By Glendris Holder
Mothers are the builders of our homes, and because of this great responsibility, they are constantly on their feet. Mothers are either standing in the kitchen for long hours preparing meals, cleaning, doing laundry or caring for the needs of everyone.
Have we ever stopped to ask, who cares for mom and her feet?
Over time, the daily demands of motherhood place significant strain on her feet leading to pain, heel damage, dryness, nail problems, and even reduced mobility.
This Mother’s Day, we focus on practical habits mothers can incorporate into their daily routine to help restore their feet and reduce discomfort.
M – Moisturize daily
Dry soles can progress into cracks quickly. These can become painful and increase the risk of infection. Applying a rich moisturizer daily helps to keep your soles and heels soft, reduces callus buildup, prevents dryness and lowers the risk of cracking.
O – Observe
Daily checks of the soles of the feet, and nails for discoloration, cuts, cracks, swelling or any unusual changes are essential because early detects helps to prevent complications. Individuals with conditions such as diabetics are advised to check their feet at least twice daily – before bed and first thing in the morning.
T – Trim Nails Correctly
Neglected nails can become overgrown and may lead to trauma, especially when placed in a closed shoes. An impacted nail can be extremely painful, and the lifting from the nail bed can create an entry point for fungus and bacteria. Additionally, overgrown nails may curve and grow into the skin, resulting in involuted or ingrown toenails. Nails should be trimmed straight across, kept short, clean and dry.
H – Hydrate
Drinking water throughout the day while performing your daily activities helps to keep your skin hydrated, supports skin elasticity and reduces excessive dryness.
E – Elevate
After a long day of standing or moving about, elevating your feet helps to reduce swelling, relieve pressure, and improve circulation. Propping your feet on a pillow or cushion above your heart level allows your muscles and joints to recover from the day’s activities.
R – Right, Supportive Footwear Always
Many mothers spend long hours barefoot or in unsupported footwear while performing daily tasks. Avoid standing on flat, hard surfaces for extended periods. This can lead to long-term foot damage. Opt for toe-out footwear with cushioning at the heels, balls of the feet and proper arch support. This helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia muscle, minimizes heel pain, and prevents trauma to the toenails.
I would like to take this moment to wish all Mothers a blessed Mothers’ Day as
you take a moment to pause and restore. Join me for another PediPolitix, your
weekly educational column dedicated to increasing awareness about foot and
nail health, prevention methods, and the importance of professional care.
For professional foot and nail care, contact Leb’Elle Foot and Nail Clinic at 1784-491-3338.