Pedicure is the first thing that comes to our mind when most Indian women think about foot care. “I go for a foot spa regularly but still I suffer from corns, calluses and shoe bites”, says Ramita Maheshwari a 24 year media professional. It’s not her but many others who share the same thinking.
A pedicure needs to be maintained with regular foot care. As they say ‘prevention is better than cure.’ Pedicure is a way to deal with tanning, dead skin and cuticles and not other foot problems.
But Aaw tells you how to prevent foot problems and make them smooth and soft all year round.
The right fit shoe: Don’t be in a hurry to buy a new pair. Take your time and pick footwear with an optimum fit because a tight shoe can give you cuts and loose shoes may cause your foot to slide and rub against the shoe. Also avoid picking shoe with a thin sole as it creates pressure on the ball of the foot while walking.
Tip: Always try on both shoes and buy the one that is comfortable on your larger foot.
Wear socks: Socks prevent the old skin from getting stuck into your shoes. Socks also help avoid odour. Also shoes without socks can lead to increased friction but keep it mind that an ill fitted sock may result in pressure where the sock bunches up.
Apply oil: Before wearing new footwear apply coconut or castor oil inside your shoes for three consecutive nights to soften them and on the day of wearing just wipe it with a cloth and wear your shoes. If you are not comfortable with oil just rub wax or raw potato on the edges.
Wash: The feet often get exposed to pollution, dirt and dust; so make a habit of washing your feet as soon you enter the house. Use soap and pay extra attention to the spaces in between the toes.
Moisturize: To nourish the feet and banish dryness always put lotion or foot cream at before going to bed. But just remember that too much moisturizing between toes can cause fungus.
Avoid walking barefoot: Despite cleaning, the floor has lot of dust and germs, so avoid being barefoot on hard surfaces such as concrete, wood floors and tile.
Support: To protect the ball of your feet, use a gel or foam shoe insert and place it onto the insole at the heel to give proper support and make it more comfortable.
