Put your best foot forward this Foot Health Month

April is Foot Health month, a chance to check that your feet are getting the care and attention that they need.

The podiatrists at Torbay Footcare are offering free 10 minute consultations where we can have a quick look at your foot problem and advise on the best way to manage your condition. We offer treatment packages for a wide range of conditions including ingrowing toenails, fungal nails and verruca treatments, we will also look after you feet if you aren't able to do it yourself.

Looking after your feet is important through all stages of life. For children good foot health will help avoid problems and deformities in later life, and as we get older, everyday wear and tear can take its toll. Podiatrists are experts in all aspects of the foot and lower limb, we undergo years of specialist training to enabling us to diagnose, treat and help you look after your feet .

Feet are one of the hardest working parts of your body, but they are also one of the most neglected. During Foot Health Month we want you to get to know your feet and don’t ignore foot pain. Walking through pain or ignoring problems can over time cause damage to your feet and lower limbs. So if your feet hurt, or you notice anything unusual about them, give us a call and let one of our podiatrists set you on the road to recovery.

Five Top Tips for Healthy Feet

1. Cut nails correctly. It’s best to use nail nippers rather than cutters, because they have a small cutting blade and a longer handle. Cut nails straight across and not too low at the edge or sides. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin. It’s better to cut nails after a bath or shower when they are much softer.

2. Don’t forget to moisturise. After washing feet, dry thoroughly and apply a good foot moisturiser all over the foot. Avoid moisturiser between the toes, as this can cause the skin to become overly macerated, causing it to break down. The best foot creams contain urea

3. Don’t assume flat is best. People are more aware now of the health problems associated with wearing high heeled shoes frequently, but completely flat slip-on styles, such as a ballerina pump, are not ideal for everyday wear as they offer very little shock absorption or support. Slip-on styles also cause the toes to claw in order to hold the foot in place

4. Alternate shoes and keep them clean inside. Feet naturally sweat, and wearing the same pair every day doesn’t give them a chance to dry out and they can then be a breeding ground for bacteria. To help keep your shoes clean and prevent them from becoming smelly, clean inside the shoe with some surgical spirit on a cotton wool pad to reduce the bacteria

5. Check your feet regularly. Common symptoms to look out for are yellow, brittle and discoloured nails - which can be a sign of a nail infection, flaky skin that may be dry or red or itchy – which can be a symptom of athlete’s foot, and any changes to the structure of the foot such as swelling to the joint around the ball of the foot.

Foot pain is not normal. If you or a family member experience pain then visit a podiatrist call us on 01803 521880.