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Those Carnival feet

It’s Carnival time again… and while some like myself haven’t hit one fete yet, as a trini generally the music gets into your soul and makes you start plotting your first fete and regretting not signing up in your preferred band.

The soca is pumping on every urban station and pumps (whole shoes), is one of the top selections for the season. Sexy 3-4 inch pumps that just give your legs that wow finish. Boots are, like last year, another popular choice, but I’m happier when looking at pictures to see the flats and wedges which are by far the best choice, given the jumping, waving and wining that takes place.

While we hit the varied walking/jogging/running facilities to lighten the pressure on our feet (weight wise), we place an excessive amount in doing what most Trinbagonians do best at fetes; the extensive hours gyrating in crazy heels has an equally crazy effect on the body.

Mr Fete and Miss Behave are having a time this year sparing no thought for Ash Wednesday and beyond, when the aches, pains, blisters and black or lost toenails occur. From the lower back to knee to foot pains… but hey, most will say, I’m doing it again!

 Ailments you may have to face

 Corns

The friction from the sexy shoes and boots you wear over the season, and the boots you’ll wear ALL of Carnival Monday and Tuesday is going to be responsible for those corns. Think and act wisely, get the desired results… no corns!

Toenail Darkening/Separation

The number one reason people, especially the feters and masqueraders visit the Clinic for assessments after the Carnival season is because of the damaged toenails. The constant toe mashing that occurs is the main cause of the problem. Trauma occurs resulting in the toenail darkening or separating from the nail bed.

Calluses

Many of us have biomechanical problems and naturally our weight bearing differs. This along with the amount of walking, wining and chipping we do would determine the areas we may tend to get callus build-up. Also, insufficient coverage via proper insoles or lack thereof, contributes greatly to this possible reality.

Pains and Discomfort

In many instances the feet are already screaming because of the amount of extra pressure placed on them. Sprains and edema (swelling) are common at this time; proper/sufficient care isn’t as common. Don’t take your feet for granted, because the effects at a later stage would make you regret it.

Prevention

Wear smart footwear to the fetes. Masqueraders, especially first-timers, ensure you choose your footwear wisely. Arch Supports (insoles) are important unless you purchase sneakers/boots with proper cushioning. Extra cushioning, once it does not make your footwear tight, is recommended, given the excessive amounts of walking being done for two straight days.

So to prevent the damaged toenails, corns, swollen/painful ankles and knees, surface fungus, sore muscles, blisters and lower back pains—consider these tips:

• Shed the extra pounds and no, don’t think the strictly fruits, veggies, no meats and fat diets work; the weight comes back.

• Stretch the muscles in preparation for the season; this would prevent the severe muscle soreness in the aftermath.

Home Care Tips

Your foot care routine is as important as doing your hair. Remember ladies, horrible looking feet and toenails put off people easily. But healthy looking feet are an attribute that makes every woman appealing! Doing a pedicure at home/getting one professionally done should be a routine.

Open-toed shoes are popular but wearing them means your feet and toenails should look good. A pair of pumps can save you any time you miss a pedicure appointment.

The average person’s feet would get sore, so soaking of the feet to soothe is excellent; along with elevating them, especially in the case where the person is experiencing swelling. Massage a cream or essential oil into the skin.

Seek Professional Care

If you have persistent problems after the season, it’s time to seek professional help. Experienced therapists would advise on the way forward … a pedicure to deal with the ills, and a massage to deal with the pains and fall outs of not treating the body right.

Culturally, this is our time of year, so enjoy it. However, be vigilant, as it is a period when increases in crime and road accidents are the norm. I’m grateful for life, as I was in a major accident on January 8, hence the absence of my article over the past 3 weeks. My vehicle is a write off, and I have some physical and emotional pains, but I’m alive. There’s clearly a big plan and purpose for my life, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store as the year unfolds. It has started unfolding and I’ll reveal more on this as the time draws closer.

Your feet mirror your general health… cherish them!

5 thoughts on “Those Carnival feet

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