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General foot health advice from your Podiatrist

Registered Podiatrists (Chiropodists) are trained to provide care for feet and the lower limb. They are able to treat most common foot problems. Some of these develop from illness, some are inherited and some arise from pressure, for example from ill-fitting footwear.

Following a daily foot care routine helps to prevent potential foot problems and infection.

Feet should be washed daily in warm soapy water and dried carefully between the toes.

If you are able to reach and see to trim your toe nails, do this following a bath as they will be softer then. Using nail clippers, trim straight across the nails; not too short or down the sides. Filing nails may be easier.

Minor abrasions and cuts should be covered with a clean dressing. If healing is delayed, professional treatment should be sought.

Any wounds occurring where healing is impaired, for example if blood circulation is poor, should be treated urgently within 24 hours, particularly if there is redness, swelling, or if you have been advised to do this previously.

Exercise and rest will help to take care of your feet.

After a long day, sitting with your feet up can help circulation and reduce swelling. Gentle massage can help refresh feet.

To keep feet supple and with good range of movement, regularly do calf stretches. Stand facing a wall with feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent. Use your arms to lean against the wall for balance. Take one step forwards, keeping this front leg bent and lean in towards the wall, stretching the leg behind out straight. Both feet should be flat on the ground. As you lean in, you should feel your calf muscles stretching in your calf and heel. Hold this position and then slowly return to standing and repeat about five times. If you experience problems trying to do this, seek further help.

Make circles with your feet in both directions and circle the alphabet with your feet, whilst keeping your legs as still as you can. Straighten your toes and wiggle them. Point and curl toes.

Caring for skin on your feet

Hard skin and corns can be filed using a foot file, emery board or pumice.

Do not cut corns for yourself or use “over the counter” lotions or acids unless prescribed.

Fungal skin and nail infections can be treated with topical applications, as recommended by your Podiatrist.

Dry skin should be treated using a moisturising cream, applied all over the foot, except for in between the toes.

It is particularly important that prompt treatment be sought for burns, cuts, breaks in the skin and unusual temperature or colour changes, particularly if you have conditions such as diabetes.

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