After a mild winter – but a cold, rainy March – spring has finally come to the greater Philadelphia area. Whether you are getting ready to window shop, stroll along park paths or dine al fresco, it’s time to break out the sandals.

A winter spent wearing heavy boots, shoes and socks in super-dry conditions may have the skin on your feet not looking its best. Take a few moments to give your feet a thorough check. Do you see dry skin or calluses? Do your toenails look odd – a different color or texture?

Set some time aside to pamper your feet with a home pedicure. It’s not hard or expensive and can be very relaxing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Clean feet and toenails thoroughly. After soaking your feet in warm water, rub all over with a pumice stone, foot file or salt-based scrub. You’ll smooth away rough skin and even thin calluses a bit.
• Apply a soothing foot moisturizer. It’s a good habit to smooth this on every night and then put on cotton socks.
• Use a clean cuticle stick to push the excess back. A nailbrush soaked in soapy water can scrub away winter’s grime from under toenails. Dry thoroughly and then apply a little cuticle oil for protection.
• Use a large nail clipper to trim toenails straight across the top. Rounding the toenails at the edges can cause trouble like ingrown toenails.
• Polish the nails if you wish, but it’s a good idea to let your toenails breathe once in a while. Start with a base coat first and then apply your favorite color.
• Use waxing strips to remove any unwanted hair from your toes.

Oh – one more thing – if last year’s sandals are showing excessive wear, feel free to visit your favorite shoe store to stock up. Our in-office shoe store has a fine selection of sandals that are comfortable and fashionable too.

Be On the Lookout for Toenail Fungus

Did your nail inspection reveal any problems that may be a fungal inspection? Are your toenails brittle, discolored, thickened or colored with white spots? You may have fungal nail, a condition that needs professional treatment because over-the-counter treatments don’t kill the root fungus.

Please visit Your Next Step for help with persistent fungal nail. Prescription topical and oral medications will get rid of the fungus for good. If necessary for severe cases, the nail may have to be removed. The painless treatments offered at our New Nail Laser Center will make quick work of any toenail fungus with minimal recovery time!

Come See Us for any Foot or Ankle Pain

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board certified or qualified podiatrists have extensive experience in all types of toe, heel, foot and ankle problems.  You can reach us with the contact information at the website for our Ardmore, Paoli and Downingtown offices. Don’t live with foot pain – call us today!