Frequently Asked Questions

• Athletes foot
• Ball of foot pain
• Nail infection
• Blisters
• Bunions
• Callus
• Cold feet
• Corns
• Dry feet
• Foot odour
• Hard skin
• Mortons neuroma
• Verrucae

• Hammer toes
• Ingrown toenail

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Fallen arches
• Pronation
• Arch pain

• Cracked heels
• Heel pain
• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis

• Chilblains
• Knee pain
• Shin splints

• Diabetes
• DVT Deep vein thrombosis
• Pregnancy

• This is a term given to a fungal infection of the skin on your foot. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of your foot including your nails. It can spread to your hands, and even to your face. It is easily passed from one person to another through contact with their infected skin.
• Here at Simply Feet you will find a number of skincare products to effectively treat fungal infections such as Athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal treatments available to buy online include athlete’s foot cream and athlete’s foot powder.
• Anti-fungal creams, powders and sprays are highly effective in not only treating infection but in helping to prevent such fungal and associated bacterial infections too.
• Fungal infections are generally quite itchy, some may find a stinging sensation when they try to itch the area. At Simply Feet we also sell anti-fungal creams that come with soothing formulas to help calm the itch.
• Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot is quite common amongst those with active lifestyles. Fungal infections thrive in dark, moist and airless environments, similar to the conditions in running shoes. In addition to regularly applying anti-fungal creams, powders and sprays, the best way of combating fungal infection is to maintain good foot health through washing the feet with anti-bacterial soap and changing shoes and socks regularly.
• It is also advised that you wear socks and shoes that offer breathability to the foot area.
• Remember to continue applying your athlete’s foot cream, spray or powder even when the symptoms of athlete’s foot disappear. Fungal infections may not always show visible symptoms.
• Treat and care for fungal infections on the foot such as athlete’s foot by applying anti-fungal creams, powders and sprays. At Simply Feet we sell a number of effective anti-fungal treatments such as athlete’s foot cream and athlete’s foot powder. We also sell soothing aromatherapy treatments to help ease the associated itchiness of fungal infections.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Keep your feet dry - pad them with a towel - don't rub them. If the problem is occurring on your feet which are very dry already then rub in an antifungal cream using gloves to protect the spread of the infection to your hands.
• Pay attention to you're the way you look after your feet. Good hygiene is very important.
• Change your socks or hosiery regularly.
• Wash your feet with anti-bacterial soap.
• Apply anti-fungal cream, powder or spray to fight the fungal infection. Change the brand you are using if you don't get results after a few weeks. Keep up the treatment program, even if you think the infection is gone as the fungus causing the problem in the first place can still be there for a long time after the discomfort has disappeared.

• Ball of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia) is a term used to describe general pain in the ball of the foot - the area on the bottom of your foot, just behind the toes and in front of the arch.
• Ease pain in the front of your foot with our range of ball of foot orthotics. The ball of the foot refers to the area on the bottom of your foot, just behind your toes and in front of your arch.
• Ill-fitting shoes is one of the most common causes of ball of the foot pain, and orthotics offer an effective solution for easing this pain – allowing you to step with comfort.
• It is important that you wear shoes that are the correct size and are not too tight. If ball of the foot pain persists, orthotics can be worn to provide extra support and comfort to the area.
• Orthotics are corrective devices which help to realign the feet – this allows the pressure that you feel on the ball of the foot as you walk or run to be directed to the outside of the foot, where it should be felt.
• Here at Simply Feet you will find a range of orthotics, including orthotic inserts by Orthaheel – a leading foot care specialist brand. These orthotic inserts can be discreetly worn inside your shoes for targeted support and comfort to the feet.
• As well as orthotics, non-corrective inserts such as gel pads can be placed into shoes to help cushion the area – allowing you to step in comfort. Gel pads by Insolia can even be placed in high heels for support when you are wearing your favourite heeled shoes.
• Ease pain in the ball of the foot with ball of the foot orthotics available from Simply Feet. As orthotics can help to realign the foot, the pressure that you feel in the ball of your foot should be lessened for instant pain relief.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet and allow the pressure you feel as you run or walk to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.
• Use non-corrective devices such as gel insoles and other cushioning devices to help ease the pressure.
• Metatarsal pads are very useful. If the causes were to do with the actual bone structure, for example, if one of your metatarsals were abnormally long, then maybe surgery would help.

