10 TOP FOOT CARE TIPS

1. 1. Cut nails straight across – avoid cutting down the sides of the nail.

2. 2. If your nails are ingrowing, please seek specialist help from a podiatrist to cut these nails. Self treatment on these difficult to manage nails, can sometimes leave a spike of nail that eventually digs into your skin and can cause infection and pain. Podiatrists are used to trimming these type of nails, and can help with management and advice.

3. 3. Use nippers to cut your nails – avoid using items from the tool box!

4. 4. Apply moisturising cream to your feet daily – but not in-between the toes, as this can make them soggy. But take care not to slip – its a good idea to apply moisturiser as you get into bed - so the cream has plenty of time to soak in.

5. 5. Heel balms and Urea based creams are usually effective foot moisturisers, and help rehydrate dry, cracked skin to the feet. I stock the 'Simply feet 'range of foot moisturisers including a Heel Balm and 10% urea foot cream, which are very popular. If you have any allergies or skin conditions ask your pharmacist to recommend a good product for you.

6. Dry carefully in-between the toes, to avoid soggy skin.

7. Avoid going barefoot outside, to prevent traumas to your feet.

8. Footwear should be wide enough for your feet. Sounds obvious, but often callus (hard skin) and corns are the result of ill fitting shoes, causing too much pressure in one area.

9. If your feet are swollen, try shoes with Laces or Velcro straps as you can adjust the width.

10. If you have difficulty reaching your feet and caring for them – I am here to help. Regular appointments can manage nail and hard skin / corns. I can also offer lots of advice on how to moisturise your feet – when you can't reach them! And can help you find aids that can help with getting on socks/ compression stockings.