How to Pick Footwear that Prevents Sweaty Foot

Summer season always challenges your skin. Especially, this is the month when your feet demand special attention too. If you are already suffering from foot conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis or diabetes related complications, then these might worsen from the scorching heat. Constant sweating of your feet may result in blisters or hard, cracked skin during this time.

Rather than being too panicky about why your feet problems are deteriorating during summer, you need to take a close look at certain factors. Selecting the right footwear will save you from sweaty foot!

• When the heat becomes unbearable, this is the natural tendency to kick off shoes and feel relaxed. By doing so, you might be inviting some serious problems. Going barefoot is never advised because the heat and humidity can affect your tender foot skin. Foot infections can also happen if the walking area is not clean. Especially those suffering from diabetes should never go barefoot.
• People are often inclined to pick up flip-flops since these look cool, fashionable and beat the heat too. The problem is that super-flimsy flip-flops do not take care of your foot health. These provide no support to your feet and hence extremely harmful for those suffering from flat feet and high arches. Then the thong portion of the flip-flop might cause skin irritation. By wearing flip-flops you become susceptible to sudden accident or scrubbed toes since the footwear doesn’t stabilize your feet in anyway. In fact, foot experts feel that such footwear can cause similar harm just like high-heels or pointed shoes.  
• Don’t let your feet remain wet for too long. This might sound quite an implausible task, more so, if you need to travel often in the sweltering heat. Problem is that your sweaty feet may cause summer blisters. So, make sure that you change socks daily and opt for the ones with at least 70% cotton or wool. This surely helps in keeping your foot dry.
• There are certain foot ailments that cause perspiration and extreme discomfort, if you are wearing inappropriate footwear. So it is very important to select shoes matching your foot problem. Take for instance plantar fasciitis, for which podiatrists suggest shoes with cushioned heels, heel cradles or heel cups. For bunion feet, a good idea is to pick up shoes with wide toe boxes to lessen pain.  Podiatrists also recommend forefoot products like bunion shields, night splints or bunion bandages. Some effective remedies for diabetic foot include wearing shoes with high and wide toe boxes. Removable insoles where you can fit orthotics also help in this regard.

Thus it can be deducted that while picking up footwear for summer months, you need to take practical decisions. A flip-flop might fulfill your fashion quotient but is not advisable for whole day use. The best idea is to consult an expert podiatrist for helpful maintenance tips for your sweaty feet. 

Know how Nutrition Affects Foot Conditions

Nutrition is often associated with weight loss or heart problem. However, the fact is diet can affect any of your body parts and feet are no exception too. This is simply because the foot is connected to the rest of your body. Thus, what you intake either strengthens or weakens the foot. So, if you are really worried about constant foot problems then it is time to take a look at your diet chart.

When it comes to foot ailments, inflammation and pain are quite common. People often experience heel pain which is caused by inflammation of the plantar fasciitis i.e., a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot connecting heel bone to your toes.  Then there are many who suffer from arch pain/ strain and also heel spur. According to expert podiatrists, painful foot and inflammation can result from excessive intake of some specific foods like:-

• Junk or baked items that contain refined grains, trans-fat and sugar
• Red meat which is rich in saturated fat
• Vegetable oils that are commonly used as cooking media like corn, sunflower or soybean oils; these contain high level of Omega-6 fats
• Sweets, pasta and white flour that directly impact blood sugar level

Excessive intake of sugar, saturated or Omega-6 fat can play havoc with the body system thus directly impacting your feet. Those suffering from high blood sugar might experience foot swelling and pain. Foot inflammation can also occur from some food related chronic allergic reactions. As per a recent study, obesity too has some connection with foot pain/inflammation. So, it is very important to follow a healthy diet chart that should ideally include:-

• Green vegetables and fresh fruits
• Whole grains
• Legumes/ beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Lean meats
• Fatty fishes like salmon or fish oil supplements that are rich in omega-3 fats

As is evident from the above chart, the main emphasis is on a wholesome and balanced diet. Green vegetables and Omega-3 work as anti-inflammatory agents. Then Omega-3 is highly effective in preventing peripheral artery disease. Food items like whole grains, beans or lean meat work best for diabetic patients.

