June is Men’s Health Month – Six Foot Care Tips

June is National Men’s Health Month, and that makes it the perfect time for both women and men to learn more about how to care for their feet properly. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee, of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, is sharing his top tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy this summer.

Caring for your feet is crucial because they help keep you physically active. And because they can affect the rest of the body, they provide a better quality of life.

Whether male or female, check out these tips for caring for your feet:

• Wear properly fitting footwear. Wearing properly fitting shoes during an activity can defend your feet from injury. But, it’s just as important to wear properly fitted shoes for your day-to-day activities. Don’t wear shoes that are too small, too big, or uncomfortable just for the sake of fashion.

• Cleanse your feet each day. While it’s true that no one likes to be around someone whose feet smell, washing your feet is also good for maintaining foot health. Dirt and bacteria can accumulate between unwashed toes and result in issues such as Athlete’s foot.

• Avoid injury. Both women and men who are active face the risk of ankle and foot injuries. So pay particular attention to protecting your feet, and don’t neglect pain. Foot pain is not normal - if it hurts, see a podiatrist.

• Keep your nails trimmed. By far, one of the most common foot problems we see in our office is ingrown toenails. While this painful condition is unavoidable in some cases because of genetics, most people can avoid this condition by trimming the toenails properly. They should be cut straight across and not too deep into the edges.

• Protect your feet while out in public.  Public locker rooms and showers are hot spots for bacteria because of the warm and humid environment inside. Wearing shower sandals can protect your feet from exposure to bacteria that cause conditions such as plantar warts or Athlete’s feet.

• Exfoliate. Most people think exfoliation is only for women who want smooth and beautiful skin, but it’s actually just as good for men. Exfoliating the feet can help remove bacteria and dirt buildup. It’s best to do it at least once or twice a week with a good quality scrub to keep your feet healthy.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, follow these tips from Dr. Hubert Lee, at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, and you’ll enjoy happy and healthy feet all summer long. If you’re experiencing any issues with your feet, contact us today at (425) 455-0936 to discuss what’s happening.