how to clean your foot by care tips

how to clean your foot by top care tips

Your feet take the weight of your whole body, so foot problems can quickly lead to discomfort and affect the way you walk. This can in turn cause knee, hip and back pain.

Research from The College of Podiatry shows that nine in 10 of us experience some sort of foot problem, with one in five admitting to suffering with foot pain often or constantly.

Podiatrist Lorraine Jones says: "What this research shows is that a huge amount of people are willing to put up with sore, aching and painful feet.

She adds: "Your feet shouldn't hurt on a daily basis. If you are experiencing discomfort it is usually because you aren't wearing the right footwear. You don't need to put up with it so do seek professional advice."

Here are 10 tips from the College of Podiatry to keep your feet in good condition and prevent problems:

Wash your feet often

Keep your feet clean by washing them every day in warm soapy water, but don't soak them, as this might destroy your skin's natural oils.

Dry your feet well

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes which is where fungal infections such as athlete's foot can develop.

Moisturise and file

If your skin is dry, apply moisturising cream all over the foot, except for between the toes. Gently remove hard skin and calluses with a pumice stone or foot file – don't overdo it though or skin will grow back harder than ever.

Cut toenails carefully

Trim your toenails regularly using proper nail clippers. Cut straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. This can cause ingrown toenails.

Shoe shop in the afternoon

Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will always be comfortable.

Footwear tips for work

If you have to wear heels at work, wear comfortable shoes to and from the office and only wear your smart shoes once you're in the office. Also, try to vary the heel height, between low, medium and high. Read how to choose the right footwear for work.

Limit time wearing high heels

Be shoe savvy. Wear high heels and pointed shoes for special occasions only, and always wear the right shoes for the job (so no sandals for mountain climbing). Read this guide to choosing the correct shoes.

Change your socks often to avoid foot odour

Change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh. Read advice from the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists on buying socks.

Read how dirty socks can cause smelly feet.

Watch out for foot bugs in communal changing areas

Wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete's foot and verrucas when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.

Take care with flip-flops

You can't wear flip-flops all the time. They don't provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them too much.

Foot pain advice for over-60s

If you're over 60, foot care becomes even more important. Age takes its toll: your skin thins, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold.

how to clean your foot

Use Natural Ingredients When Soaking Your Feet

After a long day of work, it’s not just your body that feels tired but your feet begin to ache too. When that happens, it’s time to pamper them. While you may be tempted to pay your local salon a visit, we urge you to skip that. Spending time with your body and understanding how it works is more valuable than what money can buy. All it takes is a little effort.

• Step 1: Head to your bathroom, take a bucket, and fill it up with lukewarm water.
• Step 2: Squeeze in the juice of a lemon into the warm water.
• Step 3: Pick a shower gel consisting of natural ingredients (such as a herbal one), and add a few drops into the mix.
• Step 4: Slowly dip your feet into the water, and keep it soaking in there for about 5-10 mins.
• Step 5: Using a regular foot file, give your feet a nice scrub to do away with the dead cells.

Do this twice a week for a fortnight to see results.

Wash Your Feet EVERY DAY

We can’t stress enough the importance of this! It’s the most obvious thing to do, yet not everyone takes it seriously. Of your body parts, your feet tend to collect the maximum amount of dirt, sweat and bacteria. If not cleaned every day, your skin could get horribly infected. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Dip your feet in lukewarm water, or put them under running water. 

• Step 2: Apply a tiny amount of liquid soap or a shower gel into a loofah and scrub your feet rigorously.
• Step 3: While you’re scrubbing the soles of your feet, don’t forget to tend to the spaces in between your toes. (That’s where the bacteria grows the most!)
• Step 4: Once you’re done washing your feet, start cleaning the dirt under your nails.
• Step 5: After all of that is done, don’t wipe but pat your feet dry.

For Smoother and Softer Feet

There is something all women detest - cracks on the feet. However, there are many natural ways to get smoother and softer feet. All you have to do is be patient and keep our 4 tips in mind! 

• Tip 1: We’re sure most of you have a bottle Vaseline at home (cocoa butter cream too will work). Now is the time to put it to good use. Apply it to your feet just before you hit the sack. Wash it off the next morning. You will notice within a day or two that the texture of the skin on your feet is becoming smooth and soft.
• Tip 2: When you combine rosewater and glycerin together, magic happens! While glycerin improves the texture of the skin, rose water repairs and soothes any irritation on the skin.
• Tip 3: This the by far the easiest tip of them all! For smooth and pretty-looking feet, you will need to mash up a banana. The pulp of the fruit is what you need to use on the cracks of your feet. Keep it on for a span of 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water afterwards.
• Tip 4: Never neglect your feet. Make sure you pamper them once a week. A regular foot massage should do the trick. It not only improves the circulation of blood but also makes soothes your feet and keeps them looking fresh.

Honey Makes a Naturally Great Moisturizer

Yes, ladies, honey is good for your feet because it has amazing antibacterial properties. Here’s how to make the best use of it. 

• Step 1: Natural honey or processed honey, both work. Take a scoop of honey and mix into a bucket of warm water.
• Step 2: Gently soak your feet in the bucket for a good 20-30 minutes.
• Step 3: Once you’re done, pat your feet dry using a towel.

Olive Oil for Smooth Feet

Olive oil is not only a healthy cooking oil but also a great moisturizing agent for your skin. It leaves your feet feeling smooth and soft. However, one should not rub it directly onto the skin for best results, there’s a special way to go about it. 

• Step 1: Soak a ball of cotton in a bowl of olive oil.
• Step 2: Using the soaked ball, in a circular motion, gently massage your feet for 20-25 minutes.
• Step 3:  While the oil is still on your feet, put on a pair of socks and keep them on for an hour.
• Step 4:  After an hour, gently remove the socks from your feet, and wash the oil away with lukewarm water.

Do this twice a month!