Foot care likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when considering personal health. Because our feet can stay hidden in socks and shoes, it’s easy to forget that they need daily care, just like your teeth and hair. Yet, maintaining foot health is an essential part of staying self-sufficient, productive, and physically capable. We talked to podiatrist Susan Zhao, DPM, for some tips on simple, but important things you can do to keep your feet healthy as you age.

Moisturize Frequently

One way to keep your feet healthy is to make sure you moisturize them every day. “Older people tend to have really dry heels and should definitely moisturize them frequently,” said Dr. Zhao.

This helps prevent dry heels and cracked skin, which can potentially become infected and painful. As you age, your glands may produce less oil, which can cause your skin to dry more quickly.

Low humidity in the winter can also contribute to dry skin. When moisturizing, avoid the area between your toes to prevent fungal infections. A suggestion from Dr. Zhao — “wearing 100% cotton socks can help to lock in the moisture and won’t irritate sensitive skin.”

Wear a Toe Buddy

Toe buddies are designed to align crooked or overlapping toes. They can help keep your toes separated and reduce friction. Toe separators come in different sizes and materials, so it may take some experimenting to find what works best for you.

Pick the Right Shoes

When it comes to foot health, your shoe choice is essential. In fact, many of the most common foot injuries are related to footwear. For example, heel pain may be caused by wearing shoes that don’t have enough arch support such as flip flops and flats. Toe deformities may result from wearing shoes that are too narrow. Ingrown toenails can occur if you wear athletic shoes that don’t fit properly.

To make sure your shoes are the right fit, measure your feet — the shape can change over time. Walk around in the shoes at the store to make sure your arch doesn’t feel pulled or stretched, and remember to replace athletic shoes every few months.

“Make sure there’s enough height and width for your toes, and that they don’t squeeze together too much,” said Dr. Zhao. “You also need to have some foot support, so Vans and Converse [would generally] not be the best shoes.”

Fungus Growth

Fungi enter your body through small cracks in your skin and often spread in moist areas like locker rooms and public pools. Avoid walking barefoot in moist areas, always dry your feet after they get wet and let your shoes air out before you wear them again.

Bunion Prevention

Bunions occur when the bones in the front of your feet move out of place. This causes the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out, and it can be quite painful. Keep track of the shape of your feet over time, exercise your feet by picking up small objects with your toes, and wear shoes that fit properly and don’t pinch or cramp your toes.

Keep Your Toenails Short

Long toenails can harbor dirt and bacteria which can cause infections. Failing to cut your toes properly can also cause ingrown toenails. It’s important to trim your toenails regularly to keep your feet healthy. If regular toenail clippers are difficult to use, you’re in luck! The Soulo Nail Trimmer is an electric long-handled toenail trimmer that is designed for reach and safely files down nails to the perfect length.

Our feet are made up of over 100 muscles and dozens of bones and tendons that work together to provide support, balance and mobility. Changes that you make to support your foot health now can provide long term benefits later in life. By following these tips, you can feel confident you’re putting your best foot forward.

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Tips for Healthy Feet