Footcare supplies

Help with foot pain…..

footcare — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:17:54 +0000

Foot pain is extremely common. About 70% of Britons will suffer at some time in their lives. The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones and 33 joints, layered with intertwining muscles, ligaments and nerves. If you consider that with each step we take, a force of 2-3 times our body weight is placed on our feet and that during a typical day we take 8-10,000 steps, you can see why we will all suffer foot pain at some time in our lives. Take a look at the Footcare Supplies website www.footcaresupplies.com for a large range of shoe inserts that will relieve the soreness.

Fish Pedicure Risk

footcare — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:23:01 +0000

The Health Protection Agency has studied all aspects of fish pedicure therapy. It says that “the risk of infection is likely to be very low”. However, it recommends that diabetics or those with compromised immune systems do not have fish pedicures. The HPA specifically addresses the possibility of transmitting blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis. It says that, in theory, transmission could occur if infected blood from one person got into an open wound on another using the same tank, although, the risk is “extremely low”. In part, the risk would be minimised due to factors such as the diluting action of the water and the fact that infected blood would be unlikely to stay on the fishes’ mouths. It recommends that fish pedicures are not recommended for those who have had their legs waxed or shaved in the previous 24 hours. People with open cuts, wounds, abrasions or broken skin. Anyone who has a foot infection including athlete’s foot or verruca. Have psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis affecting feet or lower legs. Those who are diabetic (which leads to increased risk of infection). Anyone with a blood-borne virus such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. Those with an immune deficiency due to illness or medication. People with blood disorders or taking anticoagulant medication.

Corns and Callouses!

footcare — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:25:55 +0000

Corns and callouses are caused by pressure when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. Corns usually appear on the tops or sides of toes whilst callouses form on the soles of feet. ProLyne Technogel corn pads or foot cushions will relieve the pressure. Wearing shoes that fit better or using pads may help. To avoid infection, do not try to shave off the corn or callous, see your Podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.

Mosquitoes Trapped by Smelly Feet

footcare — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:02:33 +0000

Tanzanian scientists are developing a new trap for malaria spreading mosquitoes using the odour from human feet to lure them. They asked volunteers to donate worn socks which were placed with insecticide-laced drapes, outside people’s homes in rural Tanzania. The traps lured up to 4 times as many mosquitoes as humans do. The doctor leading the research said that in an attempt to get blood from these devices, 74-95% that landed, were killed.

Size 5 feet – A Woman’s First Step to Sex Appeal

footcare — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:17:04 +0000

Women with size 5 feet, such as Sophia Loren and Victoria Beckham, are most attractive to men, according to research. The formula for a perfect woman’s foot is a size 5, wearing 3 inch heels and red nail varnish. Nearly half of men polled, said they looked at a woman’s feet on a first date and a third made a character judgment based on the state of them. It also found that 4 out of 10 women went to extreme lengths to cover their unkempt feet in the summer by hiding them in boots or shoes. The top foot-related worry for women was cracked heels and dry skin, followed by chipped nail varnish and blisters and corns.

Danger – Espadrilles!!

footcare — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:54:38 +0000

Beverly Ashdown of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists has given a “thumbs down” to espadrilles. She says that as they are completely flat, they could cause strain in the lower legs and achilles tendon, particularly if you are used to wearing heels. There is also little cushioning for shock absorption which is bad for the knees and back. At the best of times, the upper fabric provides little support and tends to stretch and loosen with age. This means that, like flip-flops, the foot can slip off the side, potentially causing ankle strain and pain. If the heel material stretches, your toes are forced to grip the sole to keep the shoe on. To sum up then – keep espadrilles for the beach!!

Heels put Women on High Road to Arthritis

footcare — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:38:33 +0000

Experts warn that towering heels could bring an increased risk of arthritis in later life. High shoes can alter posture and increase pressure on the foot, ankle and knee joints, raising the threat of osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints and affects at least 8m Britons. The problem is more common and severe in women, said the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Professor Anthony Redmond advised women to opt for round toed shoes with a maximum of 1″ or 2-3cm and shock absorbent soles. The society warned that the UK could be hit by an ‘arthritis crisis’ caused by high heels and badly fitting footwear, especially trainers. The number of cases was rising, with six out of ten sufferers having the condition in their feet. Increasing levels of obesity and longer lifespans were other factors. The poll also found that 3/4 of men and women did not wear trainers designed for the sport they were doing. Prof Redmond said fitted trainers will help protect participants as, during sport, forces through the joints can exceed eight times their body weight. He also urged anyone feeling pain in their feet or ankles to seek help as early treatment was vital.

Don’t strangle your legs’ circulation

footcare — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:50:05 +0000

Swollen legs and feet can often cause a problem when choosing hosiery. Poor circulation and diabetes often lead to swollen lower legs, ankles and feet which can then be exacerbated by the wearing of socks with elasticated tops.

Loose fitting socks such as Halls Softops that grip the leg without restricting circulation are recommended. No elastic is used in their manufacture and the socks can be purchased in standard or extra wide width in various yarn mixtures including wool and cotton

Are you your own arch enemy?

Footcare advice — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:48:12 +0000

Whether your feet have high, low or normal arches, it’s important to ensure that you always have good arch support. Otherwise, unless your shoes fit perfectly, your arches may become a constant source of pain and discomfort that takes the enjoyment out of walking or running. Unfortunately, because shoes are made for average feet, they rarely fit perfectly in every way. The solution is to make them fit precisely by adding gel or silicone arch supports, combined arch and heel supports, or insoles with built-in arch support. There are plenty available, at prices to suit all budgets.

Isn’t it time to give your feet a treat?

Footcare advice — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:45:24 +0000

When you consider how much we use (and abuse) our feet, it’s hardly surprising that they sometimes become painful. And that pain often transfers to knees and hips as well. Running, jumping, kicking and simply walking put a lot of weight and stress onto your feet, so it makes sense to protect them with silicone or gel shoe inserts. That’s especially true for athletes and sports players, but also for anyone who wears shoes without built-in cushioning.

It’s strange how we willingly pay quite a lot of money for fashionable shoes, but are reluctant to spend a relatively small amount on shock absorbing insoles or orthotics that will make them comfortable as well as smart.