There are a number of ways you can prevent or alleviate foot
problems and you may find the following helpful:
Footwear
Well-chosen and appropriate footwear is important for
everyone, both for comfort and to prevent pressure points or changes to the
foot’s shape. Each person’s requirements
are different so it is important to speak to a podiatrist or other experienced professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapistin order to discuss what is appropriate for
you.
For those who experience freezing,
whereby the feet suddenly become ‘stuck’ to the ground, leather soles may
be helpful as they can allow you to slide your feet to aid movement. But ‘slippy’ soles can make falls more
likely. So if you have a tendency to
fall, leather soles are not advisable.
Some find that rubber soles which grip well are helpful as
they force you to properly lift your foot with each step and this can help to
maintain good gait. But be aware: rubber
soles may also cause the foot to ‘catch’ resulting in falling forwards or
tripping.
Ideal shoe features and tips for choosing shoes:
- shoes
should be supportive, with cushioning to help absorb impact as your foot
strikes the ground
- a
broad heel, but not too high as balance may be compromised
- fastenings
which come high up across the front of the foot, near to the ankle
- laces
provide good support but can be fiddly, in which case Velcro or buckles
may be easier
- wide
ended shoes with room to wiggle your toes.
Toes should not be cramped in narrow ended shoes
- shoes
light in weight as these require less effort in initiating movement
- natural,
breathable materials
- try
to choose shoes when your feet are at their worst. If they fit then, they should also be
comfortable when your feet are in better condition
- whilst
slippers may be comfortable, they provide very little support so are not
generally not recommended
- even
good fitting slip-on shoes require you to claw your toes in order to keep
them on so are not recommended for those with Parkinson’s.
Exercise
Stretching and exercising muscles in the feet can help to
reduce or prevent stiffness and rigidity, and improve circulation and the strength
of foot arches. A podiatrist will be able to suggest suitable exercises which take
only a few minutes and if done regularly can significantly help with foot
problems.
A podiatrist can
also show your carer how simple massage can improve circulation which helps
reduce oedema or swelling of the
feet.
General foot care
The following simple tips may help to keep your feet
healthy:
- wash
feet daily in warm but not hot water and dry thoroughly after, including
between the toes. If toe-curling is
a problem be careful not to get the towel stuck between toes - a dry
flannel or baby wipe will be easier in this case
- avoid
harsh soaps or strong antiseptics which destroy the natural oils in the
skin
- don’t
soak feet longer than you would in a bath as this destroys natural skin
oils
- keep
feet warm and don’t expose them to extreme heat or cold
- exercise
the feet to improve circulation
- use
moisturising creams, lanolin or olive oil, if your feet are particularly
dry, avoiding the areas between the toes
- remove
hard skin by using a pumice stone or foot file, applying an emollient
cream after and up to twice a day
- file
toe nails regularly – little and often is best – using a special file with
a rounded end or an emery board.
Always follow the shape of the nail and don’t cut down at the
corners as this can lead to in-growing toe nails
- if
you experience tremor or involuntary movements, or have difficulty
gripping foot care instruments, don’t use sharp scissors or nail
clippers. Instead use a file or ask
your carer or podiatrist for
help. A podiatrist can show your
carer how to best help with everyday foot-care
- seek
specialist help for corns, calluses and in-growing toenails to avoid the
risk of burns or ulcers that may be caused by improper use of
over–the-counter treatments
- seek
advice promptly if you have any cuts, burns or breaks in the skin as these
can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Also seek advice if you notice any
changes in the colour, smell or temperature of your feet
- try
to wear different shoes each day so that pressures on the foot move around
- use
shoe horns to help put shoes on (long handled horns may be easier to use)
and use special shoe devices -
sometimes called ‘shoe trees’ - to keep footwear in good shape and prevent
creases when not in use.
