Ill fitting and inappropriate footwear can cause pressure, friction, blisters and occasionally ulcers. The aim of your footwear should be to support and protect your feet.
When you are buying shoes try to find a shoe shop that will measure your feet. Your foot size and shape may change requiring different makes and styles of footwear. If you cannot have your feet measured then check the fitting yourself. Press around the front of the shoe making sure there is ½ an inch (12mm) gap between the end of the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Check the top of any old shoes for bulges and lumps when your toes may have been rubbing on the top of your shoe. This can cause corns, callus and blisters and can make toe deformities worse. Look for foot shaped shoes with a wide, deep toe box, giving your toes more room.
We recommend shoes with a fastening, such as laces (with at least 5 eyelets), buckles or Velcro for man and women. This holds your foot in the back of the shoe. Slip-on shoes make you claw your toes as you are walking, to hold the shoe on. This increases the pressure on the tips of your toes; your foot will also slide forward, increasing friction and pressure under the front of your foot.
When first wearing in new shoes, wear them at home for ½ hour first. Take them off and examine your feet for any red, sore areas or blisters. If this is the case then the shoes may still be refunded or exchanged.
Checklist for shoe shopping:
Shop later in the day if your feet and legs swell
Wear your normal socks or hosiery
Have feet measured whilst standing
Wide, deep toe box
Fastening
No seams on inside of shoe
Cushioning / shock absorbing sole
Leather upper
Enclosed heel / back of shoe
Ladies heel no more than 1 inch
Wide heel base for balance and distribution of weight
Feet vary in size so always feet your larger foot
Shoes that fit well will feel comfortable straight away.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Toenail Issues
Cut or file your nails after a bath, as the nails are softer. Do not cut nails too short; leave a small amount of the white edge, cut straight across, following the shape of the nail. If you have difficulty cutting your nails, using a long emery board is often safer and easier. DO NOT dig or poke anything sharp into the corner or down the side of the nail, this can cause in-growing toenails.
Frequent Problems
Cuts and Blisters
Any cuts or blisters should be covered with a sterile non-adherent dressing (available form most chemists). DO NOT burst blisters. Leave them to dry or burst on their own, but keep covered with a sterile dressing or use a blister pack. If the cut of blister has not improved or has deteriorated in 2-3 days then contact your Podiatrist or GP.
Cold Feet
If you suffer with cold feet try to warm them up gradually and keep them at a constant temperature. Avoid extremes of hot and cold and do not put your feet on, or in front of, direct sources of heat; doing this will increase your risk of chilblains. Wear wool or cotton socks which retain the heat, use loose woollen bed socks and wear thick soled shoes to insulate your feet from the cold ground. Thermal insoles are available from shoe and sports shops, chemists and Quayside dental & Health Practice.
Moist Skin
Moist skin between the toes can lead to splits and fungal infections. Use a surgical spirit on a regular basis as an astringent / drying lotion to help prevent this. Apply a small amount on cotton wool between the toes. Always dry between the toes thoroughly after bathing or showering.
Diabetics
Diabetes can affect the sensation and/or circulation in your feet. This is a particular risk if you have had diabetes for a long time or if your diabetes control is poor. However everyone with diabetes should take these precautions. Not everyone will have symptoms and may not be aware there is a problem. It is important that diabetics attend their Podiatrist, Practice Nurse, or GP clinic once a year for assessment of their foot health.
Consult the Podiatrist, GP Practice or Diabetic Clinic immediately if you notice nay of the following:
A distinct change in colour of any part of the foot or leg
Any discharge coming from a break in the skin, corn, or toe-nail
Any pain, throbbing, swelling or itching on your foot or leg
If you have had a fall or minor injury and your foot or leg has become very tender, red or swollen
If you have had a cut or abrasion when treating your feet
Changes to sensation in your feet is called NEUROPATHY. Common symptoms of neuropathy are:
Numbness Pain Burning
Tingling Pins and Needles
Neuropathy may affect your ability to determine temperature making it difficult to distinguish between hot and cold.
Poor circulation is called ISCHAEMIA. This is when the blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, leading to a reduced blood supply to the feet. These symptoms may include cold feet, pain in your legs when walking a distance, pain in your legs at night and a change in the colour of your feet. Any injuries or cuts may take longer to heal and they can also be more painful.
