4 Foot Care Tips For Keeping Your Feet Healthy During Summer

Summer is a special time of the year and did you know the summer months can be really hard on your feet? The combination of sun and heat often take a toll on your feet. Wondering how to keep your feet in good condition during warm weather? No worries. All you need to do is seek advice on good foot care from the best podiatrist.

Everyone knows about applying sunscreen, using moisturiser to protect their body from the harmful UV rays of the sun. And, just like other body parts, taking care of your feet is very important in summer. Even if you are just soaking in the sun while enjoying the beach or pool, your feet can be severely burned. Thinking about the ways you can keep your feet healthy during the long and hot days of summer?

Check out a few practical tips shared by a podiatrist on how to keep your feet healthy

Foot Care in Surrey

Foot Care In Surrey: Tips For Healthy Summer Feet

Apply Sunscreen To Your Feet

Podiatrists recommend applying sunscreen to your feet when you are applying it to other parts of your body. Since the upper part of your feet is in direct line of the sun, they need protection just like your face and shoulders. Make sure you use a moisturiser which has an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply it whenever needed.

Always Wear Sandals Or Shoes

Wearing the right footwear at the right time can not only help you prevent injuries but also keep your feet as comfy as possible.

While flip flops may not be the best choice always, they are ideal for the pool and beach. Athletic shoes which are designed for the game you’re taking part in can keep your feet protected and even give you the traction you need for enhancing the performance.

Move Your Feet Frequently

Podiatrists who excel in offering foot surgery in Surrey believe that flexing your feet and ankles is another great way to ensure healthy feet in summer. Experts recommend moving your toes and wiggling them. This is because feet begin to swell during the hot, summer months. Moving your feet frequently can prevent your joints from stiffening, helping you to keep the blood circulating freely.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Spending those long hot days under the sun in the summer months can wreak devastation on your body, including the feet. When the body gets dehydrated, your feet are often the first to suffer. Since the body does not efficiently use the water it has, it even deprives the tissues of the fluids which they require for remaining healthy. And, drinking plenty of water can help in flushing out toxins which can sometimes accumulate in the feet.

Get your summer started on the right foot and ensure healthy feet!

Types Of Food To Be Consumed For Healthy Feet

There are many foods that are not considered to be healthy choices. It is fine to celebrate and have treats, but not on a regular basis. The food choices might seem to be insignificant especially for the farthest body parts from your mouth – the feet, diet and foot care are closely related. Here are a few food choices that you should make to ensure a healthy foot care. You can also talk to a Chiropodist in Surrey about treating your foot ailments.

Foot Pain

Foods To Strengthen Bones Against Breaks

Milk tops the list as it is a rich source of calcium. However, if you are lactose intolerant or simply don’t like to drink milk, you can think about other alternatives like salmon, beans, green leafy vegetables, yogurt, almonds and lots more to complement your requirement for calcium. Calcium strengthens bone and ensures quick recovery to your feet at any age. Deficiency of calcium may lead to heel pain. Calcium is also important to prevent developing osteoporosis that weakens the bone over time. Don’t forget to take vitamin D while taking calcium as this helps the body to absorb the mineral.

Foods To Ensure Healthy Toenails

You might try externally to make your toenail remain healthy and look great. But what do you do to keep them clear and strong from inside out? This is not all about a cosmetic matter. Toenails play important role to protect the tissues around the toes from injuries and infections. Your Podiatrist in Surrey may help you with suggestions. To ensure health toenails, here are the nutrients that you must take into consideration.

 

  • Vitamin C And Zinc

Both of them have high antioxidant property. They protect the toenails and the nail tissues from free radicals. You can consume zinc-rich foods like green beans, cheese, soybeans and pumpkin. To replenish vitamin C requirement, choose oranges, cooked leafy green vegetables and red peppers.

  • Vitamin B12

Deficiency of this vitamin often leads to brittle and fragility to toenails. Foods like egg, beef, poultry and pork are rich sources of vitamin B12. Supplement can come handy for the vegans.

  • Biotin

Often known as B7, this helps toenails from being weak and brittle. Nut butters, beans, mushrooms and whole grains are good sources of biotin.

