January 8, 2024
Here’s a scenario: you’re in a room with friends or family, and all of a sudden, you notice someone’s feet aren’t smelling too fresh. Could it be you? And if yes, what could be causing this? While foot odour can be an embarrassing revelation, you can tackle smelly feet by paying attention to your foot hygiene. And if your foot odour presents a more complex challenge, there are additional measures you can take to address the issue. Causes of Smelly Feet Most of the time, foot odour is the result of forgetting foot hygiene and keeping your feet cooped up in socks and shoes all day while working, exercising or walking for long periods. This will lead to a build up of sweat and bacteria. This is actually good news, because it means you can take steps towards preventing foot odour without additional treatments. That said, in some cases, foot odour is more perplexing, and may be connected to the following conditions or risk factors: Fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Bacteria can feed on the dry, flaky skin that accumulates, producing a pungent smell. Plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). This is when your sweat glands produce more sweat than average. Diabetes (festering foot ulcers may cause foot odour). Risk factors like being overweight can cause you to sweat more than average. Additionally, eating a high-carb diet can exacerbate fungal and bacterial growth. Lastly, the strength of the odour may be a sign of the cause. For example, the "typical foot odour smell" tends to be vinegar-like, sour, or smell slightly like stinky cheese. Foot fungus can be similar, but it may be much more pungent. Wound odour (like from a severe diabetic ulcer) can be more distinct and indescribable. Remedies for Foot Odour Let's be honest, it's unlikely that your feel will smell like a bouquet of roses 24/7 (although sometimes they will after a nice self-care session!). But what you can do is limit foot odour and prevent your feet from omitting a strong smell. There are countless ways you can fight foot odour, including: Studies show that antimicrobial essential oils can fight smelly feet. Many hygienic foot products are made with antimicrobial agents. Use foot deodorants, specifically from medicinal brands like Gehwol. They typically come in various forms, including sprays and powders, and they work by absorbing excess moisture on the feet and neutralizing odour, leaving your feet smelling and feeling fresh. Try moisture wicking socks, and change your socks a couple of times during the day. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and don't ignore your feet while you shower. Take foot cleanliness to the next level by trying a foot soak product in a foot bath. Make sure your feet are perfectly dry after washing and before putting on socks and shoes, especially in between the toes. Bacteria often thrive in moist environments. Wear breathable running shoes while exercising. Many shoes have uppers with perforated material that let fresh air in and out, promoting a healthy foot environment. Moisturize your feet daily. To prevent fungal nail infections that lead to unpleasant foot odour, attend regular medical pedicure treatments. These will keep your nails clean and properly trimmed. Foot clinics are also safer than cosmetic nail salons when it comes to avoiding contagious foot fungus. If you are diabetic, make sure you attend regular diabetic foot care appointments. If your foot odour is caused by a fungal infection, you will need to treat it with the appropriate anti-fungal medicines (ointments, pills, etc). Keep in mind that if your foot odour is linked to a condition you should also make an appointment with a chiropodist to confirm the best treatment method.
