February 5, 2024
For runners, the feet are not just the point of contact with the ground; they are the foundation of every stride, absorbing the impact of countless steps. Our feet are like a car's wheels, enabling us to move forward. And shoes are our body's tires. That's why proper foot care for runners is paramount to ensure a smooth and injury-free running journey. This guide explores our top foot care tips tailored specifically for runners so you can go the distance comfortably and confidently. Tip #1: Choose the right running shoes The foundation of good foot care starts with the right pair of running shoes. When selecting running shoes, consider factors such as arch support, cushioning, and the terrain you'll be running on. Rotate your running shoes, if your budget allows it, to let them decompress and maintain their cushioning. You can visit a specialty store like Feet First Clinic to get footwear advice and fitted. Read our complete guide on types of running shoes and how to choose your perfect pair. Tip #2: Prioritize sock selection Investing in quality moisture-wicking socks can make a significant difference in preventing blisters and discomfort. Choose socks with proper padding and avoid cotton, as it tends to retain moisture, increasing the risk of blisters. Tip #3: Maintain proper hygiene Regular foot hygiene is crucial for runners. Wash your feet daily and thoroughly dry them. And remember to get between the toes. Keep your toenails trimmed to prevent ingrown nails and potential discomfort during your runs. Adopting a regular foot care hygiene routine and following a post-sports routine is essential, especially for runners. Tip #4: Warm-up and stretch Before hitting the pavement, take the time to warm up your feet and stretch your calf muscles. Gentle foot and ankle exercises can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of strains or plantar fasciitis. Tip #5: Gradual progression and cross-training Avoid overtraining by gradually increasing your mileage and intensity. Incorporate cross-training activities like cycling or swimming to give your feet a break while maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Tip #6: Listen to your feet Paying attention to any signs of discomfort or pain is crucial for preventing injuries. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or changes in your foot structure, consult a healthcare professional or a podiatrist promptly. Tip #7: Ice and elevation After a long run, treat your feet to some post-run care. Ice any sore areas to reduce inflammation, and consider elevating your feet to minimize swelling. This simple routine can aid in faster recovery. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are methods for treating inflammation after trauma, such as acute ankle sprain. Inflammation causes pain, edema, hyperalgesia, and erythema, limiting one’s ability to perform the rehabilitation required for proper healing. Tip #8: Invest in insoles or orthotics (if needed) Custom orthotics or over-the-counter insoles can provide additional support and stability if you have specific foot conditions or pronation issues. Consult a chiropodist to determine the best option for your individual needs. Tip #9: Foot-strengthening exercises Incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your routine to improve stability and reduce the risk of injuries. Exercises like toe taps, marble pickups, and resistance band exercises can enhance the strength of the muscles supporting your feet. Tip #10: Regular check-ups Make regular foot check-ups a part of your routine. Addressing early signs of symptoms can keep them from escalating into significant problems. All foot pain treatment services at our foot clinic start with an assessment by one of our skilled chiropodists. Our chiropodists conduct foot assessments for: Foot pain; Footwear recommendations; General foot check-ups; Diagnostic Purposes; or Any foot-related concern or condition.
November 16, 2023
When it comes to self-care and pampering, we often focus on treating ourselves to facials, massages, or spa days while neglecting one of our body's hardest working and overlooked parts: our feet. Enter the world of medical pedicures, a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience that goes beyond the typical nail salon visit. In this blog post, we look at medical pedicures and uncover the many benefits they offer for the health of your feet. Whether seeking relief from foot-related ailments or well-deserved self-care, a medical pedicure might be the secret to the happy and healthy feet you've been waiting for. What's a medical pedicure? A medical pedicure, also known as a medi-pedi, is a specialized foot treatment performed by a trained medical professional, typically a podiatrist or chiropodist. Unlike a cosmetic pedicure you might receive at a spa or nail salon, a medical pedicure focuses on the medical aspects of foot care - there is no nail polish or foot soaking. It ususally involves the following: Examination and consultation. Before the procedure, a chiropodist assesses your feet, discusses any concerns or foot-related issues you may have, and creates a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Nail and callus care. A chiropodist trims and shapes your toenails, carefully avoiding ingrown toenails. They will also remove calluses and corns to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. Hygiene. A medical pedicure places a strong emphasis on hygiene. The instruments used are sterilized (or disposable) to prevent the risk of infection. Skin and cuticle care. Your provider will moisturize and care for the skin on your feet, paying particular attention to dry or cracked areas. They will also address overgrown or problematic cuticles. Why should I get a medical pedicure? Only you can decide whether you need a medical pedicure, but we want to lay out the benefits to help you make an informed decision. There are several reasons why you may need one: Treatment of Specific Foot Conditions Medical pedicures are not just about pampering but about addressing specific foot conditions. Whether you're dealing with fungal infections, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or thickened and discoloured nails, your healthcare specialist can offer treatments and recommendations for future care. Proper Nail Care While traditional pedicures focus primarily on nail aesthetics, medical pedicures focus on nail health. Sure, they will properly trim and file your toenails, but they'll also go the extra mile in preventing ingrown toenails and addressing any nail conditions like toenail fungus. Healthy Skin The skincare aspect of a medical pedicure involves moisturizing and nurturing the skin on your feet. Dry, cracked, or rough skin patches will be taken care of. Plus, we can provide product recommendations to help you maintain healthy, soft feet between appointments. Education and Guidance A significant part of a medical pedicure is education. You'll receive valuable guidance on proper foot care practices. In addition, with conditions like recurring calluses or ingrown toenails, the chiropodist can determine whether there could be any biomechanical factors at play. These insights empower you to take better care of your feet daily, reducing the likelihood of future issues.
