Basic Foot Care Guidelines

At the Markham Foot Care Clinic, we believe that patients can better recognize a  foot or ankle problem when they understand what  their problem is, what is causing it , and how it is treated. That is why we offer a wonderful resource for our patients: the Patient Education Library.

Our library has a vast amount of information about a wide range of foot and ankle problems along with advice and tips about  how to keep your feet as healthy as possible. If you have questions about How to Pick the Right Shoe, What are the Signs of An Ingrown Toenail, What is a Bunion, or any other foot or ankle related question, don’t hesitate to consult our website!

The links in the left column of this page will take you to pages full of useful information concerning the world of feet. If you would  like to keep informed  about what’s new with feet or would like to get more great tips about foot care, like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, watch our videos on youtube, or subscribe to our blogs!

  1. Don't ignore foot pain. It is not normal. If you experience any type of persistent pain in the foot or ankle, please contact our office.
  2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
  3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
  4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, because they are more prone to infection.
  5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
  6. Select and wear the right shoe for each sport or activity that you are engaged in (e.g., running shoes for running).
  7. Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
  8. Avoid walking barefooted. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet.
  9. Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.
  10. If you are a diabetic, please contact our office and schedule a check-up at least once a year.