Here’s what it means in simple terms:

Big Toe Moves Inwards: Over time, the big toe starts leaning towards the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead.

Bump forms: As the big toe shifts, a bump appears on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe.

Toe Overlap: In more severe/progressive cases, the second toe (and sometimes even the third toe) may start to overlap or sit on top of the big toe.

The name of the condition breaks down like this:

Hallux: Refers to the big toe.

Abducto: Indicates that the big toe is moving away from the midline of the foot.

Valgus: Describes the outward rotation of the big toe.

Hammer Toes:

What Happens: As the big toe pushes against the other toes, those toes may bend unnaturally at the middle joint, causing them to look like a hammer. This bending can become permanent if not treated.

Why it occurs: The pressure from the big toe and the way you walk can force the other toes into this bent position.

Clawing toes:

What happens: The toes may curl downwards into a claw-like shape, bending at both the middle and end joints. This can cause the tips of the toes to press against the ground or the inside of your shoes, leading to pain and calluses (thickened skin).

Why it occurs: The imbalance and altered foot mechanics caused by the bunion can lead to muscle imbalances in the toes, making them curl.

What are the Clinical features?

1. Visible Bony bump on the big toe.

What you see: A noticeable, often painful bump on the side of your big toe joint. The big toe may also lean toward the other toes instead of pointing straight ahead.

2. Pain and soreness

What you feel: The area around the bunion can be sore, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes. The pain can be constant or come and go.

3. Swelling and Redness

What happens: The skin over the bunion can become red and swollen due to irritation, especially after wearing shoes that rub against it causing friction.

4. Restricted Movement of the Big Toe.

What it affects: Over time, it might become harder to move your big toe, making it painful or difficult to bend.

5. Calluses or Corns.

What develops: Calluses (thickened skin) or corns can form where the first and second toes rub against each other, adding to the discomfort.

6. Changes in Walking.

How you Walk: Due to the pain and the bump, you might start walking differently to avoid pressure on the bunion, which can cause issues like pain in other parts of your foot or even your back.

7. Shoes Fit Differently.

Trouble with shoes: Finding shoes that fit comfortably can be difficult because the bump can take up extra space in the shoe, making it tight or uncomfortable.

8. Progressive worsening.

What to expect: Bunions tend to get worse over time, especially if they are not treated, leading to more pain and bigger bumps.

Who can get a Bunion?

Age: People who are over 60 years are more likely to develop bunions.

Gender: Females are four times more likely to get bunions due to joint laxity.

Pregnancy: The hormone changes during pregnancy can increase the risk.

Hormones: Higher levels of oestrogen can contribute to bunion development.

Footwear: Wearing narrow shoes or high heels increase the risk.

Why do bunions happen?

There is no single definitive reason for bunions. It is a combination of your genetics (what you inherit from your family) and environmental factors, especially the shoes you wear. Your foot type, whether you have high arches or flat feet, plays a role.

Health conditions that can lead to bunions:

Arthritis: Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Reactive Arthritis (ReA) can reduce the stability of your big toe joint.

Genetic Conditions: Certain conditions that affect joint flexibility, like Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Down’s syndrome and Marfan’s syndrome can cause bunions.

Muscle Imbalances: Conditions like Cerebral Palsy or having a Stroke can lead to bunions due to muscle imbalance or weakness.

Other causes: Obesity or trauma/injuries to the big toe can also lead to bunions.

What can I do to manage a bunion?

Short term Solutions:

Wear the right shoes: Choose shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes more space.

Flask strapping: Use tape to keep your big toe in place.

Exercises: Try exercises like toe scrunches, holding your big toe in line with the rest of the foot or picking up marbles with your toes.

Toe separators: Use customised wedges between your toes to prevent them from rubbing together, which can help avoid corns and calluses.

Padding: Use fleecy web or semi-compressed felt donut pads to protect the bunion and reduce discomfort.

Night Splints – These won’t fix the bunion, but they can help with pain relief while you sleep.

