Tips to Prevent Foot Funk & Promote Overall Foot Health

Feet are often overlooked and neglected, despite being the foundation of our bodies.  Taking good care of our feet is vital to our overall health and well-being, especially if we want to protect our long-term mobility. 


With April being National Foot Health Awareness month, we thought we’d deliver some cold hard facts when it comes to feet, as well as offer up some advice to combat these issues and keep your feet in tip-bottom shape.

• 20% of Americans Experience Foot Problems Each Year
• Between 15-25% of People are Likely to Have Athlete’s Foot at Any One Time
• The infection can spread to other parts of the body and to other people.
  
  
  

• There are 250,000 Sweat Glands in Your Feet, Producing as Much as a Half Pint of Perspiration a Day.
  
  
• Hyperhidrosis is a Genetic Condition that Causes People to Overproduce Sweat in their Feet.
  
  
• Stress, Certain Medications, Fluid Consumption and Body Changes can also Cause Excessive Foot Perspiration.
  
  
• There is an average of 421,000 Different Bacteria on Your Shoes.
• This includes E. Coli, Coliforms and other bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections and respiratory illnesses.
  
  
• Bacteria + Sweat =  Funky Foot Odor

Fight The Foot Funk 

• Wash feet daily with warm water and soap. Rinse and dry completely, making sure to dry the area between each toe to reduce risk of fungal infections.
  
  
• Take breaks from polish on toenails as it can also lead to fungus.
  
  
• Apply lotion to the tops and soles of your feet.
  
  
• Don’t go barefoot in public places, particularly if you already have a small cut or scratch, or suffer from diabetes. Shoes will protect your feet from bacteria that could cause infection, as well as athlete’s foot and plantar warts.
  
  
• Damp and Dark places—like your shoes and sweaty socks—are the perfect growing condition for bacteria and germs.  Wearing shoes and socks that feature breathable mesh, moisture wicking and temperature regulation will help keep your feet dry. 


  
  
• Wear Purra Performance Antimicrobial Socks. We embed a safe, natural zinc antimicrobial into the materials of our socks, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, germs, microbes and fungi, stopping the nasty odor-causing gremlins before they start.  


  
  
• Purra socks are also designed with strategic cushioning and enhanced arch support for added comfort, along with breathable mesh and moisture wicking!
  
  
• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes on back-to-back days so that you can give your shoes a chance to air out.
  
  
• And remember, wearing clean socks with closed-toe shoes helps to keep sweat and bacteria from accumulating in your shoes.

Even More Ways to Pamper Those Feet

• Wear comfortable shoes that fit and support the natural arch of your foot.

• Replace your footwear every six months or 500 miles to avoid heal and foot pain when the inside of the shoe begins to lose support.

• Upgrade your original shoe inserts with performance insoles that are designed with shock absorption and enhanced cushioning to better protect your joints and reduce injuries. Purra has all-new insoles on the way!
  
  
• Regular workouts and stretching your feet and ankles help keep the blood circulating in your feet. Poor foot circulation can make it more difficult for wounds to heal, and can result in foot ulcers and increased risk of infection.

• Maintaining a healthy weight means less weight and pressure on the feet, which can cause heel and foot pain, circulatory problems, arthritis and stress fractures.

• Trim your toenails so that you don’t accidentally cause cuts on your feet.
  
  
• Soak your feet in a warm Epsom salt bath.

And whenever you can, treat yourself to a full-fledged spa pedicure!

BONUS TIP

• There Can Be More than 12 Million Bacteria on Your Yoga Mat!