Foot Care Improves Your Circulation While Providing a Foundation for a Better and More Active Life
Pegasus home healthcare professionals in Tujunga and elsewhere provide comprehensive services. That includes assisting you with foot care. The health of your feet is a big part of your overall well-being.
It’s easy to take feet for granted. People dance, run, play, go shopping, and myriad other activities without thinking about their feet. Each step, however, puts pressure on their feet.
Support Your Arches
The so-called arch of your foot is really three separate arches. Two are lengthwise and run from your heel to the ball of your foot. The transverse arch runs crosswise just below the ball of your foot.
The arches are supported by bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Arches help your feet carry your weight. They also absorb the shock of your foot hitting the ground when you walk.
Individuals with very high arches lose some of their ability to absorb shock. They may experience pain in their feet, ankles, and legs. Special shoes or inserts can provide relief.
The arches never develop in some individuals or may “fall” in others. That’s known as flat feet and may or may not be painful. Good arch supports help when needed.
Your shoes need to provide support for your feet. Flip-flops and sandals are okay for occasional use but don’t provide support. High or flat, your arches need support.
Experts suggest shopping for shoes in the afternoon because that’s when your feet are the largest. Keep in mind that your feet widen over time, so you may need to buy a larger size. Avoid buying shoes that are uncomfortable in any way.
Foot Care Means Keeping Feet Clean and Moisturized
Your feet have thousands of sweat glands, which can produce a copious amount of sweat. Put on clean socks each day to absorb that moisture. Socks made from synthetic materials tend to absorb more moisture than natural materials, such as cotton, absorb.
Keeping your feet clean is essential. If they smell, add some vinegar to water and soak them. While you’re washing your feet, inspect them for bruises or breaks in the skin.
Like all skin, the skin on your feet benefits from moisturizing. You can purchase lotions and creams made especially for feet. These tend to be thicker than regular body lotion.
Any cream or lotion will do the job if it contains one or more of the following moisturizers:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
Products containing lactic acid or urea serve to exfoliate hard or dry skin.
If you’re a man, you might wish to avoid products that sound feminine. That’s no excuse to neglect your feet. There are tips and products meant for male foot care.
Toenails Need Special Care
Ingrown or incorrectly trimmed toenails can be painful or become infected. Use clippers made for toenails rather than your fingernail clippers. Unless you have thickened toenails, trim them when dry instead of when wet.
Cut your nails straight across, then file them. Experts recommend trimming your nails every six to eight weeks. A thin white section of nail beyond the end of your toe is the ideal length.
A discolored toenail is the result of a health problem for which you should seek medical attention. A toenail fungus often requires expert treatment. You can treat athletes’ foot at home with a product containing one of the following:
- Ciclopirox
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Tolnaftate
Stubborn cases may require a prescription-strength formula.
It’s best to seek professional help to remove corns or calluses. You risk infection if you cut yourself using a DIY procedure. If you must treat yourself, then buy a removal product and follow directions carefully.
Do not use a knife to cut off a corn or callus. Do not allow a well-meaning friend to take a knife to your foot. Pegasus home healthcare services include referring you to a podiatrist or other foot health specialist.
Feet Exercises Improve Your Circulation
Many individuals have circulation problems with their feet. One reason is the distance between the feet and the heart. Another is that blood returning to the heart has to overcome the force of gravity.
Exercising your feet will help improve circulation. Walking is an excellent exercise. Other exercises can be done in a sitting position, such as rolling your feet back and forth over a rolling pin.
Other tips for improving the circulation in your feet include:
- Using a footrest to elevate your feet when sitting
- Wiggling your toes several times a day
- Rotating your ankles several times a day
- Avoiding crossing your legs for long periods
Massaging your feet with products that contain stimulating oils such as peppermint or rosemary can improve your circulation.
Exercises for foot flexibility include:
- Pointing or curling your toes and holding the position
- Rolling a golf ball under your foot
- Picking up marbles with your toes
A Pegasus home healthcare physical therapist can help you with custom exercises.
The Pegasus professionals providing home healthcare services in Tujunga and our other locations are dedicated to your well-being. We’re here to help you from head-to-toe. Our foot care keeps your feet happy and healthy.