A Nail Infection/Fungus (Onychomycosis) is a condition when your toenails can become infected with a fungus that thrives on warm, dark and moist conditions.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• If the fungus has penetrated your nail bed then it will be a long-term treatment program.
• The fungus must be eliminated completely from the nail bed in order for any treatment to be deemed a success.
• Use a liquid or cream application to the affected area.
• Use this regularly and keep up the treatment even though the obvious signs have gone, you need to make 100% sure that all traces of the fungus has gone before you stop treatment.
• You can go to your GP and ask for tablets to fight the infection but they can have side effects.
• Good foot hygiene is very important in order to take away the environment in which the fungus thrives. So wash your feet daily in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly especially between your toes.
• Change your socks or hosiery regularly.
• Don’t use the same pair of shoes all the time - rotate their use.

Blisters are very uncomfortable, raised, and fluid filled bumps that often appear on your feet. They are not harmful at all but can cause you quite a lot of pain.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Keep the area clean and protected.
• Remove the source of the problem - such as tight shoes.
• Soak the foot in a mixture of water and Epsom salts.
• Do not "pop" a blister. If it does "break" don’t take the top layer of skin off, but keep it on to protect the area.

• Bunions occur at the base of the big toe. The position of the toe changes, to press into, or even overlap, the second toe. The bone behind the big toe (the metatarsal) becomes prominent and the foot becomes wider. The technical term for a bunion is hallux abducto valgus.
• Care for your feet and ease the discomfort of a bunion with our foot protection products for bunions. Bunion pads, cushions and sleeves can all be worn on the foot to help ease any discomfort caused by this condition. 
• Bunions occur at the base of the big toe when the position of the toe changes – the toe may press into or even overlap the second toe. This causes the metatarsal, the bone behind the big toe, to become prominent. Bunions make the foot appear wider, meaning that extra friction can be placed on the affected area – bunion protectors can help reduce the pressure placed on the foot, reducing any excess pain being placed on the bunion. 
• A bunion cushion is one example of a bunion protector. Cushions help to pad the area, protecting the area from pressure. A bunion sleeve is another type of protector, sleeves fit into most types of footwear and provide mild compression to help offer instant relief from pressure placed on the area. 
• Due to the unnatural position of the big toe, the widened foot can also put additional pressure on the little toe. 5th toe bunion guards can be worn on the little toe to protect this area from friction and pressure. 
• Ease the discomfort of bunions with bunion protectors available to buy online at Simply Feet. Bunion pads offer cushioning to the area to help ease foot pain. Other protectors include sleeves and cushions that can be easily worn inside most types of footwear.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Wear shoes that are roomy and have enough space in the front to accommodate the true width of your foot.
• Avoid wearing high heeled and pointy shoes.
• You can pad the area with felt or gel padding to help protect it from pressure. However, if your shoes are tight further padding won’t help – it will make it worse by increasing the pressure.
• A corrective device such as an take the pressure off your big toe by not letting your foot roll inwards onto your big toe joint. This approach is trying to improve foot function.
• In some cases surgery may be required. Whilst there are few people who like the thought of surgery – especially bunion surgery, which seems to have a bad reputation – it can be successful if performed for the right reasons and by an experienced surgeon. It is not a very good idea at all to have bunion surgery just to make yourfoot look better. For further information arrange to see your nearest HPC registered Podiatrist.

A callus is an area of thick, hardened skin usually found over a bony area of your foot, on your heel or around the ball of your foot. Callus can be mild and annoying, or can be severe and painful.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Try and reduce the development of callus by wearing cushioned, shock absorbing insoles in your shoes.
• Use a callus remover such as a pumice stone, chiropody sponge or foot file.
• NEVER try and remove callus with a pair of scissors or a razorblade.
• Limit the amount of time you wear high-heeled or thin-soled shoes.
• Use moisturising foot care creams, powers and sprays to help keep the area of callus supple. Alternative creams are available that promote the breakdown of callus.
• If you have diabetes or a problem with your circulation or nerves be especially careful and consult your nearest HPC registered Podiatrist.

Cold Feet is a very common condition that is usually the result of bad circulation in your lower leg and feet. The body can respond to cold temperatures by reducing blood flow to the lower leg leaving your feet particularly vulnerable.

