As summer draws to a close, your feet may need a little attention before autumn arrives. After months of wearing sandals, flip-flops and open footwear, enjoying holidays and spending more time outdoors, your feet may have developed problems that you have simply learned to live with.
From hard skin and cracked heels to ingrown toenails and troublesome nails, an end-of-summer foot MOT is a great way to check your feet and prepare them for the colder months.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, our professional Widnes chiropody and footcare services can help you get your feet ready for autumn.
Why Do Your Feet Need an End-of-Summer Check?
Warm weather can affect your feet in several ways. Increased sweating, walking, outdoor activities and wearing open footwear can all contribute to foot problems.
You may have noticed:
- Dry or cracked heels
- Build-up of hard skin
- Calluses or pressure areas
- Ingrown toenails
- Thickened or difficult-to-cut nails
- Blisters or areas of irritation
- Changes to the skin or toenails
Some problems may settle as the seasons change, while others can become more uncomfortable once you return to enclosed footwear.
Check Your Toenails
Your toenails can take a lot of pressure during the summer, particularly if you have been walking more or wearing footwear that rubs.
Check for changes in nail shape, thickness, colour or sensitivity. If you have a painful or ingrown toenail, don’t wait until autumn shoes make the problem worse.
Professional Widnes podiatry can provide an assessment and appropriate footcare advice.
Deal With Hard Skin and Calluses
Hard skin commonly develops in areas exposed to repeated pressure and friction. Sandals, flip-flops and increased walking can all contribute.
While some hard skin is normal, 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 maintaining your feet between appointments.
Don’t Ignore Cracked Heels
Open footwear can leave your heels more exposed, potentially contributing to dry and cracked skin.
If your heels feel rough, dry or uncomfortable, autumn is a good time to establish a regular footcare routine. Deeper cracks can become painful, so persistent problems should not be ignored.
Look for Changes to Your Skin
Take a moment to check the skin on your feet and between your toes. Look for areas of redness, irritation, peeling, soreness or other changes.
If you notice something that concerns you or does not improve, seek appropriate professional advice.
Prepare for Autumn Footwear
As temperatures drop, your feet will spend more time inside socks, trainers and boots. Before making the seasonal switch, check that your footwear fits comfortably and provides enough room around your toes.
If your toenails are long, thickened or troublesome, or you have areas of painful hard skin, dealing with these concerns before you return to enclosed footwear can help improve your comfort.
Your End-of-Summer Foot MOT Checklist
Think of this as a simple seasonal reminder:
- Check your toenails for changes or discomfort.
- Look for hard skin and calluses.
- Check your heels for dryness and cracks.
- Look between your toes for changes to the skin.
- Make sure your autumn footwear fits comfortably.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Avoid cutting toenails too short.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain or changes.
- Consider booking a professional Widnes chiropody appointment.
Give Your Feet a Fresh Start This Autumn
Your feet have carried you through the summer, so why not give them some attention before the season changes?
A professional footcare appointment can be a useful opportunity to address existing problems, discuss concerns and make sure your feet are ready for the months ahead.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, we provide professional Widnes chiropody, Widnes podiatry and Widnes footcare to support your foot health throughout the year.
Don’t wait until your autumn shoes start causing discomfort. Book your end-of-summer foot MOT today and give your feet the care they deserve.
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.