Inflatable boats that can relieve swollen feet –

According to the latest data from the Society of Chiropodists and Podologos, up to 60 percent of us suffer from foot problems ranging from athlete’s foot to bursitis.

So what over-the-counter products can help when something goes wrong with our feet?

Caroline Jones asked experts to review some of the latest products, and we reviewed them.

Massage for swollen legs and varicose veins

Fit King Leg and Foot Massage (pictured above), £129.99, amazon.co.uk

Claim: Said to ‘reliably relieve fatigue and pain and improve blood circulation’. The product consists of three airbags per leg that mechanically inflate and deflate to massage the foot to the thigh.

It is designed for anyone who stands a lot at work and for people with “swollen legs and feet and varicose veins”.

Expert Verdict: “Foot and leg massage with upward and backward movements towards the body can improve blood flow, reduce fluid build-up in the lymphatic system (fluid drainage), thereby relieving swelling and pain,” says podiatrist Ivan Bristow, MD, Chiroody Surgery in Lymington, Hampshire.

‘A massage therapist can help reduce pain caused by varicose veins or edema (swelling due to fluid buildup).

“Mechanical massages are not as effective as a personal massage, but can be applied daily at home, making them less expensive in the long run.”

7/10

Caps to reduce pressure on ingrown toenails

Silipos Full Gel Nose Caps, set of two, 4,99 TL, insoles.it

The claim: These washable, latex-free gel toe caps promise to reduce “pressure and friction caused by calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails.” Wear it under your socks and shoes.

Expert Verdict: “Gelcaps are inexpensive and useful for reducing pressure around the toes and preventing constant rubbing of the thickened area of ​​skin,” says Ivan Bristow.

“Podiatrists recommend it for patients with calluses (small lumps of hard skin on the toes) and calluses (larger patches of hard skin) that are often caused by the friction of unsuitable shoes.

8/10

Socks fighting athlete’s foot

Socks with toe separators, £12.95 per pair, socks.nl

Claim: The manufacturer claims that “conventional socks work the toes like one” and that this “negatively affects balance and posture.”

But these glove-shaped socks “work all the muscles and ligaments, preventing foot pain” by allowing free movement of the toes. And they claim it “reduces odor and athlete’s foot” because there is no friction between the toes. Made of cotton and elastane.

Expert Verdict: “The idea behind this seems flawed to me,” says Ivan Bristow.

“Although the thumb can move independently, the other four act as a unit as they share common tendons. So the idea of ​​having your individual toes in one sock probably makes little difference to balance.

“Tight socks can aggravate athlete’s foot and make the odor worse as sweating increases.”

2/10

Tea tree foot bath to soften hard skin

Courtin Tea Tree Oil Foot Bath, 500ml, £21.35, beautyfor.co.uk

The claim: This foot bath with tea tree oil promises to “soothe excessive corns,” treat “fungal foot problems,” and cleanse the feet. Add a tablespoon to four liters of warm water and let it sit for five minutes.

Expert Verdict: “Studies show that tea tree oil can kill some bacteria and fungi that cause athlete’s foot, but its effectiveness depends on its concentration,” says Ivan Bristow.

‘The exact concentration in this product is uncertain, but it is likely lower than a treatment oil so it may only have a mild effect.

‘However, higher concentrations can cause skin irritation, so I wouldn’t recommend it for fungal nail and skin infections. Over-the-counter medications containing the proven antifungal teebafin will be much more effective.

“When it comes to softening calluses, creams containing urea (which inhibits hydration) are more effective than any foot bath – try Flexitol Heel Balm (£5.09, most drugstores).”

4/10

Pads for pain relieving foot pads

Midfoot pads, set of two, £19.99, londoncomfy.com

Claim: These are worn under the arch of the foot and radiate pressure to “effectively relieve foot pain” by stimulating the foot into the “correct position”. They target any pain that affects the sole of the foot, including metatarsalgia, where the sole of the foot becomes inflamed and painful.