Mid-term Solutions:

See a Podiatrist regularly: Routine care from a foot specialist can help manage symptoms.

Insoles (Orthoses): Custom shoe inserts provided by a podiatrist can help support your feet and relieve pressure.

Long-term Solutions:

Surgery: There are over 100 different surgical procedures for bunions. The right one for you will depend on your symptoms and overall health. Your podiatrist can refer you to a surgeon if needed.

Summary

Bunions are a common foot problem, often made worse by wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toes or high heels. Unfortunately, this condition usually worsens over time, especially if not treated and can cause discomfort, pain and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes that fit the foot.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeing a podiatrist can help with diagnosis and treatment options.

Fissures are cracks or splits to the skin. These may present with dry skin and/or overlying hard skin (known as callus or hyperkeratosis).

When the fissures are shallow, they don’t fully break the skin barrier, they are not considered to be a wound at this stage and they are not painful, however these splits can develop into deep fissures, which are wounds, they may bleed and cause pain when standing and walking. These deeper heel fissures are a risk factor for infection and cellulitis, particularly in people who are more at-risk, such as those with diabetes or with peripheral vascular disease.

Fissures develop commonly on the heel because of the direct physical stress on this part of the foot. Callus develops as a protective measure by the skin in response to this physical stress, however the callus can split and develop a fissure, particularly if the skin is dry. Skin dryness increases when consistently wearing open backed shoes or sandals, so you might notice heel cracks developing more often during the summer months.

Some health conditions are associated with increased skin dryness and/or abnormal pressures through the feet and therefore increase the chance of developing heel fissures. Examples of these conditions are:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic sclerosis
• Scleroderma
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

Treatment:

1. Successful treatment of heel fissures first involves removal of callus (if present). Regular routine podiatry treatments, where a podiatrist will remove callus using a scalpel or abrasive file, will often be necessary to resolve heel fissures and prevent them from developing in the future.
2. If infection is present, this may need to be treated with appropriate medication such as antibiotics
3. Dry skin must be managed to restore the skin barrier and allow healing to take place. This is also important in heel fissure prevention. Emollients such as creams, sprays, lotions and gels are used to hydrate and prevent water-loss from the skin. The emollient may be more effective if the area is also sealed off, for example by applying a hydrocolloid dressing on top such as DuoDerm, wearing socks or a heel sleeve. The most effective emollients have added naturally occurring ingredients such as urea, lactic acid or glycerine. These attract moisture from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface of the skin where the dryness is visible. Urea is found to be particularly useful in the treatment of heel fissures and in higher concentrations also helps to break down callus. Please note that emollients make the skin slippery and so there is a risk of slipping and falling if walking around barefoot, therefore it is recommended to apply creams at night before bed.
4. A painful deep fissure may need to be closed by a health care professional by applying a medical-grade skin adhesive. These are only used if there is no infection present. This provides pain-relief, reduces the risk of infection and promotes skin healing.
5. Occasionally, if the fissure is not resolved with the above measures, the pressure on the heel may need to be adjusted by wearing a heel cup inserted into the shoes or an orthotic device.

Your podiatrist can help you to manage this common foot complaint by assessing the condition of the heels, safely and expertly removing any callus present and creating a management plan to resolve your heel fissures long term.

Written by Patricia McFadden

An ingrown toenail is something I’ve experienced personally and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. However, it is one of the most common presentations in our clinic. It usually affects the big toe but can be seen on the lesser toes too. If left untreated and uncared for it can cause infection at the site of the ingrowing nail. We often hear ‘ I didn’t like to bother you as I felt it would settle itself over a few days’ – this is something I stress to my clients regularly – when it comes to nails, always get it checked as soon as possible as it increases the chance of a successful conservative treatment.