Foot Care Treatment

Foods To Heal / Stop Foot Cramps

Cramps in the toes and feet are not uncommon. They are caused by deficiency of water, salt and different minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Cramps mostly take place after a workout when you sweat a lot of these minerals out. To fill up the deficiency, you need to take something for healthy hydration. You must intake electrolytes. You can take bananas for potassium, almonds for magnesium and broccoli or spinach for both. Also, take foods as mentioned above for calcium deficiency.

Foods For Joints

There are 33 joints in each foot. If you have foot joint pain, take 1 to 3 grams of fish oil on a regular basis to reduce foot-related stiffness, inflammation and swelling. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help increasing blood circulation, while enhancing pain recovery and reducing inflammation. They also build up and ensure lubrication to the tissues between the joints while minimising strain and friction.

Suffering From Diabetes? 4 Tips On Good Foot Care From A Podiatrist

Do you know a limb is lost to diabetes in every 20 seconds? Well, when you suffer from diabetes, you are more at risk of having foot problems and complications. Ensuring good foot health is thus essential when you have diabetes. Wondering how to keep your feet in good condition? Seeking advice from a podiatrist on foot care in Surrey can be the ideal way to take care of your feet.

When suffering from diabetes, encountering problems with your feet as well as legs are two of the most common problems of this disease. Diabetes put you at a higher risk for corns, calluses, blisters, bunions and ulcers. Moreover, higher blood pressure means that these minor alterations and injuries can become the getaway to disabling infections. And, the ideal way to keep your feet in good shape is wearing specialised footwear, undergo regular foot exams as well as perform low-impact exercises.

Listed below are a few useful tips shared by a leading podiatrist to help you stride on with confidence while suffering from diabetes.

Foot Care In Surrey: Useful Tips For Diabetic Patients

  1. Inspect Your Feet Regularly

Nerve damage is one of the most common complications of diabetes, making it hard to feel when there are cracks or sores in your feet. If you cannot see all parts of your foot clearly, consider placing a mirror on the floor or you can even ask a relative or friend for help. Remember; inspecting your feet every day for wounds, cracks and sores is important.

  1. Don’t Use Your Feet To Test Hot Water

When diabetic patients develop nerve damage, telling if the bath water is too hot can be very difficult. Stepping into a bathtub without checking the temperature can cause some serious damage to your feet. This is because; both blisters and burns open doors to infection. Experts advise using your elbow to check the water temperature before taking a shower or getting into the tub.

  1. Keep Your Feet Dry

Leading podiatrists with years of experience in offering foot surgery in Surrey suggest you keep your feet dry for ensuring good foot condition all year round. The space between the toes is usually very airtight. The skin here gets very moist and even breaks down, leading to infections. You can prevent this by removing sweaty socks or shoes immediately and by towelling off after washing your feet. You can even use moisturise to prevent cracked and dry skin.

  1. Use Diabetes-Friendly Footwear

The best podiatrist advises diabetic patients of supporting their feet with diabetes-friendly footwear and socks. Look for footwear which covers both top as well as the bottom, has more depth in the toe box. Similarly, you should look for socks without seams, preferably the ones which are padded and made from cotton or another material which controls moisture.

Seeing a podiatrist can be the best way to ensure healthy feet. So what are you still here for? It’s time to schedule an appointment with a reputed podiatry clinic!

Want To Make Your Feet Soft? 5 Easy Foot Care Tips In Surrey

Everyone suffering from cracked heels will know how painful and embarrassing the issue is. Not only walking becomes difficult but you also have to look for innovative ways to keep the cracked feet hidden. Whatever has caused those cracked feet; they are quite uncomfortable and gradually lead to bleeding and pain. This is why everyone tries to keep their foot soft by staying away from improper diet, dehydration and wrong footwear. If the normal pedicure tips are not helping, get in touch with experienced foot surgeons and they will craft a routine pedicure for you.

