Families | Runcorn and Widnes World - in association with netmums.com - Parent Resources

See a video on how to look after your feet.

If you’re having trouble looking after your feet, you're not alone. Age Concern reports that nearly one in three older people can’t cut their own toenails.

Footcare problems can happen to people who are less mobile than they used to be, particularly if they have difficulty bending down. Some people have limited eyesight, which makes it harder for them to look after their feet.

If you’re having trouble looking after your feet, NHS services in your local area can help.

You don’t have to have a specific foot health problem to use these services. If you’re having any trouble with footcare, then they are for you.

Find local footcare services.

Routine footcare includes:

• Cutting and filing toenails and keeping them at a comfortable length.
• Smoothing and moisturising dry and rough skin.
• Checking for cracks and breaks in the skin and inflammation such as blisters.
• Looking for signs of infection or other obvious early problems, and seeking professional advice.
• Choosing suitable socks and footwear.
• Keeping your feet clean, dry, mobile, comfortable and warm.

If you’re having trouble with these footcare routines, you can use the NHS services in your area. Your local primary care trust (PCT) has to ensure that you have access to these.

Staff will cut your nails, remove dry and hard skin, give you advice on suitable footwear, and teach you how to prevent future foot problems.

Your GP can tell you more about footcare services in your area. There may be voluntary organisations near you who offer help. Your local pharmacist or community centre may also have information about local services.

Find out more about footcare in Foot health care advice.

If you have a specific problem with your feet, visit your GP.

You may be able to receive NHS treatment from a podiatrist or chiropodist. Some NHS podiatry/chiropody services offer self-referral, so you may not have to go through your GP.

Some common foot health problem include:

• Painful bunions
• Corns and callouses
• Heel or arch pain
• Cracked skin
• Ingrowing toenails
• Fungal infections (athlete’s foot)

Foot problems and foot pain can often be treated. If you are an older person, they are not simply a part of ageing that you have to put up with. Proper treatment can relieve pain and help you to move around more easily.