Tips to keep your feet in perfectly healthy shape during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a blissful experience. The would-be mom often remains so completely engrossed with the sheer thought of cradling her precious bundle of joy within a few months, that she tends to ignore several health issues; foot condition being one of them. The fact is, pregnancy can trigger certain foot problems which ultimately result in swelling, pain at heel and arch portions along with cramping and varicose vein. The basic reason is natural weight gain whereby a woman’s centre of gravity is completely altered. Many would opine that this condition is natural, so why not bear it till childbirth! Well, the answer is that a pregnant woman needs to be conscious of her wellbeing and that includes taking care of her feet too. She should enjoy those nine months period with a smiling face rather than fretting over painfully swollen feet!

Two most common foot problems experienced by women during pregnancy are over-pronation or flat feet and edema. Due to additional body weight the arch portion flattens out thus causing feet to roll inward. Walking can be quite painful with flat feet and if not attended in time then over-pronation may lead to other serious conditions like Heel Spur, Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia or Post-Tib Tendonitis. Another foot condition related to pregnancy, i.e., edema occurs at a later stage. It is mostly related to foot swelling which is caused due to extra blood accumulation in extreme points, as the blood pressure heightens in pelvis and leg portions. Usually the extent of swelling is similar in both feet but if you notice any asymmetry then this may indicate a vascular problem. Immediate consultation with a physician is advised in such cases.

Taking care of feet during pregnancy is not that difficult. By following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly you can keep yourself immune from extreme foot conditions. However, avoid too rigorous an exercise regime; rather walking is a suitable option. If you need to stand for long hours at workplace then try to rest your feet whenever possible. If your work demands sitting at a stretch then elevate your foot to a comfortable position by placing a stool beneath it. These measures can prove to be quite effective for pregnant women suffering from edema. The other right thing which should be done is shift to comfortable footwear. Fancy footwear with high heels which constricts blood circulation is a strict no-no. Customized foot orthotics that provides additional support and helps in shock absorption can relieve you from pain and discomfort related to over-pronation. These products are designed specifically with proper arch support and medial rearfoot posts.

Neglecting persistent foot conditions during pregnancy might turn out to be harmful. Don’t take any preventive measures just based on assumption. Consult an expert podiatrist to assess the severity of the situation. If planning to buy tailored orthotic footwear then also the doctor’s assessment of your foot conditions can help a lot. The orthotic laboratory will manufacture the product based on the podiatrist’s analysis, thus ensuring maximum comfort for your troubled feet.

Effective treatment strategies for rolled ankles

Ankle injuries turn out to be discomforting and painful, if not attended in time. As per a recent medical survey, an approximate 25,000 people in the U.S sprain their ankles on daily basis. More than a million people have to visit emergency rooms per year because of sprained ankles. This is indeed an alarming figure! The common idea is that athletes are more likely to suffer from ankle injuries. However this doesn’t mean that those not into sports are well protected from ankle sprains. It is believed that ankle injuries can happen to anyone, irrespective of age group. If not careful then the ankle may get rolled or twisted inwards, even while walking or carrying out normal activities.

Before talking about treatment for rolled ankles, it is important to discuss the primary cause behind this. Sometimes rolled ankles occur simply because the person was unmindful with his steps. However, if the problem keeps recurring then it has to do with muscle weakness and underlying foot conditions. People with flat feet or high arches tend to have foot pronation. Symptoms vary depending on severity of the injury. Usually the person suffers from swelling and bruises coupled with ankle pain or stiffness of the joint portion. While the first degree ankle sprain doesn’t cause much of discomfort and gets healed with rest and some basic treatments, pain becomes really unbearable with the third degree sprain when the patient suffers from a torn or completely ruptured ligament.

