Festive-Ready Feet: A Podiatrist’s Perspective

These words were first uttered recently during a home visit. My patient had just stood up after her treatment, slipped on her sandals, looked down at her feet and said, “Thank you very much, they look great.” (I had just treated three of her foot issues)

“Your feet are festive-ready now,” I responded. “…Festive-Ready-Feet,” I continued and we all giggled in agreement.

Now, moments like this happen all the time. Patients express their gratitude in different ways:

Some say, “What a difference!”

Others beam, “My feet feel so different already!” (Some even try to wiggle their toes or go up on tip-toes in disbelief, you should see their faces.. absolutely glowing!)

And then there are the patients who go home and still send a message later to say thank you. One once wrote, “By the way, my toes feel great!”

Others take a deeper, more heartfelt approach and send long, thoughtful messages of appreciation.

But this particular moment — that spontaneous “festive-ready-feet” exchange is what prompted me to pick up my pen and write about what I, as a Podiatrist, consider to be “festive-ready feet.” 

So what are festive-ready feet?

For me, festive-ready feet are, first and foremost, pain-free feet. (Oh, there’s another phrase for the future!). Feet can look beautiful to the eye, but if they’re still painful, it won’t mean much to the person living with them.

Take ingrown toenails, for example. They can present with intense pain, sometimes enough to limit a person’s movement. Whatever they try to do, there’s pain. Trying on closed shoes becomes a challenge. They are careful around the house- avoiding bumping into furniture etc. Some even avoid being too close to others in public or at home, just in case someone accidentally steps on their toes. And if that happens… that’s the kind of pain many patients struggle to put into words.

Pain is a common feature in so many foot conditions. Even something as small, but surprisingly painful as a corn can spoil one’s holidays! That little sore, irritating lesion has the capacity to ruin a festive mood.

So, before attending to the cosmetic side of your feet, the health of your feet should always be the priority.

Cosmetics without comfort is just a disguise, people may admire your pretty feet, but you will know the real story.

So in conclusion can I say:
Enjoy your festive-ready-feet this holiday season!