Foot Problems and Foot Care

It is a pity that feet are so unloved, because beautiful, shapely ankles and perfectly formed toes can be as attractive as pretty hands. Feet are covered for most of the year, so the appeal of smooth, pampered feet is often forgotten. In summer, however, it is a different story for feet are on show. Open sandals or the bare foot look on the beach can reveal a lifetime of neglect. Fortunately, although it is wisest to begin foot care in childhood, it is never too late to start looking after your feet.

Children's feet

The kicking enjoyed by tiny babies is their first foot and ankle exercises and it helps to make feet and legs strong. (Mothers should never tuck bedclothes in so tightly that their baby cannot kick and bootees should be loose enough to allow toes to wriggle freely.) At birth, a child's feet consist of soft, small bones which do not become hardened fully until he or she is about 18 years old.

Tight nylon socks, badly fitting shoes and slippers even tight ballet pumpsall can help to deform the soft bones. Many children have wide feet and broad toes, so it is essential to measure width as well as length when fitting new shoes. A child should never wear rubber boots all day as these are very bad for the feet. They do not support the arch of the foot and could lead to flat feet later on. Another taboo is the slip on type of shoe which has no support across the top or around the ankle. The natural action of the child is to curl his toes under to hold on the shoe, and this can result in permanently bent toes. To give feet maximum freedom for correct growth, small children should be allowed to go barefoot as much as possible in the house, on the beach or in the garden.

Teenagers' feet

As feet grow, they change their shape and proportion. It is, therefore, vital to continue checking foot measurements well into the teens before buying shoes. Fashion can be a big help or hindrance to healthy foot development in this age group. Very narrow, pointed shoes and shoes with very high heels are extremely bad for teenage feet since the toes are squashed down into the front of the shoe and deformed in the process. Flatter shoes with a wide toe section are. better, provided there is sufficient support on the instep.

One of the chief dangers for growing teenagers is foot infection. Verrucae are sometimes picked up in swimming pools or communal showers, and athlete's foot, which is caused by a fungus growth attacking the feet, can be contracted in places where warm, moist conditions lower skin resistance. Infections like these need professional treatment by a doctor or chiropodist, as they can be painful and also tend to spread if not caught at an early stage. Adults' feet It is hard to imagine yourself unable to go out to the shops because your feet are too painful to take you there, but this does happen to very many old people. And the main cause is usually neglect in the middle years of life. Bad shoes tight socks or stockings and lack of general cleanliness and care can cause all kinds of problems.

Basic foot care involves keeping feet scrupulously clean, cutting toe nails regularly and lavishing a little of the attention you normally pay to your hands to your feet as well.

If chilblains are your problem, massage your feet gently with a foot oil or lanolin. In hot weather use a special foot deodorant spray and put talcum powder in your shoes to prevent odour. Rinse stockings or tights nightly or wear clean socks every day. Never roast your feet over the fire in winter or sleep with your feet on a hot water bottle; these are the most common causes of chilblains.

After an exceptionally tiring day, 'paddle' your feet in cold, salted water. This is better than the traditional mustard bath which softens the skin too much. After bathing, always dry your feet carefully between the toes. And choose your slippers carefully, do not wear casual 'mules' all day, they don't give enough arch support.

For every day, choose shoes that allow your toes to move freely, and that grip the heel and instep firmly. When buying shoes, walk up and down in the shop several times before deciding if they fit properly and are comfortable. Shoes should not have to be worn in, they should fit straight away. Beware of wooden soled shoes as these can be harmful to the arch of the foot.

Don't be brave about minor foot ailments, be sensible instead. Chiropodists spend much of their time sorting out problems caused by their patients' attempts at self medication, the damage done can be very grave indeed. Never poke at corns or hard skin with a razor, nail file or other unsterilized instrument. Don't use corn solvents yourself or attempt to apply a lambs wool protection for the toe as this can restrict circulation. A 15-minute foot check up twice a year is an excellent idea. And if corns, callouses or more serious foot ailments develope then professional treatment is essential.