RED: you should seek professional help immediately, either from an HPC Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.

• Stop smoking immediately.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Keep your cholesterol levels within acceptable levels.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep mobile as much as possible.
• Keep your feet warm and comfortable all the time.
• Wear support hosiery or socks to help with your circulation.
• Keep the skin on your feet and legs supple by using a good foot cream.

A corn is a small area of thick, hardened skin usually found over a bony area of your foot, on your heel or around the ball of your foot.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• CORN PLASTERS SHOULD NEVER BE USED BY PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES AS THEY CAN LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HEALTHY SKIN.
• Try and reduce the development of corns by wearing cushioned, shock absorbing insoles in your shoes.
• NEVER try and remove a corn with a pair of scissors, a razorblade or any other sharp instrument.
• Limit the amount of time you wear high-heeled or thin-soled shoes.
• Use foot care creams, powers and sprays to help keep the area around the corn supple.

Dry skin is patches of very dry, flaky skin that can feel rough to the touch.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Use a good foot cream, balm or ointment in order to moisturise the area and keep it supple. Make sure you get the cream etc between your toes and in all the areas affected. Frequent applications are required i.e. every day. If you are diabetic you should seek medical advice before using any pharmaceutical products on your feet.
• Use the foot cream at night and wear bed socks to help your skin absorb as much of the cream as possible.
• Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that rub against your feet and try and eliminate these.

Foot Odour is a common condition when your feet are excessively smelly all the time. Even though you may not have been walking or taking exercise.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Change your footwear and socks often.
• Don’t continue to use smelly shoes - throw them out and put on a clean pair.
• Use foot creams, powders and spraysto keep your feet dry and conditioned.
• Avoid enclosed footwear such as trainers and try and wear shoes and socks that allow the skin to "breathe", such as cotton socks, and leather shoes.
• Use a removable insole in your shoes, and replace it regularly.
• Wear sandals during warm weather.
• Shower regularly.

A callus is an area of thick, hardened skin usually found over a bony area of your foot, on your heel or around the ball of your foot. Callus can be mild and annoying, or can be severe and painful.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Try and reduce the development of callus by wearing cushioned, shock absorbing insoles in your shoes.
• Use a callus remover such as a pumice stone, chiropody sponge or foot file.
• NEVER try and remove callus with a pair of scissors or a razorblade.
• Limit the amount of time you wear high-heeled or thin-soled shoes.
• Use moisturising foot care creams, powers and sprays to help keep the area of callus supple. Alternative creams are available that promote the breakdown of callus.
• If you have diabetes or a problem with your circulation or nerves be especially careful and consult your nearest HPC registered Podiatrist.

When your feet hurt between your toes it could be that you have this condition. It is a swelling and trapping of the nerves that run in between your toes, and is most commonly found between your third and fourth toes.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Obviously have a critical look at your footwear - make sure that your shoes fit properly - that they have enough room in the front of the shoe (the toe box) and if you do have this condition already then this point is even more important as any further compression is going to make your situation much worse.
• Make sure you also pay attention to your socks, tights and hosiery making sure that these items are not too tight either.
• Take your shoes off and massage the affected area.
• Wear metatarsal padding such as a gel or felt pad.
• Consider using over the counter pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen.
• Consider wearing corrective foot devices such as Orthotics which will help realign your feet and prevent them from "rolling in".

Verrucae (Warts) are visible marks on your feet that vary in size from a pinhead to quite large. Usually found on the bottom of your foot they are sometimes raised up and could be found accompanied by an area of hard skin.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Prevention is better than cure - always wear socks, sandals or "flip-flops" in communal areas if you can.
• You can use various over the counter applications of wart treatment products. Please read the instructions very carefully before using these products.
• If in any doubt about whether the problem is a corn, or a wart, go and get it seen by a HPC registered Podiatrist who will diagnose the condition accurately and advise you on treatment.
• Remember - just like the common cold - a wart can disappear just as quickly as it arrived.

Also known as claw toes, a misshapen toe that bends downwards– usually any one, or all of, the lesser toes from the 2nd through to the 5th. When this happens to the first toe it is called a ‘trigger toe’ or ‘trigger hallux’.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

Also known as claw toes, a misshapen toe that bends downwards– usually any one, or all of, the lesser toes from the 2nd through to the 5th. When this happens to the first toe it is called a ‘trigger toe’ or ‘trigger hallux’.

