Feet First Footcare

Treatments

A full range of foot health treatments are available:

Routine toenail
cutting and filing

Corn
removal

Hard skin
removal

Ingrowing
toenails

Management of:

Fungal
nails

Athletes
foot

Thickened
toenails

Verruca
management

Diabetic Footcare Advice

When suffering from Diabetes it is vitally important to take care of your feet. Good foot hygiene should not be taken for granted and feet should be washed and dried thoroughly taking care between the toes. Check your feet regularly or get someone else to do it for you.

• Wash feet regularly in warm water. Always test the temperature of the water using your elbow or a thermometer as you may not be able to sense if the water is too hot using just your toes or fingers. Always use soap not detergent or an emulsion prescribed by your GP if the skin is excessively dry. Dry the feet thoroughly dabbing them with a soft towel so as not to damage or aggravate the skin and make sure that areas prone to becoming moist or damp, such as between the toes are completely dry before dressing and putting shoes on.
• Check your feet regularly by examining them thoroughly, if you have difficulties use a mirror or ask a family member or friend to do it for you. You should check between the toes for any cracks and for corns or blisters or anything else out of the norm.
• Socks or hosiery should be changed daily for fresh clean ones. These should be free of holes or darns or prominent seams which are liable to aggravate & rub the foot causing lesions or blisters. They should not cramp the toes.
• Wear soft leather good fitting shoes with no discontinuities such as stitching that may rub the foot and cause irritation or blisters and make sure the foot has sufficient room within.
• Do not go barefoot, wear footwear to avoid injury and protect your feet at all times.
• If sat in front of a fire beware of burning your feet as you might not feel the heat. Beware also of sunburn on your feet and protect them from getting too cold in the winter so as to avoid chilblains.
• If you cannot cut your own toe nails yourself it is advisable to employ a Foot Health Practitioner to do this for you and not a friend or family member. The risks to your feet are too great!

If you do discover a problem with your feet apply a mild antiseptic and clean dressing and seek the advice of your Foot Health Practitioner straight away.