Few Easy Foot Care Tips In Surrey You Can Include In Your Routine Pedicure

  • Use Banana

Being a tropical fruit, bananas can offer a wide variety of health benefits. Feel free to use it even if you are suffering from extensive cracked feet as it not only helps in curing the issue but creating the banana paste is also quite easy. Just take a few ripe bananas and mix them well in the mixer. Spread it evenly in your feet and allow it to dry before washing it off using warm water.

  • Follow A Daily Cleaning Regime

Strictly following a foot cleaning regime on a daily basis is a must if you are looking for the best foot care treatment. Cleaning the feet regularly helps in getting rid of dead cells which accumulate on your skin with the passage of time. Cleaning the feet keeps the skin protected and prevents them from peeling off and drying. Follow the foot cleaning regime before you go to sleep every night.

  • Use Cleaning Needles

The easiest way to remove dirt from the thumbs and toenails is by using dirt cleaning needles made especially for feet. Though using cleaning needles to keep your feet dirt-free is quite effective, getting it done from experienced foot surgeons is always advisable as they ensure that the needles don’t prick inside the nails.

  • Trim Toenails Frequently

Every professional offering foot care in Surrey suggests their clients to trim the toenails on a regular basis. Not only are long toenails unhygienic but also unsafe. Dirt starts accumulating inside those long toenails and so they don’t look stylish anymore. Unless you want them to break and come off with the live skin, trim them before they become too long.

  • Try Baking Soda

Not everyone knows that using baking soda helps keep your feet soft . All you need to do is to take some warm water and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let your feet soak in the solution for around half an hour. Adding bath salts in it will also help in maximising the benefits. The muscles are eased and the skin softens.

These being said, it’s time you follow the foot care tips stated above and make your foot softer will become easier.

Learn To Handle Ingrown Nails Like Chiropodists In Surrey

Whatever the reason for which you have groomed your feet a bit aggressively; there are high chances that ingrown nails will soon become an unsightly issue. Though fixing them looks quite easy, it is actually not without the aid of an experienced chiropodist or podiatrist. Trying the DIY route is a strict no-no if you are suffering from any sort of vascular diseases or diabetes. But if you think that the issue is a minor one, just get in touch with a reliable doctor and they will assess the condition of your ingrown toes before suggesting how to get rid of it with some at-home solutions.

Willing To Get Rid Of Ingrown Nails? 3 Easy Steps To Follow

  • Soak

Soaking your feet in lukewarm water is the first thing you need to do if you are suffering from ingrown nails. Just put some warm water in a large bowl or tub before adding a tablespoon of Epsom salts. Though you can add some more Epsom salt according to the recommendation of your podiatrist or add a pinch of table salt. Let your foot soak in that lukewarm water for around 20 minutes. Not only will it help to draw out fluids from below the nails but also helps in soothing the area if you are suffering from any sort of infection.

  • Massage

The area around the ingrown nails becomes quite pliable or workable after you soak your feet in the water as the skin becomes tender. This is the best time to massage the skin gently using your fingers. Massage it in such a way so that the skin moves away from the nail and there is adequate space for the nails to grow over the skin. Neglecting the issue is more dangerous than you think as the issue can complicate and you might have to choose foot surgery.

  • Lift The Nail

The easiest way to lift the ingrown nail is by taking a small piece of cotton and sticking it below the nail. Don’t forget to make the cotton firm by rolling it up before putting it below the nail which is growing into the skin. Every experienced chiropodist in Surrey will suggest you leave a bit of cotton outside the nail so that you can change or remove it whenever you feel like. If you feel that the area around the nail has become warm or red, don’t forget to put some antibiotic ointment on the cotton as it helps in preventing nail infection.

What To Do If Its Condition Isn’t Improving?

Though following the steps stated above will help you to get rid of ingrown nails if the issue is a minor one, get in touch with a reliable chiropodist or podiatrist at www.advancedfootcaregroup.co.uk if the condition isn’t improving. A majority of them have years of experience in taking care of ingrown nails. They know how to exactly remove a sliver of the nail which helps in handling infection by preventing it to reach the bones.

Why Is It Good To Take Regular Care Of Your Feet?

