The Happy Foot Clinic

14/08/2026

🦶 What Walked Into the Clinic…

I’ve had a run of people coming into the clinic recently with things that looked straightforward at first… but turned out to be a bit of a conundrum once I got into them. In this case, if you look at the left‑hand picture, it looks like a corn — and that’s a completely reasonable assumption.

But once I removed the hard skin, the right‑hand picture told a different story. Underneath it looked bruised and red. Now, this could simply be the result of the corn causing pressure and irritation, and the foot may settle now that the hard skin has been taken away.

However, it could also be something else. And because I’m a Foot Health Practitioner, not a doctor, I can’t diagnose. What I can do is encourage you to see your GP if something doesn’t look quite right. Sometimes it just needs a bit of off‑loading so it doesn’t happen again. Other times there might be an underlying issue that needs sorting.

The thing is, the person with this couldn’t see any of that — they just knew their foot hurt in that spot. And because of that, they made a really good choice to get some advice and have it looked at.
If you have pain in your feet, come to the clinic — I’m here to help you get your feet feeling better again.

07/08/2026

05/08/2026

🏖️ Holiday‑Ready Feet

August sun, hot pavements and long days out can take a toll on your feet without you realising. Floppy flip‑flops mean no support, toe‑gripping, tired arches and wobbly ankles. I get it — you want to be in flip‑flops because they feel more summery, but while you’re out and about choose a pair with a thicker sole, a more moulded footbed and better stability. (Archies are a great brand). They’re far safer for getting around, especially on uneven ground, around the pool or walking to the beach.

Protect your feet on the beach, by the pool and when you’re out and about. It’s surprisingly easy to get small nicks or scrapes when you’re barefoot. Hot pavements, stones, sand and pool edges can all catch you out. A tiny cut can become irritated quickly in heat, salt water or chlorine, so keep an eye on your skin.

The tops of your feet burn too — remember SPF here.
✨ And if you’re packing one oil for your holiday, make it dōTERRA Peppermint. It’s incredibly versatile — cooling and soothing on irritated skin, settles digestion, clears your airways, freshens breath, and a drop in cool water makes a lovely calming foot soak. It’s one of those oils that genuinely earns its place in your holiday bag.

The clinic is closed in August, so here’s everything you need to stay comfortable while you’re out enjoying the sunshine. Enjoy your summer — keep your feet happy ☀️

03/08/2026

☀️ Slowing Down for August — A Little Summer Reset

August has a different feel to it. When the weather warms up, everything naturally takes on a more mellow energy. Many people are heading off on their summer holidays, spending more time outside, and easing into days that don’t feel as rushed. If you prefer the brighter energy of summer to the heaviness of winter, this month becomes the perfect moment to take a longer break and properly recharge before the busy end‑of‑year build‑up begins.

Now, I’ll be honest… Last August wasn’t restful for anyone in this house. Most of the month went into turning everything upside down so the flood repairs could begin, and getting the cabin ready for September. It was extremely stressful, and there wasn’t a moment to relax or just be.

This year feels different — and maybe you’re feeling that shift too. I was hoping the house would be repaired, but at the time of writing this I am not so sure things will be done before the start of the August break due to numerous delays. The focus will be simply on getting the clinic room ready for September and giving the kitchen a bit of order. The rest can wait.

Sometimes you reach a point where you know you need a break, and August is that moment. A chance to enjoy the weather, potter in the garden, do whatever the day brings, and finally breathe again.

August is also Water Quality Month and Wellness Month, which couldn’t be more fitting. If you get even a little time for yourself, use it well. Support your body with good hydration, nourishing food, fresh air, and moments that genuinely help you reset. Wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about giving yourself what you need so you can step into September feeling steadier and more restored.

A little reset goes a long way — and you deserve it.

31/07/2026

The birthday girl loves a slice of cake… 🍰

Did you know my birthday actually falls on Raspberry Cake Day? So of course a cute recipe had to be found — cakes and birthdays go together like strawberries and cream. One popped up which suggested using lemon in the syrup that gets drizzled over the top.

Now, if there isn’t quite enough fresh lemon for the syrup, a splash of water with the sugar and one drop of dōTERRA Lemon essential oil works beautifully. The purity of the oils means they’re safe to use in food and cake recipes too.

The Beginners Trio includes Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint… and a little Baileys with a drop of Peppermint makes a lovely treat. Who knows what creations will appear this year…

This summer break is all about slowing things down a little. Last year was full of house upheaval and moving everything upstairs while the clinic was being sorted. This time around, the hope is for a gentler pace — a bit of rest, some breathing space, and time in the garden. There’s something very grounding about pulling a few weeds and tidying things up, don’t you think? 🌳

28/07/2026

☀️ Hydration in the Sun — A Little Story From Lockdown

I don’t know if you remember this, but during lockdown we were encouraged to go out for a daily walk — and the weather was boiling. So off I’d go, exploring different places, finding little alleyways around Glenfield and wandering up to Western Park. It was one of the few freedoms we had, and I made the most of it.

