Even with all the foot health information available today, many people still make simple but painful mistakes that lead to long-term problems. As Dr. Po Raval, podiatrist and founder of Archmaker, explains, “Most foot issues don’t start overnight—they build up over years of habits that could easily be corrected.”
If you’ve been dealing with foot pain, dry skin, or recurring injuries, you might be making one of these common mistakes. Here are the top five foot care mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead.
Wearing Poorly Fitted Shoes
Despite how much we know about proper footwear, poorly fitted shoes remain the number one mistake people make. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have no arch support can cause everything from blisters to chronic pain.
A good fit means your shoe isn’t rubbing the top of your foot, your toes aren’t hitting the front, and your heel stays in place with every step. Always check that your shoes have proper arch support—if they’re completely flat inside, add an insole or orthotic.
Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot may feel natural, but it’s one of the fastest ways to develop heel and arch pain, including plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. As we age, our arches lose their natural support, and going barefoot accelerates that flattening.
For those with diabetes or neuropathy, walking barefoot can also be dangerous, since you may not feel small cuts or foreign objects that can lead to infection. Always wear supportive house shoes to protect your feet.
Ignoring Pain
The most surprising mistake? Ignoring pain. Pain is your body’s early warning system—it’s not something to “wait out.”
Dr. Raval’s rule of thumb: if your foot pain doesn’t improve after two weeks of at-home care, see a specialist. Podiatrists can diagnose structural issues, tendon injuries, or nerve pain before they worsen.
Not Cutting Toenails Short Enough
Toenails should be trimmed close to the skin not left long like fingernails. Long toenails increase pressure at the tips of your toes, which can cause ingrown nails, bruising, or even fungal infections if the nail lifts.
Trim your toenails straight across and keep them even with the skin line to prevent pain and nail damage.
Ignoring Dry Skin
Dry skin isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to cracks (called fissures) that open your skin to infection. Look at the bottom of your feet: if you see white lines or cracks starting to form, it’s time to act.
Choose a moisturizer that also exfoliates. Dr. Raval recommends AmLactin KP Bumps, which gently sloughs dead skin so hydration can reach deeper layers. Use it nightly for four weeks—the average time it takes for new, healthy skin to form.
The Bottom Line
Healthy feet are built on small daily habits. Avoid these five common mistakes, choose well-fitted supportive shoes, keep your skin and nails cared for, and address pain early.
For professional guidance and tools to improve your foot health, visit Archmaker.net where better steps begin.
