5 Best Tips for At-Home Daily Foot Care

Your feet carry you through every step of life, literally. Yet, foot health is often overlooked until problems arise. Whether you’re managing diabetes, aging-related concerns, or simply aiming to maintain comfort and mobility, proper daily foot care is essential. Here are five simple yet effective tips you can follow at home:

1. Wash and Dry Feet Thoroughly

Clean your feet every day with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Be sure to dry carefully, especially between the toes, to help prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Avoid soaking your feet for long periods, as this can dry out your skin.

NB Tip: In our cold Atlantic winters, dry skin is common. Pat your feet dry gently and avoid aggressive rubbing to prevent skin breakdown.

2. Moisturize; But Not Between the Toes

Apply a foot-safe moisturizer daily to prevent cracking and dryness, especially on the heels and soles. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes, as this area needs to stay dry to reduce the risk of fungal growth.

Canadian Best Practice: Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers that are dermatologist-approved or recommended by your healthcare provider.(Reference: Wounds Canada, 2022)

3. Check Your Feet Daily

Get into the habit of doing a quick visual check for redness, cuts, blisters, swelling, or signs of infection. This is especially important for people with diabetes or reduced sensation in their feet.

NB Health Guidance: The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends daily foot inspections to help catch small issues before they become serious complications.if you are not able to see the bottom of your feet you can use a mirror (and a friend if needed) to look at the sole. (Reference: Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2018)

4. Keep Toenails Trimmed Safely

Trim your toenails straight across using clean, sharp nail clippers. Avoid cutting into the corners, which can lead to ingrown toenails. If it’s hard to see or reach your feet safely, seek professional foot care support.

LPN Best Practice: Disinfect tools before and after use. Never share foot care tools between individuals. (Reference: Infection Prevention and Control Canada - IPAC Best Practices)

5. Choose Proper Footwear

Wear clean, well-fitting shoes that provide support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Socks should be clean, moisture-wicking, and free of tight elastic that can restrict blood flow.

NB Winter Tip: In colder months, moisture from snow and slush can lead to fungal infections. Change out of wet socks and shoes as soon as possible.

Bonus: When in doubt, ask a foot care specialist. Even with good daily care, professional foot assessments are important. A foot care specialist can help manage hard-to-reach areas, reduce thick nails or corns, and monitor for complications.

References

1. Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. (2018). Chapter 29: Foot Care. https://guidelines.diabetes.ca

2. Wounds Canada. (2022). Preventative Foot Care: Tips for Healthy Feet. https://www.woundscanada.ca

3. Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses (CAFCN). (2023). Best Practice Guidelines. https://cafcn.ca

4. IPAC Canada. (2021). Infection Prevention and Control in Community Settings. https://ipac-canada.org