Latest news with #footcare
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
How to summer proof your feet and stop horror corns, cracked heels and fungal infections ruining your holiday
FROM barefoot beach days to long walks in the sun, summer can be tough on the soles of the feet - and everywhere else too. You might be squashing your toes into strappy heels for a wedding, or getting sweaty in socks and trainers with the kids in the park. 3 All of this can wreak havoc on the health of your feet - not to mention their appearance in flip flops! Simone Paul, CEO and podiatrist of The Footlift London Clinic, tells Sun Health: 'Summer months see an increase in appointment requests for me every year as cracked heels, Athlete's foot and hardened callused heels cause concern, pain and embarrassment for some clients.' There are currently more than 15,000 podiatrists in the UK. But the NHS anticipates a nine per cent increase in demand in the coming years. Want to keep your trotters looking great this summer and avoid having to make a trip to a specialist? Whether it's brittle or ingrown nails or sunburned ankles, here Simone explains the most common foot ailments that affect summer feet and how to sort them at home… 1. CORNS 'A CORN is a hard layer of skin that can develop anywhere on the foot but commonly occurs on the toes, tops or sides of the feet,' Simone says. 'It develops when the skin tries to protect itself from an area of friction so they often come along in the summer thanks to strappy or unsupportive sandals.' Anyone can get corns, but they are most common in those who wear ill-fitting shoes and people with foot deformities. Age also increases your likelihood of developing them, due to decreased fat pad cushioning and changes in gait. 'The clinical treatment involves enucleating corns - taking out the nucleus or centre - because corns are essentially cones that form into the skin,' Simone says. Woman's feet turn yellow after stress triggers debilitating condition 'But that shouldn't be attempted by anyone other than a podiatrist or professional. 'At home, you can use an emery board to file down the hard skin. 'Make sure the feet are dry - i.e. before you shower - as dead skin is exfoliated more efficiently and there is less risk of fungal or bacterial infection. 'Keep feet moisturised, and if they're occurring with one set of sandals or shoes repetitively, switch them or take them to a shoe repair shop to see what can be done to improve the padding.' 2. CALLUSES LIKE corns, calluses are very common. 'They are layers of hardened skin that cover a wider surface area and are caused by lack of moisture and repetitive widespread friction,' Simone says. Calluses can develop in any shoes, but sling-backs and flip flops are particularly problematic, especially around the heel and forefoot. 'Calluses can also develop because feet have become accustomed to the shock absorption of trainers and there's less cushioning as the soles of the feet are in more contact with the ground when walking barefoot or wearing thin fashionable sandals,' Simone adds. So how do you get rid of them? 'A pedicure can help,' Simone says. 'At The Footlift London Clinic, this involves a podiatrist cleansing and treating the area, gently removing and exfoliating hard skin and corns before applying a vegan collagen mask to regenerate and hydrate the skin. 'At home you could use a foot file when your feet are dry. Then, after showering or soaking them, make sure you apply a cleansing and hydrating foot cream. 'If you don't have a foot specific cream, general moisturisers are not as effective but will still offer hydration, and you can even mix THEM with Vaseline for an extra injection of moisture. 'Don't be tempted to use a cheese grater style foot file or a Ped Egg; these are terrible for the skin.' 3. CRACKED HEELS WE'VE all been there. You grab your favourite sandals from the bottom of your wardrobe and slip them on, only to find your heels are dry and cracked. This can have many causes, but tends to be worse in the summer. 'Heat, sun exposure and going barefoot can all contribute to cracked heels,' Simone says. 'Prolonged time on your feet can also be a contributory factor. 'Feet are desperate for moisture year-round but especially in the summer.' The best and worst summer shoes for your health SUMMER and warmer temperatures can wreak havoc on our feet thanks to inappropriate footwear, warns podiatrist Simone Paul. She says: "Summer is when the most foot problems walk through our doors. "Our podiatrists see a noticeable rise in foot issues when the temperature rises because people often switch from supportive, protective footwear to styles that offer little to no structure. "Not only does this increase the risk of ongoing discomfort, but of blisters, ankle sprains, fungal infections, and bruised nails. "During warmer weather, our feet swell significantly, and without considering materials, foot structure, or skin protection, even a short walk in the wrong shoes or sandals can lead to painful outcomes." There are ways you can keep your feet sweet and protected