Spring is just around the corner. A time when once again we all come out of hibernation ! Some head for the hills and dales, rambling clubs, health spa's ,swimming pools and so on. Fashionable shoes, strappy sandals and bare feet once again become the norm, together with those ' irritable ' foot problems !
How often do we take our feet for granted ? We depend on them to carry us miles each day, but very often never give them a passing thought, until something goes wrong !
Footcare is essential to our overall general wellbeing. Even a small corn can make walking very painful and effect our daily life and routine. Hard skin, cracked sore heels, athlete's foot, ingrowing toe nails, corns and bunions all too often result from incorrect footwear, too tight socks and stockings, poor foot hygiene and even bad posture. Did you know that aching knees, hips and back pains can all be a result of foot problems such as flat feet ?
Correct footcare should begin during infancy. Too tight babygro's, socks and children's shoes, can result in foot deformities such as bunions, hammer toes as well as corns calluses and nail problems.
Teenage trainers can cause the feet to perspire which can cause bad odour, athlete's foot, involuted nails, ingrowing nails and other fungal infections. Daily foot hygiene should become part of the daily routine paying special attention to in between the toes , making sure that the feet are dried thoroughly ,lightly dusted with talc and perhaps a foot deodorant spray. Charcoal insoles can be fitted inside the trainer, these help to absorb the perspiration and reduce odour.
The older generation too are not excluded ! Those comfy big slippers and mules can produce corns and callous, due to pressure and friction and clawing of the toes (to keep the slipper from falling off the foot !!)
As we get older, some people tend to develop medical conditions such as diabetes and circulatory problems . Regular footcare is essential to prevent major problems occurring with the feet. Daily footcare should include, bathing the feet with warm (not too hot ) water, thorough drying, especially between the toes, using a soft towel, followed by a light dusting of talc, and very careful trimming of the nails, being extra careful not to cut too short and not too close down the side of the nails! The feet should be regularly inspected for any problems, and any concerns should be seen by a chiropodist.
A Chiropodist is a foot specialist, whose work involves treating and advising people on all matters of footcare, from infancy to old age. Ideally, you should see a Chiropodist regularly as a preventative measure and not just to have 'that corn removed'. A 4 to 6 weekly check-up will include a detailed foot examination, advice and treatment of minor foot ailments, nail trimming , followed by a relaxing foot massage to promote relaxation and encourage circulation.
Treatment can be carried out in the comfort of your own home and usually lasts between half to one hour, depending on the treatment involved.
Why neglect your feet any longer. You service your car regularly, otherwise you wouldn't be able to get around. Don't wait until your feet protest! Respect your feet and they will give you a lifetime of service.
Hope to see you and your feet soon !