Podiatry hints and tips

Did you know...?
The average person takes 5,000-10,000 steps a day and walks about 100,000 miles in a lifetime. So why is it that we only take notice of our feet when we have a problem with them? This information will help keep your feet healthy.
Hygiene

Good hygiene is important for foot health -

Do:

  • Wash your feet every day in warm soapy water.
  • Dry feet carefully, especially between the toes, using your own towel.
  • Use a moisturising cream to soften the skin.
  • Change socks, tights or stockings daily.
  • Wear different shoes every other day. Shoes absorb a lot of moisture from your feet and need time to dry out.

Don't:

  • Soak your feet for any longer than five minutes as this reduces the skin's natural oils and will make the feet too dry.
Looking after your toenails

To help keep your toenails healthy -

Do:

  • Cut toenails regularly using clean scissors or clippers. Nails are softer and easier to cut after a bath or shower.
  • Cut the nails straight across or follow the shape of your toe.
  • File any rough or sharp edges.
  • File down thick nails with an emery file.
  • Remove any dead skin or debris down the sides of the nail by gently rubbing with an old, soft toothbrush.
  • Ask a friend or relative to help you if you have difficulty cutting your nails.

Don't:

  • Cut or dig down the sides of the nail - you may cause an infection or an ingrown nail.
Skin care

Hard skin and corns are common foot problems. To help avoid them -

Do:

  • Wear appropriate footwear. Badly fitting or unsuitable footwear is the commonest cause of foot problems.
  • Rub rough, dry skin gently with a pumice stone or emery file two or three times a week.
  • Use a moisturising cream to soften the skin.

Don't:

  • Use sharp blades, corn knives or scissors - you may seriously injure yourself or cause an infection.
  • Put moisturising creams between the toes - this may make the skin soggy and encourage athlete's foot.
  • Use corn plasters, hard skin removing ointments or creams - they contain an acid that may injure your foot or cause an infection.