What Is the Best Foot Care Routine for Your Feet?

If you’re on the web and searching for foot care in Glasgow or wondering what a “podiatrist in Glasgow” would recommend for healthier feet, the answer is usually "A simple consistent routine - done well".

At AA Podiatry we know that most day-to-day foot problems (dry cracked heels, hard skin, blisters, fungal flare-ups, sore nails) respond better to small habits you repeat than “quick fixes” you try once. Below is our practical guide that you can follow at home, plus clear guidance on what to put on your feet, which vitamins matter most, and whether Vaseline is actually good for your feet!

AA Podiatry has foot care clinics in Shettleston and Clarkston, serving patients across the city of Glasgow , with the podiatrists in their foot care clinics registered with the HCPC.

How to keep your feet in good condition.

1) Clean your feet daily (but don’t over-soak).

Wash your feet every day using soap and keep any soaking short - long soaks can dry the skin and make problems worse. Thoroughly dry your feet afterwards.

Key point: Dry between the toes thoroughly. This one habit reduces the risk of fungal skin issues and irritation.

2) Dry between the toes, then moisturise the right areas.

Moisturising is excellent for dry skin—but avoid putting moisturiser between the toes, as that area is prone to trapped moisture and that creates fungal problems.

A good default routine:

·         Moisturiser on heels/soles/sides of feet

·         No moisturiser between toes

3) Manage hard skin safely (no blades).

If you build up hard skin, gently use a pumice stone or foot file—no razors, scalpel tools, or “digging” into your foot! Many podiatrists commonly advise gentle filing and avoid using sharp instruments. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation, be especially cautious and seek professional advice rather than self-treating. Diabetes UK strongly emphasises daily checks, moisturising, safe nail care, and avoiding risky self-treatment.

4) Cut toenails straight across.

Aim for straight across, not too short, and avoid cutting down the sides (which can encourage ingrowing nails).

5) Wear socks and shoes that reduce friction and moisture

A lot of “foot care” is using socks and shoes correctly to reduce many common foot problems.:

• Wear clean socks daily (cotton can help if you’re prone to sweat)

• Buy and wear shoes that fit properly and support you (especially if you walk/stand a lot for work). 

• Don’t wear the same pair of shoes day after day—give them time to dry out as this reduces moisture in the shoe which can harbour harmful bacteria (and smells!).

6) Treat blisters properly (don’t burst them).

For a friction blister: keep it clean and cover it with a padded dressing. Avoid bursting it – as this increases the risk of infection.

7) Do a quick weekly “foot MOT”

Once a week, take 60 seconds to check:

• Dry cracks on heels

• Skin breaks, redness, swelling, heat

• Changes in nail colour/thickness

• Persistent itching/peeling (often fungal)

If you spot changes that don’t settle, that’s when it’s time to book and appointment with a podiatrist.

Whats the best thing to put on your feet

Well, that depends on a lot of factors. The best product depends on what you’re trying to fix. Here are the common “best fits”:

For dry skin and cracked heels

Look for a foot balm with urea (often 10–25%) or a good emollient moisturiser. NHS and podiatry leaflets commonly recommend urea-based heel balms for dry, cracked skin.

How to apply: at night is ideal—apply to heels/soles, let it absorb, and wear socks.

For athlete’s foot (itchy, peeling skin - often between toes)

Use an appropriate pharmacy antifungal and keep the area clean and dry. Crucially: do not put moisturiser between the toes if athlete’s foot is active.

For corns and calluses

A podiatrist can reduce painful hard skin safely and advise on offloading pressure with pads/insoles. As podiatrists we can cut away corns/callus and provide pressure relief options.  Avoid “corn plasters” with acids, particularly if you have diabetes or poor circulation – the Royal College of Podiatry guidance warns they can damage healthy skin.

Whats the best vitamin for your feet

There isn’t a single “best vitamin for feet”- but there are nutrients that support the systems your feet rely on: nerves, skin integrity, muscles and bones.

Vitamin B12 (nerve health)

If you experience pins and needles, numbness, or altered sensation in feet, it’s important to rule out causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to neurological problems including peripheral neuropathy, particularly affecting the legs.

Vitamin D (bones and muscle function)

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate, supporting bones, teeth and muscles—all relevant to foot function and stability.

Practical guidance: focus on a balanced diet first. If you suspect deficiency symptoms (persistent tingling, unusual weakness, frequent cramps), speak to a pharmacist or GP for appropriate testing and advice, rather than guessing with supplements.

Is vaseline good for your feet?

Yes, sometimes. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) can be useful as an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture for very dry, cracked heels, particularly as an overnight treatment.

However, it’s not a cure-all:

• Do not use it between the toes, where trapped moisture can worsen fungal issues.

• It won’t treat athlete’s foot or nail fungus (you’ll need antifungal management).

• If you have broken skin, infection signs (redness, heat, swelling, discharge), or diabetes-related risk, get professional advice promptly.

Best use case: very dry heels - apply after washing, put on socks, and reassess after 7–10 days.

When to see AA Podiatry in Glasgow

Book a podiatry appointment if you have:

• Persistent heel cracks, painful callus/corns, or recurring blisters

• Suspected fungal infection that keeps returning

• Ingrowing toenails, bleeding, or signs of infection

• Diabetes, reduced sensation, or circulation concerns (do not “wait and see”)

AA Podiatry provides appointments at Shettleston (G32) and Clarkston (G76), with online booking and phone booking available.

Contact details (from AA Podiatry):

• Shettleston: 0141 778 4400

• Clarkston: 0141 644 2244

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