MANILA, Philippines - Burlington, the socks authority, suggests the following tips to keep one’s feet in best form:
Do:
Check your feet regularly. Take note of any change in their general appearance, like color and texture. Be wary of unusual swelling and changes in the toenails that might signal fungal infection.
Discolored, thick, cracked or crumbling nails are distress signals that need medication and thus, should never be hidden with nail polish.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Thoroughly clean and scrub your feet with antiseptic soap and lukewarm water every time you take a bath. Dry them well with soft towel to avoid the growth of fungi.
Keep close attention to the gaps between the toes. Burlington recommends the use of BioFresh antimicrobial foot spray to avoid sweaty feet.
Trim toenails properly. Cut straight across; avoid getting too close to the skin or drastically rounding the corners of the nails, which can cause painful, ingrown toenails that may also lead to infection. Bio-fresh anti-microbial socks help in preventing bacteria build-up in the toenail area.
Invest in an appropriate and well-fitting shoe. Always buy the right size, as shoes that are too tight tend to bruise or tear the skin within the pressure points of the feet. Comfort should never be sacrificed for style.
Shop for footgear at the end of the day to compensate for foot swelling that occurs later in the day, and wear the proper hosiery with the shoes. It is recommended to choose rounded shoe for there is a lot of room for the toes to move. Avoid pointed shoes, which can ramp the toes and cause ingrown toenails and calluses.
Don’t:
Never walk barefoot, especially in public areas. Be sure to wear shower shoes at gyms, in locker rooms, and public pools. These places may most probably be the breeding ground for fungi which may lead to infections.
Do not wear other people’s footwear. Fungal infections are contagious, so avoid sharing shoes and socks.
Never self-medicate foot woes. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the foot. If you notice or feel anything unusual with your feet, do not hesitate to consult one immediately.
Don’t use hot water in cleaning the feet. Instead wash your feet with lukewarm water.