Feet

Taking good care of your feet is very important, as issues like overgrown toenails, foot pain, loss of sensation, and ill-fitting footwear can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and reduced stability.

Foot Care for Independence

Being aware of and keeping an eye out for possible foot health concerns can help you to identify problems earlier on, allowing you to seek support before they become a bigger issue.

It’s important to wash and dry your feet well, and regularly check for any new concerns, such as corns & calluses, over-grown or in-grown toenails, bunions, or sore areas.

One simple step you can take to maintain your foot health is trimming your toenails. Doing so after bathing, when they are softer, can make the process more manageable.

Professional Foot Care

If you are unsure about the best way to care for your feet or have specific foot concerns, consider consulting a podiatrist or chiropodist. They are trained professionals who can provide expert guidance on foot care and address any issues you may be experiencing.

This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes, as foot complications can be more severe in this group.

Choosing the Right Footwear

The type of footwear you choose can significantly impact your comfort and stability.

Here are the 6x “S” recommendations for safer footwear:

Supportive heel: squeeze the heel cup and it should be firm and supportive, replace when worn.
Stable base: firm outer sole, wider than your heel, maximum heel height of 1.5 inches, grippy surface and with rounded edges.
Secure fixing: Velcro or laces fixing to keep the shoe secure, and to provide adjustment if needed.
Sloppy slippers: backless and squishy slippers are the most common footwear worn by fallers in the home.
Socks: slippy and loose-fitting socks can also increase your risk of falls.
Soles of your feet: walking barefoot is another risk for falls, wearing indoor shoes is more likely to keep you safe and on your feet.

Be aware: If you shuffle your feet when walking, shoes with a grippy outer sole may stick to the floor too much and actually increase your risk of falls.

If you have any doubts about what shoes to wear, seek advice from a Podiatrist.

Additional Resources

To find a podiatrist in your area, explore the following resource:

NHS UK: Find a Podiatrist

Royal College of Podiatry: Ageing Feet

Complete your Self-Assessment now

For further information:

For more information contact the Swindon MSK Podiatry Team on 01793 607860 or email gwh.podiatryadmin@nhs.net