Are your feet getting the care and attention they need?

Foot care is important through all stages of life, and local podiatrist Lynn McDonald is looking to raise awareness of the importance of good foot health as part of April Foot Health Month.

Lynn McDonald, podiatrist

For children, extra care helps avoid problems and deformities later; 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, and undergo years of specialist training to enable them to diagnose, treat and help people to look after their feet and lower limbs.

To mark Foot Health month, and also to celebrate McDonald Footcare’s 10th anniversary, Lynn is offering new patients a FREE Foot Moisturising Product when they attend for the first time during April 2019.

“Feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body, but they are also one of the most neglected,” says Lynn. “We want to remind people to get to know their feet and not ignore foot pain. Walking through pain or ignoring problems can cause damage to the feet and lower limbs. So if your feet hurt, or you notice anything unusual about them, visit a registered podiatrist who can diagnose causes of pain and provide appropriate treatment.”

Five ways to keep your feet healthy

• Cut nails correctly: Cut straight across and not too low at the edge or sides. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin. Cut nails after a bath or shower when they are much softer

• 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.

• Don’t assume flat is best: People are more aware of the health problems associated with wearing high-heels 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

• 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. Clean inside your shoes with some surgical spirit on a cotton wool pad to reduce the bacteria.

• Check your feet regularly. Yellow, brittle and discoloured nails can be a sign of a nail infection; flaky skin that may be dry, red or itchy can be a symptom of athlete’s foot. Check for any changes to the structure of the foot such as swelling to the joint around the ball of the foot.

McDonald Footcare have a team of seven fully qualified podiatrists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Contact them at either clinic on 01506 871567 (West Calder) or 01506 884321 (Mid Calder).

Published in Konect April 2019