Any cuts or blisters should be covered with a sterile non-adherent dressing (available form most chemists). DO NOT burst blisters. Leave them to dry or burst on their own, but keep covered with a sterile dressing or use a blister pack. If the cut of blister has not improved or has deteriorated in 2-3 days then contact your Podiatrist or GP.
Cold Feet
If you suffer with cold feet try to warm them up gradually and keep them at a constant temperature. Avoid extremes of hot and cold and do not put your feet on, or in front of, direct sources of heat; doing this will increase your risk of chilblains. Wear wool or cotton socks which retain the heat, use loose woollen bed socks and wear thick soled shoes to insulate your feet from the cold ground. Thermal insoles are available from shoe and sports shops, chemists and Quayside dental & Health Practice.
Moist Skin
Moist skin between the toes can lead to splits and fungal infections. Use a surgical spirit on a regular basis as an astringent / drying lotion to help prevent this. Apply a small amount on cotton wool between the toes. Always dry between the toes thoroughly after bathing or showering.
Diabetics
Diabetes can affect the sensation and/or circulation in your feet. This is a particular risk if you have had diabetes for a long time or if your diabetes control is poor. However everyone with diabetes should take these precautions. Not everyone will have symptoms and may not be aware there is a problem. It is important that diabetics attend their Podiatrist, Practice Nurse, or GP clinic once a year for assessment of their foot health.
Consult the Podiatrist, GP Practice or Diabetic Clinic immediately if you notice nay of the following:
A distinct change in colour of any part of the foot or leg
Any discharge coming from a break in the skin, corn, or toe-nail
Any pain, throbbing, swelling or itching on your foot or leg
If you have had a fall or minor injury and your foot or leg has become very tender, red or swollen
If you have had a cut or abrasion when treating your feet
Changes to sensation in your feet is called NEUROPATHY. Common symptoms of neuropathy are:
Numbness Pain Burning
Tingling Pins and Needles
Neuropathy may affect your ability to determine temperature making it difficult to distinguish between hot and cold.
Poor circulation is called ISCHAEMIA. This is when the blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, leading to a reduced blood supply to the feet. These symptoms may include cold feet, pain in your legs when walking a distance, pain in your legs at night and a change in the colour of your feet. Any injuries or cuts may take longer to heal and they can also be more painful.
Corns and Calluses
If you have corns and calluses, you may be able to use an emery board, foot file or pumice stone to keep them under control. You should never use an open blade such as a scalpel or razor blades. Medicated corn plasters or paints are not recommended as these contain acids, which can cause the skin to break and ulcerate. Consult your Podiatrist or GP Practice for advice on how to treat these problems.
Wash Your Feet Often!
Wash your feet often.
It is important to wash and examine your feet every day. Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them well but gently. Don’t forget to dry between your toes. Use moisturising cream can keep your skin stronger and more flexible. This reduces the risk of cuts and abrasions but don’t apply this cream between your toes or it may make the area macerated and soggy, leaving you at risk of developing Athletes foot.
It is important to wash and examine your feet every day. Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them well but gently. Don’t forget to dry between your toes. Use moisturising cream can keep your skin stronger and more flexible. This reduces the risk of cuts and abrasions but don’t apply this cream between your toes or it may make the area macerated and soggy, leaving you at risk of developing Athletes foot.
Examine your Feet
A few minutes a day looking after your feet can prevent a lot of problems in the future.
Examine your feet.
Damaged skin can lead to infection. Look at your feet closely to check for cuts and scratches, swellings and inflammation or discolouration. If you can’t see too well ask someone else to do this for you. Feeling your feet will also help find lumps, swellings and hot or cold spots. Rinse any scratch with water and apply a plaster. Contact your Podiatrist or Doctor.
Examine your feet.
Damaged skin can lead to infection. Look at your feet closely to check for cuts and scratches, swellings and inflammation or discolouration. If you can’t see too well ask someone else to do this for you. Feeling your feet will also help find lumps, swellings and hot or cold spots. Rinse any scratch with water and apply a plaster. Contact your Podiatrist or Doctor.
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