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Best foot forward
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Podiatrist Mahboob Shariff points out his treatments are therapeutic rather than cosmetic
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PHOTO: MURALI KUMAR K.
Tip toe Mahboob Shariff: ‘I don’t want my service to be perceived as luxurious’
His uncle Azim Khan was said to be the only trained foot specialist in Karnataka. And now, Mahboob Shariff can boast the same. “My uncle was trained in Czechoslovakia and worked in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata”, says Mahboob at his Pedicure Clinic at Hotel Woodlands. With a grandfather who was a blacksmith in the army, and a father who was in sales at Bata, Mahboob studied medicine to become a doctor. “But my father met with an accident, and I had to discontinue my studies to work part-time, and attend evening college.”
Since his uncle was keen to have an apprentice, Mahboob’s interest in foot care grew. “I wanted to continue medicine and clubbed my practical experience of podiatry with studies by getting hold of some course material.”
In the beginning, Mahboob was aware that his profession was looked down upon. “Serving people who ignore their feet and relieving them of their pain brought great satisfaction and respect.” He feels that Indians unlike their Western counterparts, do not give proper attention to their feet. “It becomes a psychological and sociological issue, when looking after one’s feet is ignored.”
He points out that his treatment are therapeutic rather than cosmetic. That is why I call it a pedicure clinic. Moreover, I treat different problems from ingrown and infected nails, infection, cracks, warts, athlete’s foot and calluses to corns as part of a general check-up.” He feels that people are not aware that podiatry is also a part of medicine. “Nor do they know that the feet are the first to get affected in a diabetic patient.” He lists some symptoms that result due to poor blood circulation in the feet like loss of sensation which could cause unknown injuries. “All this is because simple precautions of taking care of corns and timely cutting of nails are not taken. I have prevented a number of amputations.”
Mahboob has refused several offers to act as a foot care specialist in hospitals. “I have a large clientele over here and I cannot see myself hopping from one hospital to the next giving expensive advice and catering only to the elite. I could have had even a grand foot salon, but I don’t want to see my service as luxurious.” He feels that beauty parlours package a foolhardy version of what an actual pedicure should be like. “They chip, file and polish the nails, apply plenty of cream and massage and do an unprofessional job of cleaning the feet.” He says that sterilising the feet first is an important first step, followed by scaling the calluses, corns and cracks without damaging the tissues.
Most foot ailments are either genetic, due to bad shoes or exposure to dust, water and sunlight. “Foot balance and arch support is important. Closed footwear with socks helps retain natural moisture and avoids exposure to harsh conditions, without having to apply cream.” He also makes shoes and sandals that look after the needs of the feet.
Most of the instruments he uses are imported and some of his oils are made by him, including a foot cream. He feels that weekly scrubbing with pumice, cutting the nails once in three weeks, applying coconut or almond oil goes a long way in preventing foot ailments. “People now have no time to wash or scrub their feet and wear shoes made of acrylic, foam or plastic.” In his 22nd year, Mahboob concludes that foot problems differ from person to person. Pedicure Clinic at Hotel Woodlands, near Mallya Hospital is open from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 12 to 4 p.m. on Fridays. Call 22225111.
This column features those who choose veer off the beaten track.
AYESHA MATTHAN
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