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Footcare

 

Footcare should be everyone's number one priority as part of your self-care and skin-care program. It is highly likely that through your feet the first signs of infection occur. Your feet are important because, along with the rest of your lower limbs, they carry your body weight. Whether you are super fit or live with limited mobility, please take care of them.

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I often receive questions about feet, but providing accurate advice can be challenging without being a healthcare professional or podiatrist. If you have lymphoedema in your feet—or if you are diabetic—it is essential to seek professional medical support.

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What's the difference between a health practitioner and a podiatrist?

 

A Foot Health Practitioner (FHP) is trained to provide routine foot care and support overall foot health. They can evaluate the condition of your feet, offer suitable treatment, and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for further care.

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Podiatrists are health care professionals who have been trained to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, help to keep patients mobile and active, relieve pain, and treat infections.

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Image hands holding foot to depict self-care of feet

Foot Hygiene

 

One of the first places that an infection can get into your body is through your feet

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  • Wash and dry your feet every day

  • ​Test the water temperature

  • Wash and dry between your toes carefully; it is so easy for an infection to start between the toes

  • If you can't reach your feet to dry them use a hairdryer on a low setting

  • Moisturise your feet daily including heels, knees and legs, to keep the skin in good condition

  • Use non-scented soaps 

  • Use a nonscented, low pH moisturiser

  • See a Chiropodist or Podiatrist regularly

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Choosing between scented and unscented soaps and moisturisers isn't just about preference—it impacts your skin's health and overall well-being. While scented products may offer a luxurious experience, they often contain artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.  Unscented products give gentle care without excessive additives, making them a better option for those who value skin health.

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Our support group values chemical-free soaps and moisturisers, focusing on quality rather than price—whether affordable, mid-range, or high-end. While I can share tips and advice, the decision ultimately rests with you. However, remember to wash your feet daily and keep them moisturised—proper skincare is essential for overall well-being.

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Image Portable footbath

Portable foot bath if you have difficulty getting in and out of a bath or just need to soak your feet.

Image Toe towel

Foot Towel - dry between your toes. Essential to keep this are dry to stay infection free.

Image Lotion applicator

Lotion applicator - If you have limited mobility this handy tool helps to moisturise your feet.

Foot Infections

There are so many things that could go wrong with your feet; it is important that you look after them. Changes in skin texture, numbness, difficulty walking, or persistent sores that won’t heal may indicate declining foot health. Monitoring these signs closely can help you take early action and maintain overall foot wellness.

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Also look out for:

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  • cracked or peeling skin

  • ​thickening of the skin

  • athletes foot

  • discoloured or thick toenails

  • ​ingrown toenails

  • ​numbness in your feet

  • ​deformity of the toes

  • cramp

  • ​swollen feet or legs

  • losing your balance

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The tips and advice provided are intended to support self-care. It’s essential to consult your healthcare professional and schedule regular visits with a foot health practitioner or podiatrist to ensure proper foot care.

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If you do find an infection, treat it immediately by using an anti-fungal cream or anti-fungal powder. On cracked, broken skin, use antiseptic cream with a clean dressing.

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Ankles

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Puffy foot or ankle oedema may indicate underlying health issues and should be taken seriously, especially if the swelling has persisted for more than three months. While not all oedema is lymphoedema, the continued presence of oedema indicates that the lymphatic system is under strain. Speak with your general practitioner.

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If your healthcare provider has prescribed compression garments, make sure to wear them as directed.  If you do not wear compression on your lower limbs, make sure your shoes, socks, or stockings do not cause indentations. Ankles/feet need mobility, so build the following into your #GetMoving routine.

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  • ankle circles

  • toe to heel rocks

  • toe pointing and flexing 

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Toes

Image painful cracked toe

When washing, drying and moisturising your feet, don't forget the tips of your toes

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This image could depict a stubbed toe or the effects of neglecting to moisturise the tips of the toes. Every part of your foot needs to be moisturised as part of your daily routine. If your feet are exposed, make sure to moisturise them multiple times a day to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Thank you to the L-W-O member for allowing me to use this photograph.

Pedicures and Manicures

 

I love to go for a pedicure or manicure, and living with lymphoedema hasn't stopped me. Despite the myths, there's no reason to avoid pedicures or manicures. Please ensure the salon is clean, sterilises its equipment, and has certified beauticians. Check for qualifications; you will find these displayed in the reception area of reputable salons.

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For those with lymphoedema or diabetes, the feet are a common entry point for infection. Proper care is essential. Sadly, several years ago I caught a nail fungal infection by having a pedicure. Luckily, then, I didn't have any health issues. Clearing fungal infections takes a long time.

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Beauty salons focus on cosmetic care, and aren’t trained to handle infections. For foot health, it's best to see a qualified chiropodist or podiatrist.

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Summary

 

  • Wear well-fitting footwear for support and to protect your feet to avoid getting blisters.

  • New shoes - break in before wearing to a special occasion

  • Please do not wear flip flops, mules they are inclined to cause stress fractures not good for lymphoedema

  • Blisters can cause cellulitis

  • Regularly check your feet for signs of infection

  • Don't walk around barefoot in case you step on something or stub your toe

  • Don't walk around barefoot as you are more likely to pick up fungal infections

  • Wash and dry between your toes carefully

  • Use anti-fungal powder to prevent athlete's foot, or if you have symptoms of it, such as peeling skin

  • Cutting your own toenails? Use a Nail Clipper

  • Cut nails straight, leave some of the nail above the skin

  • Do not risk infection by cutting nails too short

  • Best time to cut nails is after a bath or shower

  • Moisturise your feet everyday 

  • Wear clean socks/hosiery everyday

  • Wear cotton socks but make sure they are not too tight

  • Make sure socks don't leave indentations

  • If you can, see a chiropodist regularly

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Elevate your legs and feet to allow the fluid to drain.

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Elevated legs on specially designed pillow
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