Our podiatrists’ best pieces of foot care advice

Our podiatrists are filled to the brim with knowledge about footcare, foot health and all things podiatry. But what do our podiatrists think their most valuable piece of advice is? Read on to see what our podiatrists believe should be the one thing that you should absolutely, definitely know about taking care of your feet.

Debbie says, “Try on new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. If they are comfortable at that point, they will likely be comfortable throughout the day.” Your feet become bigger and more swollen over the course of the day, so Debbie’s advice is the perfect nugget of knowledge to remember next time you treat yourself to a new pair of shoes.

“Moisturise your feet daily!” Michaela advises. We tend to effortlessly remember to moisturise our faces and skin, but our feet are often forgotten. As the skin on our feet is different to that of the rest of our body, Michaela recommends using a dedicated foot cream and making sure you massage into every part of your foot, but especially any parts of your skin that feel dry and in need of TLC. Moisturising your feet daily will keep your skin healthy, looking and feeling great.

Hema warns, “If you suspect an ingrowing toenail, please do not attempt to self treat. Seek professional help as quickly as possible.” Ingrown toenails are one of the most commonly seen foot problems. They can be more complex to treat than you would think, so attempting a DIY treatment can cause even more problems. A few things you can do at home to help prevent ingrown toenails are making sure you cut your nails straight and keeping your feet moisturised, particularly the edges of your nails to avoid callus build up.

Jack says, “It is always tempting to choose footwear that looks ‘cool’, however try your best to go for footwear that keeps your feet comfortable.” When it comes to our feet, support over style is very important. Our feet carry us through life and unsupportive footwear can not only cause discomfort on a day-to-day basis but also be the trigger for more serious issues. Opt for shoes that have structured soles rather than being completely flat and make sure they are well fitting – meaning not too tight but also not too loose.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact us today on 020 8693 6000 to book an appointment with one of our podiatrists.