Expert verdict: “Metatarsalgia is often caused by shoes that don’t fit,” explains Bharti Rajput, MD, a podiatrist at Sole Body Soul in Dundee. When the head of one metatarsal bone presses on the other, the tiny nerves between them can become pinched and cause inflammation. Putting weight on the foot can make symptoms worse.

“These gel pads provide cushioning, but I’m afraid they don’t sufficiently reduce the pressure on the sole of the foot because the gel gets stuck. A podiatrist’s orthoses (insoles) are the best option.

5/10

Shock waves to relieve inflammation

Heelease Shockwave, £32.45, heelease.co.uk

Claim: This battery-powered vibrating device emits energy-efficient shock wave therapy), which the manufacturer claims to “block foot pain” by sending high-frequency pulses through the skin to the connective tissue in the sole. These become inflamed in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tendinitis.

According to the manufacturer’s studies, it reduces pain in 98% of users. Use daily for ten minutes.

Expert Verdict: “Plant fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue in the fascia that connects the heel and toes) is the most common cause of foot pain,” says Bharti Rajput.

‘It usually affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet, with pain in the middle of their feet and on the inside of the heel.

‘This shock wave therapy sends painless pulses to the damaged tissue. It is recommended by NICE and there is good evidence that it helps relieve pain by increasing blood flow.

“The depth of the shock wave penetrating the foot tissue is crucial: podiatrist machines penetrate 3 to 12 cm deep, but the depth of this smaller device is uncertain.

“Good price, available every day.”

6/10

Grape lotion for dry skin care

Footmender Lotion, 100ml, £28.99, footlife.co.uk

Claim: It promises to “treat and heal dry skin, corns, corns, and cracked heels.” It contains natural acids, including tartaric acid (found in grapes), which helps remove dead skin cells and is rich in humectants, “stimulates the healing of chapped skin.” Apply two doses twice a day for one week, then once a week.

Expert Verdict: “The biggest benefit of this is the use of a weekly maintenance treatment after the first week, unlike most foot creams that require daily application,” says Bharti Rajput.

“Many of my patients forget to apply foot cream every day: Walking can become painful when cracked heels are neglected.

‘There’s a good combination of ingredients in this one with lactic and glycolic acid, both of which are well-researched exfoliants. Tartaric acid is great for balancing the acidity of the skin: acidic sweat can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, there are moisturizing jojoba oil and urea. It costs £28.99, but the quality of the ingredients make it good value for money.’

8/10

UV lamps to sterilize shoes

UV shoe lamps, £49.99, amazon.co.uk

Claim: It is claimed that wearing these lamps on shoes at night provides a “double sterilization” effect, as ozone gas, which is formed as a by-product of UV radiation from the lamp and UV light, is “99% of bacteria and fungi in 15 minutes”. .

Expert Verdict: “UV light and ozone gas produce electromagnetic energy that causes cell death, destroying microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi,” says Bharti Rajput.

“A UV shoe sterilizer can help keep shoes free of bacteria, but feet also need to be washed regularly and/or treated with an antifungal treatment.”

6/10

Herbal cream to soothe chilblains

Akilene winter cream75ml, £12.25, amazon.co.uk

Claim: Contains gingko biloba, which is said to stimulate blood circulation, ‘soothes inflammation and itching from existing freckles and prevents new ones’.

Expert Verdict: “Winter hands are areas of itchy skin that become inflamed after being heated too quickly when cold,” explains Andrew Gladstone, podiatrist at London’s City Chiropody.

“When it’s cold, the body closes small blood vessels in the skin of the extremities, keeping blood flow warm to essential organs. The skin heats them very quickly before blood flow is restored, producing chemical byproducts that cause a burn-like injury: chilblains. Gingko biloba herb is used to stimulate circulation, but there is limited evidence that it actively treats chilblains.

“I recommend a simple antiseptic cream like Savlon.”

5/10