There is nothing more frustrating than having recurring foot problems and needing to seek treatment for them. After seeing thousands of patients we’ve compiled a list of the worst foot habits we’ve seen that are fairly common. If you want to take care of your feet and avoid an unnecessary trip to the Podiatrist, you’ll want to kick these five foot habits.
Wearing Shoes Without Socks
Wearing shoes without socks is a habit we see all too often in patients who come in with complaints of pain and smells. Your shoes should always be worn with proper socks to avoid breeding ground for smelly fungus. Ugg boots, work shoes, and running shoes are the worst offenders because they often don’t have breathable fabric and are worn for long periods of time.
Buy a few different styles of socks to fit the variety of shoes you have to avoid fungus and stinky feet.
Never Replacing Your Shoes
We get it, you might be hesitant to throw out your lucky running shoes or your favorite pair of sandals, but keeping them around is doing you more harm than good. Holding onto shoes for too long can cause injuries or put you at risk for growing fungus on your feet.
Running shoes especially need to be switched out every few hundred miles to avoid injuries and those nasty running aches and pains. A good rule of thumb is to replace running shoes every 300 miles or so, or every four months. This might seem like an expensive hobby now, but switching out your running shoes is a lot less expensive than foot, ankle, or knee surgery.
Not Giving Your Feet Rest
No matter how much of a workaholic you might be, your feet need rest. Retail employees, athletes, or anyone with an active lifestyle can spend anywhere from 8-12 hours a day on their feet. While it’s better to be more active than sedentary, there is a limit that your body reaches when rest is absolutely necessary.
Your feet absorb arguably everything that you do and this can cause a lot of stress on them which may lead to injuries, plantar fascitis, or bunions. By relieving pressure on your feet, you’re also saving important parts of your body such as your legs and spine. So, don’t be afraid to take this time to binge your favorite show or read your favorite book.
Overusing Foot Products
Drug-store foot products and treatments can be an absolute lifesaver and save you a trip to the Podiatrist, but of course, everything is good in moderation. Follow the recommended usages of all foot products you use and never stray away from the Podiatrist’s orders if you’re given a medication. Again, overusing foot products can do you more harm than good. If you’re unsure about a product to use and the recommended amount, your best bet is reaching out to your Podiatrist.
Cutting Your Toenails Improperly
Ingrown toenails are extremely painful yet so common because many people are not educated on the best way to cut your toenails. If you don’t have the luxury of hitting the nail salon every other week, it’s best to learn how to cut your toenails to avoid this problem. Ingrown toenails can occur when your toenail gets clipped curved, causing the nail to grow into the skin. So, the proper way to cut your toenails is straight across and not with ridges or curves.
If you read this article and immediately realized you’re guilty of one or all these habits, it’s not too late to change your ways! If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact your Podiatrist to get diagnosed and begin a treatment plan.