The feet tend to be the most neglected part of the body. We spend most of our time caring for the body parts that need to be aesthetically pleasing, like teeth and skin, or the ones which we think do the most important jobs, like the heart. And whilst the pandemic has influenced a lot of us to become more health-conscious, we’re still neglecting our feet. However taking care of our feet is crucial now more than ever, as lockdown has had a serious impact on foot health.
Working from home has been great for many of us. We’ve had more time to relax, achieve a better work-life balance, and we’ve saved money on the daily commute too. But most of us have done a lot more sitting and a lot less moving. This means that our feet have been lying dormant for most of the day, which really isn’t good for them. Fortunately, we can still look after our feet when WFH in a number of simple ways.
Prioritise Nail Care
Toenails are actually one of the most important parts of the foot, and we could all do with spending more time looking after them. If we don’t, we could end up with some nasty infections, or even a dreaded ingrown toenail. Not only are these incredibly painful, but they can be a great expense too. My partner found this out when he had a partial nail avulsion, in which the podiatrist removed a segment of his ingrown nail to stop it from cutting into his skin. And he had to pay almost £300 for the pleasure! So it really does pay to look after your nails.
Make sure to keep your toenails trimmed, since long nails are more likely to attract bacteria and infection. And make sure to use nail clippers rather than nail scissors. Most nail scissors are designed for finger nails rather than toe nails, so you may not achieve the right cut when using them. If you struggle with trimming them, try doing it after a bath or foot soak. This is when they will be at their most soft and therefore easier to cut.
If you do think you have a problem with your toenails, make sure to go to a podiatrist straight away. It won’t go away by itself, and the earlier you get it seen to, the easier it will be to treat it.
Size Matters
Did you know that 3 out of 4 people wear the wrong size shoe? This may sound surprising, but since most adults don’t get their feet measured, it can be difficult for them to guess the right size. As well as being uncomfortable, wearing the wrong size shoe can cause some serious harm to your feet. You may just experience mild foot pain, like blisters. But wearing the wrong size for a long time can lead to more serious damage, such as stress fractures, knee pain and even foot deformities.
So whether you’re working at home wearing your best office wear or just your fluffy slippers, it’s important to make sure the size is right. When measuring your feet, make sure to do it in the afternoon after a bit of walking. This is when the foot expands to its true size. Also, make sure to measure both feet, since no two are exactly the same. If you find one to be significantly bigger than the other, make sure to buy the size that suits the biggest foot. And most importantly, make sure it feels comfortable.
Even if the size is right on the label, it might not feel perfect on your feet. Only you know what feels the best, so make sure to follow your gut. If you’re struggling to measure your feet, this simple step-by-step guide will help you produce the most accurate measurement.
Keep Them Moisturised
As our feet have very few oil glands and they have to carry our entire weight, it’s no surprise that they have the driest skin on our body. Whilst your cracked heels are probably not something that you’d show off, you’ve probably not been losing sleep over them. After all, a bit of dry skin is pretty harmless, right?
Well, you may be surprised to hear that dry foot skin can cause a lot of damage. You may find that it causes you a mild level of discomfort, such as itchiness or tightness. But dry and cracked skin can also lead to infections, so it’s important to get it under control. Make sure to buy the right kind of moisturiser for your feet. It has the toughest skin on your body, so you can’t use just any.
If you don’t know which cream to buy, Good Housekeeping has compiled a great list of the best value foot creams available. Once you’ve found your ideal moisturiser, remember to not use it in between your toes, as this may lead to an infection.
If you’ve been moisturising your feet but you’re still struggling with keeping on top of dry skin, you should make a visit to your GP. Dry and flaking skin can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, so it’s important to rule this out before seeking out any further treatment.
Don’t Stop Moving
This is one of the most effective ways to look after our feet, as well as our general health. It can be hard to get the motivation to get up and move when we don’t have to. Working from home has made it far easier to go an entire day without moving our feet or our bodies. But by sitting down all day, we are more likely to suffer from poor circulation.
Symptoms of poor circulation include cold and numb feet, as well as brittle nails and slow healing wounds. Poor circulation can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to swelling, blood clots and even immobility.
So to increase circulation, make sure that you move every day. Whether you choose running, cycling or walking, any exercise is beneficial when it comes to improving circulation. To protect your feet even further, take a bit of time to do these simple stretches for strength and flexibility. What’s more, you don’t even need to leave your desk to exercise your feet. Use a tennis ball to roll your feet when working from your desk, or buy a pedal exerciser to make the most of your time sat down.
But make sure you don’t overdo it. As much as your feet need movement, they also need rest. Make sure to give yourself a day off once in a while to relax, pamper yourself, and put your feet up. If you think you need professional foot care, use the College of Podiatry’s website to find your local podiatrist. Alternatively, visit your GP to find out what treatment is right for you.
Written by Siobhan Kelly
WellBe is spearheading the way to a brighter future for corporate wellness. Our innovative portal is scientifically designed and tailored to each individual employee to improve their wellbeing. We specialise in a range of services from coaching and therapists, to meditation and reading materials. Our aim is to reduce workplace stress that costs UK businesses £42 billion per year. Get in touch with us by visiting our site wellbe.global for more information.
