Feet are probably one of the most important parts of our bodies, rushing us around from A-B, enduring long days and being squeezed into all sorts of shoes, yet they are often associated with negative connotations rather than positive - smelly, dry skin, bunions, verrucas, blisters - the list goes on. Most people I know hate their feet and hate other people's feet even more!
When I was younger, my Nana always asking me to "sort out her feet" when she visited us, and in all honesty I used to hurl at the thought as her car pulled up on the drive (sorry, Nana!). Rubbing her bunions and trimming her toe nails weren't exactly my idea of fun as a teenager; however, it always made her feel really happy and now I'm honoured she asked me - because look what I'm willingly doing now!!
The good news is that feet can be transformed with a bit of TLC. Nail salons, chiropodists and podiatrists are there to help, but we can also help our little tootsies in the comfort of our own homes. Here is a list of some of the common foot concerns along with some advice on how you can learn to love your feet and they can love you back!
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When I was younger, my Nana always asking me to "sort out her feet" when she visited us, and in all honesty I used to hurl at the thought as her car pulled up on the drive (sorry, Nana!). Rubbing her bunions and trimming her toe nails weren't exactly my idea of fun as a teenager; however, it always made her feel really happy and now I'm honoured she asked me - because look what I'm willingly doing now!!
The good news is that feet can be transformed with a bit of TLC. Nail salons, chiropodists and podiatrists are there to help, but we can also help our little tootsies in the comfort of our own homes. Here is a list of some of the common foot concerns along with some advice on how you can learn to love your feet and they can love you back!
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Athlete's FootIt would be great if this meant you had to be an athlete to get this, but sadly not, anyone can get it - and it's contagious. Commonly caused by not drying in between your toes after bathing, it's basically when the good fungi living on our feet turn bad and becomes infected, leaving the space between your toes itchy, scaly and flaky. Athlete's foot can be treated with self-help treatment creams in a matter of days, but if it persists then see your GP and get some anti-fungal medication. | Ingrown Toenail Some people are more susceptible to ingrown toenails than others, and it's usually down to heredity, the structure of your toes and nail plate, tight-fitting shoes causing the toes to squish together and cause abnormal nail growth, and the way you cut your nails. The sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin and continues growing. If left untreated it can lead to an infection or require an operation. Best way to avoid this is to cut your nails straight across, and keep an eye on any aches and pains. |
Corns / Calluses | Verrucas |
| Corns and calluses are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a consequence of rubbing, friction or pressure on the skin, and can therefore make walking painful. Caused by squeezing your feet into ill-fitting shoes (high heels are the main culprit!) or simply having certain shaped feet, corns usually appear on the top or side of the toe and can come hard or soft, whereas calluses are hard, rough-feeling patches of skin usually where friction has occurred on the sole of the foot. The best thing to do is identify and stop wearing the cause - last winter's bargain boots?! - and look into buying some comforting plasters. If they become really painful then see your GP or a podiatrist. | Associated with that school kid who had to wear a verruca sock at swimming lesson, but very common in adulthood. Verrucas are a type of wart and therefore a very contagious virus that can take weeks, months and sometimes several years to get rid of. Usually a white, slightly-raised bump or cluster of bumps on the sole of your foot. You can have a verruca without even realising if it's not causing you any pain; however, they can be very painful and there are several treatments available from DIY treatments to freezing to using duct tape (believe it or not!) all of which may or not work for you. Walking around barefoot or going swimming will spread the virus...don't be mean, cover it up and get it treated! |
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How to look after your feet:
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between your toes.
- Buy a pumice stone or foot file and remove hard skin, ideally after bathing so your feet are soft.
- Apply foot cream after bathing and wear socks and slippers, especially if your feet get cold.
- Cut your toenails straight across - you can slightly soften the edges but do not cut them at an angle or down the edges.
- Want to wear heels at work, but need to commute? Get some trainers and enjoy power-walking in comfort.
- Don't wear cheap shoes all the time. It's easy to pick up shoes at Primark, but wear them often and you'll likely develop a foot problem. I'm not saying you need to shop at Scholl, but do consider comfort AND style.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, e.g. wear flip flops in swimming pools.
- Applying nail varnish to your toenails can make your feet look ever so pretty. You'll find that nail varnish tends to last longer than on your fingernails. Do let your nails breathe though, otherwise they may take on a yellow tone...
- Have regular pedicures which will allow your feet to be thoroughly cleansed, softened, massaged and manicured! Specialist treatments like paraffin wax or a foot mask leave your feet super soft.
I am now offering pedicures in my salon and have a lovely new foot spa and foot bath salts to spoil you with, and I will also require models for pedicure assessments in the new year, so let me know if your feet need some TLC and walk this way!
Laura x
