Podiatrist explains Steps to Good Foot Care

To lead a fulfilling life, being able to walk comfortably is critical. Feet definitely deserve special care.  Of all the parts of our anatomy, our feet endure the most abuse as we walk, run and go about our daily lives.

 The average person takes about 8,000 to 10,000 steps every day, which added up over the course of a lifetime is the equivalent of walking four times around the world!  Your feet often have to cope with more than just your body weight with each step. Running for instance can cause pressure of up to three or four times your body weight.  That’s why it’s so important to have your podiatrist/chiropodist check your feet regularly, just as a dentist regularly checks your teeth.

Practice good foot care yourself.  Inspect your feet regularly, particularly if you have diabetes; use a mirror to see underneath your feet – ask a member of your family for help if you need it.  Watch out for cuts, blisters, and ingrown toenails. 

To help with circulation, put your feet up when you are sitting down.  Stretching, walking, a warm foot bath or having a gentle foot massage also help. Before putting on your shoes, make sure your feet are dry.  If you are sitting for a long time, stand up and move around regularly. If you cross your legs, reverse or uncross them often. Don’t smoke.

Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well prevent many foot problems.  Don’t be tempted to buy shoes that feel too tight in the hope they will stretch.

Fungal Infections: Shoes are warm, dark and moist – perfect conditions for fungus to grow which can cause fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.   A fungus can cause dry skin, redness, blisters, itching, and peeling which can be cured in time.  To prevent infection keep your feet dry and clean. Change your shoes and socks or stockings regularly to help keep your feet dry and try dusting your feet daily with a talc free foot powder.

Dry skin can cause itching and burning feet. Use mild soap in small amounts and a cream or lotion on your legs and feet every day.

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. Callus often form on the soles of the feet and corns on the tops or sides of the toes. Wearing well fitting shoes may help. When bathing, gently rub the corn or callous with a pumice stone to help reduce the size. Do not try to shave off the corn or callus as this may cause infection.

Bunions are swollen and tender joints that can develop at the base of your big toes. They are often hereditary. Bunions can be caused by shoes that are too small or have pointed toes. If a bunion is not too painful, wearing shoes cut wide at the toes and middle part of the foot (instep) or shoe inserts may help.  Sometimes surgery is required to relieve the pressure and repair the toe joint.

Ingrown toenails are caused by a piece of the nail piercing the skin and are common in the large toes. The part of the nail which is piercing the skin can be removed.

Neuromas are the result of a build-up of tissue around an inflamed nerve in the foot. They may cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the ball of your foot and toes. This may cause you to lose your balance. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels can make the problem worse. Sometimes, inserts put in your shoes can help.

Hammertoe is caused by a shortening of the tendons that control toe movements. The toe joint grows and pulls the toe back. Over time, the joint gets bigger and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. This can affect your balance. More space in the shoe or stocking can help. In very serious cases, surgery may be needed.

Spurs are bony bumps that grow on bones of your feet. They are caused by stress on the feet. Standing for long periods of time, wearing badly fitting shoes, or being overweight can make spurs worse. Sometimes spurs are painless. At other times, they can hurt. Treatments for spurs include foot supports, heel pads, and heel cups. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Swollen feet may happen when you have been standing for a long time. If your feet and ankles stay swollen, it may be a sign of more serious health problems. See your doctor for a check-up.

Marg Rose   

I conduct my business on a mobile basis so I can come to you or you can visit me in Simonstown.        tel  : 082 3414592   or email: margrose62@yahoo.com

[return to top]