Putting your best foot forward!

Walking is the best medicine for your feet and is a pleasant and reasonably easy way to maintain physical fitness. Ideally each person should walk 10,000 steps a day, to increase the heart rate and metabolism.

Sandals, fitted shoes or joggers should be worn ideally to help support the feet. Thongs are not recommended for use over a long period as they provide no support and can damage the feet.

Feet are a complicated part of the body consisting of 52 bones, tendons and ligaments which all work together to enable us to walk. On a warm summer’s day the feet produce 500 mls of perspiration from 250,000 sweat glands. This perspiration can lead to fungal infections when joggers and business shoes are worn creating a moist warm environment.

Tinea pedis (athletes foot) can be itchy irritating and sometimes painful. Simple and effective treatments are available including topical antifungal products such as Daktarin, Canestan or Lamisil. Success lies with continuous and persistent use of the products.

You can also help prevent foot nasties, by wearing well ventilated shoes, and using specialised foot powders to help absorb excess moisture and prevent odour causing bacteria.

Fungal infections can also occur on or under the toenails and are more difficult to eradicate. Symptoms are yellow, cracked or crumbly nails and can often have been present for many years. Severe infections may require prescription only tablets. The convenient once a week treatment with Loceryl Nail Lacquer seems to offer the best results.

Free Self-Cards are available from Pharmacies to give advice on treatment and prevention of foot conditions, or just ask your pharmacist.

Happy Walking.