An ingrown toenail can be caused by
-          poor nail cutting technique.
-          peeling the nail off instead of taking the time to tidy the nails properly.
-          poor footwear choices.
-          sudden trauma.
-          Certain nail shapes can be predisposed to it 

A lot of the time we can use conservative treatments and avoid the need for nail surgery. However, sometimes a more permanent solution is required when the issue repetitively presents itself. It is also needed when best efforts using conservative treatment are unsuccessful.

In my practice I don’t actually like to use the term ‘surgery’ as I feel our clients can get the wrong idea and think it is a major, drastic and invasive procedure. It is in fact a very successful solution for an ingrown toenail and provided the correct aftercare is carried out, healing can be very quick. The actual procedure takes less than 30 minutes and with pre and post op checks the entire appointment should last about an hour. There is no major downtime following the procedure however, we would recommend taking it easy for a minimum of 24 hours following the appointment. After that, it is a straightforward road to recovery in most cases and you can return to wearing normal footwear as soon as the initial dressing has been removed and a new smaller dressing applied(usually 24-48 hours after).

What happens in a nail surgery?
Your toe will be numbed with local anaesthetic and a segment of the nail that is causing the issue is removed. To prevent that segment of nail growing back and causing a recurrence of the ingrown toenail, a substance called phenol is applied to the nail bed. Phenol stops the nail from regrowing. The area then has to be kept clean and given time to heal. Some discomfort is expected for the administration of the LA but the good news is that there is no discomfort throughout the procedure due to the LA. In my experience post-operatively patients report a quick and marked improvement in discomfort caused by the ingrown toenail. Personally speaking – having nail surgery on my own toe was one of the best decisions I have made.

Podiatrists are fully trained in University in the procedure of Nail surgery and administration of Local Anaesthetic. However, until recently, podiatrists in Ireland were unable to obtain the local anaesthetic due to some conflicting laws. Thankfully, after a very long battle to get there, our society ‘Podiatry Ireland’ has secured a pathway for Podiatrists to be able to carry out Nail surgery using LA. From the 2nd March we at Podi Footcare will be able to provide Nail surgery to our patients.

Written by Megan Staunton – Podiatrist at Podi Footcare

As one would expect, our patients have a lot of questions about this condition. Our podiatrists always provide personalised advice and recommendations based on the patient's condition.

However, there are some common questions we hear over and over. Therefore, for your convenience, we have compiled some of the most common questions and given comprehensive answers below. Please keep in mind that this blog is in no way a substitute for medical advice and should be viewed as a general overview only. If you have any concerns regarding your condition, contact your GP or our podiatry clinic today.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. This can result in sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a while. Over time, the pain may become duller and more persistent. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, particularly in active people or people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, physical therapy, and pain relief medication, although in some cases, more invasive measures such as corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Various factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

Overuse: Repetitive stress on the foot, such as running or standing for long periods of time, can put strain on the plantar fascia and lead to inflammation.

Age: As we age, the plantar fascia can lose some elasticity, making it more prone to injury.

Foot structure: Certain foot conditions, such as high arches or flat feet, can place added stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of injury.

Weight: Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on the feet and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Tight calf muscles: Tight calf muscles can alter how weight is distributed across the foot and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

New or increased physical activity: Starting a new exercise program or increasing the intensity of an existing one can put added stress on the feet and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

It's important to note that sometimes the exact cause of plantar fasciitis is unclear, and it may result from a combination of factors.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Plantar fasciitis is typically treated with a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on the severity of the condition and the response to non-surgical treatments. Some common treatments for plantar fasciitis include:

1. Rest and ice: Taking a break from activities that put stress on the feet, and applying ice to the affected area, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
2. Stretching exercises: Stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia can help reduce tension and improve flexibility.
3. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.
4. Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Orthotic devices: Custom orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts, can help distribute weight more evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
6. Surgery: In severe cases of plantar fasciitis that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia and reduce pain.

It's important to note that the most effective treatment plan will vary depending on the individual and the specific case of plantar fasciitis.

How long does plantar fasciitis last?

The duration of plantar fasciitis can vary greatly, depending on various factors, including the severity of the condition, the individual's response to treatment, and the underlying cause. For many people, plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, stretching, and physical therapy, and may take several weeks to several months to resolve.