March 9, 2023
Plantar warts and sports are an "iconic" duo of foot conditions and risk factors. Many athletes are looking for a quick fix for their plantar wart woes. But the truth is, switching your mindset towards prevention and medical foot care is just as important. Let's look at our plantar wart guide for athletes and gym-goers! We'll answer some of your most pressing questions and dive into the following: What are plantar warts? Why are athletes prone to plantar warts? Preventing plantar warts: foot hygiene and foot care Prevention plantar warts: shoe choices What are Plantar Warts? Plantar warts are viral skin infections caused by the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) that appear on the bottom of the feet. Many people assume that HPV is solely a sexually transmitted infection, but there are over 200 strains, some causing warts and others causing cancer. People usually contract this virus strain by walking or running barefoot on an infected surface, which enters the skin via contact or through small cracks in the skin. Warts appear round and look deceptively like corns, calluses and blisters. They result from the body's failure to fight off the HPV, which can sometimes disappear on its own depending on the strain. Symptoms and signs of plantar warts include: A hard and "grainy" growth on the bottom of the foot, often on the ball of the foot or base of the toes On dark skin, it may appear lighter than the surrounding skin Calluses surrounding the wart if it has started to grow inward "Wart seeds" - which look like a small black dot in the wart Pain when walking or touching the wart Mosaic warts or a cluster of warts Treatment options from a foot clinic include cryotherapy and needling. You can read about treatments in more detail here. Why are Athletes Prone to Plantar Warts? Plantar warts have the potential to debilitate athletes and gym-goers and severely impact their physical progress. But why are the physically fit more likely to contract them in the first place? HPV loves warm, moist environments. These include communal showers and locker rooms where sports teams typically congregate without shoes or socks. So without adequate foot protection, members of the same team can unknowingly pass on this troublesome skin infection to each other. Competitive swimmers are also at risk since the walking area surrounding the swimming pools is also communal with heavy, barefoot traffic. Furthermore, the rough surfaces of pool decks may cause micro-trauma to the bottom of the feet, increasing the risk of viral contraction. Athletes and fitness lovers are also more likely to experience hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the feet, which can increase the risk. Athletes often also share infected gym equipment, such as mats, without thorough cleaning. Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels Plantar Wart Prevention: Foot Hygiene and Foot Care The best way to prevent plantar warts is to strictly monitor your foot health and keep your feet clean. If you already have plantar warts, these practices can help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some practices to abide by: Follow a daily foot care routine, being careful not to miss days when you play sports or go to the gym. It should include cleaning, exfoliation, moisturizing, and more. Here is an excellent one to follow! Lightly dust your feet with baby powder. This can also help with foot odour! You can also try Gehwol Foot Powder. Wear moisture-wicking socks, foot pads or other protective products. Never go barefoot in a communal area like a locker room, shower or pool deck. Always wear protective footwear like sandals or shower shoes while in these spaces. Don't scratch or pick at any pre-existing plantar warts. Air out your shoes after using them. Always wash your hands if you touch one of your plantar warts. Don't share shoes, socks, towels and other products with other people. Plantar Wart Prevention: Shoe Choices Athletes can't avoid keeping their feet cooped up in runners all day. What they can do, however, is make shoe choices that help to prevent the growth of plantar warts. Shoes should be breathable and waterproof. You know how some runners have those mini holes in the upper that let air enter and escape? Those are the ones you should be on the hunt for! The ventilation keeps your foot environment fresh and healthy while you spend the day exerting energy. When shopping for shoes or attending a shoe fitting, stress the importance of finding shoes like these by asking for breathable options. You can also look for shoes made with GORE-TEX fabric, which repels moisture while letting water vapour from sweat exit the shoe. Looking For More Info on Plantar Warts? We know that athletes are at risk of developing plantar warts, but did you know children are also vulnerable? If you're a concerned parent, check out this blog on managing plantar warts in children.
