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Care of feet
Although easily overlooked, the human foot is a complex and marvellous machine that needs proper care. Each foot is made up of 26 bones bound together by ligaments, supported by muscles and supplied with blood and nerves.
The feet are often one of the first parts of the body to be affected by CMT, with problems including:
very high arches
hammer toes
loss of feeling
drop foot
weak ankles
The all-important, day-to-day care comes down to you and should include the following rules of basic foot care (with thanks to the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists):
wear shoes that are comfortable and offer good support.
make sure that your arches are fully supported
keep your feet clean
apply an unscented moisturiser, baby lotion or olive oil to dry skin
avoid using hot water and strong soaps
dry your skin carefully - don’t rub hard with a towel
do not cut corns, calluses or ingrown toenails – see your doctor or chiropodist
avoid bruises, burns, cuts, cracks, chilblains and frostbite. If you get any of these seek professional advice
any signs of a problem with a mole on the foot should be checked by your doctor or chiropodist immediately
avoid exposure to cold and dampness
seek immediate professional advice if you ever get an ulcer or sore on the foot or leg
If you ever have any loss of feeling (or feel numb) in your feet or legs, the following should also help:
see a chiropodist at least once a year, and preferably much more often.
check your feet everyday, particularly look out for any cuts, splinters, abrasions or blisters. If you have any of these, make sure they are healing properly, otherwise talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. A mirror on the floor propped up against the wall can help you see your feet. Otherwise get a friend or partner to check for you.
before putting on your shoes, shake them out to get rid of any pebbles and then check the insides with your hands to feel for any rough spots.
Date updaed: 10/10/2012
