Slip into Autumn

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:00:19 GMT

Slip into Autumn

We are now in autumn and thoughts turn to smells of pumpkin soup and warm spice candles glowing and pyjamas as soon as it’s dark. But wait… what about your footwear?

When sandals turn to boots and we start wearing slippers more, we need to pay more attention. Most people change shoes frequently and change hosiery daily, but we very often forget our trusty slippers. Slippers offer very little support to our feet and as they are worn often they become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi pathogens to thrive.

During autumn and winter our elderly relatives and neighbours are often confined to their home and spend long periods in slippers very often not washed or checked over.

In order to prevent falls and infections please check these point’s frequently:

Wear washable full slippers not mule type to prevent falls. Mule type slippers have to be gripped by toes to hold on the feet and heels are not supported either. If arthritic toes or feet are involved this becomes quite difficult to do.
Wash and change slippers frequently
Make sure there are no seams or scratch spots that can cause irritation to delicate thin skin, by putting your hands inside (looking first) and feeling for any damage. This is especially important to diabetic patients and those with neurological or vascular conditions.

Ill-fitting slippers are the cause of many falls and trips. If your loved one’s feet are very swollen with oedema or very broad due to hallux abduction (bunions) hammer toes and orthopaedic issues please check out companies like Cosyfeet and Miller Care.

If they have an underlying condition vat exemption may apply so don’t be afraid to ask.

Now is a good time to check over their feet too for long nails corns callus and dry hard skin or ulcers.

Always seek professional advice before embarking on any treatments and look for HCPC registered podiatrists for their safety and protection.

Factoring for feet (Summer Sun)

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:48:29 GMT

Factoring for Feet (Summer Sun)

Whether or not you are going abroad or staying in the UK, in summer months sun protection is very important to you.

Unfortunately, so many people forget to put sunscreen on their feet or don’t apply enough or often. This then results in very sore burnt and even blistered feet. When buying SPF always look for UVA and UVB protection and a good star rating. Apply at least a factor 30 and don’t forget the soles of your feet too. They will be exposed to the sun while laid sunbathing or walking on hot sands.

Regular use of SPF everywhere can reduce your risk of squamous cell cancer and malignant melanoma by 40 and 50%. It also helps protect against sun damage like age spots and wrinkles too according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

If you get sunburned feet:

1) Rest your feet …obvious but necessary!

2) Soak in cool water and dry carefully to calm.

3) Apply a cooling gel or cream.

4) If painful take anti-inflammatory medication.

5) Stay out of hot sun and sit in shaded areas.

6) Wear loose breathable hosiery and shoes.

7) Drink plenty of fluids such as water. Remember alcohol dehydrates!

8) Protect skin with further SPF if going back out.

9) Rest when possible until pain subsides.

10) If severely burnt showing signs of fever or heat stroke, get medical attention.

If you develop blistering, please don’t pop them, however tempted you are. If the blister bursts unintentionally wash in antibacterial soap and water and dry very carefully. Apply antiseptic and cover with a clean preferably sterile non-stick dressing. Don’t use plasters!

If you are diabetic or have peripheral vascular disease or underlying health issues keep a very close eye on and if infections occur, seek urgent medical assistance.

For all your foot health issues see only professional specialists or podiatrists registered with the HCPC, the health care professional’s council in the UK.

Podiatrist is an international recognised health care provider term, and available in most countries with international standards of health care equivalent to the UK.

9564ddc3

Slip into Autumn

Slip into Autumn

Factoring for feet (Summer Sun)

Factoring for Feet (Summer Sun)