Taking proper care of your feet
As summer draws to a close many of us switch from our sandals and light sneakers to closed leather shoes. Here you can find out why it's particularly important to take good care of your feet at this time of year.
A pedicure isn't just about having your nails nicely varnished and your calluses removed. If you don't cut your nails properly and then wear tight-fitting shoes, you can quickly get ingrown toenails. To avoid painful inflammation you should take regular care of your feet.
Cutting your nails
Foot problems are frequently caused by ingrown toenails, often the result of cutting your nails too short or too round. For this reason you should try and cut them as straight as possible. It's best to first treat your feet to a bath, for example with a few drops of peppermint oil and a slice of lemon. Afterwards you should put on some cream or lotion.Go easy on the calluses!
When removing calluses you should try and strike a happy medium. Don't remove too much hard skin, as it's there to protect your feet. Even so, it makes sense to file down thick calluses to prevent the skin from cracking. It's best to remove them over the course of several days to give your feet time to get used to it. Use a suitable foot file or pumice stone.Today sneakers, tomorrow boots
Vary your choice of footwear, even if you have only two types to choose from. This forces your feet to constantly re-adapt and trains different muscles. It can also help prevent unequal strain on your joints. Make sure your shoes are comfortable. If they're too tight they put strain on your toenails and can lead to improper growth. A good shoe supports the middle of the foot but gives it enough space up front.If you often suffer from ingrown toenails or your calluses are too thick it's a good idea to occasionally go to a podologist. Unlike a pedicure, it's not just about looking good. It's about making sure your feet get proper medical care.
13.09.2017
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
