Happy feet
Aching feet can stop you getting on with your day so we’ve asked our podiatrist to answer your foot health questions
Q i get a pain in the arch of my foot when i walk, what can i do?
a Your arches are one of the main structures of your foot and they take the weight of your whole body when you walk. If you’re walking fast your feet can take up to twice your body weight in pressure which could strain, over-stretch or overload the muscles. The plantar fascia (the fibrous tissue that runs along the sole of your foot) can be stretched due to over-pronation, when your foot rolls in too far, which can also cause inflammation and pain in the arch. Try to wear shoes with a small heel, soft leather uppers and shock-absorbing soles. Make sure they are the correct size and shape for your feet. If the problem persists, consult a podiatrist who will examine the biomechanics of your food and determine if the problem can then be treated with orthotics to help your foot work in the correct way.
Q my feet are always cold, what can i do?
a There are many things that can cause cold feet. Smoking, tight shoes and socks and some medications could leave you with chilly toes. Poor circulation, anaemia and an underactive thyroid are also associated with cold feet, so speak to your GP if you’re really struggling. Whatever the cause of your cold feet there are things you can try to warm them up. If you sit a lot, try to get up and move around every hour to boost circulation. Always wear well-fitting warm socks and slippers and regularly stretch your feet and circle your ankles. Cutting back on caffeine and giving up smoking could also help. Q i suffer from gout and during a flare-up, the skin on my big toe peels – is there anything i can do to stop this happening?
a Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in your body, which settles in crystals often in and around your joints. The big toe is commonly affected and will become swollen, inflamed and very painful. Once the gout attack subsides the skin around the joint starts to peel, much like sunburn. This is because the skin has been damaged when stretched. There isn’t much you can do about this flaky skin, so it’s best to try and reduce gout itself. Gout can be caused by foods rich in purines which eventually become uric acid – red meat, shellfish, beer and wine are all common culprits so try to avoid them. Drink plenty of water to dilute the uric acid and help your kidneys get rid of it. Speak to your GP who will check the levels of uric acid in your blood and may prescribe medication to help.