Top Tips and Where to Go to Get Your Feet Summer Ready
You are running out of time to get your feet sandal ready
Research suggests that many of us are not big fans of our feet. In fact apparently more than 45 percent of us admit to being embarrassed by the state of our feet and especially our toenails. The trouble is we tend to ignore them, despite the fact they keep us upright all day, until something goes noticeably wrong.
Feet are complex things. Each foot has 26 individual bones, 33 different joints, and that’s before you count the muscles, ligaments and tendons. They are the true foundation of our posture but foot injuries are common and foot pain has been shown to increase the risk of serious falls. What you want is for the foot to be stabilising, with your weight spread evenly between the big and little toes and the heel. The big toe should be straight and there should be a slight arch, not too high and not flat either.
If that’s not the footprint you are leaving then read on to find out how to get fitter feet.
Wake up foot muscles gently by stretching your feet in bed before you bear weight on them, to help the muscles start to fire up first.
Every foot has lots of small muscles which help support your balance and movement. If they don’t all fire properly, and together, then you could be exacerbating any potential problems. Try and give feet a workout with regular massage and try picking small items up with your toes too.
The arches can fall as we age but you can help slow down this process with exercise to strength the arches of your feet. Sitting down with feet flat on the floor, try and lift the arch of each foot without moving your leg or bunching up your toes. The tiny movement should be noticeable and practice will really help build up strength in your feet.
Sensors in the feet send signals to the brain about movement and balance but these signals start to deteriorate with age. Standing on one foot keeps sensors stimulated so they can continue to fire up quickly and effectively. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but once you’ve mastered it try doing it with your eyes closed.
Medical Pedicure
Performed by an HCPC registered podiatrist, this treatment includes a comprehensive consultation, diagnosis, and treatment – a complete overhaul addressing all aspects of foot health – and is performed on a dry foot for long-lasting results. A comprehensive diagnostic treatment, it will leave you feeling like you are walking on air.
From £32, Belmont Foot Care
Belmont, Durham DH1 2AA
0191 369 2141
belmontfootcare.co.uk
From £45, Margaret Dabbs London Clinic
Montpellier Parade, Harrogate HG1 2TJ
margaretdabbs.co.uk
Biomechanics Assessment
If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain a professional biomechanical assessment using scanning technology should be able to give you an accurate diagnosis to establish any issues with structure and alignment, and highlight areas of strength or weakness. A consultation includes a treatment plan and or referral. They may prescribe bespoke orthotics to help correct alignment, support feet and adjust gait-related problems.
From £100 James Hogg Podiatry
Langley Moor, Durham DH7 8JG
0191 378 9700
jameshoggpodiatry.co.uk
From £45, Yorkshire Podiatry
Shipley BD18 3QX
yorkshirepod.co.uk
Orthotics
Just as your eyes differ, your feet can vary in size, shape and function. Custom-made orthotics will realign feet and ankles, helping to correct and control posture and pain and will help with anything from plantar fasciitis (heel pain) to flat feet, knee and lower back pain. Special orthotics are created from a plaster cast impression of your feet.
The Gait Clinic
St Thomas’ Street, Newcastle NE1 4LE
0191 232 5896
thegaitclinic.uk
Yorkshire Foot Hospital
Pudsey, Leeds LS28 8PU
yorkshirefoothospital.co.uk
Laser Fungal Nail Treatment
Fungal nail infections are a very common problem affecting around three in every 100 people in the UK. Onychomycosis (toenail fungus) is a hard-to-treat infection which is contagious and can be easily spread. Topical creams and medication often don’t work but may have side effects but advanced laser treatment which penetrates the nail bed has been shown to effectively eradicate the fungus in most cases.
Newcastle Foot Clinic
North Street, Newcastle NE1 8DF
0191 261 8375
newcastlefootclinic.co.uk
From £60, Skyn Doctor
Moldgreen, Huddersfield HD5 8BE
skyndoctor.co.uk
