Most of us take our feet for granted – Here are 10 tips on foot health

Most of us take our feet for granted. We don’t give them the same attention as we give other parts of our bodies, such as our hands, skin or teeth. Yet having a good foot care routine is essential to maintaining our mobility, independence and quality of life.

In the Winter 2017/18 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Laurence Ambrose, lead policy officer at the College of Podiatry, has 10 top tips on keeping our feet healthy. He covers a regular foot care routine, checking for foot damage caused by nerve or circulatory problems, buying the right footwear and dealing with common minor ailments, such as bunions and chilblains.

“Foot problems can occur at any age, but may become more likely as women reach the menopause and beyond,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “Many people forget about their feet until problems arise, whether it’s an ingrowing toenail, pain or cracked heels. If your feet feel sore, you may struggle to walk and do your daily activities, and this can affect your physical and mental health. If you have any issues with your feet, it’s important to see a podiatrist.”

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is completely independent and is not sponsored by any companies. It provides impartial, easily understood information to women and healthcare professionals. The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top medical experts, such as gynaecologists, GPs, consultants, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, complementary practitioners etc.