Good Routine Foot care

Looking after your feet
 by Andrea Keenan of The Foot Care Centre, Clonmel

​Taken from the South Tipp Today newspaper 22nd February 2018
 
 
People always remember to pamper their feet in preparation for the warm summer months because they are more exposed. The following is advice for giving your feet the proper care to ensure good healthy feet all year round.
 
Ensuring your footwear fits comfortably and is not too tight is paramount when choosing a shoe at any time of the year.  To check that you are wearing a shoe with a toe box wide enough for your feet, you should be able to wiggle your toes freely inside your shoe. Sandals, shoes or boots that restrict the movement of your feet and squash your toes, create pressure on the nail and this in turn can cause your nail to grow into the skin and develop into an ingrown toenail.
 
Socks made from natural fibres, such as cotton or wool are best for your feet.  Avoid synthetic fabrics which can cause your feet to sweat and smell. Natural fibre socks help keep your feet warm and dry and prevent heat loss. This is especially important for people who suffer from Diabetes, damaged nerves or poor circulation (the “high-risk foot”) because they are more likely to experience problems with their feet.
 
It is important to keep your feet clean and dry and your toenails neatly manicured to avoid common foot issues such as corns, calluses, fungal infections and ingrown toenails.  The weather can dry out your feet and cause cracks, especially in your heels.  If not properly treated broken skin can leave you vulnerable to infection, such as Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis).
 
Be sure to alternate the wearing of your footwear, if at all possible.  When your feet are kept in a warm, moist environment for long periods of time –  such as steel-capped boots, wellington boots and winter shoes and boots - the added warmth from closed-in footwear and warm socks may cause your feet to sweat, increasing the risk of infection and providing an ideal environment for nail fungus to grow and thrive.  Keep footwear clean and dry and allow them to air out between wears. 
 
Looking after your feet will keep them looking nice and healthy so you will be ready when Summer finally arrives.
 
It is very important to inspect your feet regularly.  If you are experiencing any kind of foot pain or notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here to help you have healthy, attractive feet.  If there is any item you would like to discuss further, please come and visit me.