December 15, 2022
Holiday shopping can feel like a daunting ordeal that takes away from the fun. Your list is long, and you don't have ideas for some people --- which is okay! But it doesn't have to cause so much stress. When you're stuck on what gift to get for your grandparents, friends, and other relatives, medical gifts may inspire you more than you realize. The health and wellness industry is known for producing excellent products, opening your mind to many gift options. Gifts that promote foot health can help those with debilitating foot issues. But they can also help prevent foot conditions before they develop. And they're simply fun to use. We're talking foot creams, scrubs, and other luxurious products fit for a spa session! The gifts we'll discuss today focus on skincare; they shine on their own and work well as stocking stuffers. But the best way to gift products from a foot care clinic is by compiling a foot care gift set! It's fun to try more than one product, and it gives loved ones the tools for a great self-care day. Let's take a look at our top picks! Foot Care and Medical Gifts: Gift Guide 2022 Below is a general overview of the products in our gift guide. But don't worry, we'll cover all the details. Bath products Scrubs, creams, and deodorants Leg balms Dermal therapy heel care Foot Bath Products Products like Gehwol's Revitalizing Bath Salt and their Refreshing Foot Bath are underrated and affordable medical gifts. They're suitable for people of all ages and help loosen and soothe dry skin. But they do even more for the body than you may realize. First, foot bath products combined with hot water help promote healthy blood flow, which can relieve pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. They can also warm your overall body temperature, which alleviates muscle tension, reduces stress, and may help prevent sickness or fight flu symptoms by strengthening your natural immunity (perfect for the winter!). Helpful tip: It's best to start a spa session by bathing your feet, as it leaves a clean base for exfoliation and moisturizing by washing away bacteria and dirt. Scrubs, Creams and Deodorants Foot Scrubs Many bath products prep the feet for exfoliation by softening the skin. But gifting someone an additional exfoliation product will take your medical gift game to the next level. Exfoliation tools prevent itchy, flaky dead skin from building up while simultaneously unclogging your pores. Gehwol's Soft Feet Scrub is a nice gift choice. Moreover, you can toss an affordable foot file into your gift box to buff the skin. Foot Creams To restore the skin's natural barrier functions, you should always moisturize after soaking and exfoliating. Gehwol's Soft Feet Cream, Universal Foot Cream, and Med Lipidro Cream are just a few examples of medicinal moisturizers that work wonders. So why not gift them to someone you love? They'll get to enjoy smooth skin and fewer cracks and calluses. If your loved one already has severely painful cracked heels, try gifting them Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care instead. Foot Deodorants Deodorants are useful to have on hand. Moreover, they fit in nicely with a foot care gift set but can also hold their own amongst other stocking stuffers. Regarding health benefits, foot deodorants (sprays, powders, etc.) can fight foot odour and target plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweating). The latter is extra common in winter as we stuff our feet into warm winter boots. Leg Balms Many of our elderly loved ones suffer from lower leg issues and have mobility problems. Likewise, if your grandparents struggle to move freely, it can lead to neglect, and problems like skin irritation and severe blood flow restriction can arise. A good gift for grandparents is a high-quality leg balm. Gehwol's Leg Balm prevents leg ailments, slows skin aging, and can even strengthen your veins. Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality also refreshes tired legs. But again, don't assume medical gifts are just for your grandparents. Many young people credit Gehwol's leg products for helping with tired achy legs after a long day. While this product doesn't necessarily scream "spa day," it still works as a part of a general foot care routine. So feel free to include it in a gift box or use it as a standalone present for someone who will cherish it. Dermal Therapy Heel Care Hopefully, it's becoming clear that medical gifts can be more valuable than gifts that sit around collecting dust. And Dermal Therapy Heel Care is one of, if not the best, medicinal products. Cracked heels have the potential to burden everyone, from your best friend to your grandmother --- dry skin doesn't discriminate! Severely cracked heels can make walking almost unbearable and cause swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. So if you're catching wind that someone you love is suffering, why not brighten their holidays by gifting them some relief? Dermal Therapy helps skin cells deep below the surface absorb and lock in moisture, which fights cracked heels. This cream is a moisturizer and exfoliator that removes dead cells, revealing fresh, young skin.
