FEET CARE
Many of us neglect our feet, thinking they are hidden from the general view. But foot care is critical, not only for appearance but also for health. The feet, after all, hold up the weight of the entire body, and we expect a lot from them. We make them carry our weight in all kinds of footwear over all surfaces. Happy feet certainly make you feel better—and like every other body part, respond wonderfully well to regular care.
The need for foot care arises from —ill-fitting shoes, poor posture or heredity. Daily care, with regular exercise, can help overcome most of these.
Good foot posture does help to put the entire body into balance. When you stand or walk, the toes should point almost straight ahead. Lift the arches of the feet slightly so that the outside edges of the soles of your feet support your body weight. Overweight people strain the angles excessively, resulting in aching feet and backaches.
The best exercise for the feet is walking barefoot on grass. Good alternative practices can also be followed. Stand up straight feet, pointed ahead, rise on the toes and then lower yourself. This strengthens the arches of the feet. Curling the toes, as if you are trying to pick something off the floor with your feet, also helps to support the metatarsal arch and prevents callouses.
Corns and callouses are caused by ill-fitting shoes that rub the skin or squeeze the feet. Shoes should not be too tight, as constant pressure over bony areas interferes with blood circulation, leading to corns.
During the summer months, avoid closed shoes. Open sandals are much better. Properly fitted shoes are essential for relief from foot pain. Those who walk a lot or stand for long hours need shoes with thick soles and low heels.
The front should be wide enough to allow enough space for the toes. During the hot and wet season, feet can pick up infections. The Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives on moist, soggy skin.
Wear sandals for maximum ventilation and keep the skin as dry as possible. Expose your feet to the air as often as you can. Ingrowing toenails can also cause a great deal of discomfort. The nails should be cut squarely across. Ingrowing toenails should not be rounded as they would tend to grow into the flesh even more.
Clean, well-kept nails lend the entire foot class and dignity essential for perfect grooming. Soaking feet in warm soapy water helps to soften the nails, which can be cut or filed more easily.
Please do not cut the cuticles of the toenails, as the cuticles help to protect them. They should be creamed and pushed back very gently.
A good foot massage is an absolute pleasure. A weekly pedicure typically includes a foot massage, which most beauty parlours provide. The rotating, kneading motion adopted by the masseur is most relaxing for the feet and keeps the skin in good condition. Cleanliness is, of course, a must. Dirt and stale sweat secretions must be removed by scrubbing feet daily with soap and water. Rub heels with a pumice stone to remove dead skin, and clean nails with a brush. Creaming feet daily goes a long way towards keeping the skin soft and adds to foot beauty.
Most foot problems benefit from alternating hot and cold baths.
This helps to improve circulation and relieve pain. The feet, very often, suffer from poor blood circulation.
Take two buckets. Fill one with hot water and the other with cold water. The water should be enough to reach the calves. Place your feet in hot water for a few minutes and then in cold water for a few minutes.
Repeat this at least five times, starting and ending with hot water. Dry the feet thoroughly and then massage them with cream. An apricot cream is ideal for the feet. Stretch to toes and move the front part of each foot in a circular motion.