GETTING BACK TO BASIC FOOT CARE

By Dr. Thomas Silver, podiatrist/foot specialist

A good solid foundation is an important starting point for most things in life—whether you are constructing a house, moving on to an advanced math class, or simply building a tower of blocks with your kids. The same applies to maintaining your foot health. Our feet make up a solid foundation that we count on to take us where we want to go and help us do pretty much any activity we want to do. Basic foot care is simple, yet it is crucial in avoiding injury and helping you to stay active. At the Westwood Foot Clinic we are committed to helping you prevent foot problems from developing by keeping your feet healthy. Below are simple & easy tips to guide you in the basics of foot care. These tips should become regular habits in order to keep your feet healthy and happy. But contact Dr. Silver immediately, if at any point you develop a problem with your feet-such as pain or adverse changes-that you are not able to resolve quickly yourself.

General Guidelines

• Avoid going barefoot outdoors on surfaces where you could step on foreign objects, pick up a fungus, or get burned by hot sand or pavement. Being barefoot for long periods of time could add stress to your feet or aggravate any current problems or injuries you may have. Call our clinic immediately if you have a foot injury of any kind.
• Check your feet each and every day. Check between your toes and look for any cuts, scrapes, blisters, rash, developing corns or calluses, dry skin, and changes in skin texture or color. Use a mirror if necessary, or ask someone for help if you are unable to check yourself. This 5 second check can prevent major problems if you have diabetes, neuropathy or circulatory problems. Call for an appointment if you have developed a problem that you are concerned about.
• Wash your feet daily and dry between your toes. This can decrease your chances of developing a fungal infection or raw skin between toes that can become painful or infected. If your skin is dry, especially around your heels, apply a small amount of moisturizing cream. The creams will work best when applied immediately after bathing or soaking your feet. We have many special foot creams (as well as drying agent for sweaty feet) available in our clinic.
• Keep your toenails properly trimmed. Cut them straight across to help avoid ingrown toenails. Take notice of any change in the color or health of your toenails. A toenail fungal infection can be stubborn to get rid of, making early treatment important. If you notice a corn or callus, never use anything sharp to remove them. They can be gently filed with a pumice stone after a footbath, and protected with a corn or callus pad-unless they become painful. Call our clinic for an appointment if you have developed any painful corns, calluses or problems with your toenails.
• Watch your choice of footwear. Shoes can truly make or break the health of your feet. Buy a pair that fits comfortably and supports your feet well. If you have flat feet, high arches or deformity such as bunions or hammertoes, your shoes need to accommodate for these conditions. It is best to limit or avoid wearing high heel shoes if standing or walking for longer periods of time. Wear a clean pair of socks every day and if your feet tend to sweat, make sure they have moisture-wicking properties. Sweaty feet in shoes can become a breeding ground for a fungal infection. We have shoes available in our clinic to accommodate for swollen, deformed or hard to fit feet, as well as for diabetics.

Notice to Those with Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that requires diligent foot care. Poor circulation and neuropathy (nerve damage) are two common factors associated with diabetes that have a serious impact on foot health. Lack of care, ignoring problems, and delaying treatment can quickly turn a minor problem into a serious complication. Follow these basic foot care tips consistently, have regular visits with Dr. Silver, and contact us as soon as any problems arise.

The staff at Westwood Foot Clinic is here to serve you. We want you to enjoy life to the fullest and will do our best to help you prevent foot problems from developing and to quickly treat those that do occur. Contact us anytime with your questions or concerns regarding your foot care. But, contact us immediately if you have developed a foot problem. Call (763) 231-2341.  Same or next day appointments are often available.

Westwood Foot Clinic proudly serves the communities of St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Wayzata, and Minneapolis.