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you. This strengthens the small muscles in your feet.
- Tennis ball rolls: Place a tennis ball under the arch of your foot and roll it back and forth. This not only stretches your foot but also relieves tension.
- Calf stretches: Tight calf muscles can affect how your feet move. Stretching them can improve flexibility and reduce strain on your heels and arches.
- Heel raises: Stand on the edge of a step, lift your heels, and slowly lower them. This builds strength in your arches and helps prevent foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
- Balance exercises: Practice standing on one foot for 30 seconds at a time. This improves stability and strengthens the muscles supporting your ankles and arches.
Incorporate these exercises into your daily foot care routine or perform them a few times a week. Regular foot strengthening can help you stay active, prevent common foot problems, and keep your feet strong for years to come.
How Watsonia Podiatry can help
At Watsonia Podiatry, we understand the importance of keeping your feet healthy and happy. From custom orthotics to professional treatments for foot pain and fungal infections, our experienced team is here to help.
So, whether you’re having issues with your feet that you need help with or you just want to make sure everything is ok, we can help you. Book an appointment today and let us guide you toward maintaining pain-free feet for life!
Call us on 03 9432 2689 or book online here.
Aaron Dri
Aaron Dri, a podiatrist since 2008, loves helping clients and learning from them. Enjoys Sundays in pyjamas, sushi, and cycling. Admires Mandela, Vaynerchuk, Buffett, and values matching actions to goals.
