Top Tips for Healthy Feet

Be good to your feet as they are too precious to overlook . Follow these simple tips will help keep them healthy and pain free.

1 . MAINTAIN GOOD FOOT HYGIENE.

Wash your feet regularly with soap and warm water. Dry well , paying special attention to dry in between toes as excess moisture is an ideal environment for fungal infections to thrive .
Be good to your feet as they are too precious to overlook. Follow these simple tips which will help you keep them healthy and pain-free.

1. MAINTAIN GOOD FOOT HYGIENE.

Wash your feet regularly with soap and warm water. Dry well, paying special attention to the area in between toes as excess moisture is an ideal environment for fungal infections to thrive in.
2. APPLY EMOLIENTS/MOISTURISING CREAMS DAILY.

Apply moisturising creams daily or even every other day if you tend to suffer from dry skin. 

Applying moisturiser is like brushing teeth, it has no benefit if you apply it now and then. You will only see a significant improvement when you use it regularly.

Filing hard skin areas often with a foot file or pumice stone will also help keep feet comfortable between Podiatry visits.
3. FOOTWEAR AND HOSIERY

Make sure footwear is well- fitting . Too narrow or tight will cramp toes , too big and your foot will be sliding around causing friction . Look for shoes with a generous toe box both in depth and width,which will allow your toes to spread out.

Everyones feet swell slightly during the course of the day so shop for footwear ideally later in the afternoon. A good fastening is important whether it be a strap or lace ,this will hold the foot in place and toes will not have to ‘scrunch’ to keep the shoe on.

Leather shoes are best , and cotton socks these are natural fibers which allow the foot to breathe.
3. FOOTWEAR AND HOSIERY

Make sure footwear is well-fitting. Too narrow or tight shoes will cramp toes, too big and your foot will be sliding around causing friction. Look for shoes with a generous toe box both in depth and width, which will allow your toes to spread out.

Everyone's feet swell slightly during the course of the day so shop for footwear ideally later in the afternoon. A good fastening is important whether it be a strap or laces. This will hold the foot in place and toes will not have to ‘scrunch’ to keep the shoe on.

Leather shoes and cotton socks are recommended as these are natural fibres which allow the foot to breathe.
4. NAIL CARE

Trim nails carefully using the natural line of the nail as a guide. Don’t cut them too short or dig down the sides as this can result in a sharp fragment of nail causing an ingrowing toenail. 

Problematic nails (ingrowing, involuted or thickened nails) are best dealt with by the expertise of the podiatrist.
5. AVOID CORN PLASTERS AND BLADES

These over the counter cures often contain harsh acids which dissolve away the surrounding healthy skin leaving the area sore and painful. The corn itself often still remains as it is too deep rooted within the layers of the skin.

Corns and Callus are best treated painlessly and effectively by the Podiatrist.
5. AVOID CORN PLASTERS AND BLADES

These over-the-counter cures often contain harsh acids which dissolve away the surrounding healthy skin, leaving the area sore and painful. The corn itself often still remains as it is too deeply rooted within the layers of the skin.

Corns and callus are best treated painlessly and effectively by the Podiatrist.
6. AVOID WALKING BAREFOOT IN PUBLIC AREAS

Especially in communal changing rooms and at the sides of swimming pools as these are a haven for verrucae and athlete's foot. 

Prevention is better than cure, so wearing flip flops or Crocs will help prevent injury and infection.
7. INSPECT FEET REGULARLY

Look for changes in colour or temperature. Cracks, fissures, cuts, dry scaling peeling skin should never be ignored. Any growth, painful or not, should always be investigated by a Podiatrist. 

Diabetics should inspect their feet daily as they have a higher risk of developing infections. We provide free foot checks to tell you what is wrong so call us today if you have any concerns about your feet.
7. INSPECT FEET REGULARLY

Look for changes in colour or temperature . Cracks, fissures , cuts ,dry scaling peeling skin should never be ignored. Any growth , painful or not should always be investigated by a Podiatrist. 

Diabetics should inspect their feet daily as they have a higher risk of developing infections. We provide Free Foot Checks to tell you what is wrong so call us today if you have any concerns about your feet.
8. DON’T IGNORE PAIN

Pain is nature's alarm bells ringing to tell you something is wrong so don’t just put up with it, it can be dealt with.

Avoid DIY self-treating painful foot problems as this can often make the situation worse.
Don't hesitate to visit us at the Elmcourt Clinic for all your foot problems. You will be surprised at how these painful conditions can easily be resolved.