A guide for patients about footcare

Did you know…?

Poor footcare, foothealth or altered foot biomechanics can also affect the way you walk, transfer and balance. Good footcare is also important for preventing falls. If you have reduced sensation in your foot it can also increase your risk of falling. If you are concerned about your risk of falling please speak to your GP or a healthcare professional.

The average person takes 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day and walks about 100,000 miles in a lifetime. So why is it that we only take notice of our feet when we have a problem with them?

In this leaflet you will find information that will help you keep your feet healthy.

Hygiene

Good hygiene is important for foot health.

You should:

• wash your feet every day in warm soapy water
• dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes, using your own towel
• use a moisturising cream to soften the skin
• change socks, tights or stockings daily
• wear different shoes every other day. Shoes absorb a lot of moisture from your feet and need time to dry out.

Don’t soak your feet for any longer than five minutes as this reduces the skin’s natural oils and will make the feet too dry.

Looking after your feet

To help keep your toenails healthy you should:

• cut your toenails regularly using clean scissors or clippers. Nails are softer and easier to cut after a bath or shower
• cut your nails straight across or follow the shape of your toe
• file any rough or sharp edges
• file down thick nails with an emery file
• remove any dead skin or debris down the sides of the nail by gently rubbing with an old, soft toothbrush
• ask a friend or relative to help you if you have difficulty cutting your nails.

Don’t cut or dig down the sides of the nail as you may cause an infection or an ingrown nail.

Hard skin and corns are common foot problems. To help avoid them you should:

• wear appropriate footwear. Badly fitting or unsuitable footwear is the commonest cause of foot problems
• rub rough, dry skin gently with a pumice stone or emery file two or three times a week
• use a moisturising cream to soften the skin.

Don’t:

• use sharp blades, corn knives or scissors as you may seriously injure yourself or cause an infection
• put moisturising creams between the toes as this can make the skin soggy and encourage athlete’s foot
• use corn plasters, hard skin removing ointments or creams as they contain an acid that may injure your foot or cause an infection.

If you would like more information

We produce a number of leaflets on common foot problems. Please see the Podiatry Service page on our website for other leaflets, including footcare advice for people with diabetes and footwear advice.

Other useful contacts

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
Phone 020 7234 8620
Visit www.feetforlife.org