FAQ
These are some of the questions Enda is asked – if your question isn’t here, please don’t be shy; pick up the phone and Enda will be happy to answer your queries on 087 40 15 600.
YOU ASK, WE ANSWER
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s much better to have a regular appointment every 8-12 weeks so your feet stay healthy and in good condition – much less painful than waiting until something is really hurting!
Not usually – unless you have a foot condition that is being aggravated by shoes that either don’t fit properly or put your feet under severe stress. Most people find varying the shoes they wear from day to day works well – and this allows you to wear those ‘killer heels’ on occasions when you want to!
Naturally, as sockmakers with a heritage of over 131 years of making socks in England and abroad it is these, socks, the unsung heroes where our interest, knowledge and enthusiasm lies. With all this valuable knowledge we have compiled below the key components that our vast experience recommends you look for when buying these humble, yet most important items for maintaining good foot condition:-
- Always buy the best you can afford
cheap socks often use high content, poor quality, man-made fibres and have poor durability and bad moisture management. This can lead to excess perspiration and increased bacteria and therefore odour – they also don’t generally last long making bad financial sense too. - Look for natural fibres
Cotton is better in warmer weather and wool is better when cooler climate – but both can be worn all year round. Both offer good moisture management and comfort. - Buy the right size
take care to look at the size you are buying, too big would cause the socks to crease underfoot and too tight would be uncomfortable and restrict circulation - Check the elastic content
Lycra and Elastane are two of the best elastics, don’t buy anything else, and avoid anything with more than 5% except on medical or compression type socks - Non-elastic
these are ideal for those that suffer from diabetes, poor circulation, obesity, ulcers, and swollen or large ankles. HJ invented Softops™ the original non-elastic socks over 23yrs ago and to this day they remain the market leader with many tens of millions of pairs having been sold, we even make extra wide versions now too (watch out for non-elastic socks with elastane in them as they are not true non-elastic socks – Softops™ are). - Look for additional features
there are many of these suitable for different socks with different uses, but the most popular that have the most benefit are:-- Cushioned sole for extra comfort and protection
- Ventilated foot panels for improved breathability
- Reinforced heal and toe for extra durability and protection
- Comfort top for a relaxed grip
- Full terry for additional protection in key areas
A guarantee of quality (All HJ socks come with a minimum 6 month unconditional
There are three main types of corn.
- A hard corn is an area of hard skin with a diamond shaped nucleus (centre) of harder skin. These corns frequently appear on the toes or under the ball of the foot. The corn presses down on underlying nerves causing discomfort or sometimes extreme pain. Treatment includes removing the corn with a scalpel and advice on the cause and how to prevent, or delay, their re-growth.
- Soft corns occur between the toes, usually between the little toe and its neighbouring toe. Removal with a scalpel is usually required followed by a dressing for comfort.
- Seed corns are small, hard, corns that often present in clusters. These are not usually painful and can easily be removed.
Corns are caused by pressure and rubbing, the usual culprit being ill fitting shoes.
Signs and Symptoms
The outbreak usually begins between the toes, where the skin becomes sore and inflamed and this is often accompanied by intense itching. The skin eventually becomes either dry and flaky, or moist and weeping, depending on which variety of fungus is the cause. Cracks develop which reduce the skin’s
natural defences, and secondary bacterial infections can become superimposed, causing a painful condition.
In the case of the nails there is often a history of outbreaks of ‘athletes foot’ and quite often it is actually present at the same time. The nails appear thickened and discoloured and frequently have a crumbly texture. However, not all nail symptoms like this are due to fungal infection. There are many other conditions which cause a similar appearance, such as poor circulation to the nail bed, psoriasis of the nails etc.
Diagnosis is confirmed by a simple laboratory test which can ascertain for certain whether the problem is a fungal one, or if there is another cause.
The only way to correct a bunion is through surgery.
A bunion is the result of a partial or total dislocation of the joint between the hallux (the big toe) and the first metatarsal bone. The joint then becomes swollen and painful. Due to the angle adopted by the big toe it impinges upon the second toe which can develop into a hammer toe and, in turn, can become dislocated.
Despite the common misconception that bunions are caused by wearing poor shoes, it is more likely due to hereditary factors.
A verruca, or skin wart, is caused by the human papilloma virus. It presents as an area of rough looking skin with small brown or black marks. Quite often the area is covered by hard skin which covers up the tell tale brown or black marks.
A verruca is self resolving. That is it will disappear of its own accord. Unfortunately it can take some years to do so.
Treatments include use of acidic solutions, freezing, electrosurgery and laser therapy.
The above signs point to a fungal infection, a very common complaint and one that can be treated.
The initial action is to thin down the affected nails, using a burr, and then a daily application of an anti-fungal solution, which is easily done at home.
Absolutely nothing – except that both are applied to the feet! Foothealth treatment actually treats foot ailments, whilst reflexology works to create balance and harmony within the body.
There are pressure points all over your feet that relate to organs and areas in your body. Applying pressure on the relevant points affects the related area of your body.
If you suffer from diabetes one of the possible symptoms is reduced sensation in the feet – sometimes a total loss of sensation, known as Peripheral neuropathy. The problem is that, if you have this loss of feeling there is a danger that you may damage the flesh surrounding your nails, whilst you are trimming and cutting them
A blood test is required to provide a diagnosis but there are a few tell tale signs that would indicate a visit to the GP. Thirst, an abnormal increase in your urine output, unexplained weight loss and acetone breath (smells like pear drops). Heredity factors also need to be taken into account.
Although you cannot eliminate the risk of contracting diabetes there are some common sense precautions to take. The main thing is to control your weight by eating healthily and keeping generally fit. There is a clear link between obesity and diabetes. When you’ve got healthy feet you can forget about them and concentrate on the important things in life. However, it only takes a minor problem and all you can think of is feet.