as the mercury rises though. "I recommend using a foot cream to prevent cracks, keep the skin hydrated, and reduce friction-related marks," says Simone. "It is also essential to apply SPF to your feet when wearing open sandals as the tops of the feet can burn easily in direct sun." Want to make sure you're wearing the right kind of shoes too? Here, Simone reveals the five pairs - and five that could be doing more harm than good. THE BEST SUMMER SHOES ASICS Gel-1130. Simone says: 'These classic ASICS running trainers offer excellent shock absorption and cushioning. The Gel-1130 is lightweight and breathable with a solid heel counter, making it ideal for long walks, daily wear, and warm conditions.' Ecco Yucatan Sport Sandals. Simone says: 'Ecco Yucatan Sport Sandals are versatile and come with adjustable straps which help accommodate the arch. They're perfect for city walking, holidays, or light trekking as they balance comfort with stability and breathability.' Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandal. Simone says: 'Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandals are designed to mimic natural foot movement. These are lightweight, foot-shaped, and highly breathable. Despite their minimal design, they offer excellent stability and are incredibly comfy.' Birkenstock Arizona Sandals (cork sole). Simone says: 'Birkenstock Arizona sandals possess a cork-latex footbed which offers reliable arch accommodation and gradually moulds to your individual foot shape over the time you wear them. However, they should be replaced every two years as worn cork can degrade, harbour bacteria and fungi, and release a waxy residue on the soles of the feet.' FitFlop GEN-FF Adjustable Webbing/Leather Back-Strap Sandals. Simone says: 'GEN-FF adjustable sandals offer midfoot security, adjustable straps, and reduced toe-gripping. They're stylish yet practical and provide structure at the midtarsal joints, which means they support your arch and ankle for all-day wear.' THE SUMMER SHOES TO AVOID Flip-flops. Simone says: 'Flip-flops are a leading cause of foot and ankle sprains. With constant toe-gripping action, they often lead to muscle fatigue, irritation, and skin splitting between the first and second toes, raising the risk of infection. They're simply not foot wear that was designed to be worn for any length of time at all.' Crocs. Simone says: 'I know lots of people swear by them, especially in the summer, but while Crocs are very well ventilated and popular, they're not designed for walking for more than an hour. Grit and debris easily enter through the holes, causing rubbing, blisters, and skin irritation, especially during long wear and the strap is not sturdy enough to hold the rearfoot, meaning that the foot skips backwards and forwards.' Suede loafers or flats worn without socks. Simone says: 'Suede loafers trap heat and moisture. Without socks, feet are more prone to blistering, odour, fungal infections, and friction-related injuries. Sweat build up can also lead to itchy, irritated skin and spore development.' Backless flat sandals. Simone says: 'Backless flat sandals force the toes to grip with every step, causing muscular strain, poor posture, and imbalance, especially as feet naturally swell in hot weather.' Fluffy-lined sliders. Simone says: 'Soft, fleece-lined sliders may be cosy in winter but are unsuitable for summer. The overly soft soles promote excessive pronation, contributing to arch pain and ankle instability. The warm lining traps sweat, creating the perfect environment for bacterial or fungal buildup.' If you want to treat cracked heels at home, try applying a foot cream and nail drops for hydrated skin. 'For an intense treatment, you can wrap the heel in cling film with moisturiser on,' Simone adds. 'Cracked heels will only get worse, not better, so it's best to treat them as soon as the fissures appear. 'Otherwise they can develop into wounds which can lead to ulceration, infection and change the integrity of the skin.' 4. BRITTLE NAILS 'YOU don't need to look much further than an airport departure lounge to know pedicures are popular in the summer,' Simone says. 'But shellac, gels and polishes can leave nails brittle, which means they can snap easily, and regular gel polish application removes keratin from the nail and can suffocate the nail bed, leading to flaking and brittleness.' She recommends using nail drops enriched with active ingredients, such as almond oil, tea tree, spearmint and lime. We tend to over-cut the nails during summer because we don't want people to think we've got long toenails, but that can cause problems Simone Sandra PaulPodiatrist 'Gently file the length of the nail and apply a drop of the product to the cuticle and nail plate,' Simone says. 'Making sure you are not deficient in vitamins and collagen is also important. 'If you've got really thin nails or lines going down them, it could be an indication that you need to start taking vitamin D, which is the only vitamin recommended by the NHS for autumn and winter consumption.' 