How To Prepare Your Feet For The Spring

We’ve all had enough of winter weather and wearing heavy coats and boots, but you can’t just pull your sandals out of the back of your closet and throw them onto your feet. Your tootsies need some help before you put them on display, and here are some suggestions to help you prepare your feet for the spring.

Get your Feet Ready for the Spring

1. Start off by soaking them in warm water with Epsom salts or scented oils for 10 minutes or longer.
2. Use a foot file or a pumice stone to gently remove thickened, dead skin from your heels and the balls of your feet.
3. Follow up with an exfoliating scrub to remove dry winter skin from the soles, tops and sides of your feet.
4. Apply a moisturizing lotion and gently massage it into your feet. This will help to hydrate the skin and promote circulation.
5. Lock in the moisture by wearing a pair of polyester/cotton blend socks to bed at night.
6. Trim your toenails straight with a straight-edge toenail clipper. Take care to make sure that the nails don’t become curved or rounded in the corners.
7. Wash your feet with soap and water each day. Make sure that you dry them thoroughly, paying special attention to the area between the toes.
8. Don’t wear nail polish if your toenails don’t appear healthy. If they are in good shape, do give them a break from wearing polish to keep them looking their best.
9. Give your spring and summer footwear a thorough inspection. Throw out any shoes that appear worn, don’t fit comfortably or that you no longer feel comfortable wearing. Your taste in footwear will change over the years, and if you don’t like the shoes, you may not pay close attention to how you are walking in them, which may put you at higher risk for a slip and fall or a sprained ankle injury.
10. If you are concerned about any skin or nail problems with your feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation.

Sheldon H. Nadal, D.P.M.would be happy to discuss your specific concerns with you. As an experienced podiatrist, he can treat medical conditions pertaining to the feet and nails. Contact him today to arrange an appointment.