Whatever the underlying cause of your leg or foot problem, here are some things you can do to help improve your legs and feet.
Healthy diet
Ensuring you eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight is just one of the ways you can help. The way to achieve a healthy weight is to eat a well-balanced diet and take enough exercise.
Keeping active
We know living with leg and foot conditions can be challenging but it is still important to be as active as possible and keep fit. Move around and stretch regularly, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Regular exercise can help to ease any stiffness and strengthen muscles, as well as helping you to keep to a healthy weight and improving your self confidence.
We’d recommend:
- If you are able to take light to moderate exercise, aim to walk for about 30 minutes at least three times a week
- If walking is a problem, then there are re gentle exercises that can be done while sitting down – move your feet around in circles, then up and down. This helps get blood back to your heart.
- Avoid standing for a long time
Smoking
Smoking reduces the amount of blood at reaches the skin in your lower legs and so reduces healing. If you smoke, try to cut down or quit. It is hard to quit, but there’s lots of support to be found through your nurse or doctor, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Emotions
There are lots of emotions to deal with if you’re suffering with a leg or foot problem. Sometimes you can feel low or anxious. Consider exploring self help options or advice to help improve your mental well-being.
Skin care
Look after your skin. It’s important to keep your skin clean and well moisturised. Avoid soap as this can be very drying. Instead, use a moisturising soap substitute when washing, bathing and showering, and always moisturise your skin afterwards.. You may want to use a bath emollient or oil as well as a moisturising lotion, cream or ointment, as these clean and hydrate the whole body.
Managing pain
Wounds on the legs or feet can be painful. Pain killers such as paracetamol may be helpful along with rest and elevating your leg or foot. You may need to take time off work so discuss this you’re your GP.
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– Knees to toes: what you need to know (PDF download 566kb)