5. BLISTERS ANYONE who's bought new holiday shoes will likely know the pain that comes from blisters. 'They occur from friction where skin rubs against footwear and are often found on the heel or toes,' Simonme says. 'If the blister has popped and is open, clean plasters and antiseptic cream or spray will help keep the wound clean. Otherwise, blisters are best left alone. 'But if they're blood filled, a quick online appointment with a podiatrist is recommended because it could lead to a wound followed by an ulcer. 'If long walks are on the cards during the summer, applying a cleansing and hydrating foot cream does actually prevent friction as it's almost like an invisible glove on the feet. 'Blisters need to be kept dry in order to heal so avoid tight shoes and synthetic materials while it repairs.' 6. SUNBURN SUNBURN is one of the most common summer afflictions. And yes, this often involves the feet. Most of us are pretty good at applying SPF to our faces and bodies, but we frequently forget about our feet. Simone says: 'I see a lot of sunburned feet in the summer months. 3 'Mostly they're a part of our bodies we keep covered up so they can be prone to going red and burning pretty quickly. 'Depending on how badly the feet are burned, always keep the area dry and clean and apply an antiseptic cream, such as Savlon. 'Feet can blister and peel like anywhere else on the body so if you're out sunbathing, don't do it two days in a row and apply SPF 50 to the soles and tops of feet.' 7. INGROWN NAILS IF you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you'll know how painful they can be. While they can happen at any time of year, ingrown nails become increasingly common during the summer months. 'This is because the feet swell significantly during high temperatures,' Simone says. 'Couple this with warmth and humidity and swollen hot toes often get squashed into shoes they'd normally fit in. 'We tend to over-cut the nails during summer too because we don't want people to think we've got long toenails, but that can cause the nails to grow inwards a little bit more thanks to poor cutting techniques. 'Podiatrists cut the nails in a safe way and also remove the offending spike of nail causing the ingrown infection. 'But if you're treating at home, a salt water foot bath can help if the area is swollen. 'Don't cut the nails too short and apply a plaster if there's pus coming out of the sides. 'Open toed shoes can reduce the pressure and pain of an ingrown nail too, as can gently lifting the edges of the nail daily.'
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a podiatrist - here are three huge mistakes people make with their feet
A leading foot health expert has revealed three disastrous—and surprisingly common—mistakes people make when it comes to looking after their feet. Maddie Tait, a London-based podiatrist, says that wearing shoes that are too small, failing to moisturise the feet, and relying on flip-flops can all lead to painful problems including blisters, swelling, cracked heels and callouses. In a recent video posted on her TikTok account @mtpodiatry, she said the single most damaging habit is wearing shoes that are too tight. 'Your feet will swell and expand during the day,' she said. 'So, you'll most likely cause a blister quite quickly.' Blisters are small, fluid-filled pockets that form under the skin due to friction—typically on the feet. While painful, the NHS warns against popping them, as doing so can increase the risk of infection. To help a blister heal and prevent infection, pharmacists can recommend a plaster or dressing to keep the area clean and protected. Last year, a poll of 2,000 adults found 44 per cent of people had developed foot issues like bunions and callouses from wearing shoes that are too small. The survey, commissioned by DB Wider Fit Shoes, also found that bunions impaired 36 per cent of people's ability to walk. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, forcing it to lean inwards towards the smaller toes. They can be extremely painful and are typically caused by ill-fitting shoes or inherited structural issues in the foot. If you're unfortunate enough to develop a bunion, treatment options include surgery or non-surgical measures such as pain relief and wearing wider-fitting footwear. Another common issue is calluses—thickened, hardened patches of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. These can often be managed at home by soaking the feet in warm water, although in more severe cases, a referral to a foot specialist may be required. The next mistake podiatrist Maddie Tait warns against is failing to moisturise your feet—especially during warmer months. 'During the summer being on the beaches or on the sand or in the sun, our feet need a bit more moisturiser,' she said. 