It is quite common among people to take their feet for granted until the development of any pain or issue like calluses or blisters. You need to be kind to and take care of feet before they start giving you a challenge. It is also needed to go for foot care treatment for any existing issues before it becomes severe and limits your normal functionalities.Foot Care in Surrey

And Here Are The Key Reasons To Take Care Of Your Feet On A Regular Basis.

  • Better Quality Of Life

It improves your ability to function and helps to enhance the quality of life. The quality of life is directly involved to one’s ability to be self-dependent and self-sufficient so he or she can perform all the activities of daily living like walking, working, shopping, playing and lots more. If the feet hurt or you have any foot issues, you can’t function at your best. If you change your gait to avoid bunion, for instance, your overall body balance and posture can be badly affected making you prone to falling.

  • Work Productivity

Good foot health is optimally important if your job requires you to be on your feet for a reasonable amount of time. Even if you don’t need to stand longer, you still need to get up occasionally. If you work sitting at the desk, you certainly need taking a break and get up to avoid shoulder and neck pain associated with sitting in front of a computer for long hours. Get up at least once in an hour. But if you have a problem in the feet, you may not stand up and take a walk. And that is very likely to affect your work performance resulting in lost time, lower job efficiency, lost productivity and lots more. So foot care in Surrey is important.

Foot Health Checkup

  • Physical Activities

As you know, physical activities are extremely useful for overall health and wellbeing. Even if you are strong and healthy, you need to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities every week. If you have any foot issues, you can’t follow such a fitness regimen. It is true that any amount of physical exercises is better than none but, as already mentioned, if you have poor foot health you may not feel likely to perform even a minimal amount of physical activities. The less you practice, the less you can do. As a result, you will face a loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, lower endurance, and higher risks of ailments related to a sedentary lifestyle. This often includes cardiac issues, diabetes and cognitive declination.

Therefore, it is important to take regular care of the feet and perform a foot health check. And here is what you need to do:

  • Check your feet every day for any bruises, cuts, red spots and blisters. Feel for bumps or lumps, if any.
  • Wash your feet well daily. Rinse off soap lather completely and make the feet dry, especially the places between toes.
  • Trim the nails straight across but not too short. Don’t cut at corners.
  • Don’t ever use any generic, over-the-counter medications to remove calluses or corns. Visit a foot specialist, if things go out of control.

How to Take Care of Diabetic Feet?

Taking care of your feet is one of the most important parts of your personal health and hygiene. It is even more important if you are  living with diabetes. In fact, you need special foot care in Surrey.

Let’s have a quick look at some of the most effective ways to take proper care of your feet as a diabetic.

Foot Pain

  • Maintain your sugar level – Yes, this is the most important part of foot care. Being a diabetic, you must try to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
  • Check your feet on daily basis – Look at your feet everyday to check if there are any blisters, cuts, spots or swelling. You can use a mirror to check the bottom if you find it difficult.
  • Wash properly – You must wash your feet including the area between the toes, in lukewarm water each day and then dry well.
  • Take care of calluses and corns – Corns and calluses must be kept smooth. You can use a pumice stone to do this.
  • The skin of your feet should be soft – To keep the skin smooth, rub the top and bottom of the feet gently with a thin layer of good skin lotion. But don’t apply it between toes.
  • Trim the toenails as and when required – Trim the toenails while filing the edges with a good quality nail file.
  • Protect feet from weather conditions – As a diabetic, it is not good for your feet to be bare and exposed to extreme heat or cold. Don’t forget to wear good quality shoes to protect them. Also, you should use socks at night during winter. Visit a Chiropodist Surrey, if you experience any unusual foot pain.
  • Keep your feet covered – You must not walk barefoot. Wear shoes that you are comfortable with to protect the feet. The lining of the shoes must be smooth.
  • Ensure proper blood circulation to the feet – To do so, you need to put your feet up while sitting. Wiggling the toes and moving  ankles in up and down directions alternatively at least 3 to 5 times per day. Avoid smoking. Don’t keep your legs crossed for long.
  • Physical activities are a must – It is necessary that you keep yourself active. Practice physical exercises including yoga. You can join a physical activity programme. However, you must ask your physician beforehand.
  • Consult your doctor on a regular basis – Attend your diabetic reviews at the doctors surgery. This is a must as patients with high sugar level often don’t feel the pain of injury. You can plan an emergency visit to the doctor if there are any sore, blister, cut or bruise on the foot that is not showing any sign of healing after one day. Follow your doctor’s prescription and advice. You can also visit a Podiatrist in Surrey.