One thing I always had with me was my bottle of Kangen Water pH 9.5. Even now, whenever we go out, my trusty water bottle comes too — because you never quite know how long you’ll be out or how hot it’ll get.

And here’s the thing: in hot weather, it’s not just about drinking more water. It’s also about keeping your electrolytes and salt levels stable. My husband even carries a tiny jar of Cornish sea salt — just a pinch here and there when the heat ramps up.

Rock salt works better because it still has all its natural minerals intact — magnesium, potassium and trace electrolytes your body actually uses to stay balanced in the sun. Table salt is so heavily processed and stripped back that it’s basically just sodium chloride, which means it doesn’t support hydration in the same way.

A tiny pinch of proper sea salt helps your body absorb and hold onto water, not just flush it straight through — which is why that little jar comes with us on warm days.

24/07/2026

The Park I Walked Past for Years 🍃

Did you know that during lockdown I discovered Western Park for the very first time? It had been there all that time and I’d never once set foot in it until then. It became a wonderful place to explore — pathways winding through the woods giving cooling shade, open spaces full of peace and quiet, and a calmness that felt almost untouched. Often there was hardly a soul around.

Just being out in nature is soothing for your spirit — breathing fresh air, enjoying the sunshine, slowing down for a moment. I’ve even seen people picking blackberries there when they’re in season.

Leicester has over 130 parks, and we’re incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful green spaces to enjoy and explore. We’re privileged to have access to them and the chance to step into nature whenever we need it.

It’s why Love Parks Week matters — a reminder of how special these places are, how much they give back to us, and how important it is to protect the green spaces we still have. It’s sad that in Glenfield the old golf course is going to be built on, and people will lose that wonderful open space, but it makes the parks we do have feel even more precious 🌳.

21/07/2026

Doreen’s Long Trip to the Clinic 🚗

“If you need professional help my mum walked out a lot quicker than she went in after her treatment. Thank you again Melanie.”

Getting reviews on Google can be a bit like herding cats, but this is part of what Dawn D kindly shared — you can read the full review on Google.

Dawn brought her elderly mother, Doreen, to the clinic. Doreen lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, and although she didn’t make a special round trip just for the appointment, she now holds the record for the person who has travelled the farthest to date.

It was lovely to meet them both, and hopefully they left with clear advice on the steps they need to take moving forward.

20/07/2026

Massage Week is coming… and the clinic is going to smell gorgeous ✨

Have you tried an AromaTouch foot massage at the end of your appointment — and if not, why not. It’s a gentle add‑on that helps you unwind, and the aromatic benefits linger in the room long after you’ve left, creating a calmer space for the next person who walks in.

These are the choices for this month:

Lemongrass — bright, lemony and refreshing for a light summer lift.
Lavender — calming and soothing when something gentle is needed.
Patchouli — earthy and grounding, perfect for settling the mind.
Tea Tree — clean, green and crisp, bringing that outdoorsy freshness.
Elevate Essence — bright, uplifting and joyful, a lovely “fresh start” note.
TerraShield — ideal for summer days and evenings spent outdoors.

And don’t worry about struggling to choose — I always say let your body guide you.
What feels right for you today… what’s calling you.

🌅 A little reminder:
An AromaTouch foot massage needs to be booked at the same time as your appointment, as it’s an add‑on to a standard treatment. You’ll also take home a small sample of the oil or blend you choose.

17/07/2026

🌿 When Enjoying the Outdoors Starts to Feel Like a Strain

There’s something lovely about seeing couples of any age enjoying the beach — sun on the water, sand underfoot, that carefree feeling of being out in the fresh air. But for many people, long walks, uneven ground, soft sand and standing for longer than planned can start to take a toll.

That’s where the SuperPatch range comes in.
They’ve recently updated their patches so they’re even more discreet — thumb‑sized, lightweight, and easy to wear without anyone noticing. Just pop one on and get on with enjoying your day, whatever your age or activity level.

Two favourites for outdoor days:
Liberty Patch — supports balance and stability on uneven ground
Freedom Patch — helps movement feel easier and keeps those “I’ve overdone it” aches at bay
Perfect for beach walks, picnics, days out with family, or simply wanting to stay comfortable and present in the moment.

Because enjoying the outdoors shouldn’t feel like a strain — it should feel like freedom 🌿💛