It’s easy to take your feet for granted until they start barking at you. “Your feet handle all your weight, every step of every day. Most people don’t realize just how much they do for you until you start to hurt and walking and mobility are affected,” said Bryan Hall, DPM, a podiatrist with Banner - University Medicine.
Taking care of your feet on your own works a lot of the time, but there are times you may need professional help. Here’s what to know about when to see a podiatrist vs. DIY foot care.
DIY foot care
It’s important to take good care of your feet since calluses and cracks can lead to changes that will eventually cause pain and injuries. “With 33 joints, your feet can adapt for a long time before some tendons, ligaments and even joints can be damaged, which then pain and injury follow,” Dr. Hall said.
Here’s how you can help keep your feet healthy on your own:
- Moisturize daily: “If your feet are very dry, cracking or have calluses, use a cream that’s 40% urea,” Dr. Hall said. These creams contain a strong moisturizer plus a petroleum-like base that keeps the moisturizer from evaporating. If you have cracks or thick calluses, you may want to use gel socks over the moisturizer when you’re sleeping or sitting to lock in the cream.
- Remove dead skin and calluses: Use a pumice stone or foot shaver weekly when your feet are wet. “This will help the daily moisturizing be much more effective and prevent foot issues down the road,” Dr. Hall said.
- Trim your toenails: Most people need to cut their toenails every few weeks.
- Consider arch supports: Dr. Hall recommends arch supports that are rigid and support your body weight, such as Powerstep Insoles. “Arch supports can prevent so many of the problems we see people for on a daily basis,” he said. “Keep in mind that they usually require a break-in period to prevent foot soreness.”
What to watch for
With DIY foot care, you need to be careful:
- Don’t cut your nails too short or file your feet too aggressively. You could cause cuts and infections.
- Make sure any tools you use are clean and sterilized so you’re not introducing bacteria to your feet.
- Check for swelling, discoloration, pain or other signs of problems that need professional care.
Foot care concerns for people with diabetes
If you have diabetes, you may have been told not to take care of your feet on your own because you could risk wounds and amputations.
“It’s not quite that simple,” Dr. Hall said. “It’s more accurate to say that if you have peripheral neuropathy or a lack of feeling in your feet, you should see a medical podiatrist or one of their nurse practitioners or medical assistants for some nail and skin care such as calluses and thick toenails.”
You should also see a podiatrist for yearly visits and contact them if you have any infections, wounds or blisters.
When to see a podiatrist
“You should see a podiatrist if your feet are hurting. That’s the simple answer. No one should have deformities or pain that keep them from doing what they want to, being active and living a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Hall said.
You should also get professional help for:
- Discomfort that doesn’t get better with rest
- Swelling
- Ingrown toenails or infected nails
- Thick, discolored or brittle nails or unusual skin textures (these could be signs of a fungal infection or other condition)
- Wounds or sores that don’t heal, especially in people with diabetes
- Long-term foot issues like bunions, hammertoes or plantar fasciitis
If you have family members who have problems with their feet, see a podiatrist and share that information. “You can find ways to prevent the problems that may have affected generations of your family members,” Dr. Hall said.
Benefits of professional foot care
“Podiatrists can help with anything related to your feet and ankles. We try to do this without surgery, but when surgery is needed, we do major reconstructive surgery. We help people become active and healthy,” Dr Hall said. “And even if it’s something we can’t fix ourselves, we can get you to the correct provider or test to get you the answer you need.”
A podiatrist can help:
- Diagnose issues like arthritis, neuropathy and circulation problems
- Provide treatment that ranges from custom orthotics to surgery
- Help with long-term planning to keep your feet healthy
Podiatrists treat a range of foot and ankle problems including:
- Sports injuries
- Fractures
- Deformities
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles disorders and pain
- Soft tissue masses
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- High arch
- Flatfoot
- Neuromas
- Tendonitis
“Podiatrists are now trained in foot and ankle surgery,” Dr. Hall said. “That wasn’t always the case, so check for board certification and residency. The majority of podiatrists who are graduating practice research-driven methods and procedures that can keep your feet healthy so that you can exercise, be active and live a healthy lifestyle.”
The bottom line
When you care for your feet properly, you’ll be able to move comfortably without pain. DIY foot health tips like moisturizing and trimming your toenails are great for keeping your feet healthy. But if you have discomfort, pain or any concerns about your feet you should get professional care.
If you have any foot issues, don’t delay treatment. Reach out to an expert at Banner Health for professional advice.