The basic problem with ankle injury is that the severity of the situation is often not realized at the onset. It may so happen that your ankle gets hurt in the morning but the pain and swelling set in by evening. People often try out painkillers or different home remedies on their own till the situation turns really critical. If it is a rolled ankle or any other kind of ankle sprain then don’t take any chance. You may not like to visit the doc on slightest instance but isn’t it a welcome option than limping rest of the life! So, seek medical advice as early as possible. Those looking for fastest recovery from rolled ankles or foot injuries should consult an expert podiatrist to get specialized injury treatment program. Let the medical practitioner decide whether you have first or third degree ankle sprain. If he feels that the condition is indeed serious then he may suggest certain preliminary tests like X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, based on which the diagnosis is confirmed. However if the injury is found to be of first degree then he might ask you to follow the R.I.C.E. method, i.e. complete rest of the ankle, putting ice pack, compressing the ankle joint with elastic bandage and elevating the ankle to a suitable level.

Specially designed orthotics is a good option for those susceptible to ankle injuries. Make sure to pick out the right orthotic shoe, after consulting an expert. Just keep in mind that your foot and ankle are as precious as any other body part and hence demand the same level of attention and care.

Foot swelling – probable causes and remedies

Having swollen feet can be really problematic. You can’t stand for long, walk properly and of course can’t flaunt your fancy footwear. Certain work conditions demand standing for long hours. This may result in foot swelling. While you can’t stop working just because you need to stand continuously, but if the problem persists for long then this may signal towards other complications. Often people have this tendency to ignore foot conditions, thinking that these would heal naturally. The fact is that your feet actually act as indicator for other serious health problems. Hence don’t ignore foot pain or swelling. Causes of sudden foot swelling are many, few of which are discussed here.

Pregnancy is bliss but the would-be-mom has to endure several irritating health complications, feet swelling being one of them. However if the problem continues and takes serious shape then this may be a sign of over-pronation and edema. Sudden rise in high blood pressure level and protein in urine may trigger this problem along with some other complications like abdominal pain, headache, etc. Few precautionary measures, like using proper footwear or keeping your feet in an elevated position if sitting for long can reduce swelling to great extent. Foot or ankle injury, especially an ankle sprain can lead to inflammation. Best way to reduce the swelling effect is avoid putting much stress on the injured part. Doctors often prescribe compression bandage or ice packs for sprains and swellings. Foot infections can take serious shape, mainly for diabetic patients or those with nerve problems. This may result in sudden swelling of feet and ankles. Hence those suffering from diabetic neuropathy need to consult a podiatrist from time to time, whenever they notice any abnormality in their feet.

If you ever experience swelling of one leg, along with low-grade fever as well as change in color of the affected leg then this in all probability is because of blood clot. While superficial clots occurring just beneath the skin may not be that serious but the deeper ones can prove to be life-threatening. These can block major veins of your leg thus affecting heart or lungs. Venous insufficiency is another condition which can cause feet and ankle swelling. Damaged valves fail to carry blood from feet and legs up to the heart which results in blood leaking back down and getting deposited in softer tissues of your ankles and feet.

Certain medications have side effects. Those who have to take regular medicine for high blood pressure, depression or diabetes are prone to foot inflammation. Again drugs related to hormone replacement therapy may also lead to ankle or foot swelling. It is not possible for a common man to know about such side effects. However, if certain foot conditions develop within few days of starting the new medicine then prompt action is advised.

Don’t just consult any general physician for foot problems. Get the guidance of an expert podiatric physician who is the right person to understand the gravity of the situation. Remember that your foot is one significant body part whose erratic functioning can come in the way of healthy living.

Know various effective options to get rid of heel spur

Heel is a significant portion of the foot which supports body weight. When this body weight starts causing discomfort it may result in heel pain. Soreness mainly occurs just under the heel or behind it. Sometimes the pain goes away with adequate rest. However the situation can turn grave with development of heel spurs which are abnormal bone growths extending from the heel bone or from the side. Because of excess calcium deposits the plantar fascia, i.e. the ligament, stretches away from the heel, thus causing ache. Heel spur is one condition which is not noticed within a day or two but is caused over an elongated period.

