Foot health is important and during Foot Health Week, NCIC’s head of podiatry is sharing some tips as to how you can keep your feet in tip top condition.
Grace Messenger says our feet are a “masterpiece of engineering!”
“Did you know that feet have over a quarter of all bones in your body (36 bones), there are 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. Our feet work hard to keep us moving/mobile, so it’s really important we give them the care they deserve,” she said.
Grace said washing your feet everyday with warm, soapy water will help to keep your feet healthy.
She said: “And drying thoroughly - especially between toes - will reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection. Applying a moisturiser to keep skin supple and reduce risk of dry, flaking or cracking skin will keep your feet healthy, but don’t apply moisturiser between toes.
“When you apply moisturiser, look at your feet to understand what is normal for you, this will help to alert you to any new concerns. In colder weather or if you have certain medical conditions it is important to keep your feet warm to avoid chilblains. Wearing a clean pair of cotton socks or other hosiery every day. Try to avoid walking barefoot, it’s good practice to wear indoor shoes or well-fitting slippers around the house.”
Wearing well-fitting footwear is key. Grace said: “Get your feet measured and make sure you try shoes on before buying them. Shoes should long enough, deep enough and wide enough for your feet. There should be a thumb width gap between end of shoe and end of longest toe. Try to avoid high heels and if able wear shoes with laces or straps to help hold them securely.”
You should also keep your toenails cut and under control as long or thickened toenails can cause pain in shoes or may even cause damage to the skin.
Grace said: “Cut your toenails straight across, don’t cut down the sides of the nail and file to smooth the edges. If your nails are thickened you can use a file on top of the nail to reduce thickness.”
As we get older problems can develop and it is important that you know who to contact.
Grace said: “If you develop a foot wound you can self-refer to the NHS podiatry service, but if you have signs and symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, heat or foul odour it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention through your GP practice as you may need antibiotics. While you wait for an appointment, you should keep the area dry and covered with a wound dressing.
“If you notice a change in your skin or nail conditions for example you develop painful corns it is advisable to have these looked at by a podiatrist that is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The NHS podiatry service in Cumbria deals with moderate to serious podiatry issues and while we may be able to offer you an episode of treatment to improve these conditions we may suggest your needs would be better met by third sector or private podiatrists.
“If you have pain in your feet that has lasted for longer than two weeks, or is recurring, then see a professional podiatrist.”
If you have difficulty cutting toenails, you can find information on local private podiatrists at Find podiatrists and chiropodists services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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