If in doubt whether your foot problem has direct connection with your food habit, then the best way to affirm is by consulting any renowned podiatrist. He will help in preparing the right diet chart after assessing your specific foot conditions.

Basic Causes & Effective Remedies for Hammer Toes

There are several foot conditions which, if left untreated, can result in severe complications like permanent deformity. Hammer toe is such an example. At the beginning it might not be clearly noticed. You need to take a close look at your feet to understand whether it is indeed affected by hammer toe. In case toe is crossed or bent abnormally, even pointing at an odd angle, then you have reason to worry! Ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes are to be blamed, which might scrunch your toes by putting excessive pressure on the middle portion. This results in abnormal curling. Though not painful always but in severe cases this toe abnormality does cause soreness and discomfort.  Here are few basic facts about hammer toes.

• It is a kind of deformity whereby one or more small toes bend from the joint, mainly between the first and second segments. Thus, tip of the toe bends downward, taking the shape of a hammer or claw. Usually the second toe is affected. Mostly people suffering from this deformity develop corns too.
• Hammer toe is mainly caused by tight or ill fitting shoes. Those suffering from bunions, diabetes, biomechanical imbalances, neuromuscular conditions or arthritis in the toe joint are also susceptible to this foot condition. Sometimes a simple foot injury can develop into hammertoe. According to experts, this deformity can be hereditary as well.
• Some common symptoms of hammertoe include curling toe, soreness and discomfort in toes or ball of the foot. You might experience difficulty stretching your toes. And, yes, you will find it hard to find fitting shoes too.
• If left untreated, this toe deformity can turn into a permanent foot ailment.
• Any expert podiatrist can diagnose this problem just by thoroughly examining toes and feet. However, an X-ray is suggested if he suspects some serious disorder like rheumatoid arthritis. If the patient complaints of excessive pain then he might suggest necessary tests to check for signs of infection.
• There are some basic treatments which can be done at home. Opt for comfortable shoes with high, broad toe boxes. There are customized forefoot products for hammertoes which provides best cushion for your sore feet. Some light exercises of the toe that help relax foot tendons are also recommended. In case the pain of toe or foot portion becomes unbearable and lasts for several days or your toes start curling excessively then these are indications that you should get in touch with an expert podiatrist. Don’t allow your hammertoe to take a serious shape.
• By following certain preventive measures you can easily hold back this toe deformity. To being with, take a close look at your footwear. Are these too short or tight, do these come with pointed toes or extreme high-heels, does your toe hurts when you wear them? Then it is time to shift to footwear which keeps your toes relaxed. Soaking your feet in warm water, doing some stretching foot exercises regularly, also help in preventing hammertoe.

If in doubt, consult a podiatrist to confirm whether your painful foot is actually an indication of hammertoe.

How to Prevent Foot Problems During Summer

Summer, the month of excruciating heat and uncomfortable sweat, brings with it itching skin problems. However, very few know that this is the season when several foot conditions raise their heads too. Your foot remains sweaty most of the time which results in infections like athlete’s foot or warts. Blisters are also quite common during summer. Thus it is very important to know how to keep your feet in proper shape during warmest months of the year.

Be careful of hard or cracked skin

If you have this idea that cracked skin happens in winter only, then think again! Those who love to wear back-open sandals or flip-flops might develop hard or cracked skin around the heels.  The only cure of this problem is to rub away the hard skin and then moisturize it thoroughly to soften the heel area.

Banish those Blisters

Painful blisters often strike during summer; mainly caused by continuous rubbing of sandals or flip-flops between toes. Thus the best way to prevent summer blisters is by keeping your feet dry and wearing sandals that fit well. Also try to give your tired foot ample rest and protect it from the extreme weather.

Trim your Toe Nails

Trim or file your toenails regularly. While doing so, don’t make it too short or cut it too down at the corner. This might lead to ingrown toenails.

Change Socks or Alter your Footwear Regularly

Blame it on wet socks or soggy footwear, your foot remains damp most of the time during summer. This in turn results in several foot conditions. Thus it is highly advisable to change your socks and footwear, if possible on daily basis.

Let Go of your Flip-flops

While it is a natural tendency to look for lightweight footwear like flip-flops or flimsy sandals in the hot weather, the fact is that these don’t provide enough support to your feet. Thus you start experiencing arch and heel pain after wearing the flip-flop for long.

