Priya Parthasarathy DPM: Partner at USFAS, practicing in Silver Spring, MD
As a practicing podiatrist and busy mom of 3 boys, I see firsthand how much our feet do for us every day. They carry us through our work, our workouts, and our busy family lives. Yet, foot care is often overlooked until foot pain becomes a problem. The good news? With a few simple habits and the right supportive products, you can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and moving with confidence. Some of my favorite patient appointments are with patients who come in just to check on their foot health. I love when people take a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach. It helps them stay active.
The Importance of Creating a Foot Care Daily Routine
Looking for ways to take better care of your feet at home? Try these simple, effective home foot care tips for keeping your feet healthy and happy.
Maintain Healthy Foot Hygiene
The first step in foot health is creating a daily routine. Wash your feet with mild soap and water, and don’t forget to dry between the toes to prevent fungal infections. Moisturizing your heels and soles helps protect against painful cracking, especially in dry seasons. One simple habit I recommend, and practice myself, is keeping a foot cream on your night stand. A quick nightly moisturizer before bed not only keeps the skin soft and healthy, but it also feels like a little act of self-care at the end of a busy day. A quick foot stretch, like pointing and flexing your toes or rolling your arches over a small ball, can keep your feet limber and improve circulation.
Choose the Right Insoles
While good hygiene is important, one of the biggest ways to protect your foot health is through support. Every foot is unique, but many people benefit from insoles that help align and cushion the feet. Vionic offers several options designed for different needs:
- Relief Full-Length Insole: Ideal for all-day comfort, especially if you’re on your feet for long periods.
- Relief 3/4 Length Insole: Great for tighter-fitting shoes where you still want targeted arch and heel support.
- Active Insole: Designed for workouts and higher-impact activities, offering stability and shock absorption.
- Slim Insole: Perfect for women’s boots or women’s casual sneakers where you need support without bulk.
Wear Slippers Indoors
Did you know that wearing slippers indoors is good for your feet? In fact, you should avoid going barefoot on hard floors around the house. Slippers with built-in support can make a big difference in reducing fatigue and preventing pain at the end of the day. If you struggle with heel pain, a foot injury, or other foot issues, wearing supportive slippers at home can offer meaningful relief and comfort.
Be Proactive With Your Foot Health
One of the most important parts of foot health is simply paying attention to any foot complications that may arise. Too often, people ignore the first signs of problems like warts, fungal infections, or ingrown toenails until they become painful and harder to treat.
Catching these issues early makes a huge difference. A small spot of fungus can be cleared up before it spreads to multiple nails. A minor ingrown toenail can often be treated conservatively, while a neglected one might lead to infection or even require a procedure. The same goes for warts—they’re much easier to manage when addressed promptly.
Choose the Right Footwear for Everyday Support
Along with daily foot care habits, choosing supportive footwear is essential for preventing foot pain and protecting long-term foot health. Your shoes should provide arch support, cushioning, and stability to reduce stress on the heel and ankle. This is especially important if you have flat feet, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or a history of foot injury or ankle sprains. A wide toe box and proper fit can also help prevent irritation, ingrown toenails, and other foot issues.
I often recommend footwear that supports alignment and reduces strain—both in daily life and during activity. Vionic shoes are designed with podiatrist-approved, Vio-Motion™ technology to help keep your feet supported and comfortable, whether you’re walking at home, staying active, or recovering from foot problems. Pairing supportive shoes with quality shoe inserts can make everyday movement easier and help maintain healthy feet for the long run.
Small Steps Today, Stronger Feet Tomorrow
Our feet are truly the foundation of our bodies. By practicing daily care, choosing the right insoles, and replacing them regularly, you’re not only protecting your feet but also supporting your overall health and mobility. Small changes today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.
And remember: if you notice changes in your nails, skin, or experience ongoing pain or a lingering foot condition, don’t wait. A quick visit to your podiatrist can help catch problems early and keep your feet healthy for the long run.
To help prevent foot complications, choose footwear that provides proper support, comfort, and stability for all-day wear. Explore supportive styles from Vionic designed to keep you moving comfortably.
Author:
Dr. Parthasarathy is a Partner at US Foot and Ankle Specialists (USFAS) and practices in the DMV area. Dr. Parthasarathy is the recent recipient of Podiatry Management’s Future Star Award in 2020. She is also the recipient of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) prestigious Rising Star Award in 2017. She has been featured in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Self Magazine, Women’s Running Magazine, NYMag and Prevention Magazine. She is currently Chair of the APMA Communications Committee and a member of the APMA Education Committee. Dr. Parthasarathy is an Editor for the Compendium of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Publication. She serves on the Editorial Board of Advisors of the Podiatry Today publication. She is also President on the Maryland Podiatric Medical Associations Executive committee. Dr. Parthasarathy is the former Podiatry Section Chief at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) . She lectures frequently at National Conferences. She is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.