September 12, 2022
We've all heard the term cold feet to describe last-minute nerves. But cold and sweaty feet are a whole other ballgame. Cold and sweaty feet can signal a common problem you can work on. Alternatively, they may indicate a more troubling medical condition that needs your attention. The most important thing to do is visit your family doctor or foot specialist when the problem becomes recurring. Let's take a look at some causes of cold and sweaty feet, and what you can do about them. Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet Hyperhidrosis Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Menopause Overactive thyroid Raynaud's disease Hyperhidrosis This is essentially a term for excessive sweating, which can simultaneously cause cold feet. Many people clue into this condition if they experience sweaty feet without exercising or being in the heat. Primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis is the most common form and isn't a sign of an underlying medical condition. It occurs when the nerves in your body send too many signals to sweat glands. While embarrassing at times, it is certainly manageable. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is always associated with another medical condition. Treatment Foot deodorants, creams and sprays. Antidepressants can lower triggers like stress and anxiety, which cause you to sweat more. Nerve-blocking medications. Daily foot hygiene practices: keeping feet clean and dry, regularly changing socks, etc. Airing out your feet. Breathable footwear. Moisture-wicking socks. Regular foot assessments to check for conditions that thrive in moist environments, like athlete's foot. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) PAD is a serious condition that affects the body's lower extremities. Due to fatty plaque buildup, the blood vessels that transport between the heart and the legs become totally blocked or severely narrowed. Risk factors may include diabetes, being over 60 years of age and having high blood pressure and cholesterol. Treatment Medications called statins, which lower cholesterol. Blood pressure medications. Medications that increase blood flow in the legs. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Menopause One of the most common culprits of cold and sweaty feet in older women is menopause. Due to hormonal imbalances, blood vessels expand and increase the level of blood flow in the body during this point in a woman's life, triggering night sweats. But hormonal changes can also slow blood circulation, quickly affecting the feet. Cold, sweaty feet can also contribute to insomnia in menopausal women. Treatment Estrogen therapy Antidepressants Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and salt. Low-intensity exercise. Monitoring stress levels. Getting enough vitamin D. Regular foot assessments to check for other symptoms, like foot swelling. Overactive Thyroid A thyroid disorder can cause plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweat) while also deregulating body temperature. An overactive thyroid also messes with our blood circulation, giving the feet and skin only a quarter of the blood supply they usually need. You should inquire with your family doctor about a thyroid condition if your feet are always cold and you've ruled out other causes. Treatment Medications called thionamides. Surgical intervention. The thyroid gland, courtesy of the National Cancer Institute Raynaud's Disease Raynaud's disease causes both cold hands and feet, as well as numb toes. Furthermore, Raynaud's can occur in its primary form or as an accompaniment to another disease, like lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis. Like many other cold feet causes, it decreases blood flow in certain body parts. This is due to blood vessels spasming in the affected areas. Treatment Calcium channel blockers can open the small blood vessels in the feet. Wearing socks indoors. Vasodilators, which relax blood vessels. Severe cases may require surgery. Additional Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet Anxiety disorders: Known to cause hyperhidrosis, severe stress and panic disorders can make you feel clammy and uncomfortable. Exercise: An obvious cause of sweaty feet is regular physical activity. It's essential to keep on top of routine foot care if fitness is causing your sweaty feet. Wearing small shoes: Sometimes sweat can't evaporate if our shoes don't fit properly. Neuropathy: Nerve damage, common in diabetes patients, is known to cause excessive sweating and can disrupt regular body temperature
July 28, 2022
