4 minute read

Look after your feet

from The Mold Connection June 2022

from The Mold Connection June 2022, page 24

The Alan Titchmarsh column

Our feet are our fi rst point of contact with the world, and yet too often we cram them into ill-fi tting shoes and leave them until last when it comes to self-care. From athlete’s foot to ingrown toenails, there are a variety of issues that can crop up as a result of poor foot care. So, what can you do to – literally – put your best foot forward, and how can you resolve any issues should they arise?

Prevention is better than cure, so the best place to start is with your choice of shoe. A good pair of shoes should support and protect your feet, and allow natural movement when walking. Look for breathable fabrics, roomy toe-boxes, cushioned soles and low heels. Although wearing high heels once in a while won’t do much harm, long-term use has been linked to ingrown toenails and even arthritis. Once you’re wearing the right shoes, keeping your feet in good condition should be fairly straightforward. Applying a moisturiser or foot cream daily will help prevent cracking, and using a pumice stone or foot fi le will tackle any hard skin that often appears around the heels. It’s also important to check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, redness or swelling – especially if you’re diabetic. This is because raised blood sugar levels can often lead to a reduction in blood supply to your feet, which means that cuts and sores may take a while to heal. When it comes to foot care, toenail trimming is key. The trick here is little and often. Experts recommend trimming your nails every six to eight weeks, cutting them straight across using clean, sharp clippers. The best time is when you’re just out of the bath, but be careful not to cut them too short. Ingrown toenails are often the result of over-trimming, and besides being extremely painful, in extreme cases, may need an operation to resolve. Athlete’s foot is another common foot problem, caused by walking barefoot in communal spaces such as gyms, showers or swimming pools. This fungal infection usually starts between the toes, causes signifi cant discomfort, itching and pain, and can even spread beyond the feet if not treated. Over-the-counter fungal creams are the best solution, but it’s also important to keep your feet clean and dry in-between treatments. Some foot ailments can be slightly more bothersome, however. Ledderhose disease is a rare condition that causes connective tissue to build up and create hard lumps on the soles of the feet. The growths aren’t cancerous but they can cause pain, especially when walking. Home remedies include wearing soft shoe inserts, stretching, massages and anti-infl ammatory drugs, but doctors might also recommend surgery in more serious cases. Although chiropody becomes more important as we age, taking good care of our feet also gets harder as we lose fl exibility. If you’re experiencing any aches, pains or symptoms in your feet, visit your local chiropodist who will be able to help diagnose any issues and advise next steps.

WILL WRITING • TRUSTS INHERITANCE TAX • LPA DRAFTING

When did you last take a close look at your Will?

Does it still do what you wanted it to?

Since your will was written, have your circumstances changed?

This includes being married, moving in with a partner, being divorced, separated or having children, grandchildren or dependents. Have you bought a property, started a business or received inheritance? We provide easy to understand advice, enabling you to make the right decisions for you and your family. Choose from an appointment in the comfort of your own home or opt to come to our Hawarden based office.