RED: you should seek professional help immediately, either from an HPC Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.

• First of all pay close attention to how you cut your nails.
• NEVER dig down the sides of your nails with any scissors or probes of any kind.
• Wear properly fitting footwear - especially sports wear if you do a lot of this activity.
• Consider wearing corrective devices such as orthotics which will help correct the "rolling in" of your feet.
• Soak your feet and use anti septic cream or spray to help keep the affected area as clean as possible.

The achilles tendon connects the heel of the foot to the calf muscles. It is the strongest tendon in your body. These problems occur at the back of the foot where you will feel a sharp, constant pain when you walk or run, just above your heel.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Rest.
• Reduce your activity levels.
• Try not to walk in flat shoes or barefoot.
• Use a heel lift in your shoe to reduce tension over the area.
• Use cold therapy to reduce the swelling - an ice pack for 20 minutes x three times per day.
• The use of orthotics to control rearfoot pronation may be useful.
• Once the problem has settled down ease back into activity gradually.
• Gently stretch the area whenever you are going back to activity levels that have previously prompted the problem to occur – reducing the chances of more achilles tendon problems.
• Achilles injuries can be stubborn. If your pain has been present on and off for a number of years then consulting with a specialist podiatrist, or contacting your GP for referral to a physiotherapist or, in severe cases an orthopaedic surgeon, may be the best option.

Think of an old fashioned standard lamp, you know the one with a circular base that stands on the floor. Well, your feet placed together are the same as that standard lamp’s base - they support the rest of the structure above it, taking most of the pressure around the outside of the base. If that base is not steady, then you could have problems supporting your body. Arch pain is caused when this important structure does not behave as it should and you will feel pain along the bottom and inside of your feet.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Avoid wearing high heel shoes as much as you can
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need arch support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.

Think of an old fashioned standard lamp, you know the one with a circular base that stands on the floor. Well, your feet placed together are the same as that standard lamp’s base - they support the rest of the structure above it, taking most of the pressure around the outside of the base. If that base is not steady, then you could have problems supporting your body. Arch pain is caused when this important structure does not behave as it should and you will feel pain along the bottom and inside of your feet.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Avoid wearing high heel shoes as much as you can.
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.

Think of an old fashioned standard lamp, you know the one with a circular base that stands on the floor. Well, your feet placed together are the same as that standard lamp's base - they support the rest of the structure above it, taking most of the pressure around the outside of the base. If that base is not steady, then you could have problems supporting your body. Arch pain is caused when this important structure does not behave as it should and you will feel pain along the bottom and inside of your feet.

If you have arch pain, it may be that your current footwear does not provide adequate support and comfort for the arch of your foot. Foot arch orthotics can be worn to help ease foot pain, here at Simply Feet you will find a range of orthotic inserts.

Orthotics are ready to wear inserts that help to support the foot around its natural position. Our feet were not intended for walking on the hard and unnatural surfaces that we come across every day but rather for soft and natural surfaces such as sand and soil.

As a result of walking on these hard surfaces, our feet over pronate – this means that they roll inwards as we walk or run. This excess pronation can lead to pain in the arch of the foot. 

Orthotic inserts help to realign the foot to its natural position, helping to reduce pronation. As the foot position is improved, this can help to provide effective relief from painful arches as well as associative conditions such as knee pain, back pain and aching legs. 

Here you will find orthotic inserts by leading foot health specialists Orthaheel. The Orthaheel range of foot arch orthotics includes inserts for sports shoes and work shoes – so whether you are standing on your feet all day at work, or exercising at the gym, you can count on targeted pain relief from Orthaheel. 

Ease foot arch pain by wearing orthotic inserts in your footwear. Foot arch orthotics are recommended to help improve pronation, easing the pain of common foot health conditions such as Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Avoid wearing high heel shoes as much as you can.
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices and Orthotics - these will help realign your feet and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.

The appearance of fissures (cracks in your skin) and general dryness around the heel of your foot.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Use a pumice stone or other foot file to help reduce the thickness of the skin.
• Follow this treatment with the use of a good foot cream in order to moisturise the area and keep it supple. Use frequently i.e. every day.
• Use the foot cream at night and wear bed socks to help the foot absorb as much of the cream as possible.
• Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that rub against your heel and try and eliminate these.
• You can wear insoles and corrective devices to realign your feet and get them to work properly so as not to rub on your heels which can make this condition much worse.