Before talking about the treatment, it is important to know what causes heel spur. Overuse or heavy stress on the plantar fascia may result in heel pain. Athletes whose activities mainly include running or jumping are prone to this foot condition. People who suffer from arthritis or gait can’t walk properly. This may result in putting greater stress on the heel portion or the ligament. Obesity and excessive body weight may also cause heel spur. So, next time you gorge on that cheese cake, think twice! Poorly fitted shoes, especially the ones without proper arch support are to blame too for heel problems.

Sometimes people develop heel spur but remain oblivious of that simply because they don’t feel any pain. Yes, this is the fact. Problem starts when the spur protrudes into soft tissues around the heel area thus resulting in inflammation and pain. You may even notice bruises around the spot. Pain mostly becomes unbearable if you need to stand or walk for a long period. Many complain of severe aching while getting out from bed in the morning.

Treating heel spur is not that difficult, one effective option being orthotic shoes with good arch support and medial posting. These specially designed orthotics help control pronation, thus resulting in reduction of pain and inflammation.  If you want to get faster relief then customized orthotics is an even better option. For the purpose, you need to consult a podiatrist who will provide you with the custom-made orthotics, specifically designed to suit your particular foot condition. Such shoes may come at a cost but you can be sure of its longevity and effectiveness. Heel cup is another option to treat heel pain. These are special shoe inserts which provide perfect cushion for your sore heel. Be sure to check out for blisters if you are using heel cups for the first time. While buying footwear you need to be careful too. Select shoes with proper arch support, firm heel counter and suitable heel height. So, it’s time to sacrifice those high heeled stilettos, if you indeed want to keep your feet in perfect shape.

Foot is one body part which is often neglected. You notice it only when it starts giving problem and then consult a podiatrist when the foot condition has already turned grave. This is an absolutely wrong approach. Keep in mind that early treatment means saving time and money and of course getting faster respite.

Follow simple measures to get rid of overlapping toes

There are foot conditions which are not only painful but look really awkward too. You can’t wear fashionable footwear fearing the deformity may show off. Overlapping toes is one such disorder which can cause pain, skin irritation and disrupt normal functioning of the foot. Often other problems arise like blister and calluses on the top of toes. 

Definition of overlapping toes:-

This is one affliction that mainly affects joints in the toes. Though any of your toes may face this disorder but the 2nd and 5th toes are more likely to get affected. Sometimes overlapping toes may happen as a result of other foot conditions. 

What causes overlapping toes:-

Your grandmother or great grandmother may have suffered from this foot condition. Then there remain the risk of next generation getting affected. Yes, this is sad indeed! Then, the problem sometimes has its root in high or low arches. Many children having high arches and flat feet end up distributing their body weight unevenly on their feet. These types of foot affect the biomechanics thus causing toes to shift and overlap each other. Women suffering from Bunions are most likely to get affected with overlapping toes. It happens more with older women. 

Ill-fitting shoes are to be blamed too. If you have this habit of wearing shoes with too narrow toe boxes, then this result in toes getting squeezed together and overlap on one another. Very pointed shoes, with little room to properly accommodate all the five toes comfortably, can certainly contribute to development of overlaps. After some time, the foot condition becomes permanent. So, even while going barefoot you will feel frozenness of toes which is not at all natural.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common problem from which many are suffering these days. Because of Arthritis, joints may become twisted thus resulting in malfunctioning of toes. 

Complications related to overlapping toes:-

For fashion conscious women such toe is definitely a stumbling block to wearing stylish footwear. While the problem may appear insignificant at the beginning but if left unattended for long it may result in some other afflictions. You may observe thickening of skin and tissues in the toe region. Many having such toes suffer from extreme pain caused by the abnormality that happens with bone structures of adjacent toes. If the overlapping turns severe, then it may result in athlete’s foot and/or cuts on the underside of toes, and sometimes inflammation too. Such situations can be real challenge for elders and those who can’t take proper care of their feet. Because of toe overlapping soft calluses start appearing between toes which if untreated become hard and turn into corns on top, where the shoe gets rubbed. Wearing shoes then become quite a painful affair. 

