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AAlba Foot Clinic offers a total foot care experience. Based in the picturesque town of Carrick on Shannon, we are more than just a traditional foot care clinic.
We are passionate about feet and our mission is to surpass your expectations in foot care, bringing together our wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure we are able to support the health and wellbeing of your feet. Our modern clinic offers a wide rage of Podiatry treatments from basic nail care all the way through to nail surgeries, mole screening and nail surgery, making us your one stop shop of all your foot health needs.
Podiatry treatments
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Nail Care and Chiropody
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Minor foot surgery
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Lower Limb Biomechanics
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Screening
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Foot Care Advice
Blog
Are you ready for summer!
5 tips for summer-ready feet so you can confidently show them off in sandals, at the beach, or anywhere the warm weather takes you:1. Exfoliate Regularly
Why: Removes dead, dry skin and prevents calluses.
How: Use a pumice stone, foot scrub, or exfoliating foot mask 2–3 times a week.
Bonus: Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt for 10 minutes first to soften skin.
2. Moisturize Daily
Why: Summer heat and sandals can dry out your feet.
How: Apply a rich foot cream or heel balm at night. For deep hydration.
Look for: Ingredients like shea butter, urea, and glycerin.
3. Keep Toenails Trimmed & Clean
Why: Prevents ingrown nails, infections, and keeps feet looking neat.
How: Trim nails straight across and gently file the edges.
Don’t forget: Clean under nails.
4. Apply Sunscreen to Feet
Why: Feet are often exposed but forgotten when it comes to sun protection.
How: Use SPF 30+ on the tops of your feet, toes, and ankles if they’re exposed.
5. Choose Breathable Footwear
Why: Prevents sweaty feet, odour, and fungal infections.
How: Opt for sandals or shoes made with breathable materials like leather or mesh.
Tip: Rotate shoes and use foot powder or antiperspirant spray to keep feet dry.
Why Your Teenager’s Feet Smell:
1. Hormonal Changes (Puberty)Teenagers sweat more due to increased hormone activity during puberty.
Feet have more sweat glands per inch than anywhere else, and more sweat = more odour.
2. Bacteria + Sweat = Odour
Sweat itself doesn’t smell, but bacteria on the skin feed on sweat and dead skin cells.
These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds, which create that classic foot odour.
3. Closed Shoes + Socks
Wearing non-breathable shoes (e.g., sneakers all day) traps moisture.
Dirty or synthetic socks can make it worse.
4. Lack of Hygiene or Routine
Teens might skip washing their feet thoroughly or wearing clean socks daily.
How to Reduce Foot Odour in Teenagers:1. Daily Washing
Wash feet every day with soap and water, especially between the toes.
Dry thoroughly afterward — moisture encourages bacteria.
2. Clean, Breathable Socks
Change socks at least once a day, more if they sweat a lot.
Choose cotton or moisture-wicking socks, not synthetic fabrics.
3. Alternate Shoes
Don’t wear the same pair every day — let shoes dry out between wears.
Remove insoles and air them out.
4. Antibacterial or Deodorizing Products
Products from the Gehwol range, available in clinic can help.
5. Shoe Hygiene
Wash or replace insoles.
Use baking soda or activated charcoal in shoes overnight to absorb odour.
If the odour is extremely strong, persistent, or comes with itching, peeling skin, or toenail changes, you should seek advice from your local podiatrist.
Why You Shouldn’t You Wear Soft Sports Shoes Every Day
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and comfort often dictate our daily choices—especially when it comes to footwear. Soft sports shoes, like running shoes or cushy trainers, have become the go-to option for many people. They’re lightweight, breathable, and feel like walking on clouds. But here’s the truth: wearing them every single day isn’t doing your feet—or the rest of your body—any favours.
Here’s why it’s time to reconsider making soft sports shoes your everyday default:
1. They’re Designed for Specific Activities
Soft sports shoes are engineered for athletic purposes—running, gym workouts, or sports-specific movements. The cushioning and design are tailored to reduce impact during those activities, not for prolonged daily wear on hard pavements, office floors, or erratic movements through the day.
Wearing them outside their intended context can actually reduce their performance lifespan and lead to discomfort or improper foot alignment over time.
2. Too Much Cushioning Can Weaken Your Feet
A highly cushioned shoe may feel great initially, but constant use can lead to weaker foot muscles. Your feet rely on sensory feedback to maintain balance and proper posture. Overly soft shoes dull that feedback, which can cause your feet and ankles to work less, eventually weakening the intrinsic muscles of your feet.
Weak feet = greater risk of injury.
3. Poor Arch Support for All-Day Wear
Most soft sports shoes focus on impact absorption, not long-term support. This means they often lack the arch support and structural stability needed for walking or standing for hours on end. Poor arch support can lead to foot, knee or hip issues.
4. They Wear Out Quickly
Soft midsoles—especially those made of EVA foam—compress and lose their shape faster than more supportive materials. Wearing the same pair every day accelerates this breakdown, turning your once-comfy shoes into foot traps that can cause alignment issues and joint pain.
5. They May Not Suit Your Gait
Everyone walks differently, and running shoes are typically designed with a certain gait in mind (like heel-strike runners). Wearing shoes not suited for your gait every day can exacerbate imbalances, leading to chronic discomfort or injuries.
6. Lack of Versatility for Varying Surfaces
Everyday walking involves a variety of surfaces—tile, concrete, grass, stairs, and slopes. Soft sports shoes aren’t designed for such terrain variation, which can compromise stability and grip, potentially increasing your risk of slips and falls.
What Should You Wear Instead?
Rotate your footwear. Here are some healthier alternatives:
Supportive walking shoes with firmer soles
Orthopaedic or podiatrist-approved casual shoes
Properly fitted insoles in fashionable yet structured footwear
Final Thoughts
Soft sports shoes are like dessert: great in moderation, not ideal as a daily staple. Your feet are the foundation of your body’s movement. Show them some love with variety, support, and shoes designed for all-day function—not just comfort.
So next time you reach for your soft runners out of habit, pause and think: is this the best choice for your feet today?
