Foot Defence: Easy Solutions for Stressed Out Feet

Foot Pain

Keeping feet healthy and looking good can be a challenge when there are so many elements of daily life that are hard on our feet. According to Christina Morin, consultant podiatrist for Dr. Scholl's , "Aside from the general stresses our feet undergo on a daily basis, there are a number of activities which deserve extra care and attention".

In a typical day, what can we do to combat these foot enemies and ensure healthy feet?

Starting the day

The morning rush to get ready for work can be frantic, but by taking a few extra minutes, you can make a world of difference to your feet. Start the day by tackling rough skin on your feet with a pumice stone or an exfoliant such as Dr. Scholl's Exfoliating Foot Scrub. Once out of the shower, always take care when drying the feet, as it is essential to dry completely between the toes. Leaving feet damp could lead to a fungal infection of the skin such as athlete's foot. Don't forget to moisturize feet daily as well, but be sure not to put moisturizer between the toes.

At work

When polled, 41 per cent of Canadian women stated that work is the single largest factor that keeps them on their feet throughout the day. Many working women suffer from pain in the balls of their feet, most often caused by wearing high heels. If you stand for long hours, work on a hard floor surface, or wear shoes with pointy toes, then you may be putting your feet under a great deal of pressure. The best solution is to wear well-fitting shoes and to change them every day to ensure they do not wear out too quickly. For extra comfort, try a cushioning, shock-absorbing insole in your shoes such as Dr. Scholl's Massaging GelT Insoles. If feet ache at the end of a hard day at work, try soaking them for 10 minutes in a warm, soothing foot bath.

Leisure time

If you enjoy sports and are a regular gym-goer then you may be noticing the health benefits of an active lifestyle. But before you slip into the same shoes you wear for jogging to take a step-aerobics class, remember that every sport requires footwear that's appropriate to the activity, and to your feet. Properly fitting sports shoes can enhance performance and prevent injuries, such as blisters, calluses, or even a twisted ankle or knee.

Don't forget to take care in gym showers and changing rooms: wear flip-flops instead of walking around in bare feet to guard against fungal infections. Using a product such as Tinactin on the feet is also a good way to prevent athlete's foot. It's important to allow sports shoes to dry out properly after a work out, as otherwise the dampness provides the ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Feet bear the burden of our body's full weight wherever we go, so it's no surprise that foot conditions are among the most common health problems in Canada today. By taking care of your feet, not only will they look better, but you'll improve your overall quality of life.

Visit www.drscholls.ca for more information on footcare.