What are the key tips for ensuring foot health in Weston-super-Mare? Keeping your feet healthy is essential for overall well-being and mobility. By following a few simple tips on footwear, hygiene, and preventive measures, you can maintain good foot health and prevent common problems. Here’s a guide to help you take the best care of your feet.
1. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose the Right Shoes. An article on WebMD covers this in more detail
- Fit and Comfort: Ensure your shoes fit well, with enough room for your toes to move freely. The shoes should be snug but not tight, and there should be a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Support: Look for shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a stable heel. This helps in maintaining proper foot alignment and prevents issues like plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
- Activity-Specific Shoes: Wear shoes designed for the specific activity you’re engaged in. For example, running shoes for jogging, hiking boots for hiking, and supportive shoes for standing for long periods.
Rotate Your Shoes
- Daily Rotation: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Rotate between different pairs to allow each pair to air out and maintain their shape.
- Replace Worn-Out Shoes: Pay attention to the wear and tear on your shoes. Replace them when the soles wear out or the support diminishes to prevent foot strain.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Daily Foot Care
- Wash Daily: Clean your feet daily with soap and water, ensuring to scrub between the toes. This helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can cause infections.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Moisturise
- Prevent Dry Skin: Apply a good-quality moisturiser to your feet daily, avoiding the areas between the toes. This prevents dry, cracked skin, which can lead to infections.
- Special Care for Heels: Pay extra attention to your heels, which can become particularly dry and cracked. Use a thicker moisturiser or a heel balm if necessary.
Nail Care
- Trim Nails Properly: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. This helps prevent ingrown toenails.
- File Rough Edges: Use a nail file to smooth any rough edges after trimming to prevent them from catching on socks or causing discomfort.
3. Preventive Measures for Foot Health in Weston-super-Mare
Check Your Feet Regularly
- Self-Examinations: Regularly inspect your feet for any changes, such as cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in colour. Early detection of problems can prevent them from becoming severe.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you notice any persistent issues or abnormalities, consult a foot health professional for advice and treatment.
Protect Your Feet
- Wear Socks: Always wear socks with closed shoes to reduce friction and prevent blisters. Choose moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot: Walking barefoot, especially in public places, increases the risk of cuts, infections, and injuries. Always wear appropriate footwear to protect your feet.
Foot Exercises
- Strengthening Exercises: Incorporate exercises that strengthen your feet and improve flexibility. Simple exercises like toe curls, picking up marbles with your toes, and calf stretches can help maintain foot health.
- Regular Activity: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation, both of which benefit foot health.
4. Special Considerations
Diabetes Management
- Monitor Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent complications that can affect your feet, such as neuropathy and poor circulation.
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular foot check-ups with a healthcare professional to monitor any changes and address issues early.
Caring for Ageing Feet
- Support and Stability: Older adults should wear supportive shoes with non-slip soles to prevent falls and ensure stability.
- Addressing Arthritis: For those with arthritis, choose shoes with ample cushioning and support to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
5. Flat feet (pes planus)
On a personal note, my husband was born with flat feet (pes planus) and was struggling with foot pain. A couple of consultants went over the risks and benefits of surgery and one of the downsides was he would be limited in terms of playing sports post surgery even if the pain was alleviated. He decided against an operation and consulted an orthotist and podiatrist in Weston-super-Mare and Bristol. The latter who did a treadmill foot analysis to assess the hyper-pronation and recommended some firm insoles. These weren’t even custom made but the key thing was they were firm and reduced the pronation. Remarkably, this resolved a very serious and painful issue. He’s been pain free since enjoying his tennis in Weston and other activities and avoided very invasive surgery. Sometimes there is no alternative to the operating table but, in general, it’s advisable to take preventative measures and explore less invasive options when possible.
In Summary
Maintaining good foot health is crucial for overall well-being and mobility. By wearing proper footwear, practising good hygiene, taking preventive measures, and addressing any specific health concerns, you can keep your feet healthy and prevent common problems. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your body, so taking good care of them will help you stay active, comfortable, and healthy.
Rechelle’s Foot Care Services
As a dedicated foot health practitioner based in Weston-super-Mare, I am committed to providing comprehensive foot care services to the local community and adjacent areas in North Somerset in the comfort of your own home.
My mobile practice covering Weston-super-Mare focuses on preventive care, early detection, and treatment of various foot conditions to ensure the well-being of children and adults alike.
Whether you are seeking routine foot check-ups, advice on footwear, or specialised treatments, my services are designed to support and enhance your family’s foot health. For more serious conditions, I will always refer you to your GP or an experienced podiatrist, with the latter able to perform minor surgery.
For more information or to book your appointment, contact Rechelle Evans and take the first step toward better foot health today.
Contact Information
Contact Rechelle at Foot Fitness for an appraisal and treatment.
Rechelle Evans, Dip FH, MCFHP MAFHP
Foot Health Professional, Weston-super-Mare
Serving Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset