Sarah’s Health Notes: How to have happy feet
Consider the amount you spend on your face. (And that’s ‘spend’ in both money and time…) Now consider how much you allocate to tending to your feet. Often, it’s a last minute skimpy pedicure and toenail varnish because you’re wearing sandals.
Yet your feet are some of the most intricate and sophisticated parts of our body – with 26 bones and 33 joints, plus a complex network of muscles, tendons and ligaments. They work hard every day – often pretty non-stop – bearing the weight of our bodies. So this is a plea to look after them. They really do reward you if you treat them well. What’s more, happy feet make a happy face – not to mention happy back and the rest of you. Win, win, win!
Sadly, research shows that at least in three Brits are embarrassed by their feet, according to podiatrist Emma Supple. And worse - over one in five people are so embarrassed they don't get proper medical treatment for foot conditions, from corns, verrucas and athlete’s foot to ingrowing toenails, heel pain and bunions. (For a list of Common Foot Problems, see the College of Podiatry entry here.)
Please don’t ignore problems because they are likely to get worse. The College of Podiatry (cop.org.uk) urges people to seek help if there is a change in colour, temperature or feeling. Podiatrists are considered key-workers under lockdown, both working within the NHS or in private practise, so they have been treating patients most in need. In the near future, it looks as if podiatrists will be able to go back to seeing routine, low risk cases. To find a registered private podiatrist, look at Find a Podiatrist on the College website.
Meanwhile, here are some simple things you can do to help your feet, suggested by the College of Podiatry:
• Remove rough hard yellow skin weekly with a foot file – never use sharp instruments as they may damage healthy skin underneath.
• File toenails with a long-handled nail file little and often, daily if you can; no need to soak first. If you cut your nails, do not cut down the sides as this can cause ingrown toenails.
• Moisturise daily, but not between your toes. If necessary, try a specialist foot cream with urea. [EG Eucerin Urea Repair Plus foot cream/£13.54, at amazon.co.uk.].
• Always dry feet properly after bathing, particularly between your toes.
• Mix up shoes and heel heights whether you’re WFH or not; if you normally wear orthotics keep on to avoid foot pain recurrence.
And so to shoes! I’m a complete devotee of the Sole Bliss range, which was developed by long-term shoe industry insider Lisa Kay. Lisa spotted a gap in the market for fashionable comfy shoes that would suit the one in three women with bunions (and that includes uber-fashionistas like Victoria Beckham), or with wide feet or those who, like the Duchess of Cornwall (a Sole Bliss fan too), need shoes they can stand in happily for long periods.
I don't have bunions but my size 6 feet are not the slimmest and I have a dodgy back (scoliosis). Over the years, I have come to detest wearing tight shoes and high heels. But equally I don't want to wear sneakers and wellies (or riding boots) everywhere… and I love pretty shoes. So I was very happy indeed to discover this brand.
My most favourite ‘going out’ shoes are my Sole Bliss red suede Ingrid courts with a two-inch chunky but elegant heel (do look at the range of colours and finishes from matte leather to suede, and also sling backs – pretty fabulous). They’ve seen me through winter and spring and I still pop them on during lockdown, even though going out isn’t an option.
But for garden teas and suppers (which are permissible) my feet are gorgeously cushioned in yellow suede Lizzie pumps, which are selling like hot cakes on solebliss.com. They’re also available in a pretty pale blue, plus black, navy and white leather with red on the way, I’m told.
The special thing about Sole Bliss is the way they’re cut wide but don't look it. The innovative ‘Bunion Bed ®’ is a soft stretch panel across the width of your foot. Under the sole are three layers of memory foam to cushion and contour your feet as well as providing shock absorption as you walk.
All I can say is I love this range. In fact, I was so excited when I got my yellow Lizzies that I took them round to a (socially distanced) tea with a girlfriend and danced round her garden to demo just how divinely comfy they are.
