Everyday Foot Care

Good foot care is proactive, rather than reactive. While a chiropodist can diagnose, treat, and help you manage a variety of foot and ankle conditions, preventing foot problems and keeping the feet healthy is something that you can do at home as well. Having and following an established daily foot care routine can be very beneficial. 

Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent a variety of foot problems, including infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. It is important to wash your feet every day using lukewarm water and mild soap. Wash the entire foot, from heel to toe. Then dry the foot thoroughly, taking extra care to dry in between the toes. Moisturizing the heels and soles of the feet after washing them can help keep the skin soft, hydrated, and free of cracks. 

Stretching and strengthening the feet can maintain or improve their mobility. There are many easy foot exercises that you can do to keep your feet strong and flexible, such as toe scrunches and heel raises. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep your weight under control, relieving excess pressure and strain on the feet. 

Finally, wearing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to care for the feet. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or narrow, shoes that don’t support the feet adequately, and shoes that are made of materials that trap moisture on the foot. Opt for comfortable, properly-fitted shoes that support and protect your feet. 

For more information about daily foot care practices for good foot health, please consult with a chiropodist.

Foot Care Routines for Healthy Feet

Maintaining proper foot care is essential for overall well-being and mobility, yet it is often overlooked in daily routines. Establishing a regular foot care regimen can promote foot health and prevent common problems. Start by cleansing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, ensuring to dry them thoroughly, paying extra attention to the spaces between toes. Next, inspect your feet for any abnormalities such as cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color or texture. Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and moisturize your feet to keep skin hydrated and supple. Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear suitable for your activities, and consider using cushioned insoles or orthotic inserts for added comfort and support. Additionally, engage in foot strengthening exercises and gentle stretches to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. If you have developed foot conditions from not having a good foot care routine, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can guide you toward effective care methods.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

  • Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

  • Washing the feet daily with soap and water

  • Drying the feet thoroughly

  • Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

  • Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

  • Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Summer

Summer can be a time when the feet are particularly vulnerable to various medical problems. This is because the warm weather means that many people will wear shoes that do not adequately cushion and protect the feet or will go barefoot entirely. Fortunately, most summertime foot problems can be treated or prevented. 

In the summertime, most people frequent warm, moist public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, walking around barefoot. These places are breeding grounds for various fungi and viruses that can get into the feet, causing an infection. Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It’s characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash and skin peeling, usually found between the toes. Fungus can also infect the toenails, making them brittle, crumbly, thickened, and discolored. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can cause benign, fleshy growths called warts to grow on the soles of the feet. When going to public places, it’s suggested that you wear shoes to protect your feet from infectious agents and that you avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels with others. 

For many people, staple summer footwear includes flip-flops and open-back, open-toe sandals. Unfortunately, these shoes are usually flimsy and don’t protect the feet or provide any support or cushioning. Some also require you to scrunch up your toes while you walk to keep the shoes on your feet. This can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, heel pain, arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, and dry, cracked heels. When shopping for summer shoes, look for shoes that fit properly and have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area. They should stay on your feet while you walk without any effort and protect your feet from the elements. If you must wear flip-flops, limit wear to just a few hours every few days, or when going to specific places like the pool or beach. 

For more information about common summer foot problems and how to treat and prevent them, please consult with a chiropodist. 

​​Summer Ready Feet

Getting your feet summer-ready is a breeze with a few simple steps. Start by exfoliating to remove dry, dead skin, leaving your feet smooth and soft. Moisturize daily to keep skin hydrated and prevent cracking, focusing on heels and other rough areas. Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails, and remember to apply sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. When it comes to footwear, opt for breathable sandals with proper arch support to prevent discomfort and blisters. Be mindful of spending too much time barefoot, especially on hot surfaces, to avoid burns and injuries. Lastly, if you have concerns about foot health or need personalized tips for summer foot care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can offer you expert advice and treatments to ensure your feet are happy and healthy all summer long.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Toenail fungus

  • Plantar warts

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Bunions

  • Hammertoes

  • Heel pain

  • Cracked heels 

  • Sunburns

  • Blisters

Prevention

  • Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

  • Maintain good foot hygiene

  • Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

  • Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

  • Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes

Running and walking are excellent activities to promote physical fitness and maintain mobility. But whether you are a runner or a walker, finding the right pair of shoes can be difficult. It can be helpful to review how running and walking shoes may differ and what kind of shoes each type of exercise needs. 

