Most people will automatically book regular check-ups at the dentist or optician, but how often do those same people consider the benefits of an annual foot examination? Research shines a spotlight on how many of us are suffering in silence from debilitating foot pain and shows just how important foot health is for us, our families and the UK’s economy. The College of Podiatry stated 1,500 told them about their foot health and almost 60% of people who took part in the research said that they were currently experiencing foot pain of some sort, but fewer than half of them had sought help from a podiatrist or doctor. https://cop.org.uk/blog/ending-the-silence-lets-make-more-noise-about-foot-health/

This is a chance to check that our feet are getting the care and attention that they need. Betafeet Podiatry would like to raise awareness of how people can maintain healthy feet and get expert podiatric help when they need it. Podiatrists are keen to encourage people not to ignore common foot complaints, such as, fungal nail infections, corns and hard skin and recomends foot screening for all. A regular podiatry appointment can give feet a whole new lease of life. It is not to be underestimated how feet can feel with a bit of extra tender loving care.

Foot care is important through all stages of life. For children, it is necessary to take extra care with foot health to avoid problems and deformities in later life, and as we get older, everyday wear and tear can take its strain. Podiatrists are experts in all aspects of the foot and lower limb, who undergo years of specialist training to enable them to diagnose, treat and help people to look after their feet and lower limbs.

Feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body, but they are also one of the most neglected, we want to remind people to get to know their feet and not ignore any foot pain they might experience. Walking through pain or ignoring problems can, over time, cause damage to the feet and lower limbs. So, if your feet hurt, or you notice anything unusual about them, visit a Betafeet Podiatry specialist who can diagnose causes of pain and provide appropriate treatment.

Five easy ways to keep your feet healthy

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 so they can then breed 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. This 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 foot-pain then visit a podiatrist, data released by Diabetes UK showed there were 27,465 amputations from 2015–2018, which has gone up compared to 2011–2014.