Previously, we discussed how laser therapy can help rejuvenate and refresh your feet following an array of different injuries and medical conditions. Of course, your feet are more than just the internal structures that provide functionality!

We all take this for granted, but our feet work hard for us. They face incredible force loads during the course of an average day—each step when you walk places as much as twice your bodyweight in force on the landing foot—and even more if you run or participate in other high-impact activities.

There are a variety of methods to refresh and rejuvenate dry feet. An easy way is to simply take a little time before bed each night and wash your feet with soap and water, pat them thoroughly dry with a soft towel, and then rub them gently while applying moisturizer. Do this every night and your feet will certainly appreciate it!

It can feel wonderful to pamper yourself with foot care at the end of the day, but we have some tips if you’d like to avoid dry feet in the first place. Moisturizing your feet after every shower or bath will certainly help. If you use a humidifier, it will keep moisture in the air and your feet will not dry out as much. Showers that are too hot will actually cause dryness, so opt for a more moderate temperature.

As a responsible podiatry practice, we do not advocate going to salons – but we know some people are going to do this anyway. So if you are thinking about pampering yourself with a visit to the nail salon for a pedicure—or even if you are planning on doing one at home yourself—there are some things you should keep in mind for the health of your feet, including:

• Don’t shave your legs beforehand. Any small nick or cut can open you to an infection, so wait until afterwards to use that razor.
   
• Tool safety means using the right ones and making sure they are clean. Disinfect them with rubbing alcohol before and after use at home. In a salon, ask how they sanitize their tools—including the foot bath and filter—between each customer, or even bring your own tools along.
   
• Use only a pumice stone or foot file to remove calluses and dead skin—never something sharp. The risk of injury from a sharp object, and the resulting infection, is too great. For this reason, we never recommend performing “bathroom surgery” to address any kind of skin condition.
   
• Never cut or force back your cuticles. You can use a soft cuticle stick to gently push them back after your bath or shower when they are soft. Anything else is asking for trouble.
   
• Trim nails straight across, not too short, and not too long. File any ragged edges with a metal file or emery board, but don’t cut down the corners. That could lead to ingrown toenails.
   
• If you use polish remover, moisturize your nails afterward. These harsh chemicals can dry out the keratin and make it more brittle. Give your nails a rest from polish, too, now and then. It is not healthy for them always to be covered, and deep tones can discolor the keratin unless you use a couple of base coats first.

We hope you are able to enjoy your beautified nails, but continue pedicure safety by keeping an eye on your feet the next few days. Make sure you don’t have any red pimples, skin rashes that itch, or yellow spots on your nails that could signal a bacterial or fungal infection.

Hopefully, you can stay safe and avoid any infections while attempting to rejuvenate and refresh your feet. If any problems develop, come see us at the earliest opportunity. You can reach Parker Foot & Ankle by calling (281) 497-2850.