Treatment course

Mostly podiatrists suggest non-surgical course of treatments. The first step is to take care of the deformity which in turn means opting for shoes with wide and deep toe boxes. This helps reduce pressure and friction on the toe portion. For children the treatment should be started at an early stage. This ensures faster and accurate recovery while the child is still at a stage of development. 

Simple and specially designed orthotics can offer great relief from pain, irritation and also help restore normal position of overlapping toes. You need to consult a podiatrist physician to know which kind of orthotics best suits you. Besides, a detailed checkup is also advisable from time to time so as to prevent any severe foot condition. 

Proper functioning of your feet is the key to sound health. So, don’t ignore foot problems and don’t take any measure based on presumptions only. Get in touch with an expert to know what is ailing your feet.

How to deal with foot conditions arising out of diabetes

Diabetes, also called the silent killer is one serious disease which affects health in a serious manner. The blood glucose commonly known as blood sugar level rises to an extreme extent either because of inadequate insulin production or because body cells don’t respond to insulin. Sometimes both may happen thus worsening the condition. The end result: several complications related to heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and skin. 

When an individual is affected with diabetes certain foot problems can take serious turn. Even ordinary problems become severe. This happens because of nerve damage when your feet loose sensation. 

Alarming foot conditions related to diabetes

• Neuropathy How does it feel when your feet can’t sense anything! No pain, heat nor cold, even if you get injured. A stone or a pin may get tucked inside your shoes and you wear it the whole day without realizing anything. Your foot may get injured but you fail to notice it till the skin breaks down and gets infected. You don’t sense any painful blisters. Yes, this sounds really creepy and dangerous! This is what diabetic neuropathy can cause to your foot – serious nerve damage. Because of neuropathy, you may notice sudden changes in the shape of feet and toes, commonly called hammer toes, Charcot feet or Bunions.
  While for some these symptoms remain mild and unnoticeable for many the neuropathy can turn out to be painful, grave and even fatal too.
  
• Skin changes
Your foot skin may turn dry, start to crack or peel. This is because nerves which control oil and moisture fail to work properly.

• Calluses
Development of callus happens more often and the growth is quite alarming. If not treated in time, these can turn into open sores or ulcers.

• Poor blood circulation
Your foot loses the ability to fight infection and heal fast. Because of diabetes blood vessels of the foot and leg become narrow and hard. Poor circulation results in inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrition to skin and other tissues.

Foot care for diabetes affected patients 

As mentioned in the very beginning, diabetes being a silent killer, often gets detected at a later stage. However by leading a healthy lifestyle and consulting a physician on regular basis, it is possible to keep this killer disease under control. For particular foot conditions arising out of diabetes, it is better to get in touch with a podiatrist. Since foot care and diabetes are closely related only an expert “foot doctor” will be able to guide you about the right course of treatment. 

Many podiatrists recommend specially designed orthotics with Plastazote foam, for diabetic foot. Plastazote, also referred as soft tissue supplementation, are available in two densities. The softest density is used for cushion on top while the firmer density offers bottom support. The best thing is that after 2 to 6 weeks of usage they mold perfectly with the curves of your feet thus providing the right comfort and protection for diabetic foot. Many diabetic patients have benefited by wearing footwear containing Plastazote foam. However, make sure that the footwear has removable insoles, high & wide toe box, rocker soles and firm heel contours. 

By following a healthy routine and keeping close watch of your foot conditions you can avert severe outcomes. To ensure protection from cuts and bruises, try to wear shoes with socks most of the time. Using heating pads to keep the foot warm can be risky since you may not feel the rising temperature. If any cut or bruise takes time to heal then get in touch with your doctor. For appropriate foot care tips, do consult an expert podiatrist.