Prevent Sweat

For many sweaty feet is indeed a problem. As the mercury starts rising, it is their foot which seems to catch the heat first. So, if your foot perspires too often then it is important to follow a proper foot care regime. Wash your foot daily with warm water. Use an antibacterial or mild soap for your feet. Then wipe thoroughly and apply some talcum powder. This routine not only helps keep your feet dry throughout the day but prevents smelly feet too.

As is evident from the above discussion, your foot health basically depends on maintaining regular hygienic routine like cutting nails, washing feet or wearing proper footwear. The problem is that some foot conditions may take severe shape, especially for those suffering from other ailments like diabetes. So, if you are really irked by persistent foot problems then it is highly advisable to seek opinion of an experienced podiatrist. Keep in mind that any delay in treatment often augments the problem. On the other hand, timely cure can keep your feet in good shape throughout the year.

How to Get Rid of Painful Ingrown Toenails

There are several foot conditions which are quite common and can strike anytime due to negligence or poor foot hygiene. Ingrown toenail is one such foot problem that primarily affects the great toenail. While the normal toenail grows vertically or outward towards tip of the toe, ingrown toenails grow abnormally. Though not that serious from medical point of view, but ingrown toenail is one condition which often turns painful coupled with redness or swelling. If not taken care in time, it can result in clear or yellow drainage too.

What causes Ingrown Toenails

One sure indication of ingrown toenail is when the soft skin on one or both sides of the nail starts growing over edges of the nail. Sometimes the nail itself juts into the skin thus causing cracks in that area of the skin. Ingrown toenails often results in inflammation and in severe cases infection too. Inflammation even worsens the problem as the nail folds into the skin even more. As the ingrown toenail protrudes deeper into the skin, this exacerbates pain and injury.

Who are prone to it

Though no such specific category can be pinpointed but experts opine that athletes, children or adolescents are more prone to ingrown toenails. Then there are certain factors which can also trigger the problem one of which is congenital foot/toenail deformation. Repeated trauma or a sudden accident when your toe is stepped on can also cause a piece of nail to pierce into the skin. You are most likely to fall into the vulnerable category if born with long toes or short nails. Cutting the toenail inaccurately can also result in its abnormal growth. If you have this habit of cutting the nail too short, then be careful; you might be inviting serious problem! Those suffering from diabetes, obesity, arthritis or foot sweating problem are susceptible to this foot condition too.

General Complications Related to the Ailment

Infections of varied degrees can happen because of ingrown toenail. The person may suffer from bacterial tissue infection. The nail fold and surrounding skin might get infected or scarred.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenail

It is always advisable to take timely action before infection sets in. You can try out some easy home remedies. Just soak your feet in warm salt water and then dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Apply some mild antiseptic cream on the toenail and surrounding skin. Bandage the toe properly. Shift to comfortable footwear that offers enough room for your toe. However, if the swelling, pain or discharge aggravates in spite of this home remedy then it is time to visit an expert podiatrist. Don’t be intimidated if he says that a minor surgical procedure needs to be conducted. In fact this is nothing but an in-office treatment whereby the overgrown skin or affected nail portion is removed and the infection is treated with some medicine. However, it is always advisable to visit an experienced foot care specialist only for the purpose rather than opting for a general physician.

Foot conditions associated with work related factors

Prolonged sitting or standing, working in awkward positions or handling heavy load at workplace can put excessive stress on muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and nerves thus leading to pain, fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Foot related injuries are quite common which often result from erratic work conditions. While many would opine that corns or calluses can’t be categorized as occupational injury in the strictest sense but the fact is that a tired and painful foot results in extreme fatigue which in turn affects body muscles and bones.

Work related foot problems and common causes

There are certain foot conditions which can occur in any workplace and under any working condition. Calluses, corns, severely aching feet, malformations of toes, rheumatism, arthritis, flat feet or bunions are caused from standing at a stretch or because of ill fitted footwear. If you prefer wearing high heels, pointed shoes or footwear that lack proper arch support then be careful! You are exposing yourself to foot problems. Those who need to work in extreme hot and humid environment or under strenuous condition often suffer from fungal infections, i.e. athlete's foot. Footwear that prevents adequate air circulation might prove to be the culprit too.

