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Foot Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Bones Joints Muscles

Foot Health

Maintaining healthy feet is essential for mobility and can serve as an important indicator of your overall health.

Each step you take involves a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This, combined with all of the weight they carry, explains why feet can have problems. To keep your feet healthy:

  • Examine your feet regularly
  • Wear comfortable shoes that fit
  • Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water
  • Trim your toenails straight across and not too short

Your foot health can be a clue to your overall health. For example, joint stiffness could mean arthritis. Tingling or numbness could be a sign of diabetes. Swelling might indicate kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of your health care. If you have foot problems, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should seek medical attention if you have persistent pain, swelling, signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus), an inability to bear weight, changes in sensation, or if you have diabetes or circulatory issues. For general foot problems, you can start with your primary care doctor, who may refer you to a podiatrist (a foot and ankle specialist) for more specific diagnosis and treatment.
You should see a doctor if you experience persistent numbness or tingling, unexplained swelling in one or both feet, non-healing sores or wounds, sudden changes in foot color or temperature, severe or sudden pain, or significant joint stiffness. These symptoms could be signs of conditions like diabetes, circulatory problems, kidney disease, heart disease, or nerve damage.
comfortable shoe should have adequate length and width, allowing your toes to wiggle freely without touching the end or sides. Look for shoes with good arch support, a low heel (no more than one to two inches), and a flexible sole that bends easily. Breathable materials like leather or mesh are preferable. Always try on shoes later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure the best fit.
fter washing your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water, ensure you dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections. Moisturize your feet to prevent dry skin and cracking, but avoid applying lotion between your toes. Inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in your toenails. Trim your toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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