The health of your feet is important so, attention to your feet with regards to foot hygiene, the cutting of nails, the type of socks or stockings and hosiery worn, type of footwear especially work and sports wear and other matters concerning the feet.
NAILS
Your nails should be attended to on a regular basis using a pair of ordinary nail clippers. Occassionally, there is thickening of a nail often due to injury and it would therefore be easier to cut nail after bath time
CORNS & CALLUSES
Corns and calluses should be treated by a qualified practitioner and, removal of these disorders should not be attempted by the patient. Equally, the used of any corn cures may have an effect on the patient due to the medicaments in some of the preparations.
HYGIENE
Wash your feet daily especially if you have sweaty feet using a mild toilet soap. After washing the feet, rinse in plain water and dry properly paying special attention to between the toes. Germs like warm, damp places so, drying your feet properly will reduce the risk of infections especially fungal infections. Don't forget, once your feet are clean wear a clean pair of socks / stockings / hosiery.
FOOTWEAR
Wearing the correct footwear is important for the health of your feet. Fashion is not a bad thing but should be worn at the right time and place. Be sure that the footwear is suitable for what you are doing; work shoes, sports shoes, walking shoes even slippers. To be sure that the footwear is suitable for your feet when buying shoes, walk on a solid area of the store NOT on the carpeted floor. It is best to have your feet measured when buying footwear - feet must be measure whilst standing up as this is when the true size is known.
FIRST AID
Should a minor injury occur such as cuts or bruises, clean the area with surgical spirit and apply a mild antiseptic cream (eg savlon). Be careful about strapping / adhesive dressing as this may cause pressure to that area of the foot. Blisters should NOT be punctured (pricked) to release the fluid but should be left to dry up on their own. Should they open and discharge their contents then dress with an atiseptic dressing. SPRAINS
Place lower limb into a bucket of ice water or use a bag of frozen food such as peas. Rest and immobilize by strapping. If the injury is not responding it may be necessary to visit your Practitioner or GP.
UNHEALTHY FEET
If you notice any discharge coming from a break in the skin, from a nail or corn, it is important that you visit your Practitioner. If there is pain, itching, swelling or colour change in the foot or leg then visit a Foot Health Practitioner.