8 Ways to Treat Your Feet

April is Foot Health Awareness Month! So it’s a great time to “step” back and think about all the ways you can be nice to your feet. Here are 8 suggestions from all of us at Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland.
- Get a pedicure.
If you’ve never had one, we encourage both men and women to try it. A professional pedicure leaves your feet neat, clean, moisturized, and feeling great. Just be sure the salon is properly licensed – their certificate should be displayed. - Get to know your feet.
Inspect them on a regular basis – every day if you’re diabetic – and check for redness, sores, pain, loss of feeling, and any suspicious skin lesions. See our podiatrists when you notice any changes. - Get a comfortable shoe that fits well.
Ill-fitting shoes contribute to a host of foot problems such as hammertoes, bunions, and bone spurs. - Replace your shoes before they’re completely worn down.
Be aware of when your shoes have had it. Worn out shoes no longer provide the support and protection your feet need. - Cut your toenails properly.
Avoid cutting your toenails on a curve, which encourages ingrown toenails. - Keep the fungus away.
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot and warts are just waiting to latch on to your feet in wet areas such as pool decks and locker rooms. Wear shoes to keep your feet dry and safe from infection. - Wash them daily.
Keep dirt, sweat, and bacteria away by washing your feet gently with soap and water every day. Dry them well, including between your toes. - Don’t delay care when your feet hurt.
This is especially important if you’ve got diabetes. Diabetics should see a podiatrist as soon as possible if they notice a sore that’s not healing, a change in foot shape, or a thick callus that’s interfering with walking or wearing shoes.
Remember, the feet you were born with are the only ones you’re going to get. Keep them healthy! Our experienced podiatrists, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey, treat all ailments of the toes, feet, and ankles. So if you do have pain anywhere in your lower limbs, call us at (440) 903-1041 for an appointment. Our office in Solon, Ohio is open to all residents in the area, including Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, and Geauga counties.