Life’s journey requires strong, healthy feet for success. Beyond aesthetics, foot care includes pedicures, nail health, and strengthening often-overlooked foot muscles and bones. Explore targeted care and exercises designed for unwavering confidence and vigor in your daily feats.
Get started to give your feet the attention they deserve.
Pedicures and nail health
A pedicure promises a rejuvenating experience, combining relaxation and essential grooming. Pedicures, whether from a high-tech chair, a warm water foot soak, or a skilled technician, now form a quintessential treat.
While many people enjoy commercial pedicures without incident, they entail risks, especially if your immunity is compromised by illness or age. Nail salons feature naturally warm and wet environments where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens can thrive. If not properly cleaned, these pathogens can transmit to customers and cause a range of ailments, including fungal infections. To reduce infection risk at licensed salons, bring your own files, brushes, and buffers, advises Suzanne Levine, author of “My Feet Are Killing Me.” Cutting cuticles increases risk, too, so you may pass on the cutting to increase your safety.
Sometimes, you need more than a polish change to put a pep in your step, which is why medical pedicures are rising. A medical pedicure involves a sterile procedure provided by a specialist in podiatry and nail care. There’s no nail polish included with a medi-pedi because these services take care of foot health.
Medical pedicures, such as those at MediPediNYC, use medical-grade equipment for cracked heels, professional nail clipping for hangnails, and treat blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. They often work dry to minimize cross-contamination and infection risks via broken skin.
If you want to indulge in a pedicure in your home, consider a DIY pedicure where you can pamper your feet alone or with friends. Check out some must-haves for a perfect at-home foot pampering party:
- Start with an Epsom salt soak for divine relaxation.
- Then, slather on a urea-rich foot cream like Gehwol Med Lipidro-Cream or Soft Feet Creme to moisturize those deserving soles.
- A gentle exfoliation follows—scrub dry skin with a foot file or pumice.
- You can skip the polish and bring shine to your nails with nail or olive oil massaged into your cuticles and toes.
- Trim and towel-dry between your toes for the ultimate foot finale.
And voila! Sandal-ready tootsies.
The magic of moving: aging well with every step
Aging gracefully actually comes as a foot-powered movement. The hidden secret of many octogenarians – they are walking! From strengthening muscles to increasing stability and relieving joint pain, many reasons exist to exercise feet as we age. Luckily, most of these exercises are simple and you can perform them without any special equipment. Check out the below, and always talk to your healthcare provider for the best advice!
Arthritis: Say hello to Toe Yoga, a popular method to improve foot flexibility and reduce arthritis pain. Start by raising your big toe as high as possible while keeping your small toes on the ground. After a brief pause, raise your little toes as high as possible while keeping your big toe on the floor. Alternate between big and little toes until your feet feel tired.
Plantar Fasciitis: Try towel scrunches (aka towel curls). Start by sitting in a chair and placing a hand towel flat on the floor underneath your left foot. Then, slowly curl the ends of the towel towards your heel, using only your toes to “scrunch” the towel up. Then repeat with your right foot.
Bunions: Consider toe circles. While sitting on a chair, lean over and grip your big toe. Begin circling the toe clockwise 20 times, then reverse the direction. Complete two or three sets on each toe.
Hammer toe: This typically relates to plantar plate atrophy or damage, causing the top foot muscles to take over toe lifting while the bottom foot muscles weaken.
To stretch top muscles and strengthen bottom ones, practice picking up a pencil, marbles, or a pair of socks with your toes.
Are you feeling ready to start your journey toward foot health? From essential pedicures and nail care to the foundation of foot muscle and bone health, foot care deserves your exploration! Give your feet the care they crave, ensuring they remain your steadfast companion on life’s journey!
PS: If you care for your feet, consider your shoes and orthotics! Frankie4 offers shoes that promise to make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
Share your favorite foot care finds in the comments!
