Caring for your feet during covid-19

Are you worried about a parent or older relative or someone who is medically vulnerable who is cocooning due to Covid-19?  Do they have foot problems and are you unsure what you should do next?  Our clinic will be open from Monday, 18th May 2020 but here are some foot tips to help in the meantime.
 
What could you look out for and what could you do:

• Routinely check the feet for any cuts, sores or swelling.  An older relative may not have the same sensitivity in their feet that they used to and may not notice changes.
• Clean their feet in warm soapy water but avoid soaking them because that may dry them out and make them more susceptible to possible infection.
• Use an emery board or nail file (but be careful of delicate skin) to smooth the toenails to prevent the nails growing into the skin.
• You could lightly apply a foot file to try to lessen the hard skin (callus) to make it more comfortable for your relative to walk. 
• Apply cream/lotion every day with a clean pair of socks.  Do not put cream between your toes as this could encourage Athlete’s Foot or other infections.
• Avoid tight fitting shoes, shoes shouldn’t hurt your feet.  Likewise, avoid flip flops, flats or slip-on slippers as they don’t provide enough arch support and the foot could come out of the shoe and cause injury or a fall.

 
Though everyone over 70 has been asked to cocoon, movement and sunshine is also important to overall good health and it’s important that they stay mobile.  That could mean simply walking up and down their driveway, their footpath to the line and back or just sitting outside in the sun and fresh air – don’t forget the sunscreen, you can still get burnt in Ireland in April.
 
Commons symptoms of Covid-19 include a fever, a cough or sore throat and a shortness of breath.  If you suspect anyone has Covid-19 or any other medical concerns, contact their doctor in the first instance and have them self-isolate. If its outside doctor’s hours, contact the emergency services (Gardai / Ambulance) or your local hospital.
 
To stop the spread of Coronavirus wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand gel.  Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a tissue and bin it straight away and use antibacterial spray / disinfectant to clean household services.
 
To help you and your family to stay healthy the HSE is advising everyone to stay home, practice social distancing (2 metres/6 feet apart) and clean their hands regularly.
 
Stay safe.