Looking after yourself

Caring for your feet

Looking after your feet by wearing good footwear and treating common foot problems can prevent you from being unsteady on your feet and reduce the risk of falling.

Footwear

A good shoe should support and protect your foot. It should also allow natural movement while walking. Poor-fitting shoes can cause foot problems, such as corns, calluses, bunions and ingrown toenails.

When choosing shoes, look for:

• an upper made of leather or breathable natural or synthetic materials with seam-free linings
• a deep and roomy toe-box at the front of the shoe to prevent pressure on the toes and joints on the side of the foot
• a cushioned and flexible, light rubber sole with good grip
• a heel no more than 3 centimetres (one-and-a-half inches) high and broad enough to provide stability
• laces, buckles or Velcro strap fastenings that hold the shoe comfortably and securely on the foot and support your ankles

Avoid:

• slip-on shoes
• shoes that are too big or small, or with squashed backs
• smooth leather or plastic soles, and thick rubber soles that extend over the toe
• lace-up shoes that are untied or without laces
• high-heeled or backless shoes

Good foot care doesn’t need to be labour intensive. Try to keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes. Also check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, redness, swelling or bruising.

Get to know your feet well so you know what is normal. Trim your toenails regularly. If your skin is dry, use a foot cream and/or heel balm to prevent it from cracking and improve its texture. Use a foot file or pumice stone to remove any hard skin.

Support with foot care

If you need advice or support with your foot care, here are some places you can go for help:

Your pharmacist

If you are unsure how to care for your feet yourself, your pharmacist can recommend creams and equipment for you to use.

Podiatrist

If you experience any problems with your feet, such as cuts, sores or fluid and/or blood leaking, contact a registered podiatrist (or chiropodist).

Podiatrists are care healthcare professionals who have been trained to provide preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the legs, ankles and feet.

Find podiatrists and chiropodists on the NHS website.

Last updated 13 November 2023