KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY

Since it's a holiday today and it's raining outside, it might be a good idea to spend some time making your feet happy.

Your feet are your very trusted servants who you often neglect. Maybe it's about time you give it a break.

Basic Foot Care
Follow these simple steps to keep your feet happy:

• Examine your feet daily for dryness, breaks in the skin, calluses, etc. Do this in a good light and, if your eyesight is poor, have someone do it for you.



• Use a lanolin moisturizing cream for dry and cracked skin. If your feet perspire, dust lightly with talcum powder. Remove excess cream or powder from between your toes to avoid skin breakdown.



• Wear shoes and socks that fit your feet and are comfortable and change your socks daily.



• Exercise daily.



• Wash your feet every day. Always test the water temperature with your wrist or elbow to avoid burning your feet, particularly if your circulation is poor. Pat - don't rub — your feet dry and be sure to dry between and under the toes.



• Soaking your feet is soothing and beneficial, but never soak for more than ten minutes to avoid dry skin.



• Cut or file your nails straight across and never shorter than the end of your toe. Use nail clippers, scissors, a rounded, diamond-chip nail file or an emery board.

See your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• an injury that doesn't heal or becomes infected;



• any part of your foot or leg that turns blue or black;



• pain when walking that is relieved by rest;



• reduced sensation to pain or extreme temperatures;



• any unusual coldness, cramping, numbness, tingling or discomfort in your feet.

[Veterans Affairs Canada and Medical News Today]

Your foot is made up of 26 small bones bound together by a perfectly constructed network of more than a hundred ligaments that in turn commune with muscles, tendons, and cartilages. It is your personal workhorse everyday. It is a slave that does not question your commands but gladly follows where you command it to bring you.

Your feet are designed to perform two major functions: support and mobility. Each function is critical to the work you do everyday, whatever it might be.

Please take good care of your feet. You don't have to go to an expensive foot spa to look after it. You can do it by yourself in the comfort of your own home.

For more info on how to relievecommon foot problems, click here.

Make those feet happy, ok?