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