So these are a few steps to follow when it comes to taking proper care of your feet when you have diabetes.

When Should You See A Podiatrist In Surrey & Undergo Foot Surgery?

Have you been suffering from painful feet, swollen ankle, thickened or ingrown toenails lately? Wondering how to get the best possible treatment? Consulting an experienced podiatrist can be the ideal solution. Wondering how to determine whether your condition requires you to see a specialist? Read on.

Foot Surgery in Surrey

Podiatrists and chiropodists are health care professionals who are adequately trained to diagnose, treat, prevent and rehabilitate the abnormal conditions of the ankle, feet and lower limbs. They can even give advice on the best shoes to wear and the ways to look after your feet. Whether you are suffering from an ailment concerning your knee, ankle or foot, podiatrists can provide you with the highest quality foot care in Surrey.

Below are a few situations in which specialists advise patients to undergo surgical treatment.

4 Conditions Which Require You To Consult An Experienced Podiatrist in Surrey  

  1. Morton’s Neuroma

If you feel a sharp burning pain towards the bottom of your feet, consider it as an indication of Morton Neuroma. Morton Neuroma refers to an inflamed nerve which causes swelling usually in the area between the big toe and the foot. It is normally caused when the ball or base of the feet is regularly pinched and pressed, making your nerve thicken and swell.

To help you get rid of this disorder, your chiropodist in Surrey will advise you to wear wider shoes which come with comfortable insoles. However, if the condition requires, he can even advise you to undergo a surgery.

  1. Plantar Fasciitis

Podiatrist SurreyPlantar Fasciitis or Jogger’s Heel, as it is usually called, is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This deformity is brought about by an inflamed or torn ligament on the heel. The disease is common among runners, women who wear hard heels and people who are overweight and obese.

Patients who are affected by Plantar Fasciitis usually experience a terrible heel pain when they take their first step after waking up in the morning. The pain vanishes during the later part of the day and recurs once again when they stand up after a long period of sitting.

  1. Bunions

Bunion or Hallux Valgus is one of the most popularly known foot deformities. It is seen as the bony bump between the foot and the toe, with the affected toe bending towards the other toes. Bunions can be very painful.

A leading podiatrist in Surrey recommends that wearing comfortable fitting shoes coupled with pads and soft insoles can be the ideal solution for patients suffering from bunions. Opting for a foot surgery can be another wise treatment.

  1. Hammertoe

Hammertoe disorders arise when the small toes have a conjecture or abnormal bent. This deformity puts additional pressure on your toes when you wear shoes, causing other problems eventually. The treatment for patients with hammertoe is similar to that of bunions. If the patient undergoes surgery, the joints of deformed toes are fused with surgical pins or small implants. Depending on the extent of foot surgery in surrey involved, your healing process may take a period of 3 to 6 weeks.

So what are you still thinking of? It’s time to book an appointment with a reliable podiatrist!

Taking Care Of Your Feet After A Foot Surgery In Surrey Gets Easier!

One of the main reasons why the demand for foot surgeries has enhanced drastically in the last few years is because it is one of the most preferred procedures that can help a great deal in easing the pain in your leg. All you need to do is approach a reliable podiatrist and they will suggest the ideal surgery you need after assessing your foot condition.

The rate of recovery increases if you can follow the orders and tips of your surgeon and have patience. The pace of healing differs from one patient to another as there are various elements which determine the length of your recovery period. The best person to talk with is your foot surgeon. They can even share with you a few cool tips to keep your foot and ankle protected after the surgery and help in fast recovery.

