Perfect Pedicure

We usually only polish our toes in the summer when we are wearing sandals. If you are brave enough to wear open toed shoes during the party season, you may wish to putting on that final touch of glamour.

There is no rule that says you have to have painted toes when wearing sandals, but dry, cracked skin is never a good look.  Also, look toenails or rough skin can damage your tights so that you need to replace them more frequently.

Your feet will look and feel much better if you spend a small amount of time keeping them in good condition.

Basic requirements:

• Towel

• Means of removing dry skin, such as a foot file, pumice stone, or exfoliating cream

• Moisturiser. This can be body lotion or a specific foot cream.

• Cuticle oil or baby oil

• Orange wood stick

• Nail clippers

• Nail file

• If appropriate, nail polish. We recommend a base coat if you are using a dark colour to avoid staining.

• When applying nail polish, it is helpful to have something to separate your nails.  A twisted tissue will suffice, but you may prefer toe separators.

• When using polish you will also need polish remover.

You can sit on the edge of your bath to soak your feet, or you may prefer to use a bowl, such as a plastic washing-up bowl.

Step by step guide:

1. Remove any old nail polish.

2. Soak your feet for about 10 minutes to soften the tough skin on the soles.

3. File off any hard skin, or use an exfoliating cream.  Then ensure your feet are thoroughly dry before applying  body lotion or a foot moisturiser.

4. Apply the cuticle baby oil, and allow it to soak in for about 2 minutes. Use the orange wood stick to gently push back your cuticles.

5. Trim the nails.  Clip them short, but do not cut the sides, or you risk ingrowing toenails. File them smooth.

6. Before applying polish, wipe the nails with a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover.  If there is oil or moisturiser left on your nails the polish will not adhere well.

7. Before starting to paint your nails, separate your toes.

8. Apply base coat, 2 layers of polish, and then top coat, if desired.  Allow plenty of time for them to dry. 

Look after your feet: Chiropody 

Tricia writes:  

When I was eighteen I worked in nursing for several months. The memory of the yellowed, thickened toe nails and sore, dry skin on the feet of many elderly patients has haunted me ever since. On seeing my own nail on the little toe thicken, the memories returned. Determined not to have painful feet, I tried chiropody.  

Over the years, I visited several chiropodists (or podiatrists, they mean the same), having just a couple of ‘trouble shooting’ appointments with each for particular problems. However, when my big toe became increasingly painful I settled in to a pattern of chiropody every couple of months with a visiting chiropodist. This costs £25.00 per visit.  

The results have been encouraging. I thought my big toe was painful because it curled upward, meaning that my shoes pressed into it but no. My chiropodist discovered that I had small seed corns underneath the toenail, hence the pain. These took several sessions to treat, and I still need to be checked now a couple of years on, but my big toes are no longer painful when I wear shoes and boots. My feet look better, no more ingrown toenails and the hard skin I acquire from walking barefoot on hall floors with my job is regularly removed.

If  you are on your feet with your work, it could well be worth investing in them.

Training qualifications for chiropodists are:

·    The Health Professions Council (HPC)

·     Member of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists M.Ch.S.

·     Fellow of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists F.Ch.S

·     Fellow of The College of Podiatrists of The Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists      FCPods

Some chiropodists may continue to use the term State registered chiropodist after their name but this has been superseded by the above. For further information and to find a chiropodist - www.feetforlife.org  

Reflexology 

Pat writes:  

Although most reflexology therapists concentrate on the feet, this is not really a treatment for feet, but the whole body.  

Reflexology is based on the principle that reflex points on the soles, tops and sides of the feet are connected to corresponding areas throughout the body.  The feet are seen as a “map” of the body.  

Reflexologists work on the reflexes with their thumbs and fingers using specialised massage techniques, said to help correct imbalances throughout the body, and help release blocked energy.  

I expected that a relexologist would give my feet a deep massage, but that was not the case.  The therapist applied very light pressure, working around my toes, and apparently tracing lines on the soles and sides of my feet.  It was just firm enough to avoid tickling, but did not involve any squeezing or rubbing of my feet.  

I had to remove my shoes and socks for the treatment, and roll up my trousers, but kept on the rest of my clothes.   The room was pleasantly warm, so that I did not feel chilly with my feet bare.  

Although I had intended to stay alert throughout the treatment, the effect was profoundly relaxing and I drifted into a dream-like state, and then slept.   I felt tired afterwards, and was glad that I had planned an evening at home.  

The therapist advised me to drink plenty of water over the following few days.  

She told me that my body was now in balance, but I didn’t notice that I felt any different, except for more relaxed.  I slept very well the night after the session.  

I would recommend reflexology for someone suffering from stress.  

My therapist is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), which is the largest professional association of holistic, sports and beauty therapists.  I think that it is important to look for a therapist who belongs to this, or a similar association, as an indication of their commitment to professional standards.  

I had my reflexology treatment at The Mews Clinic in Eastbourne (01323 733743).  To find a qualified therapist, see www.fht.org.uk

      

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