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Like any other part of the body, the feet are vulnerable to wear and tear throughout our lives. As we age, our feet may require more care and attention. Elderly people are especially prone to developing a variety of foot problems, including dry skin, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities, arthritis, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can have noticeable effects on foot health.
The first step to preventing foot health problems at any age is to establish a good daily foot care routine. Washing the feet with soap and warm water daily, then drying them thoroughly is very important. Applying a moisturizer to the soles of the feet can help prevent dry skin. When trimming the toenails, use nail clippers to trim them straight across. This can prevent painful ingrown toenails. Doing daily foot exercises and stretches can help maintain the strength and flexibility of the feet.
A critical step of the daily foot care routine, especially for those who have systemic conditions like diabetes, is the daily foot inspection. Check your feet each day for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities. By catching and treating any foot problems early, you can prevent infection and other serious complications. A hand mirror can be used to help you see any hard-to-reach areas.
Another important aspect of caring for your feet is wearing the right shoes and socks. Footwear should be comfortable, supportive, flexible, and made of breathable materials. For some people, orthotic inserts can help make shoes more comfortable.
If you have any foot problems, or questions about maintaining the health of your feet, please consult with a chiropodist.
Corns are hardened lumps of skin that are caused by excess friction. When wearing shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, the skin can become irritated from the shoes rubbing against them, or from squished toes rubbing against each other. This can lead to the development of a corn. Corns are usually benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. In those cases, seeking the care of a chiropodist is suggested.
There are three types of corns. Hard corns are commonly found on the tops of toes. They are characterized by a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to continuous exposure to sweat. Seed corns are tiny and typically found on the soles of the feet. They usually do not cause any symptoms. Generally speaking, corns can be uncomfortable or painful when excess pressure is applied to them while standing, walking, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes or socks.
The best way to prevent corns is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Pain from a corn can be relieved by using over-the-counter corn pads, soaking your feet in lukewarm water, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin of the feet, and wearing comfortable shoes and socks. If these measures don’t help, then you may want to consult with a chiropodist for more treatment options.
A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the outside of the big toe, at the base of the big toe joint. Over time, a bunion can cause the big toe to move out of its proper alignment and lean towards the second toe. The bunion may become painful, stiff, red, and swollen. Calluses sometimes form on top of the bunion as the bunion rubs against the inside of your shoe as you walk. Calluses can also form on the area where your big toe rubs against your second toe, or on the ball of the foot.
Bunions are extremely common, especially in older adults and women, although children can develop bunions or, in very rare cases, be born with them. What exactly causes bunions is unclear. They may occur as a result of a genetic predisposition due to the shape and structure of the foot or because of one’s gait. Wearing shoes that are too tight, have excessively high heels, or narrow, pointed toes may contribute to the development of bunions. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis and flat feet, may make bunions more likely as well.
Bunions can be treated through conservative methods such as switching the shoes that you wear for shoes that are wider and more comfortable, wearing custom orthotics, wearing pads placed over the bunion to reduce pain, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and icing the foot. When conservative treatments are not effective, invasive procedures may be recommended. For more information about bunions, please consult with a chiropodist.
A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone. Whether you incur it while playing a high-impact sport or from simply stepping off of a curb and twisting your ankle, it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of a sprain and get the appropriate treatment.
Ankle sprains occur when a sudden injury causes one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle to overstretch or tear. The symptoms that you may face depend on the severity of the injury. A mild, grade 1 sprain usually involves minimal pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising, with no difficulty walking. A moderate, grade 2 sprain may be significantly more painful, with visible swelling and bruising, ankle instability, and a limited range of motion in the ankle. Walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be difficult. A severe, grade 3 sprain is characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, ankle instability, and a severely limited range of motion. Walking with a grade 3 sprain is often impossible.
A chiropodist can diagnose an ankle sprain by asking for your medical history and carefully examining the affected ankle. They may order an X-ray to rule out a fracture. Treatment for the sprain depends on its severity. Milder ankle sprains can often be treated with conservative methods such as resting, icing, elevating, and compressing the ankle. More severe sprains may require wearing a brace or other orthotic device to take pressure off of the injured ankle. Over-the-counter medications are typically sufficient for managing pain. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ligament that is not healing properly.
A sprained ankle needs to heal fully and properly in order to avoid reinjury and other complications. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a chiropodist.
The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the lower leg, is a strong band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. There are several different types of Achilles tendon injuries. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon ruptures.
When the tendon is injured due to repetitive strain and overuse, it can result in a condition called Achilles tendonitis. This injury is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, heel and calf pain, thickening of the tendon, ankle and calf stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. In the initial stages of Achilles tendonitis, pain primarily occurs following physical activity, but it can become constant and chronic if the injury is left untreated.
When the Achilles tendon fully tears, it is known as an Achilles tendon rupture. This usually occurs following a sudden, high-impact injury. Symptoms include a sudden, stabbing pain in the back of the affected leg, a popping or snapping sensation, swelling, and difficulty walking and raising the foot. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage to the tendon.
There are a variety of treatments available for Achilles tendon injuries. Achilles tendonitis can often be treated through conservative methods, such as resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and doing gentle stretches. Achilles tendon ruptures may require surgical treatment to avoid reinjury. For more information about Achilles tendon injuries, please consult with a chiropodist.
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect the foot. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid levels become excessive, this substance can create crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, intense swelling, redness, and warmth. Typically this occurs in the big toe joint.
You may be at an increased risk of developing gout if you are a middle-aged man or postmenopausal woman, have family members who have had gout, drink alcohol, take certain medications, or have a medical condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Gout may also be more likely to develop if you consume a diet high in sugars or purines, a substance that turns into uric acid when it breaks down. Foods high in purines include organ meats, red meat, oily fish, certain vegetables, beans, and mushrooms.