In more severe cases, plantar fasciitis may persist for several months or even years and require more invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery. Plantar fasciitis may resolve itself independently in some cases, while in others, the pain may become chronic and require ongoing management.

It's essential to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and to be patient as you work through the healing process. In many cases, it is possible to reduce pain and improve function in the affected foot with proper treatment and care.

As we stated in the opening paragraph, the above should be seen as an information source, not as medical advice. If you have any concerns about your foot health or pre-existing conditions, contact your local medical professional or contact Podi Footcare today.

These risks include a person’s age; generally, older individuals suffer from fungal infections more often than children. Fungal nail infections are rare in those aged under six.

Some of the other risk factors include.

The Role of Climate

While here in Ireland, we may not always get the best weather our summers are often hot and humid. This type of climate is ripe for fungal nail infections. Fungi thrive in hot and moist conditions, so always wear loose-fitting open-toe shoes in hot conditions.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. These conditions include:

• Cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Athlete’s Foot (or any skin infection caused by a fungus)
• If your nail is injured or if you’ve undergone nail surgery
• Bad circulation
• If you have a family history of nail infections
• A weakened immune system
• Psoriasis

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of a fungal nail infection. Some of these factors include:

• Smoking
• Having wet feet for significant periods throughout the day
• Wearing plastic gloves for long periods throughout the day
• Spending a lot of time in the water
• Wearing tight-fitting close-toed shoes
• Walking in humid areas like locker rooms, public showers etc. in your bare feet

What Causes Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms called fungi. Fungi spread through skin-to-skin contact, making locker rooms or public showers particularly ripe for spreading fungi.

Nail infections can also be spread from sharing nail clippers and towels. Also, nail infections can occur if you frequently wear sweaty socks or shoes. Infections happen around minor cuts in the nail or a crack in the nail and or the separation between the nail and toe.

The vast majority of fungal nail infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, if you regularly get infections or have a particularly bad fungal nail infection, please make an appointment in our podiatry clinic.

Most patients describe Plantar fasciitis as a sudden stabbing pain that most commonly occurs in the morning. Generally speaking, the pain will fade; however, it tends to return if a patient is standing for a long time. Or immediately after standing up after sitting.

The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not known. However, it's more common in people who run and people who are overweight.

Symptoms of Plantar fasciitis

The most common symptom of this condition is stabbing pain in the foot's heel. This pain usually occurs in the morning when a patient gets out of bed. Other triggers are standing upright for an extended period or standing after a long period of sitting.

Plantar fasciitis gets its name from the plantar fascia—the band of tissue that connects your toes to the base of your foot. The function of the plantar fascia is to support the arch of the foot and to act as a shock absorbent when a person walks.

Who is at risk from plantar fasciitis?

The exact causes of Plantar fasciitis are not entirely known. However, certain conditions may increase the risk of developing this condition.

Age

This condition is most common in individuals aged 40 to 60

Exercise types

Specific exercises have been linked to plantar fasciitis. Long-distance running, aerobic dance and ballet put a lot of stress on the heel of a foot and can contribute to the development of Plantar fasciitis.

Foot Types

Those with flat feet, a high arch or an atypical way of walking are likely to stress their plantar fascia and are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Weight Issues

Individuals medically classed as obese are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.

Occupation

Individuals whose occupation necessitates spending a lot of time on their feet are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Risks of plantar fasciitis

If ignored, this condition can lead to chronic heel pain. Excessive heel pain will likely change how a person walks. This change may have a detrimental effect on an individual's knees, hips and back. We highly recommend contacting our podiatry clinic if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Our podiatrists can diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan. Appointments can be made by getting in contact with our Mayo clinic directly.

Fungal nail infections are certainly unpleasant but in the vast majority of instances, they are nothing to worry about and they can be treated with over the counter medications. In today’s blog, we’re going to explore what a fungal nail infection actually is. And crucially we’re going to look at strategies to prevent infections.

