As summer comes to an end, it is time to start thinking about preparing your feet for autumn. After months of wearing sandals, flip-flops and open footwear, your feet may have developed problems that you have simply learned to live with.
From ingrown toenails and hard skin to cracked heels and troublesome toenails, addressing foot problems early can help you stay comfortable as you move into cooler weather.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, our professional Widnes chiropody service can help you look after your feet and prepare them for the months ahead.
Why Check Your Feet at the End of Summer?
Warm weather, increased walking, sweating and open footwear can all contribute to common foot problems.
You may have noticed:
- An ingrown or painful toenail
- Dry or cracked heels
- Hard skin or calluses
- Blisters or pressure areas
- Thickened or difficult-to-cut toenails
- Changes to the skin on your feet
- General foot discomfort
While some problems may seem minor, they can become more noticeable once you start wearing socks and enclosed footwear regularly.
Ingrown Toenails: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It commonly affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness, swelling and tenderness.
If you have noticed discomfort around a toenail during the summer, now is a good time to have it assessed.
Enclosed autumn footwear can put additional pressure on an already irritated toe, potentially making the problem more uncomfortable.
If you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth or discharge, seek appropriate healthcare advice promptly.
Hard Skin and Calluses After Summer
More walking and wearing open footwear can contribute to areas of hard skin and calluses.
Hard skin develops in response to repeated pressure and friction. While it is often harmless, excessive build-up can become uncomfortable and may affect the way your feet feel when walking.
Professional Widnes footcare can help manage troublesome areas and provide advice on caring for your feet at home.
Don’t Forget Your Heels
Cracked heels are another common concern after the warmer months. Wearing sandals and open-back footwear can leave the skin around your heels dry and exposed.
If your heels are dry, rough or cracked, establishing a regular footcare routine can help. Deeper or persistent cracks may require professional assessment.
Check Your Toenails Before Autumn
Thickened, misshapen or difficult-to-cut toenails can become increasingly troublesome when enclosed in shoes.
Rather than waiting until your autumn footwear starts causing discomfort, consider having your feet and toenails checked now.
Professional Widnes podiatry can provide appropriate assessment and footcare advice for a range of toenail concerns.
Prepare Your Feet for Autumn Footwear
Before switching back to trainers and boots, make sure your footwear fits properly.
Choose shoes that provide enough room around your toes and avoid footwear that creates excessive pressure or rubbing.
If you have an existing foot problem, appropriate footwear can be particularly important in helping you remain comfortable.
Simple Autumn Footcare Tips
You can help maintain healthy feet by:
- Checking your feet regularly for changes.
- Keeping your feet clean and dry.
- Drying carefully between your toes.
- Cutting toenails carefully and avoiding cutting them too short.
- Choosing comfortable footwear with enough room around the toes.
- Moisturising dry skin, while avoiding applying moisturiser between the toes.
- Seeking professional advice if pain or other foot problems persist.
Give Your Feet a Fresh Start This Autumn
You don’t have to wait until a foot problem becomes painful before seeking professional care. Tackling concerns early can help you stay comfortable and make the transition into autumn footwear easier.
Whether you are dealing with an ingrown toenail, hard skin, cracked heels or troublesome toenails, professional Widnes chiropody can help you take care of your feet.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, we provide professional Widnes chiropody, Widnes podiatry and Widnes footcare to support your foot health throughout the seasons.
If your feet need some attention after summer, don’t wait until autumn problems start. Contact Arco Healthcare Clinic today and book your Widnes chiropody appointment.
For further information contact our experienced reception team or alternatively click here to book your appointment. To use your healthcare policy and claim back treatment cost check the podiatrist register with the following link.