Our feet carry us thousands of steps every day through work, exercise and daily life but they’re often neglected until pain or problems appear. Keeping your feet healthy is key to staying active, preventing injury and avoiding common issues like corns, fungal infections and cracked heels.
Podiatrists often see the impact that poor footwear, nail care and lack of daily attention can have. That’s why our in house podiatrist, Megan, has put together these five simple foot care tips to keep your feet comfortable and problem-free.
1. Choose the right footwear
Wearing the right shoes for your foot shape is one of the most important steps in preventing foot pain.
- Length: Leave a finger’s width of space from your longest toe to the end.
- Width: Shoes should match the natural shape of your foot, not squeeze it.
- Depth: Ensure enough room above your toes to avoid rubbing and blisters.
- Support: A shock-absorbing sole and cushioned insole reduce pressure.
- Fastenings: Laces or Velcro keep the foot stable and reduce injury risk. If you wear shoes with laces, it’s important to unlace them when removing so that the shoe is anchored to the foot correctly.
2. Practise good foot hygiene
Clean, dry feet are less prone to infections and odour.
- Wash feet daily with soap and water. – Dry thoroughly between the toes.
- Choose breathable socks, cotton or moisture-wicking sports fabrics and change daily (or more if exercising)
3. Moisturise to prevent dry skin
- Cracked heels and calluses can cause discomfort and even infection.
- Apply a urea-based foot cream (10% for mild dryness, 25%+ for tougher skin).
- Avoid applying cream between toes (to prevent fungal growth).
- Allow 10–15 minutes for the cream to absorb before putting on socks or shoes.
4. Trim toenails correctly
Incorrect toenail trimming is a common cause of ingrown toenails.
- Cut straight across, never too short.
- Smooth edges with a file to prevent digging into the skin.
- See a podiatrist if nails are thick, painful, or difficult to cut.
5. Manage hard skin & calluses
- Hard skin builds up in pressure areas and can lead to corns.
- File little and often (1 to 2x per week).
- Use a pumice stone on wet feet, or a foot file on dry skin.
- For painful corns or stubborn calluses, book an appointment with a podiatrist.
- Healthy feet are essential for mobility, comfort and quality of life. With these foot care tips, you can reduce your risk of foot problems and stay active every day.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, fungal infections, thick nails, or hard skin, our podiatry team can help. Click here to book your appointment online today.
