Prevention
Foot care - A story with head and feet
In high temperatures, the feet are more exposed and, therefore, more vulnerable. It is the ideal time to start taking better care of your feet, so that they can reflect a better health.
Solid...
The feet are a masterpiece of the human body: despite their small size, they support our body and strength, helping us with balance and movement. They are solid foundations, if kept healthy. The structure of the feet is complex with bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and countless glands that produce sweat, not to mention the nails and the skin that covers and protects them. Each of these components must be well taken care of to avoid discomfort or illness.
...But vulnerable bases
The feet are subject to a great pressure which makes them vulnerable. Environmental factors, diseases, poor care, inappropriate footwear, and incorrect postures contribute to:
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Dry and dehydrated skin;
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Cracks and fissures;
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Bad odour;
- Ingrown nails
- Infections (such as athlete's foot or warts);
- Deformations (bunions, claw, or hammer fingers, overlapping fingers);
- Calluses and callosities;
- Flat foot (or shallow foot);
- Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinitis);
- Loss of sensation (such as, for example, in the diabetic foot).
Healthy feet
The feet deserve our best attention and not just for aesthetic reasons: foot health is reflected in the well-being of every individual. You should therefore regularly monitor your feet, paying special attention to changes in skin colour or swollen areas.
So, it is recommended to:
- Wash your feet daily; prefer warm water with soap or gel.
- Dry very well, insisting between the fingers (this area is particularly exposed to the concentration of moisture and microbes).
- Moisturise well to prevent dry skin and fissures - massage so that the product penetrates down the skin.
- Eliminate dead skin regularly.
- Prevent bad odour - use an appropriate deodorant or antiperspirant and wear cotton socks.
- Apply sunscreen when exposing your feet to the sun.
Toenails should also be given special attention: trim them straight, but not close; do not cut the corners, as when they grow, nails may curve and grow into the skin, which often leads to pain and inflammation. When taking care of the skin and nails, always use proper and disinfected utensils to prevent infections.
Comfortable footwear
Many foot problems arise from the use of inappropriate footwear: it is no accident that women are the main victims. So, when buying new shoes:
- It is better to go at the end of the day, when the foot is more dilated.
- Note that the foot changes in size and shape over the years, and the two feet are not equal.
- Always try on new shoes and walk around in the store.
- Make sure your shoes have enough room for your toes.
- Do not buy tight shoes in the hope that they will adapt to the foot and avoid pointed high heeled shoes.
Sources
iSaúde
Farmácia Distribuição Magazine
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