'We can develop cracked heals or corns or callus so, make sure you moisturise your feet throughout the year, but definitely in the summer.' In contrast to calluses, corns are smaller, typically round or oval, and can be quite painful do to pressure on deeper layers of the skin. The NHS advice for corns is also to soak them in warm water to soften them, but again, in some cases they may need specialist treatments. If either a corn or a callus or corn appears inflamed or is oozing pus or clear fluid it may be infected and need antibiotic treatment. The third mistake she warned against was wearing flat flip flops when you're out walking. She said: 'I don't mind them around the beach, or around the pool, but I would not recommend that you walk too far in the classic thong style sandals.' While wearing flip flops for short distances isn't likely harmful, walking in them for long periods of time can put you at risk of problems. Previously studies have shown that when people wear flip-flops, they take shorter steps and often curl their toes to keep them on. This has been found to the natural gait and reduces muscle engagement which over time can cause foot and joint pain. It isn't only dangerous to your foot health as other studies have shown wearing flip flops while driving is linked to serious road accidents.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Do you have Franken-feet? Here's how to master the ultimate at home pedicure
Isn't it happy-making to glance down at freshly pedicured toes? That glossy finish, those neat cuticles, not a dry bit of skin in sight, plus the way your sandals look instantly more expensive. And while a salon pedicure is - in most cases - a glorious and perfectly pampering thing, it's also the kind of luxury that quickly adds up, and can't always be justified, both in terms of time and cost. Moreover, experts emphasise that when it comes to having healthy feet that are nice to look at, regular maintenance is key. We work our feet hard, and as such, they tend not to wait around in between appointments. The good news is that with a few choice tools, and a little insider knowledge you can achieve great results without leaving the house. I spoke to podiatrist-turned-business woman and founder of her namesake clinics (my personal destination of choice for podiatry), Margaret Dabbs OBE, to discover her best-kept secrets for flawless feet. Please note, when deciding whether to conduct an at-home pedicure , or to take your feet to a podiatrist, bear in mind that general maintenance and care = an at-home job. Anything weird, red, painful = professional territory. Here's what to do at home: Always begin by removing any nail polish or gel already on your nails. A clean canvas is key! Foot maintenance is a niche area and accordingly the products need to work hard to make a difference. Dabbs uses the example of foot lotion: the skin on your feet is twelve times thicker than on the rest of the body, so requires something a little more intense. Margaret Dabbs Foot Oil, (£23, ; Margaret Dabbs Professional Foot File, (£30, ; Navy Professional Doris Cuticle Pusher, (£42, ; Chanel Le Vernis in Skieuse, (£30, ; Margaret Dabbs Miracle Foot Cream, (£22, It's always best to begin with dry feet. This allows you to easily assess whether skin needs to be removed and from where. 'All of the foot creams in the world won't work as they need to if you leave hard skin in place,' explains Dabbs. 'My Professional Foot File Professional Foot File, (£30, is used in all the medical pedicures performed at my clinics, and is so good that it will not only remove all of the hard, dead, dry skin, but leave skin even and smooth. You can also use it to safely take off corns and any hard bit from your toes, including the ridge of that builds up under the little toe.' Invest in a crystal nail file and file the nails straight across. Dabbs is keen to emphasise that the length you choose is key: having them either too short, or too long can cause problems. Essentially, you want them to protrude off your toes slightly, but not enough that they could catch on anything. Jessica Phenomen Cuticle Oil, (£16.50, ; Elim MediHeel AHA Foot Exfoliant, (£30.00, ; Margaret Dabbs Crystal Nail File, (£20, ; Dior Crème Abricot Strengthening Nail Care, (£29.00, ; Hèrmes Nail polish in Rouge Casaque (£46, 'Next wet your feet and use a foot scrub, massaging it between the toes and all over the feet to ensure soft, fresh new skin,' advises Dabbs. After this, you can soak your feet if you enjoy the process. Dry the feet carefully, including between the toes, before applying a foot cream like the Miracle Foot Cream, (£22, plus cuticle oil or serum. If you're painting your nails or buffing them, you might want to do this before adding moisturiser, but moisturiser is non-negotiable! If you need to push your cuticles gently back, that's fine. Ensure they are well-hydrated and ease them gently away from your nail. It is otherwise best to avoid cutting, removing or tampering with them. Equally, no professional should go at your cuticles over-enthusiastically, fully ridding your nail of them. Our cuticles are there to protect the nail from bacteria. Incorporating a foot lotion into your daily routine, (and your foot file and scrub one weekly) will prevent the hard skin building up again and ensure feet that you can flash at any time.
Health Line
26-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Foot Care?