Sneakers are like a warm hug for your feet. They keep your feet supported and protected, whether you are pounding the pavement or running errands at the grocery store. However, wearing sneakers without socks can make your shoes a haven for bacteria. Without socks, your feet can sweat uncontrollably. This unnecessary moisture can seep into your shoes, infiltrating them with bacteria and germs. Socks play an instrumental role in your foot health and hygiene. Learn why socks are so essential to the health of your feet and why you should never wear sneakers without socks! Today we will take a look at: Why your feet sweat Why socks are important What are the best types of socks to wear Why you should never wear shoes without socks Why do I have sweaty feet? Did you know that the soles of your feet contain nearly 250,000 sweat glands on both feet combined? The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet have the most sweat glands anywhere on your body, meaning these areas produce a great deal of sweat. In fact, your feet can secrete upwards of one cup of fluid every day. Most of us find the thought of sweat repulsive. It brings to mind images of stinky gym bags and foul body odor. However, sweat actually plays a significant role in your health. The sweat produced by your feet is clear and utterly odorless on its own. It provides your feet with moisture and keeps your skin well-hydrated. This protects your feet when standing and walking and helps keep them free from cracking, calluses and blisters. Some people have excessively sweaty feet. This is due to a condition called hyperhidrosis. While most of us sweat more during physical activity or when we are warm, someone with hyperhidrosis will sweat all the time for no apparent reason. Why are socks important? Socks add an extra layer of protection to your feet. They help wick moisture away from your skin and keep your feet dry. Socks can help regulate the temperature inside your shoes and reduce the amount of sweat your feet produce. They also minimize friction and can prevent blisters and calluses from forming. What are the best types of socks to wear? Not all socks are created equal. When selecting the perfect pair of socks, look for those made from natural fibers. Bamboo, cotton or merino wool are two excellent options that will help pull moisture away from your skin and regulate the temperature inside your shoes, allowing better air circulation around your feet. Choose a lighter sock for warmer days and heavier socks for chilly winter weather. Merino wool in particular is great for thermoregulation: It will keep your feet warm when it's cold, and cool when it's hot outside. You also want to pick a sock that fits your feet properly. A sock that is too tight will be too hot. However, a sock that is too loose will rub and lead to blisters and sore feet. You should also ensure that your sock covers your entire foot and ankle to prevent your shoes from rubbing against your skin. Why should you always wear socks in your shoes? Wearing socks inside your new sneakers is crucial for keeping your feet healthy. Wearing no socks can lead to a host of complications that can impact the health of your feet, your hygiene, and your wallet! Not wearing socks can cause athlete's foot This fungus grows in dark, damp places and is highly contagious. While it can cause a whole list of uncomfortable symptoms, athlete’s foot is best known for the constant itching and burning sensation it causes on your feet and toes. Not wearing socks can cause blisters Blisters are an excruciating condition caused by friction. Socks act as a barrier between your shoes and your skin; without it your shoes will rub excessively against your skin. When your feet become damp with sweat, they can lead to added friction. This causes fluid-filled sacks to form on your skin. Blisters can make walking highly uncomfortable and can also lead to more severe infections. Not wearing socks can lead to foot infections. Excess sweat and moisture are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Fungus and other germs thrive in this type of environment. If your feet have any open sores on them, this bacteria can easily enter your body, leading to dangerous infections and compromising your health. Not wearing socks can lead to smelly feet When your feet sweat, bacteria build-up. While foot sweat is odorless on its own, without socks, the sweat can't be wicked away from your skin, creating an abundance of germs on your feet. Not only is this highly unhygienic, but it can also quickly lead to foul odors. Not wearing socks can ruin your new sneakers A good pair of running shoes are expensive! Not wearing socks will cause sweat and bacteria to build up inside your shoes, causing them to smell and leaving them dirty and worn out. Protect your new shoes by always wearing socks inside them. Should I be wearing socks with my sneakers? Absolutely! If you want to give your feet the best care possible, always show them some love by wrapping them in a comfortable pair of socks. These will help keep your feet dry, regulate the temperature inside your shoes, and prevent blisters, bacteria growth and disease. Plus, you won’t have to worry about having stinky feet again!
