Footwear and Footcare
Taking care of your feet and wearing proper footwear are important to help prevent falls. Feet that are healthy and pain-free can help you keep your balance.
Proper foot care
- Use warm water to wash your feet.
- Dry your feet completely after washing, especially between your toes.
- Trim your toenails straight across and not too short.
- When sitting, put your feet up on a stool to decrease swelling.
- Check your feet often for corns, open sores, redness, dry skin and thickened nails. Ask for help or use a mirror to see your feet.
Suggestions
- Wear supportive footwear inside and outside your home.
- Avoid walking in bare feet, stockings, or floppy slippers with an open heel.
- Wear shoes that allow room for your feet to swell.
- Buy shoes with laces or Velcro® closures to ensure a snug fit.
- Wear shoes with a non-slip tread.
- Add ice grips to your footwear in the winter, and wear winter boots that will grip snow and ice.
