Take Care of Your Feet for the New Year

As the new year is approaching, many people are thinking about what they can do to improve themselves.  The top ten most popular resolutions include spending more time with loved ones, losing weight, exercising regularly, quiting smoking, quit drinking, get out of debt, learn a new skill, getting organized, and helping others.  Although as these resolutions are great and can be very beneficial, why not think about caring for your feet this upcoming year.

Use this guide below from the American Podiatric Medical Association to learn what your feet are telling you and what you can do to achieve healthy feet for the new year.

Tendinitis

Reason: Overuse due to increase in physical activity such as in increase in walking time or distance. May also be cause by wearing worn out or improperly fitted shoes.

Response: Rest and ice provide relieve however in some cases over-the-counter supports and anti-inflammatories may need to be prescribed. APMA-approved Bio-freeze is the industry's most used topical pain relieving gel. Ask a podiatrist if this is an appropriate treatment.

*Bio-freeze  is available through our online product store.  It can be purchased in gel, roll-on, or spray form. Biofreeze Pain Reliever breaks the cycle of pain with Cryotheraphy, The Cold Method.  Its cold application reduces the sensation of pain and inflammation, while the cold and re-warming stimulates the healing of tissue.
 

Fungal Nail
Response: Consult a podiatrist to prescribe the medication and treatment that will safely and effectively treat the problem. Keralac Gel and Lamasil tablets, both of which hold the APMA Seal of Approval, have proved effective in combating this problem and can be prescribed by a podiatrist. Blisters

Reason: Friction from shoes that don't fit right or are too stiff.

Response: Keep feet dry and wear socks with properly-fitted shoes.  Never pop a blister. If painful, carefully open a corner of the blister closest to the bottom of the foot with a sterilized instrument, like a sewing needle, drain and immediately apply antibiotic cream and a bandage.  Bromohidrosis (Foot Odor) Reason: Increased perspiration from the more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot due to increased body temperature. Results in sweaty, smelly feet that do not itch or appear to have a rash.
 Response: Rub cornstarch or spray antiperspirant directly onto the soles of the feet and spray Lysol into shoes.  Keep shoes and socks dry and change shoes regularly.  Wear socks that wick away moisture.
Ingrown Toenails
 Reason: Improper trimming or too much pressure on feet in tight-fitting shoes, resulting in redness, pain or swelling around the nail.  Can also result from poor foot structure, heredity, trauma or foot deformities.

Response: Do not use nail polish to cover discoloration.  Instead, visit a podiatrist at the first sign of a problem to see what treatment may be necessary. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks and inspect nails daily. Be sure to trim nails straight across using toenail clipper, making sure not to round edges.
Plantar Fasciitis

Reason: Excessive weight gain resulting in pain on the bottom of the heel or in the arch.  May also be cause by bony overgrowth on the heel, muscle imbalance, high or low arched feet, improper shoe gear, excessive activity or trauma. Response: Exercise and stretch feet daily and wear strong and supportive shoes that don't put undue stress on the ball or heel.  Visit a podiatrist who can examine and see if medications or orthotics are necessary.  Bunions

Reason: A bump at the base of the big toe that is swollen, tender or painful when in the shoes, often cause by misalignment of the joints.  Ill-fitting shoes, heredity, trauma, biomedical abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, inflammatory joint disease, congenital deformities or arthritis can also be culprits.
Response: Avoid pointy and narrow shoes or shoes with stitching or seams that rub bony areas of the foot.  If painful, bunions can be surgically removed by a podiatrist.

So when you are making your New Year's Resolutions, don't neglect your feet! If you have any of these symptoms start healing today and make an appointment with The Advanced Footcare Clinic by calling 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.  If your feet are in good shape, you can vow to  continue to take preventative measure to keep them healthy.

Reason: Trauma or infection to the nail that makes it thickened, discolored, loose or deformed.  Often caused by the spread of athlete's foot, but may also be an indication of conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.