Any good podiatrist will attest to the need to keep your feet clean and well maintained if you're planning on joining the military. Long-distance treks with sweaty feet can lead to fungal infections, blisters and sores that can be debilitating and unsightly. Remaining fighting fit through basic hygiene is one of the top priorities for any soldier and it all begins with the feet, the vehicle with which you carry your tired body. This guide will offer some basic tips on how to prepare your feet for extended exercises, and how you can care for them once training has finished.
Keep Them Dry
As a foot care specialist working in the field of foot disorders, including issues with the bone, skin problems and nail conditions your local podiatrist will be able to recommend specific brands of socks, soles and boots to wear. Keeping your feet dry is one of the most essential aspects of foot hygiene, and the easiest way to do that is with waterproof socks and waterproof lined boots. These can be purchased from any good walking store and coupled with talcum powder which absorbs moisture. Wearing thinner liner socks along with thick walking socks will help to wick away sweat and reduce the likelihood of friction rubs. Just remember to talc up regularly and change socks to avoid sweating too much which happens when wearing waterproof gear.
Fungal Infections
If you do find that your sweaty feet have led to some fungal nail infections then see your podiatrist as soon as possible. Fungal nail infections are harmless, but, if left, they can cause the nails to become thick and brittle. Tablets can be taken, but these are sometimes hard on the liver and can't guarantee a successful treatment. Other people swear by coconut oil and tea tree oil baths. Either way, soaking your feet in a hot bath of water with some drops of tea tree oil and coconut oil will only help clean any sores and potentially combat infection. Both of these products have natural antibacterial properties, with coconut oil sporting antifungal and antimicrobial properties as well. Just be sure to track any fungal infections as they can lead to other disorders such as athlete's foot, which is a painful condition of the skin in and around the toes. This is simple to treat, however, using medicinal foot sprays and special athletes foot powder available from the pharmacy or through a podiatrist.
If you have questions about what else you can do to improve the health of your feet, reach out to a podiatrist today.
