Our feet play an important role in our daily lives. They are fundamental to one’s health and wellbeing. They get you around everywhere, easily and comfortably. It’s one of the most important parts of your body and often the most neglected.

The structure of the foot is very complex. Each foot contains 26 bones and 33 joints. That’s about a quarter of all bones in our bodies.

The best resource for your foot care needs is your podiatrist. While nothing beats podiatric checkups, you can still self-examine your feet. At Joseph Stuto, DPM, we believe in being proactive when it comes to your foot health. We find that patients who conduct regular maintenance or self-checks of their feet are more likely to catch these foot disorders from getting worse even when they do arise.

Here are some key self-care tips to help you keep your feet healthy and happy.

• Visual exam. Foot pain is not normal. Monitor your feet every day for anything unusual such as blisters, cuts, discoloration, swelling or infections. Use a magnifying mirror if necessary to inspect the bottom of your feet. If you have diabetes, your foot care becomes even more important.
• Proper foot hygiene. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water. Dry them carefully especially between the toes to avoid any bacteria and fungus from spreading. Once dried, apply a moisturizer to keep the skin from cracking. Avoid moisturizer between the toes as it may encourage infection. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Footwear.  Have your feet measured by a professional. Foot pain generally stems from wearing shoes that are the wrong size. Wearing the right footwear for the right activity is equally important.
• Wear orthotics shoe inserts. Inserts can help prevent and improve a variety of foot problems such as flat feet, hammertoes and bunions.

A proactive approach to self-care can go a long way in tackling foot problems. Consulting with an experienced podiatrist should be the first step in addressing your foot care needs.

Our podiatrists Dr. Joseph C. Stuto and Dr. Joseph A. Stuto can provide you with the best possible care and treatment for your foot and ankle problems. Contact us at our two convenient locations in Brooklyn: (718) 624-7537 (Brooklyn Heights), or (718) 567-1403 (Brooklyn) to make an appointment.