What are fungal nail infections

As the name suggests, a fungal nail infection is a yeast infection that affects the nails. The infection causes the nails to become discoloured, usually turning various shades of yellow, brown or white. The nails can also become thick and uncomfortable. The nail itself will eventually crack and become fragile.
Fungal infections are caused by yeast in the environment. When there is a cut or an opening around a person’s nail, yeast can enter causing the infection. As the toes are inside the shoe e.g. a dark and moist environment, infections are more likely to develop on toenails rather than on fingernails. The medical term for a fungal nail infection is “onychomycosis.”

How to Prevent Fungal Nail Infections

In general, fungal nail infections are more likely to occur if feet are warm and damp for long periods of time. Therefore trainers and runners that are moist and warm can cause infections. It’s important to keep your feet – along with your shoes – clean and dry.
Some of the other ways to prevent a fungal nail infection include:

- Immediately treating athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal nail infection that can spread to the foot if not addressed
- Keep your hands and feet dry and clean
- Change your socks every day
- When in changing rooms wear flip-flops

Some of the things to avoid include:
- Wearing shoes that make your feet feel sweaty and warm
- Sharing towels
- Wearing another person’s shoes
- Sharing nail clippers

As stated, in most cases a fungal nail infection is nothing to worry about. A few simple preventive steps should help stop infections from occurring. Even if you develop a fungal nail, they are usually treatable with pharmacy bought creams. For more information on fungal nails see our fungal nail page.

An ingrown tail nail is when the side of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, swelling, red skin and in some cases infection. Of all the toes, the big toe is the most susceptible to ingrown toenails.
In most cases, an individual can take care of an ingrown toenail on their own However, in the cause of severe pain and infection, a health professional will need to get involved. What’s more, if you suffer from a condition like diabetes or any other condition that restricts blood flow, an ingrown toenail can quickly become very serious.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Some of the more common ingrown toenail symptoms include

- Pain around the nail
- Red skin around the nail
- Toe swelling around the nail
- Nail infection

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

There are numerous causes of ingrown toenails some of the more common reasons include:

- Tight-Fitting Footwear
- Damage to the Nail
- Incorrect Nail Cutting Technique
- Thickening of the Nail

By following some basic steps ingrown toenail pain can be addressed.

Ingrown Toenail Prevention

Proper nail cutting techniques can go a long way in preventing ingrown toenails. Nails should always be cut in a straight line, instead of cutting along the curve of the toe. You should also cut your toenails regularly ensuring they’re kept short and tidy at all times.
Tight-fitting toes should also be avoided. Shoes that don’t fit properly pinch your toes, and can make the nail grow into the skin.
If you work in an industry where your foot is at risk of being damaged you should wear protecting footwear at all times. For example, if you work on a construction site, you should always wear steel toe capped boots.
Finally, if you are a diabetes patient you should check your feet regularly to catch the beginnings of ingrown toenails before they damage your skin.
For more information on issues with ingrown toenails, contact our Mayo Chiropody clinic today.

While for most people the appearance of a callus or a blister is nothing to worry about, a person with diabetes doesn’t have the luxury of inaction.
Major issues arise with diabetic patients when they lose feeling in their feet. Small innocuous blisters can quickly morph into a sore and then into a wound. Most podiatrists agree that at least 10% of diabetes patients will develop a foot ulcer. Diabetes patients are so susceptible to ulcers due to peripheral neuropathy. This is damage to the small nerves in the feet caused by diabetes. Ulcers can be prone to infection, and in the worst-case scenario, a person may have to have their leg amputated due to infection. Therefore, it’s imperative to never ignore even the smallest skin cut if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
Luckily by following some basic procedures you can greatly reduce your risk of developing a foot ulcer.

Ulcer Prevention on The Diabetic Foot

- Blood Sugar

To prevent ulcers it’s imperative to keep blood sugar levels under control at all times. If your glucose levels are high or out of control it can directly lead to neuropathy. This leads to a loss of feeling in the feet. When you can’t feel your feet it’s so much easier to not notice a developing sore.

