Yvette Mann gives us 10 tips to help keep your feet healthy and happy.

  1. Never cut your nails too severely down the nails. Better to cut straight across, gently file corners and seek advice if they are painful.
  2. Do not pick your toenails as this may encourage in-grown toenails, a painful condition down the side of the nails.
  3. Try not to pick your verrucas. Plantar warts are viral in nature can spread elsewhere.
  4. Avoid using corn plasters or medicated plasters on your corns. These can cause damage to the healthy skin. Just use a pad with an aperture and seek treatment from your Podiatrist.
  5. Try not to squeeze your feet into shoes that are too small or tight. When you buy new shoes try on a couple of different sizes to make sure you get it right and take your time.
  6. Never wear shoes that have been worn by other people. Our feet mould their shape into our shoes and your feet are unique to you!
  7. Don’t buy shop bought insoles unless advised by a foot professional.
  8. Take time to wear in newly issued insoles/ orthotics. The body needs
  9. three weeks at least to get used to a new way of walking and adjusting alignment.
  10. If your are not sure whether you have a verrucae or a corn or indeed any painful condition of the feet, please do not guess what it is or try to treat at home – go and see a Podiatrist.
  11. Don’t be concerned or nervous about seeing a Podiatrist – they are there to help you, your lower limbs and feet so you can walk comfortably and avoid referred pain elsewhere in the body.