Spring has sprung, and it’s time to put away those socks once again and show off your feet. This 5-day spring-ready foot plan Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center will have your feet ready for sandals before the spring flowers start to bloom.
Day 1: Indulge in a relaxing foot soak. The perfect way to jumpstart your springtime plan for your feet is with a soothing foot soak. If you submerge your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes, it will start to attack tough heel fissures, corns and calluses, and improve circulation. The addition of citrus, essential oils, Epsom salt, and fresh herbs elevates the calming benefits of a footbath.
Day 2: Apply a good moisturizer twice daily. When you apply a high-quality moisturizer to your feet twice daily, it begins the healing process of cracked, dry skin that can make your feet susceptible to infections. It also makes your toes healthier and more supple. Apply an absorbing foot lotion after you bathe in the morning and use a thicker foot cream before bed.
Day 3: Attack persistent corns and calluses. On day 3, most of your corns and calluses should be considerably softened and even smaller by now. But if they persist, you may want to contemplate a more concentrated treatment to help smooth your dead skin. There are some remedies and over-the-counter products that you can try at home. These products are designed to specifically target resistant patches of dry skin.
Day 4: Pamper your feet with a pedicure. By now, your feet should be ready for a pedicure. Ingrown toenails should have loosened from the surrounding skin, the calluses should have disappeared, and your skin should be soft. Now is the time to treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure. Either book an appointment at your favorite nail salon or do it completely at home.
Day 5: Be prepared. On day 5, it’s time to collect supplies to keep them pain-free, healthy, and soft, including:
- A tube of foot cream
- Comfortable, supportive summer shoes
- Sunscreen
- Blister bandages
- Baby wipes for spur-of-the-moment cleaning
- Nail polish to touch up your pedicure, if needed.
So now you should have perfectly happy and healthy spring-ready feet! To be sure they stay that way, keep them that way, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center to schedule a consultation. You can click here to locate contact information for the office nearest you to book your appointment.