Love them or loathe them we need healthy feet, and with Summer here there’s no ignoring them! Feet can be a real indicator for our general health. Common problems like corns, cracked skin and ingrown toenails can be treated successfully by seeing a foot care practitioners. Conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems can all be picked up by looking at the feet. If you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, arthritis or chronic problems with blood circulation in your legs, your feet are particularly vulnerable. And problems with your feet can affect your balance and put you at a higher risk of falls.
Here are a top 10 tips for healthy feet:
- Wash your feet daily in warm soapy water, but don’t soak them
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes
- Moisturise your feet, and use a foot file to gently remove hard skin
- Cut toenails carefully, ideally with nail clippers, and by cutting straight across
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon – our feet swell as the day goes on
- Try to vary the heel height of your shoes
- Wear shoes appropriate for the task ahead – no sandals for mountaineering!
- Change your socks daily and remember that wool or cotton socks are preferable
- Watch out for bugs in public changing areas
- Take care with flip-flips as they don’t provide enough support for your feet
For more information on how best to look after your feet visit NHS healthy feet For the over 60’s the NHS recommend being seen by a foot professional every 6 months for a foot ‘MOT’. For regular toenail cutting and foot care maintenance it’s usual to have an appointment approximately every 6 weeks. If you don’t already have someone you see regularly then our Home & Company foot care practitioners would love to come and see you in the comfort of your own home. And they are happy to cut finger nails too. Do give us a call if you would like more information. Contact us here Home & Company. Some Age UK branches offer nail-cutting services too, so you might want to contact your local office.