Normal glucose levels also help sores and cuts to heal.

- Don’t Ignore Your Feet

A thorough foot examination should be part of your daily routine. It’s all too easy to miss small cuts and blisters. And it’s these blisters and cuts that can lead to much more serious ulcers if left unchecked.

How Foot Ulcers are Treated

One effective method is for a doctor to remove the infected tissue around the ulcer. This encourages the body’s natural healing process, helping to close the wound more quickly. Pressure around the ulcer can also negatively affect healing, so a diabetic patient may be advised to wear a cast or a surgical shoe until the wound heals.

Remember that prevention is always much better than treatment. Therefore you should never ignore a cut or a blister as this may be the beginning of ulcer development.

For more information on foot care, please visit our diabetic foot page for more information or book a consultation in our podiatry clinic today.

A diabetes diagnosis inevitability brings about lifestyle change, not least of which is related to a person’s feet. The high blood glucose levels of a person with diabetes mean they are particularly susceptible to infection and injury. Long term high blood glucose levels can lead to a person losing feeling in their toes and feet, meaning infections can linger without being detected. This coupled with poor overall circulation, can lead to permanent nerve damage and severe infections. With this in mind, a diabetes patient needs to be conscious of their feet.
The first place to start is to organise regular chiropodist visits, to access your foot health but everyday care is equally important.
In this blog, our podiatrist outlines the steps every diabetic patient should follow to ensure good foot health.

Caring For the Diabetic Foot

Every day good foot health is essential for individuals managing diabetes. As most people won’t suffer any foot problems when they’re first diagnosed, they may be likely to fall into complicacy. Forming good habits early is essential for continuing foot health. Any podiatrist will recommend that, at a bare minimum, you should visit a podiatry clinic at least once every year, and inspect your feet for any signs of infections.
Some of the other straightforward practices that a diabetic patient should take up include

- Wearing Loose-Fitting Shoes
Shoes that squeeze the toes like high heels or thin-soled shoes may lead to ulcerations. These types of shoes can also be a contributing factor to fungal infections, ingrown nails and skin problems.
Generally speaking, you should wear appropriate footwear at all times. Walking shoes – with a supportive heel – should be worn when walking. Running shoes should be worn while running, etc. Dress shoes should only ever be worn for a few hours at a time. Also, an individual with diabetes should never walk around barefoot.

Everyday Foot Examinations

As stated, it’s important to conduct daily foot examinations. This foot examination should be done every morning. We recommend using a mirror to make sure you can see every part of the foot. During this inspection, you should be looking for cuts, scrapes and signs of infection. Signs of infection can include a higher than normal skin temperature, swelling and red areas on the foot. Pain and foot tenderness are also tell-tale infection signs. If you suspect an infection, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

Maintaining Good Foot Hygiene

Like washing your hands, you should also wash your feet once or twice a day. However, we don’t recommend soaking your feet. Soaking feet removes vital oils and can dry out your feet leading to cracking and possible infections. To avoid drying out your skin, a diabetic patient should consider using a moisturiser to keep skin soft, moisturised and healthy.
Individuals who have particularly sweaty feet should also consider using a foot powder to absorb excessive sweat.
Keeping toenails at a manageable length is also essential to long-term foot health. Always check with a podiatrist before cutting your toenails to ensure there’s no reason you shouldn’t be doing this as part of your home care routine.
Nails shouldn’t be cut too short, and they should be cut evenly. Sharp nail edges should be filed down with an emery board. Particularly thick nails or ingrown nails should only be dealt with by a chiropodist.

Conclusion

Following the above advice daily should keep your feet healthy for longer. However, there is no substitute for regular podiatry check-ups, so please don’t hesitate to book an appointment in our Mayo podiatry clinic. For more information on this topic, visit our diabetic foot health page or get in contact with us directly.