Undergoing Foot Surgery In Surrey? 4 Cool Tips For Quick Recovery

Foot Surgery in Surrey

  • Follow Prescribed Medicines

Managing the pain in your foot becomes easier when you take the medication suggested by your Podiatrist in Surrey as prescribed. Not only do you have to follow their prescription during the surgery but also before and after it. This will not only help in minimising the pain but also speed-up the healing process. Make sure you have your medicines as prescribed and not in excess just because you want to recover faster. Though you might feel a wave of nausea after the surgery, you doctor will prescribe a medication to suppress it.

  • Choose Your Podiatrist Wisely

Not everyone undergoing a foot surgery or looking for foot care in Surrey is aware of the fact that the success rate of the treatment is dependent on the expertise and efficiency of your foot surgeon. Not only do you have to visit them for the surgery but also schedule a few check-ups after the surgery. Look for someone who has the knowledge to deal with every sort of ailment in your foot.

  • Consider The Swelling

Though it is normal for your feet to swell a bit after the surgery, take every step necessary to keep the swelling under control. Pain and discomfort might complement the swelling so consult your doctor is the issue persists. The easiest way to minimise it is by elevating your feet above your hip at least for a few days or weeks after the operation. You can also place an ice pack over the affected area after every few hours or as suggested by your surgeon.

  • Don’t Put Excess Weight On Your Foot

Though the rate of healing is dependent on the type of foot surgery in Surrey you have undergone, it generally takes around 6 months to 1 year to recover completely. Following your podiatrist’s order to avoid lifting heavy weights and putting less pressure on your feet will ensure speedy recovery. Wait till your foot heals completely before you put weight on it. Avoiding any sort of strenuous activity during the healing period and undergoing physical therapies on a regular basis are highly advisable.

These being said, it’s time you follow the tips stated above and recovering after your foot surgery will become easier.

Related Blog:

DEALING WITH THE PAIN AFTER FOOT SURGERY IN SURREY HAS BECOME EASIER

 

Dealing with the Pain after Foot Surgery in Surrey has Become Easier

Whether you are suffering from a minor issue in your foot or facing a chronic pain, one of the easiest methods of getting rid of the pain is a foot surgery. Podiatrists are aware of the fact that every foot surgery differs and even the advantages you can reap by undergoing it. In spite of numerous advantages, there are a few patients who are still afraid of undergoing the surgery because they fear the post-operative pain. If you are one of them, stop worrying about the pain and start looking for an experienced foot surgeon as the pain can be easily managed.

5 Cool Tips To Control The Pain After A Foot Surgery in Surrey

  • Foot Elevation

One of the most common ways of reducing the pain in your feet is by elevating it around 5 to 17 inches above the heart. The swelling reduces and gradually the pain decreases. Your Chiropodist in Surrey will suggest you to lie down on your sofa or bed and put two pillows under the foot to elevate it.

  • Ice

Controlling the pain in your foot will become easier if you fill a plastic bag with ice and apply it to the area which is paining. Apply it after every 10 to 15 minutes and keep on repeating the process. Make sure you don’t use it when your foot is numb as it can cause frostbite. The effect of cooling will be less if there is a thick dressing over the operated area.

  • Modify Your Activities

If you generally engage in activities where you have to dangle down your foot for a longer period of time, it is better to avoid such activities after the operation. Stay away from shopping excursions as you have to stand in long queues for quite a few minutes or hours. Have a talk with your Podiatrist in Surrey and ask them which activities require modification during the first few weeks.

  • Compression

Not everyone undergoing the surgery is aware of the fact that compression can help a great deal in minimising the chances of deep vein thrombosis. Whether compression will work on the operated area or not is generally dependent on the type of surgery you have undergone. You don’t have to worry about blood clots if you can wear a compression stocking.

  • Showering

Though taking a shower is a must in our day-to-day life, have a talk with your foot surgeon about the right manner of showering if you are willing to optimise your safety after a foot surgery in Surrey. They will suggest you to use a plastic or wooden shower tool while showering or a regular chair. Take the aid of a human assistance when getting in or out of the shower or put grab bars at suitable locations near the shower.

Since you are now aware of a few easy tips to reduce the pain in your foot after a surgery, it’s time you approach the best podiatrist for the surgery without worrying about the pain.