What kind of work condition can cause foot problem

Though common foot conditions can arise on/off the job, there are certain problems which can be directly related to work-related factors. Standing for long hours is one of the main culprits. Our foot is designed for mobility. Hence an upright stance can result in poor blood circulation which leads to severe ache and tiredness of the foot.  Continuous standing can also result in flat feet and inflammation. If not taken care in time, this foot condition finally leads to rheumatism and arthritis.

Flooring used in the workplace might also contribute to foot ailments. If an extremely hard floor can cause heel pain too slippery floor is the prime cause for slips or falls. Thus you end up with broken foot bone or sprained ankle.

How to prevent workplace related foot problems

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”, so it is always advisable to follow some precautionary measures to prevent aggravation of foot conditions at workplace. If your work demands constant standing, then try to take short breaks in between. In fact frequent short breaks are preferred over infrequent long ones. Take a close look at your footwear to assess if it is indeed suited for your work condition. Rather than giving preference to style, emphasize on comfort and safety. Opt for shoes that allow enough movement of the toe. Preferably it should have a fastening across the instep to prevent sudden fall. Flat shoe or the one with wide-based heel is preferred over high-heeled ones.

In case the foot problem doesn’t subside then it is always advisable to get in touch with an experienced podiatrist. The doctor’s guidance indeed helps in buying shock absorbing insoles or properly fitting shoes. He may also suggest some light exercises to improve blood circulation of the feet. Do keep in mind that timely foot treatment is the right way to get rid of long-term ailments.

Foot conditions of women that aggravate with age

Foot ailments are quite common and can happen to anyone irrespective of age or gender. However, a study shows that women are more prone to foot issues than men. Then, age plays a major role too. Before 40, if a woman suffers from high heel injury or overstressed foot problem then after hitting 40, the situation turns a bit grave. This is the age when foot tendons and ligaments start losing their elasticity. Sometimes toenails tend to thicken or fat pads underneath the foot become too thin. All these result in feet stiffness and extreme pain too.

Does this mean being a woman you are destined to hobble into the ripe old age? Not, if you are conscious about various foot conditions and their remedial measures. Timely treatment indeed helps in aggravating foot conditions that develop with age. Discussed below are few such foot problems from which a woman is mostly likely to suffer with age:-

• Bunion: A kind of protuberance which results due to shifting of the first metatarsal, i.e. the big toe bone towards the second toe. A large bump on the side of big toe, skin redness, swelling and pain are few common signs of bunion. Though genetic predisposition is considered the prime reason but you might give a further boost to it by wearing shoes with narrow toe boxes. By shifting to soft, supple leather shoes with thick sole it is possible to reduce pressure on foot bone. Specially designed orthotics proves to be effective too.
• Plantar Fasciitis: An inflammation which is caused by excessive stretching of the bottom of the foot i.e. plantar fascia. This foot condition results in heel, arch pain and heel spurs, especially after getting up in the morning. Tight calf muscle, excessive strain on the arch portion, extreme physical activity and flat feet are some primary causes of Plantar Fasciitis. One effective remedy is wearing shoes with one-and-half-inch heels. The right kind of orthotic with longitudinal arch support and rear foot posting can be of great help too.
• Neuroma: Thickening and inflammation of nerve tissue, mainly between third and fourth toes is considered as Morton’s Neuroma. Numbness, cramping of forefoot or tingling sensation are few common symptoms of this foot problem. Erratic footwear that puts excess pressure on nerves in the ball of the foot might be one of the culprits. While walking if your foot tends to roll inward then it can also result in Neuroma. Thus it is also advisable to take a break from physical exercises or activities that irritate nerve tissues. Shoes with cushioned heel helps relieve pain and discomfort associated with this ailment.

With advancements in podiatric treatments, it has now become easy to get rid of nagging and painful foot syndromes. Surgery is considered the last resort if the patient is suffering since long or the foot problem is obstructing her daily activities. Otherwise regular exercises, proper footwear or orthotics are just adequate to take care of most of the foot conditions. Whatever route you follow, make sure to do that under expert guidance of a podiatrist.