Gout that is left untreated can become chronic and lead to arthritis. Gout can be treated by a chiropodist. Treatment options may include taking medications to relieve pain and prevent future gout attacks, modifying your diet, and reducing alcohol intake. For more information about gout, please consult with a chiropodist.
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.
The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Participating in sports is great for maintaining your health and fitness, but can sometimes result in injuries to your feet or ankles. Common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, and plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in which the Achilles tendon located at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues with the feet. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the lower calf, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and reduced strength and range of motion.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the sprain, a limited ability to move the affected ankle, and difficulty walking.
Stress fractures are fine cracks that occur in the bones when they can’t bear the load placed on them. These fractures often occur in the foot bones and get worse over time if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms of stress fractures in the feet include tenderness, deep and dull or sharp and localized pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising.
Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe. It can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition usually causes stabbing heel pains, arch pain, and pain when taking your first steps after a long period of rest.
If you have injured your feet or ankles while playing sports, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can diagnose and treat your condition and get you back on your feet.
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.
Many changes can happen in every part of your body during pregnancy — and the feet are no exception. Common foot conditions that pregnant women face include swollen feet, fallen arches, and plantar fasciitis.
An increase in the volume of blood and fluids in your body, coupled with an increase in overall fluid retention due to hormones, can lead to swelling in the feet. This is especially common during the third trimester. You may be able to reduce swelling by drinking plenty of water, reducing caffeine intake, resting your feet frequently, and sitting with your legs uncrossed to promote circulation.
During pregnancy, your hormones can cause changes in the structure of your feet. An increase in hormones that relax your ligaments could affect the ligaments in the arches of your feet, causing them to become flat. This condition is known as fallen arches, or acquired flat feet. As the foot flattens, your shoe size may increase and you may need footwear that offers more arch support.
The weight that you gain during pregnancy is carried by your feet. This can put them under extra strain and lead to aches, soreness, or a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes and can lead to heel and arch pain.
If you are pregnant and are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist.
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Wearing the right shoes is important for more reasons than your appearance - it can also benefit the health of your feet. Ill-fitting, unsupportive, and uncomfortable shoes can cause or contribute to many foot problems, including bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. Comfortable, supportive, and properly fitted shoes, on the other hand, can prevent and relieve foot pain.
When shopping for shoes, there are several things to keep in mind. It is best to try on shoes prior to purchasing them. Your feet swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon or early evening. It is best to try on shoes at this time to ensure that they will fit your feet throughout the day. Having both feet measured in a shoe store can also help ensure that you get the right size. Your feet grow and change throughout your lifetime, even in adulthood, so your shoe size can change. When you are trying on shoes, be sure to walk around the store in them to see how they fit. If you wear orthotic inserts, bring them with you when you go shopping so you can try them out in the various shoes you try on.
But what kinds of shoes should you look for? It’s best to avoid shoes that have excessively high heels and narrow or pointed toes, which can increase the pressure on your toe joints and cause foot deformities. A wide toe area that allows you to wiggle your toes will likely be more comfortable. Shoes with a soft but rigid back will prevent your heel from slipping while you walk. You should also look for shoes with adequate cushioning that are made with breathable materials.
For more information about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist.
The ankle is the region that joins the foot and leg. It consists of three joints that allow the foot to move. Pain in the ankle is typically the result of injury or inflammation from a wide variety of conditions, such as strains, sprains, fractures, or arthritis. Symptoms that often co-occur with ankle pain include swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, stiffness, joint instability, and difficulty walking.
The underlying cause of your ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. A diagnostic visit to this specialist typically involves providing a medical history, describing your ankle pain, and undergoing a physical examination. In some cases, the chiropodist may order imaging studies, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to rule out or confirm a diagnosis.
The right treatment for your ankle pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. In many cases, your chiropodist may recommend that you follow the R.I.C.E. acronym: resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected ankle. Taking these actions generally decreases swelling and inflammation, reduces pain, and promotes healing. Taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also help with pain management. The chiropodist may also prescribe custom orthotics, immobilize the affected ankle, or recommend activity and footwear modifications. In cases of more severe injuries, surgical treatment may be necessary.
If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist.
Foot biomechanics is an area of foot care that examines the structure, function, and motion of the feet. When these factors are carefully examined, they can provide more information about potential causes of foot and ankle pain and help your chiropodist find the best treatments for the unique needs of your feet.
The study of biomechanics dates back to ancient times but became more well known in modern history when findings claimed that changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and foot can lead to positive clinical outcomes when treating various foot and ankle conditions.
The advent of modern technology, such as computer analysis, has continued to expand on these discoveries and helps medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help in the diagnosis of various conditions and prescribing targeted treatments that reduce or eliminate pain. For example, a chiropodist can analyze your gait, or walking pattern, and determine if there are any abnormalities that can be treated with custom orthotics or footwear modifications.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining. This condition can affect any of the 33 joints of the feet, as well as the ankle joints. RA symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth. It may become difficult to stand, walk, or exercise due to joint pain. RA can also affect the biomechanics of the feet. When the structure of the foot changes, this can affect one’s gait or walking pattern. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, also become more likely. RA’s negative effects on mobility could impact one’s overall quality of life.
Although there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage symptoms and maintain the health of your feet and your mobility. They may recommend conservative treatments such as resting and icing the feet and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain. Orthotic inserts and braces can help reduce pain and give the feet structure and support. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to relieve pain as well.
Surgical treatments for joint pain are another possible option for those with RA, particularly if the conservative treatment methods described above prove ineffective. Joint fusion surgery or joint replacement surgery may help. Deformities like bunions and hammertoes can be surgically corrected as well.
To learn more about living with RA, please consult with a chiropodist near you.