May 5, 2022
With the warmer weather (hopefully!) here to stay, we can finally kick off those boots and turn our attention to summer footwear. But picking the right sandal can be easier said than done, with many styles being flimsy and unsupportive. Below, we compiled a list of foot-friendly summer sandals available at Feet First Clinic to keep your feet looking and feeling their best this summer! Best Sandals for Function Looking for a casual, everyday sandal? We got you covered! Each of these flat sandals has a cork footbed and midsole, which molds to your foot shape while absorbing the shock that comes with each step. The cork also wicks moisture off your feet and provides great arch support for whatever summer activity you get up to. 1. Birkenstock Arizona This popular sandal has been a staple for seasons! Its adjustable, two-strap structure makes this shoe comfortable for all foot shapes. In particular, Birkenstocks are renowned for their orthopaedic design, featuring a deep heel cup, firm arch support and toe bar. Birkenstocks have a firm, rigid structure and molds to the shape of your foot as you break them in. They provide excellent shock absorption, stability and support for years to come. These characteristics make Birkenstock sandals ideal for many common foot conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and overpronation. Their fantastic support also makes them great indoor shoes. Click here to learn more about the health benefits of Birkenstocks. The Birkenstock Arizona, along with other popular Birkenstock styles, are available at Feet First Clinic in a variety of colours and materials. Because of their rigid structure, it’s important to break in Birkenstocks slowly. 2. Mephisto Hester Similar to the Birkenstock Arizona, this cork sandal also features two adjustable straps. However, Mephisto's Soft-Air technology offers a more cushioned support to make you feel like you're walking on air. They’re a great alternative for people who want the support and medical benefits of a Birkenstock, but prefer something less rigid and more cushioned. They’re also great for people with sensitive feet. Click here to learn more about why we love Mephisto sandals. The Mephisto Hester is available at Feet First Clinic in tan and white. 3. NAOT Santa Barbara Like the previous two options, the NAOT Santa Barbara sandals are also a two-strap cork sandal. NAOTs tend to be a bit slimmer fitting than the Mephistos or Birkenstocks, and have an anatomically engineered cork and latex footbed to provide support where you need it most. The footbed is wrapped in soft suede and molds to the shape of your foot with wear, giving you customized support to keep your feet happy and healthy. Not only do they come recommended by the foot specialists at Feet First Clinic, they’ve also been recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting good foot health. Click here to learn more about the foot-friendly technology behind NAOT sandals, and what makes one of our top picks for those seeking a supportive, everyday sandal. The Santa Barbara sandal is available at Feet First Clinic in a purple and blue print, as well as solid black. 4. NAOT Kapua Need a bit more ankle support than the other options? Try the Kapua! This style features an ankle strap and closed toe to keep your foot and ankle secured. This makes it a great option for people with clawed toes, ankle instability and Achilles’ tendonitis. The closed toe also makes it great for people with diabetes or toenail concerns. In addition, the footbed is also removable for those with custom orthotics. If you're leaving the footbed in, get ready to enjoy NAOT’s signature ergonomic comfort with a cork and latex sole! These sandals are also slip resistant. Best Sandals for Style Who said style can't be supportive?! With these heel and platform options, you'll be chic and comfortable all summer long. 1. Sorel Cameron Flatform Sandal Sorel does more than winter boots; they also make very stylish sandals, like the Cameron Flatform sandal. This 2 1/4 inch platform sandal features a foam footbed to keep shock under control wherever you go this summer. The heel of the platform is not much higher than the toe area, so you can get the height you want without all the foot pain. It has an adjustable ankle strap to ensure you stay secured, along with braided rope detailing wrapped around the platform for some added flair. It also has a scalloped rubber sole for the ultimate grip and traction you can expect from Sorel. 2. Mephisto Joy A wedge heel is always in style! This 1-inch heeled sandal has a leather cushioned footbed and a cork midsole featuring Mephisto's Soft-Air technology- meaning you won't be wanting to rip them off the minute you arrive at the BBQ. 3. NAOT Victoria Love the fit of the anatomical footbed from the Kupua? Get the same feeling, only dressier with the Victoria! NAOT's cork and latex footbed will provide you with all the support you need to go from day to night in this 1.5 inch heeled sandal. Happy Feet, Happy Summer When it comes to sandals, don't sacrifice comfort for style! These chiropodist-approved options are all available at Feet First Clinic, and will keep your feet happy and healthy no matter how high the temperatures climb.