Heel pain is probably the most common foot complaint. The heel is the part of the foot that strikes the ground first when you walk. Painful heels are a result of two major causes - the presence of a heel spur, or the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Try and take the pressure off the footas much as possible.
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet (stop the "rolling inwards") and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.
• Wearing cushioned heel supports and padding will help.
• Compression and stretching exercisesfrom your physiotherapist or podiatrist will help manage the painful symptoms.
• Correcting a leg length discrepancy - where this is the cause - with the use of a heel lift can help.
• Ice therapy to reduce the swelling will bring welcome relief from the pain.

This is probably the most common foot complaint. The heel is the part of the foot that strikes the ground first when you walk. Pain in this area is as a result of two major causes - the presence of a heel spur, or the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Try and take the pressure off the foot as much as possible.
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet ( stop the "rolling inwards") and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.
• Wearing cushioned heel supports and padding will help.
• Compression and stretching exercises from your physiotherapist or podiatrist will help manage the painful symptoms.
• Correcting a leg length discrepancy - where this is the cause - with the use of a heel lift can help.
• Ice therapy to reduce the swelling will bring welcome relief from the pain.

This is probably the most common foot complaint. The heel is the part of the foot that strikes the ground first when you walk. Pain in this area is as a result of two major causes - the presence of a heel spur, or the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Try and take the pressure off the foot as much as possible.
• Try and buy as good quality shoe as you can - you need support along the inside of your foot.
• Corrective Devices (Orthotics) - these will help realign your feet ( stop the "rolling inwards") and allow the pressure you feel as you stand to be directed towards the outside of your feet where it should be felt.
• Wearing cushioned heel supports and padding will help.
• Compression and stretching exercisesfrom your physiotherapist or podiatrist will help manage the painful symptoms.
• Correcting a leg length discrepancy - where this is the cause - with the use of a heel lift can help.
• Ice therapy to reduce the swelling will bring welcome relief from the pain.

Chilblains are small, red and itchy swellings on your feet.They can become more painful as time passes developing into larger dry areas that have cracked and can bleed.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Prevention is the key to managing this condition.
• Avoid sitting or standing in draughts and avoid extremes of cold at all times.
• Keep your body, feet and legs warm so that they do not get too cold.
• Do not just concentrate on your feet as chilblains can occur on your fingers, your face (especially the tip of your nose) and your ear lobes.
• Eat well.
• Good nutrition will help your body deal with this condition and could even prevent it occurring.
• Don’t scratch the affected area.
• Use lotions such as Witch Hazel or Calamine lotion to cool the area down.
• If the chilblain has developed into a sore which is infected please seek professional help immediately from your nearest HPC registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.

Knee Pain is the presence of chronic pain behind, or around your kneecap.

Conditions included in this can be:

• Runner’s Knee
• Chondromalacia
• Petellofemoral Stress Syndrome.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (If the pain is on the outside of your knee).

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Rest and cold treatment with an ice pack to help reduce the swelling.
• Stretching the hamstrings and quadriceps to help strengthen them.
• You can also strengthen these muscle groups by engaging in low impact exercise such as swimming, stationary cycling in a gym or at home.
• Some relief can be gained by wearing a knee brace.
• Wearing stable footwear.
• Using an orthotic or other insole to provide support to your foot and helping realign it to a normal position.
• Using normal pharmacy pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs available over-the-counter like aspirin etc.
• Surgery might be done if none of the above work.

A pain felt on the front of your legs usually coming on after a period of activity.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. The effect of this is a disturbance in your body’s ability to deal with a whole range of normal functions, some of which will impact on the health of your feet.

RED: you should seek professional help immediately, either from an HPC Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.

• Because of your feet being at HIGH RISK you must inspect your feet daily for blisters, bleeding, and cuts between your toes. Use a mirror to examine the bottom of your feet as well.
• Wear specialist diabetic foot care products such as shoes, socks, hosiery, slippers, insoles and so on.
• Your shoes are so important and must fit properly allowing for sufficient room where it is required or where your feet are particularly swollen.
• Use diabetic foot care products to take care of your feet such as specialist creams, lotions and sprays.
• Use a bed cradle to reduce the weight of heavy bedclothes on your feet.
• Take care of your skin! Wash your feet daily in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly especially between your toes.
• Cut your toenails very carefully and do not dig into the corners.
• Avoid excessive use of hot water and don’t soak your feet.
• Don’t use any acids or chemical remedies on your feet such as corn plasters and wart treatments.

