WELLBEING

Day in, day out, our feet take the greatest load of any body part, yet we tend to take them for granted. As the days get warmer and we think of bare feet in strappy sandals, it’s a good time to pay attention to those neglected but vital extremities.

If you have any foot or ankle problems, book in with a registered podiatrist (the modern term for chiropodist) who can first treat minor conditions such as dry, cracked heels, ingrowing toenails, corns and calluses, before advising on a course of action for problems such as athlete’s foot, fungal toenails and bunions.

Podiatry for long-term conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or peripheral arterial (vascular) disease should be discussed with your GP. Lower level laser therapy (LLLT) is a recent addition to foot treatments. Podiatrist Margaret Dabbs advises it for a range of painful or inflammatory conditions including bunions, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), tendonitis and wear and tear. A colleague with a catalogue of chronic foot problems was so impressed with the Margaret Dabbs medical pedicure that she is booking in for the course of three to six laser treatments, as well as a three-monthly medi-pedi for routine upkeep. ‘My fungal nails look so much better and the gentle laser eased my arch pain,’ she says. She also reports that Margaret’s Foot Hygiene Cream, €28, has cleared her athlete’s foot, while daily applications of the Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion, €34, are combating rough, dry skin. For more information and to buy products, visit margaretdabbs.ie.