Walk! This is the best form of exercise for your feet.
Use ice (cold) to treat an injury. This treatment produces a numbing effect and prevents swelling and pain.
Seek medical attention at the first sign of an injury or infection in the foot or ankle. Treatments require an investment of
time and sometimes include surgery.
Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet and change socks daily. Dry your feet carefully and use foot powder between your
toes.
Trim your toenails carefully. Use a professional nail clipper and cut straight across. Not too short!
Don't ignore foot or ankle pain. Contrary to popular belief, foot and ankle pain is not normal.
Shoe tips
Don't wear athletic shoes for sports other that the ones for which they were intended. One style does not fit all! Don't wear
any sport shoe beyond its useful life
Try shoes on. Manufacturers' sizes differ. Have your foot measured while standing each time you buy shoes
Fit the larger foot. Everyone has one foot that is bigger than the other
Allow a thumb's width between the end of your big toe and the tip of the shoe
Be sure the ball of your foot fits snugly into the widest part of the shoe
Some tips for buying shoes:
Examine the shoes for quality
Buy shoes that are comfortable
Avoid extreme, uncomfortable styles
Wear leather or fabric shoes
Buy your shoes in the afternoon
Investigate "walking pumps." These shoes have an athletic shoe-derived construction, wider toe room, reinforced heels and are
available in many fashionable styles
Tips for diabetics
Look at your feet every day for sores, cuts, bruises and injury
If you quickly treat any foot problem, you can decrease the risk of future foot ulcers
If you have problems checking your own feet, have a family member or friend help you
Keep your blood sugar levels in control to lower your risk of all complications form diabetes
Avoid going bare foot—even in your own home
Avoid home remedies. Don't use the liquid corn and callus remover. It has acid in it, which can burn your skin
See your podiatrist immediately for burns, cuts, frostbite, or any breaks in the skin
