Most foot complaints can be prevented with good hygiene and common sense. Foot problems caught in their early stages can usually be resolved with painless, non-invasive medical care. A Findlay podiatrist offers the following advice for maintaining foot and ankle health.

Wear shoes designed for the activity you are engaging in. If you plan to participate in a sport or other form of exercise, put on the right kind of protective footwear. Running shoes should not be worn for scrambling over rough terrain. Injuries such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and sprains are often due to inadequate cushioning, tread or ankle support.

Limit time spent in uncomfortable fashion footwear. Wearing shoes with high heels, pointy toes and a narrow fit can lead to calluses, blisters, bunions and metatarsalgia. Glamorous shoes are often a cause of ankle injuries, especially in situations involving drinking and dancing. When out on the town in killer heels, always carry a spare pair of comfy flats.

Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. To avoid ingrown toenails, do not attempt to round them by cutting down the sides. Be careful not to cut nails too short. If you break the skin of the nail bed, a fungal infection could set in. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have their toenails trimmed by a health care professional.

Inspect your feet for signs of disease. Thickened, yellowed or crumbling toenails could be caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. Moist, cracked skin between the toes or flaky, scaly soles of the feet are symptoms of athlete's foot. Red swellings on the toes or sides of the feet could develop into painful corns or bunions.

The Findlay podiatrist encourages people to seek medical attention at the first sign of an injury, infection or abnormality affecting the foot or ankle. Home remedies for foot disorders are not usually effective and may even exacerbate the problem. Minor issues often become more serious if appropriate care is delayed.