Ledbury Focus October 2019 Ledbury Focus October 2019 v2 | Page 21

Happy Feet! W e only get one pair of feet so it’s important to take good care of them. But many of us will develop some foot problems as we age, simply as a result of daily wear and tear. Anyone who has experienced foot pain knows only too well how debilitating it can be. Over time it can become a significant health issue because if we can’t walk comfortably, we’re less likely to get out and about and take part in the social activities or daily exercise that is vital for our health and wellbeing. Poor foot care can lead to mobility difficulties, poor balance resulting in falls, a loss of confidence and longer term health conditions. Something as simple as cutting our own toenails and looking after our feet can become much harder or sometimes impossible as we get older, due to sight impairment, arthritis or because we simply cannot reach our feet. Our nails also become tougher with age. Nails that become too long can press against the end of the shoe and the constant pressure can cause soreness, infection or ulceration. Toenails that have been poorly cut can also become ingrown. Hacking at our toenails can do more harm than good! Ledbury Focus Age UK Hereford & Localities provides a Footcare Service at various locations across Herefordshire (including Ledbury). The service enables older people to keep active and mobile, engaged within their communities, avoiding being housebound and isolated and relieve the distress and discomfort which accompanies long toenails and hard skin on your feet. To find out more about our Footcare Service and the other services and support we provide in Ledbury please call into our office in the Master’s House, Bye Street, or contact us: telephone: [phone] email: [email protected] www.ageuk.org.uk/herefordandlocalities Registered Charity Number: 1093512 21