Have you ever thought about what your feet go through every day? They carry your weight as you walk, run, jump and play. Mostly you won’t even notice them – until you’ve walked too far and they ache, or you get a blister or wart.
The number one thing to take care of your feet is to make sure that your shoes fit well. The bones in your foot are still developing until you are about 16 to18 years old, so it is especially important for kids. A well-fitting shoe should support your arch and leave enough room for your toes to splay as you walk. Tight-fitting shoes or shoes that are too loose can lead to blisters, foot problems later in life and, in worst cases, deformities. It’s best to buy a new pair of shoes in the afternoon as that is the time of day when your feet have swelled slightly. Walk around the store in the shoes to make sure they are comfortable and do not rub or squeeze your feet.
We have an astonishing 250,000 sweat glands in our feet; more than in any other part of the body and they can release over 200ml of moisture a day! So it’s no surprise that feet, enclosed in shoes, get very sweaty, especially in hot weather. It is important to make sure they are clean and fresh (plus no one wants smelly feet!). Don’t forget to give your toenails a good scrub with a nailbrush and soap. After washing, always dry well, especially in-between your toes – this will help prevent a fungus called athlete’s foot that thrives in damp. Leather uppers are best to allow your feet to breathe. Keep your trainers well aired, and be sure to wear a clean pair of cotton socks every day. It’s a good idea to walk barefoot at home to let your feet spread out, but always wear a shoe or flip flop outdoors to avoid injuring the underside of your feet on sharp things like thorns or glass.
Have your parents teach you how to cut your toenails properly (they should be cut straight across) and be sure to keep the nails short. Badly-cut nails can cause an ingrown toenail - when the nail starts to grow into the skin – it is painful and can easily get infected.
One problem that affects many kids is verruca – which is a type of wart that usually occurs on the sole of your feet. They hurt and are quite difficult to get rid of. Verruca is caused by a virus that can live on damp surfaces. It is very contagious (easy to catch) if you walk barefoot on that surface. The best way to avoid getting one is to be sure to wear flip flops in public changing rooms, at pools, gyms or showers. Don’t share your shoes, socks, wash cloth or towel with others.
Tell your parents if your feet are bothering you – such as if you have a rash, blisters, dry spots or they are itchy.