A very common condition that is usually the result of bad circulation in your lower leg and feet. The body can respond to cold temperatures by reducing blood flow to the lower leg leaving your feet particularly vulnerable.

RED: you should seek professional help immediately, either from an HPC Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.

• Stop smoking immediately.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Keep you cholesterol levels within acceptable levels.
• Exercise regularly.
• Keep mobile as much as possible.
• Keep your feet warm and comfortable all the time
• Wear support hosiery to help with your circulation.
• Keep the skin on your feet and legs supple by using a good foot cream.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Pregnancy puts a considerable amount of pressure on your feet. With the change in your body's centre of gravity comes a change in your posture and stance - this can cause pain in your back, hips knees and of course feet. The most common foot conditions women find themselves with are over pronation, edema and plantar fasciitis.

GREEN: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.

• Pregnancy is the time to sack the stilettos and favour a flatter shoe when it comes to footwear. High heels put extra pressure on joints already pressurised by pregnancy, so avoid them or if you must indulge, limit their use to special occasions.

• While your shoe choices may not be catwalk material it is still important to invest in high quality supportive footwear. Aim for a shoe with in built arch support or one where if needs be you can insert your own support by means of an orthotic.

• Pregnancy shifts your centre of gravity, resulting in a tendency to walk differently in an effort too maintain stability. There is a great tendency for the feet to roll inwards when walking, something that can be helped by wearing an insole. This supports your arch allowing you to stay on your feet and walk around for longer. It also helps to minimise associated back and knee pain,so pop one in!

• While flip flops and espadrilles may seem ideal for holidays, my advice is to avoid them. Pregnancy is the one time you need extra support as thanks to the release of a hormone called relaxin, the ligaments which support the foot become loose. This means that unless your foot is well supported by your shoes, ideally ones with straps or laces, you are much more likely to experience pain, plus you increase your chances of injury. For the same reasons a barefoot walk down the beach is ill advised.

• Varicose veins are one of the many annoying ailments that may accompany pregnancy. Try to avoid prolonged sitting or standing and elevate the feet to take the pressure off them at the end of the day. Consider graduated compression stockings if your symptoms are severe. These tend to be twice as thick as normal stockings and are quiet tight at the ankle but get looser as they go up the leg. They make it easier for blood to flow upwards which in turn prevents swelling pain and deterioration of your varicose veins.Ideally put the stockings on before you get out of bed in the morning and keep them on all day. With any luck you can throw the tights out and bid bye bye to the veins once baby is born.

• Pregnancy is definitely the time to put your feet up, don't stand for long periods of time and avoid sitting cross legged as this contributes to swelling. Ideally rest for one hour a day with your feet perched at a level higher than your heart. It may seem indulgent but it is imperative if you want to minimise water retention. While you may feel like a beached whale, getting up and walking around can also help to reduce swelling.

• Nighttime cramp can be a curse when it comes to pregnancy. You have finally dozed off and you are rudely awakened by a gripping cramp in your foot or calf. While nobody really knows why these occur it may help to pull your toes upwards towards your ankle or massage the affected muscle. Muscle stretches, rotating your ankles,staying well hydrated and keeping the bed clothes loose may help somewhat to stave off cramp. The good news is once the baby arrives the cramps disappear.

• Dry cracked heels are not uncommon in pregnancy. This can result in the skin splitting when you walk so make sure you treat your feet. Aim to get rid of dead and dry skin by means of a pumice stone or foot file and protective moisturising creams and keep the heels in check rather than cracked by using a heel balm.

• When you have swollen feet or ankles try using an ice pack on the area, wrapped in a towel. This will help reduce swelling and keep you cool.

• Ask someone else to cut your toenails. Yes again this one is indulgent but with a big belly in the way its nearly impossible to clip your own nails. Cut them too short and the swollen skin on your feet may make the nails grown in wards resulting in in grown toenails. Not to mention the amount of potential accidents you could have while blindly attacking your pinkies with a clippers.