Key takeaways Medicare covers foot care for injuries, emergencies, and treatment for certain conditions. In most cases, Medicare doesn't pay for routine foot care unrelated to a serious medical condition. People with diabetes can have routine foot care covered under Part B, including specialized shoes and shoe inserts. However, Medicare can cover routine foot care for people with diabetes if it's considered medically necessary. 'Foot care' can refer to treatment for serious conditions that affect the health of your feet or everyday concerns like calluses. Medicare separates these two kinds of foot care and only covers treatments that are medically necessary. In most cases, Medicare doesn't pay for routine foot care unrelated to a serious medical condition. However, you might have additional coverage for foot care if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. What kind of foot care does Medicare cover? Medicare covers foot care that's considered medically necessary. For care to be considered medically necessary, it needs to be prescribed by a physician or other licensed healthcare professional. Generally, Medicare will cover services you receive from a qualified podiatrist, although care from other physicians and healthcare professionals might also be covered in some cases. When you receive medically necessary foot care as an outpatient, it will be covered under Part B. Some examples of foot care that would be considered medically necessary include treatment of: wounds injuries infected nails hammer toe heel spurs If you receive foot care while you're admitted to the hospital, it will be covered under Part A. Just like with Part B coverage, the foot care you receive in the hospital must be considered medically necessary to be covered. No matter where you receive foot care, it must be performed by a Medicare-approved healthcare professional to qualify for coverage. Does Medicare Part C cover more foot care? Depending on your Part C, or Medicare Advantage, plan, you might have additional foot care coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all of the same services as parts A and B. In many cases, Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage, which could include routine foot care. Check with your plan for specific coverage details before you go to your foot care appointment. What types of foot care are not covered? Medicare does not cover routine foot care, such as treatment for flat feet or fittings for orthopedic shoes. Routine foot care also includes hygiene and upkeep services, such as: nail trimming treatment of calluses removal of dead skin foot soaks application of lotions This applies to Medicare parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan might offer coverage for some of these services, including orthopedic shoes. What is covered for diabetes foot care? Some of Medicare's foot care rules are different if you have diabetes. Notably, people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy may receive a foot exam once every 6 months. Diabetes can lead to an increased risk of serious foot problems. Many issues are caused by nerve damage called neuropathy. Over time, this nerve damage can cause you to no longer feel any sensation in your feet. This can make it difficult to know if you've injured your foot or have a wound. People with diabetes are also susceptible to skin damage and ulcers, which can become infected. Additionally, diabetes can affect your circulation and reduce the blood flow to your ankles, feet, and toes. Together, all these factors can lead to serious infections that could eventually result in the need for a foot amputation. Medicare Part B covers foot care services for people with diabetes. These services include: nail care removal of calluses and corns specialized shoes and inserts You'll need a diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy to have these services covered by Medicare. If your podiatrist recommends it, you can be covered for one pair of custom-molded or extra-depth shoes each year, too, including the fitting appointments. Medicare will also pay for inserts to help your regular shoes provide the right support. If you prefer inserts instead of therapeutic shoes, you can get two pairs of custom-molded inserts or three pairs of extra-depth inserts each year. How do I qualify for these benefits, and what rules apply? To qualify for coverage, your condition needs to be under physician treatment. Your healthcare professional will need to show documentation that you're receiving treatment for a condition that requires foot care. For Medicare to begin paying, you'll need to be receiving active care for 6 months for that condition. Make sure you're enrolled in either Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Part A only covers hospital and long-term care expenses. Your podiatrist or other foot care professional must be enrolled in Medicare and accept assignment. If you're using a Medicare Advantage plan, you might need to use a healthcare professional who's in your plan's network. What costs should I expect? Your costs will depend on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Part B Under Original Medicare, you'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for services once you meet your deductible. In 2025, the Part B deductible is $257. Once you've met your deductible, Medicare will typically cover 80% of the cost of medically necessary foot care services and medical equipment, including diabetic footwear, if you meet certain conditions. You'll also need to pay the Part B premium. Most people will pay a premium of $185 per month in 2025. You can search for the Medicare-approved costs of foot care in your area on the Medicare website. Part C (Medicare Advantage) When you use a Medicare Advantage plan, the costs will vary depending on your plan's rules. You might have different coinsurance costs, a different deductible amount, or a different monthly premium. You might also need to stay in network to avoid higher costs. If your Advantage plan offers additional foot care coverage beyond Original Medicare, the costs will be outlined in your plan details. Medigap Medigap plans do not provide added benefits for foot care. However, Medigap plans might cover some of the coinsurance or other out-of-pocket costs leftover from your Part B coverage.
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
If Your Feet Always Hurt, You Probably Need a Few of These Things in Your Life
Put your best, pain-free foot forward with products from Dr. Ho's, Medistik, Body Glide, and more. If you're anything like me, you know all about foot pain. It doesn't matter if you're wearing beautiful heels or supposedly comfortable sneakers; you're going to end up with soreness, blisters, or both. But there's a better way, and it doesn't have to involve giving up your favourite footwear. What you need is the right products to ease discomfort, or prevent it, and you'll be ready to put one foot in front of the other without the fear of paying for it later. To make sure you have the best chance at a pain-free existence, we've scoured the web, dug into reviews, and investigated the latest products that are geared to give you what you need to soothe tired, achy, or blistered up feet. From aftercare to preventative measures, we've got something for everyone, so you're bound to find something that's worth your money. Here are a few of our favourite products for people who suffer from sore feet: 14 Of Our Favourite Tools for Post-Workout Recovery and Flexibility The Absolute Best Spray-On Deodorants You Can Get In Canada Right Now We Gave This Bite-Relief Tool A Try — Here's How It Worked Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
