Take a Good Look at Your Feet

Let’s confess. You get out of the shower and pull on your socks (male) or put on nylons or shoes (female). Right? You don’t even really glance at your feet.
     Unfortunately, that split second, usually automatic action, causes us to miss things our feet are trying to tell us. So, let’s slow down and see what we might have missed.
1. Start with the toes. Use your fingers to spread them apart and make sure they are dry and there are no signs of athlete’s foot. Look for calluses on the side or bottom of the toes.
2.  Now the toenails. Check for nails that need a trim or filing, signs of ingrown toenails and toenail fungus?
3.  Move on down to the bottoms of your feet.  Check for any unusual bumps that might be plantar warts.
4.  Now around to the heels. Look for cracks in the skin, scaly skin or calluses that indicate dryness and the need for a moisturizer.
5.  Finally, move around to the sides of the foot. Check for calluses that could be reduced.
     This quick check can take only a few seconds but can prevent problems later. Learn to use your fingers and hands to gauge the health of your feet.

Comments

[winehiker]

Jon, you've got a good thing going here. I must admit that I don't always commit to the post-shower inspection. However, being an avid hiker, I pamper my feet by using padded inserts (Dr. Scholl's) and using wickable sock liners - dang near a necessity. Both leave me comfortable and trouble-free nearly all year, as long I lace my boots snugly before the hike and often once again after 2 or 3 miles.

Having been involved in Western States, Jon, you probably know Kristina Irvin, who's been running that race for over a decade. Kristina's got a lot of energy packed into her tiny frame. She's also been my chiropractor here in San Jose, California, for nearly 15 years.

Thanks for a good blog! I've had Happy Feet listed on my blogroll since last October.