Runners need shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This is because while running, the runner’s feet impact the ground with three times their body weight with each step. When considering the heel of the running shoes, note the heel height and whether or not the heel is flared. Runners need a higher heel than walkers in order to provide them with stability. A flared heel can also help with this. Finally, running shoes need to be flexible. Most running shoes are flexible in the arch or midfoot region, but it’s also possible to find running shoes that are flexible in the forefoot. The best running shoes for you will depend on your gait. 

Walkers need shoes that are supportive but do not need the same level of cushioning as runners. The heels of walking shoes don’t need to be as high as those of running shoes, but a flared heel can help walkers with their foot stability as well. Walking shoes also need to be flexible. 

With all of this said, walking shoes may be more difficult to find on the market than running shoes. This begs the question: can you walk in running shoes? The answer is yes. However, you should not run in walking shoes. For more information about this topic, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Are There Differences Between Walking and Running Shoes?

When it comes to selecting the perfect footwear for your fitness routine, understanding the disparities between running and walking shoes is vital. While both activities involve putting one foot in front of the other, the mechanics of each differ significantly, necessitating distinct shoe designs. Running shoes are engineered to absorb impact and provide ample cushioning to cushion the feet from the repetitive force generated by running. They also feature a higher heel drop to facilitate forward motion and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Conversely, walking shoes are designed with a lower profile and less cushioning since walking generates less impact force than running. Additionally, walking shoes often have a more flexible sole to accommodate the heel to toe rolling motion of walking. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to choose for your desired walking or running routine, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist.

Finding the right shoes can sometimes be a major hassle, especially if you intend to work out in them. There are shoes on the market designed specifically for running and walking, but it can be difficult to differentiate between the two and find the right shoes for you. If you’re having trouble finding the right shoes, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What are the differences between running and walking shoes? 

These two types of shoes vary along several parameters.

  • Cushioning: Runners need more cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoe, while walkers can get away with less cushioning.

  • Heel height: Runners need a higher heel to provide them with stability, but the ideal height of the heel for runners varies depending on their running gait. Walkers generally don’t need a built-up heel.  

  • Heel flare: Flared heels can help provide extra stability for runners with certain gaits, while walkers may benefit from a flared heel to control the motion of their foot. 

  • Flexibility: Both runners and walkers need shoes that are flexible. 

For more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, and to figure out which shoes may be right for you, please consult with a chiropodist. Feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Cracked Heels

When the skin on the heels is dry, it may begin to crack. These cracks are not just unsightly, they can also be uncomfortable or deep and painful. In some cases, these heel cracks can even bleed, increasing their risk of becoming infected. This can make walking, standing, or even bearing weight on the heels difficult. 

Cracked heels can be caused by a variety of factors. These include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes or shoes that don’t cushion the heels, living in a cold or dry climate, taking long, hot showers, and not moisturizing the heels, as well as various medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, or juvenile plantar dermatosis. 

The best way to prevent and treat mild cases of cracked heels is to regularly soak the feet, exfoliate the heels with a pumice stone, and then moisturize them. It is also best to avoid wearing open-back or thin-soled and unsupportive shoes. In more severe cases, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist, who can help you manage your cracked heels and overall foot health. People who have cracked heels and diabetes or a weakened immune system should also be under the care of a chiropodist.

Causes and Symptoms of Cracked Heels

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are often seen as a nuisance or a cosmetic issue but can become painful and even infected if left untreated. Dry skin, particularly when the skin surrounding the rim of the heel is thickened or callused, is a primary cause of cracked heels. Factors include prolonged standing on hard floors, biomechanical issues, obesity, and frequently wearing open-back shoes. Women are especially prone to developing cracked heels, reporting the condition at a rate over 50 percent higher than men. Visual symptoms are evident with cracks or fissures in the heel area, potentially leading to discomfort, pain, and bleeding. Infections can occur, signaled by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain upon touch. Medical conditions, including diabetes, psoriasis, and fungal infections, can predispose individuals to dry skin and increase the likelihood of cracked heels. A chiropodist can offer tailored treatment plans, address underlying conditions, and recommend suitable footwear to prevent cracked heels. If you have cracked heels that may be infected or are causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for relief.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

  • Prolonged standing

  • Wearing open-back shoes

  • Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

  • Living in a cold or dry climate

  • Taking long, hot showers

  • Not moisturizing the heels

  • Eczema

  • Psoriasis

  • Palmoplantar keratoderma

  • Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

  • Soaking the feet

  • Exfoliating with a pumice stone

  • Moisturizing the heels

  • Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

  • Avoiding prolonged standing 

  • Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

  • Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

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