Start early: The Key to Healthy Feet and Preventing Fungal Infections

Looking after your feet from an early age is one of the most effective ways to prevent fungal infections and maintain good overall foot health. Our feet go through a lot each day, from walking and standing to being enclosed in socks and shoes for hours at a time. Without proper care, they become vulnerable to issues like athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and skin irritation.

One of the most important habits to develop early is keeping feet clean and dry. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet a perfect breeding ground. Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes. If you’re prone to sweaty feet, consider using an antifungal foot powder or spray.

Equally important is changing your socks daily—or more often if they become damp. Opt for breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics that help keep feet dry. Rotating footwear also gives shoes time to air out and reduces moisture buildup.

It’s also wise to avoid walking barefoot in communal areas such as locker rooms or public pools, where fungal infections can easily spread. Wearing flip-flops or shower shoes in these spaces can help reduce your risk.

Get advice on your foot health from your local Chiropodist, Podiatrist, or Foot Health Practitioner to avoid long-term complications.

My choice of footwear for all

Hands-free Swift-Fit Skechers can be better, especially for the elderly, compared to ordinary slippers for a few reasons. Firstly, the hands-free design allows users to easily slip the shoes on and off without bending down or using their hands, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility or arthritis. Secondly, these shoes often have a more secure fit, reducing the risk of slipping or tripping. Lastly, they often provide better arch support and cushioning, promoting foot health and comfort for longer periods.  I think slippers is a thing of the past, none of them are very well designed, if thinking of people’s safety.

I actually got a pair of swift fit Sketchers  myself. 10 out of 10 for comfort and practicality. Well done Sketchers 👏 ✔️ 👍

Available at Deichmann, buy one get one half price, currently £59.99.

https://www.deichmann.com

Swift fit hands free Sketchers

Heel pain

There are lots of causes of heel pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve.

How to ease heel pain yourself:

  • rest and raise your heel when you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your heel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole

  • use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes

  • wrap a bandage around your heel and ankle to support it

  • try regular gentle stretching exercises

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed

DON’T

  • do not walk or stand for long periods, especially barefoot

  • do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes.

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • the best painkiller to take for your heel pain
  • insoles and pads for your shoes
  • treatments for common skin problems that can affect the heel
  • if you need to see a GP.

Information cited from www.nhs.net

Are you suffering with Covid toes?

Scientists suggest they can explain why some people, after getting Covid develop chilblain-like lesions on their extremities.  The full article is right here ⬇️

https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.com/news/health-58801462.amp?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16790480503979&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fhealth-58801462

NHS podiatry

You may not know that there are a team of podiatrists, podiatric surgeons, podiatry assistants, orthotic technicians and clerical staff that specialise in all aspects of foot health, from common foot problems to more complicated conditions needing surgical correction on your doorstep. They assess, diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and problems with gait.

For full details and contact information visit their website.

https://www.nhs.uk/Services/trusts/Services/Service/DefaultView.aspx?id=236426

NATIONAL FEET WEEK

My dear customers and friends,
Covid together with Megan and Harry made me forget that this week is
👣NATIONAL FEET WEEK👣💓
Make a time to have your feet checked or to get that niggling issue sorted and make your feet your priority – after all they take you anywhere you want to go! 💕👣
https://nationalfeetweek.org/about-your-feet/

National Feet Week

 

Bare feet new trend?

Who would have thought that The Lockdown will play such a big part in the Feet World!  According to Global Cosmetic News  apparently, The lockdown changed our shoe habits and our shoe “DNA”
– we are more inclined to be bare feet while staying at home
– Much less time spent on the streets and in public spaces, therefore less shoes needed
– Spending more time in nature (shoe restrictions; no heels and practical shoes)

Read the full article here…

Thanks for reading…Enjoy life and stay safe x

https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/the-world-after-bare-feet/

PPE Guidelines from the Governing Body during Covid-19 pandemic

All patients can expect the clinician to adhere to the following:

  • You will be required to use surgical gloves that are disposed of after every treatment and/or after they have become damaged or visibly soiled with bodily fluids (as is usual practice)
  • Hand-washing has to be thorough and rigorous before donning PPE and immediately after removing PPE
  • DO NOT touch your face at any point whilst wearing PPE or once it is removed until you have thoroughly washed your hands
  • FFP2 or FFP3 masks would be optimal BUT surgical face masks are appropriate where treating a patient where there is low suspicion of them having COVD-19. Surgical face masks are to be disposed of after every appointment. FFP2 or FFP3 masks may be reused up to 3 times if they have not become damaged or soiled AND/OR where you have not been in close contact with the face or upper-respiratory tract of a person with suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19.
  • Patients should be offered and encouraged to wear a surgical face mask for the duration of their contact with you and they can dispose of them following their contact with you
  • A face shield / visor is to be worn at all times during the consultation (these can be wiped clean thoroughly with a disinfectant between patients)
  • Regular aprons will suffice but you may wish to wear full-length sleeved gowns

Whilst it is not possible to fully socially distance whilst providing treatment to patients, we are fortunate that we are working at the distal end of their body and are typically >1m away from their face, mouth and nose. Thus, risk of transmission is relatively low compared to in other health and care profession contexts. Outside of the moments of treatment, you should seek to place a distance of >2m between you and the patient and you and anyone else in their households.

Covid-19

I AM NOW STAYING AT HOME to support NHS and to save lives.
Please forgive me if you have been overloaded with Covid-19 information…we all have. Still…I came across this support group which have very clear NO NONSENSE ADVICE, 3 steps for coping.
Please share with others.

Take care, be safe – STAY AT HOME

https://coronavirus-support-group.co.uk/health/keeping-safe/