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This article was published 3/4/2017 (1387 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Our feet are flexible structures made of bones, muscles, joints, and tissues – and they are a very important part of our bodies. They support us as we stand upright and perform physical activities throughout the day such as walking, running, and jumping.

Liezel Jacinto, foot care nurse at NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre, says even though feet are two of the most-used parts of our bodies, they are also two of the most neglected.

"It’s important to give our feet the same kind of care we give something as delicate as our faces or our hands. Just because the majority of the time they are hidden, it doesn’t mean they don’t need a great deal of care too," Liezel said.

Liezel and the foot care team at NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre share the following foot care tips that they say your feet will love you for:

• Inspect your feet regularly — For harder to see areas, ask a family member or a friend to help. Advise your health care professional about any unusual signs that persist — treating foot problems early is very important;

• Wash your feet — use lukewarm water and a mild or antibacterial soap. Make sure to rinse off all the soap and dry thoroughly — especially between your toes. Moisture between toes can cause bacterial growth that can lead to infection;

• See a professional foot care provider — do not shave or scrape corns or calluses yourself. This may cause you injury and can cause more harm than good;

• Do not trim your nails too short – trim your nails straight across and file down the sharp edges. Do not cut down the sides as doing so can cause ingrown nails.

• Moisturize your feet daily — the air tends to be drier in the winter months, causing skin to become very dry. A small amount of unscented lotion applied a few times a day will keep your skin intact and prevent dry cracks and flaking skin. Avoid applying lotion between the toes;

• Wear clean socks and well-fitting shoes — whenever possible, wear white socks. If you have a cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see. Change your socks daily and make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes that do not fit properly can cause foot problems that can lead to serious complications;

• Keep active! Another really simple foot care tip is to exercise. Exercise promotes circulation, builds muscle, and increases stability.  Wiggle your toes and move your ankles around for a few minutes several times a day to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.

Nancy Heinrichs is the executive director for NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre. For any questions or comments, please email nheinrichs@norwestcoop.ca