Loving Foot Care: Be Sweet to Your Feet

Is your family in need of some bonding time? What about an adventure race? The Houston 2014 Great Amazing Race is taking place February 15, 2014 at the George Bush Park. This one-mile obstacle course is designed for adults and kids in grades K-12. Hard work, communication, and having fun is all that is required. Grab your family and sign up! Also, don’t forget to take care of your feet along the way.

Photo Credit: Natara via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Let’s face it: our feet are often ignored—that is, until a problem arises. Whether it is after a run, at home after a long day of work, or after showering on a lazy Saturday morning, be sweet to your feet. Good foot care goes a long way in keeping your feet happy and healthy, and it doesn’t take much effort to get great results.

Develop a habit of following a simple foot care regimen each and every day. First, wash and dry your feet daily. Afterwards, give them a little check up. Give each foot the once-over and look for any developing blisters, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, dry skin, cuts and changes in color or texture of your skin and nails. After showering or a footbath, smooth away rough, dry skin with a pumice stone. Use a moisturizing cream if your heels are dry and cracked, but avoid putting cream between your toes as this increases the risk of a fungal infection. Don’t forget about your toenails – they should be trimmed straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails. Finally, wear comfortable shoes that allow feet to breathe and be supported.

If you haven’t been treating your feet well and are now left with pain or a developing problem, don’t wait to contact Houston Foot Specialists. Dr. Jeff Bowman is the expert you need to get your feet back in shape. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

Foot Care Means Bundling Up Your Feet

 Are you curious about how people lived in eras of the past? If so, Homestead Heritage Day is an event for you. Happening February 8, 2014 in Humble, TX this family-friendly festival will show you the arts of blacksmithing, candle dipping, weaving, and weaponry. A re-enactment of a Civil war skirmish will give you a glimpse into the 1800s in Texas. If the forecast is going to be cool, be sure to bundle up from head to toe.

There are certainly days that get downright chilly in Houston, TX. On days like this, or if you like to venture out to snow-laden areas for winter fun, there are a few foot care tips to keep your feet warm and safe. Cold, wet feet are uncomfortable and vulnerable to injuries such as frostbite. Whether walking around an event such as this, or playing somewhere in the snow, start with a pair of shoes that are not breathable. Avoid materials such as mesh and opt for full leather shoes or boots. Gore-Tex is another material to look for that will provide waterproofing.

Photo Credit: Suat Eman via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Socks are the next important piece and can make or break a day outdoors. Bundle up your feet with a two-layer approach. First, wear a thin moisture-wicking sock, then cover it with a wool sock. Wool is a great insulator to keep feet warm and cushioned. Make sure you buy a pair of shoes that can accommodate for these two layers without being too tight – you don’t want your circulation compromised. Toe warmers are little single-use inserts that you can put above or below your toes. They usually last up to six hours, but their use is not encouraged if you have diabetes or a similar underlying condition.

If your winter activities are being hindered by foot pain, contact Houston Foot Specialists for help. We can identify the root of your problem and provide the treatment you need to get back to enjoying life! Call Dr. Jeff Bowman at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX.