DO I REALLY NEED?

This week: Gelex All Gel toe cap, £2.49, physioroom.com A SILICONE tube worn over your toes, this is said to reduce friction and relieve pressure, which can cause and worsen toe complaints such as hammer toes, corns and calluses.

The manufacturer claims it also has a specially formulated medical gel layer which provides soothing pain relief. It comes in various sizes to suit all toes. EXPERT VERDICT: Mike O’Neill, a podiatrist at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor, says: ‘Wearing this rubber toe cap will help relieve pain from hammer toes — where the toe bends or curls downward instead of pointing forward. ‘The silicone tube will also help ease the pain of corns and calluses, creating a barrier to stop shoes and toes rubbing. They are transparent and flexible so you could wear them with an open-toed shoe.’