Preventive foot care is a podological service in which your skin and nails are checked and cared for at regular intervals, with advice tailored to you, before any noticeable problem develops. Your feet carry your body weight all day, and a small patch of hard skin, a nail edge starting to press or early dryness can turn into discomfort if it goes unnoticed. Preventive care aims to spot these changes early and help you build healthy habits.
Rather than waiting until something goes wrong, preventive care follows a routine similar to a dental check-up. At each visit, the condition of your feet is compared with the previous one, and we refer you to the relevant doctor whenever needed.
Who is preventive foot care for?
- Anyone without a specific complaint who wants to look after their feet
- People with a family history of diabetes, or whose doctor has noted a risk of diabetes
- People who stand all day, such as healthcare, retail, hospitality and teaching staff
- Frequent travelers and anyone who wears closed shoes for long hours
- Pregnant women who find it hard to reach their feet
- Anyone who has had ingrown nails, corns or cracked heels before and wants to keep them from returning
What happens at a check-up?
- General assessment: We talk about your lifestyle, footwear and any past foot problems. We look at your skin, nails, toe alignment and pressure points, and keep a record of what we find.
- Hygiene and sterile preparation: Your feet are cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and sterile instruments and single-use materials are used.
- Basic care: Nails are trimmed correctly and the edges cleaned, while early hard skin and dry patches are gently smoothed.
- Personal guidance: We give you advice suited to you on nail-cutting technique, moisturizing, and choosing socks and shoes.
- Follow-up plan: We set your next check-up based on what your feet need, and let you know you can get in touch sooner if you notice any changes.
Everyday habits that help
- Wash your feet daily and dry carefully between the toes.
- Make a habit of looking over your feet once a week, soles included.
- Cut your toenails straight across and lightly file the corners.
- Have your feet measured from time to time, as shoe size can change over the years.
- If you can change shoes during the day, alternate between different heel heights.
- Wear sandals or flip-flops in shared showers and pool areas.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any of the following during a check-up or at home, we recommend having a doctor take a look:
- A new spot on the skin or a nail, or one that changes in shape or color
- A wound that will not close, or blisters that keep coming back
- Numbness, tingling or reduced feeling in the foot
- A clear change in the shape of your foot, or pain that increases when walking
- Redness, swelling, warmth or discharge
In these cases we refer you to the relevant specialist, such as a dermatologist, orthopedist or endocrinologist. That is exactly what preventive care is for: noticing changes early and making it easier to reach the right specialist in good time.
