Wealden Times | WT166 | December 2015 | Interiors supplement inside

Save Our Soles!
Our feet take the weight of our entire body, so it’s no
surprise that poor foot health can lead to a whole host of
other problems. There are, however, many easy ways to
keep them healthy. We speak to a few specialists...
Freeimages.com/Robert Beliczki
The shoe fitting expert
Clare Wigston has been fitting children’s
shoes for over 15 years...
At what stage of a child’s development should a parent consider the first pair
of shoes? There are three main stages children go through while learning to walk
and becoming confident on their feet: crawling, cruising and walking. Barefoot is
considered best until a child takes the first steps on their own. However, this isn’t
always practical, so some soft slippers may be necessary for a little extra protection.
What are you looking out for when fitting a pair of shoes? When fitting children’s
shoes, primarily we’re checking for adequate growing room. To do this we check the
length and width for overall fit, as well as the depth, ensuring the top line of the
shoe isn’t catching on the child’s ankle. We then check the closure of the shoe and
make sure they don’t slip when they walk. This observation is very important.
Are there any common problems that can be caused by badly fitting shoes?
Ill fitting or bad quality shoes can cause a number of problems. Shoes that are
too tight can cause serious deformity, while shoes that are loose and offer no
support can cause the arch to drop. This consequently affects a person’s gait,
causing pronation (feet turning inwards or outwards), leading to other muscular
skeletal issues. Poor quality shoes are also made with synthetic fabrics that often
don’t allow the feet to breathe, leading to fungal infection and smelly feet!
Clare is the General Manager at The Golden Boot, Maidstone and specialises in
fitting shoes for children of all ages. She’s also a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters.
For more information speak to a member of staff in store or call 01622 752349.
The Reflexologist
Laurel Wickham is an expert
Reflexologist based in Marden...
What is reflexology? With its origins based in ancient civilizations, simply stated,
reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage for health and wellbeing. It is based on
the principle that there are reflex points on the feet (and hands) which correspond
with each organ, gland, skeletal and muscular structure in the body.
How does it work? Nobody is entirely sure how reflexology works, but it does
free up the energy that flows through various zones of the body. Using finger and
thumb pressure to stimulate the precise areas corresponding to the different parts
of the body, it unblocks any tension and stagnant energies to restore health and
harmony to all the body’s systems, and induces a state of absolute relaxation.
Who can benefit from reflexology? Women, men, the elderly, teenagers, children and
babies. Reflexology does not discriminate. Anyone of any age can derive the benefit.
However, as in any therapy, there can be contradictions and a full medical history is
always required. The benefits are endless. They include an improved immune system,
better circulation, pain relief, stress relief, it can assist with post operative recovery,
eliminate waste products from the body and encourages the body to heal.
Laurel is a member of the Guild of Holistic Therapists as well as a qualified
Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. To book a home visit call 07792 001230.
The Chiropodist
Afsaneh Smith works
from her clinic in
Lenham Heath...
Why is it important to look after your
feet? The condition of a person’s feet
reflects their overall health. Many of my
patients have long term problems associated
with poor circulation or chronic fungal
infections. In these cases good foot hygiene
is essential. I explain that daily washing and
drying of feet with the appropriate use of
foot cream or fungicides can result in a big
improvement. Younger patients often have
verrucas or corns. In these cases a return to
a pain free life is the objective of treatment.
How often should you have your feet
treated? Nowadays people pay more
attention to their feet. Even if you have
perfect feet you need to take care of them.
For individuals with chronic problems they
should see an expert every six weeks. For
hard skin or corn removal a single visit to
a specialist may be all that is required.
do your patients enjoy their treatments
and what do you enjoy about your job? I
hope so. When customers depart the clinic
happy and pain free it’s a good feeling.
Some patients don’t want to leave as they
feel so comfortable! For customers treated
at home I am often their only visitor all day
so like to think that this is an important
part of the care I can offer. I like to help
and care for people and by doing this job
I get a real satisfaction. Some of my clients
ask me “How can you touch people’s feet?
They are dirty and smelly!” But really I
don’t see it like that - I think how can I
relieve their pain, to make them better and
comfortable. This is a big reward for me.
Afsaneh works from her clinic, as well as
visiting clients’ homes, if they’re unable
to travel. To book an appointment call
01622 853640 / 07506 376264.
125 www.wealdentimes.co.uk