Are you embarrassed by the state of your tootsies? Now’s the time to take action. One in three of us hate our feet so much we cover them up, even on the hottest of days, to hide dry skin, discoloured nails and cracked heels. More disturbingly, one in five would even consider surgery to make their tootsies look more appealing. But sort any issues now and you’ll dare to bare before the summer’s over.
1. Corns and calluses
These areas of hard skin can cause throbbing, painful sensations when you walk or stand for long periods. Corns tend to be small circles of thick skin, while calluses are rough, hard, yellow areas of skin.
Why do I have them?
“They’re caused by constant friction and pressure on weightbearing areas of your foot,” explains podiatrist Michael Harrison-Blount.
Solution:
“A chiropodist can remove them with a sharp scalpel,” explains Michael. Alternatively, use a foot file once a week at home.
2. Fungal nail infections
The infection usually starts along the outside rim of the nail, which turns whitish yellow, brown or green. If left untreated it can spread into or under the nail plate, causing it to thicken and separate from the nail bed.
Why do I have them?
“Fungi are usually found in warm, humid places, such as bathrooms, changing rooms and public showers,” says chiropractor Dr Neil Murphy. Infections can be made worse by wearing nail polish, which seals in moisture, allowing the fungus to grow.
Solution:
“Keep your feet clean, and always dry them thoroughly, because germs can spread and cause further infections,” advises Neil. Change your socks daily, don’t share towels and always wear flip-flops in communal wet areas.
3. Dry, cracked heels
Thick, dry skin on the heels can crack and bleed.
Why do I have them?
There are no oil glands on the soles of your feet, so they become dehydrated.
Solution:
“Moisturise your feet daily,” says Michael. “The skin on the feet is thicker than elsewhere on the body, so needs a more intensive product especially designed for feet.”
4. Bunions
These painful swellings occur on the first joint of the big toe, causing it to jut out.
Why do I have them?
“Bunions can be hereditary,” says podiatrist Mougnir Boumedjane, adding that they can be exacerbated “if you spend a lot of time on your feet”.
Solution:
“Good footwear will ease the discomfort,” says Mougnir. “If you wear high heels one day, swap to a lower heel the next to take the pressure off your feet.” Or try orthotic shoes to improve the distribution of weight on your foot when you walk.
“If your bunions are very painful you can have a steroid injection,” says Mougnir. But surgery is the only way to be rid of them.
5. Ingrown nails
The nail grows into the skin, causing pain and infection.
Why do I have them?
“Badly fitting shoes prevent nails growing out easily; instead they catch the skin and grow inwards,” says Michael. Poor nail trimming, such as leaving sharp edges, can cause them too.
Solution:
“Cut each nail straight across,” says Michael. “Leave a few millimetres of the white part, then file any sharp edges.”
But don’t cut ingrown nails – visit a chiropodist or podiatrist who’ll cut the nail and put padding down the ingrown side to encourage it to grow normally.
Feet first
In pain? Try these tips
Toe stretch
Slip the fingers of your opposite hand between your toes to prise them apart. Hold for 30 seconds, then pull toes downwards, so you feel a gentle stretch through the toes and the top of the foot.
Ice therapy
Dunk your toes in crushed ice to reduce swelling. Or try some water therapy in the shower. Warm water improves blood flow, while cold reduces inflammation.
Massage
Tight muscles in the feet can contribute to pain. Place your thumb beneath the mounds of the toes to release tension.
Start at the base of the big toe and massage down through the inner arch, working back up along the little toe side of the foot.
Repeat a few times until your foot feels looser.
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