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.
January 30, 2023
As a parent, your children's health is a top priority. When it comes to their feet, it may be trickier to tell whether anything is wrong. Our feet are often covered; even then, certain conditions can be tricky to recognize. Plantar warts can be a painful and unsightly problem, especially in children. But don't worry - you're not alone as a parent. Fortunately, plantar warts aren't severe. Most of the time, there is no cause for concern. Several effective treatment methods exist for children and teenagers, who are particularly susceptible to getting plantar warts. Many types of warts exist. They can also target various parts of the body. Wart variations include common warts, flat warts, mosaic warts, filiform warts, and plantar warts. Warts on the feet are the focus of this article. In this blog article, our medical team provides a complete guide for parents to recognize, prevent, and effectively treat plantar warts in children. With this guide, there's no need to let plantar warts interfere with your child's active lifestyle. What are plantar warts? Plantar warts are viral skin infections that grow on the feet's underside. HPV (human papillomavirus) causes plantar warts. HPV can infiltrate the body through skin contact, sometimes via a cut or break in the skin on foot. It's important to note that only certain types of HPV cause plantar warts. After all, there are 100+ types of the virus. (The HPV strain responsible for plantar warts differs from the HPV that targets the reproductive tract.) Plantar warts get their name because of their location (plantar is another word for the sole of the foot). The warts are small, flat, and hard circular growths. Plantar warts resemble a corn, callus or blister but may also contain tiny black spots. Bearing weight (like when you walk or run) adds pressure to the wart. The added pressure against the bottom of your foot causes the wart to grow inward. Thus, walking or standing on warts may also hurt. In response, your body builds a layer of skin on top of the wart to try to protect itself. This skin buildup resembles a callus. Plantar warts are not a skin condition specific to the youth. Anyone can get plantar warts. They are not a severe health condition and may go away independently, especially in children under 12. However, they are contagious. It's best to treat plantar warts as soon as possible to prevent spreading to other body parts. If left untreated, warts can last a few months to two years in children. How do children get plantar warts? Children get plantar warts by catching a specific type of HPV. The virus enters the body through direct contact between the skin and an infected surface. Since viruses thrive in warm, moist areas, shared spaces like spas, hot tubs, pools, or showers put children at risk. Not everyone who catches the HPV strain gets plantar warts. Your immune system may be able to fend off the attack. If not, a plantar wart may surface. Are children more likely to get plantar warts? Yes, children and teenagers are more likely to get plantar warts than adults. According to the National Library of Medicine, various studies show that up to 33% of children and teenagers have warts. Between 3-5% of adults, by comparison, have warts. Children and teenagers may be more likely to get plantar warts because of their environment. For instance, children and teenagers often use communal showers at pools or in locker rooms. If one child has a plantar wart, they may spread the virus to others. In some cases, children and teenagers may also get plantar warts due to a weakened immune system. How can a parent help a child get rid of plantar warts? A parent has several treatment options for their child if the child gets plantar warts. One is to allow plantar warts to go away on their own. Warts sometimes disappear in a few weeks or a few months on their own. During this period, parents should take precautions to avoid children spreading plantar warts to other body parts and people. But warts can be uncomfortable (and aesthetically displeasing), and may persist or even spread and multiply. In these instances, a parent or child may desire more immediate action. Fortunately, that's doable. A chiropodist or foot doctor can provide wart removal treatments. For children, parents may prefer less invasive treatment methods. We've ranked various treatment methods from less intrusive to more intrusive. Prescription Topical Solutions Cryotherapy Cantharone/Cantharone Plus Needling Excision How do I prevent my children from getting plantar warts? The key as a parent is to limit your child's exposure to HPV when in shared spaces. Fortunately, there are many measures you can take. Provide your child with sandals at school, the pool, or practice. Limiting their time barefoot in a locker room, a shower, or on deck at the pool can reduce their chances of catching HPV. Encourage healthy foot hygiene. Use positive reinforcement and teach your child to keep their feet clean and dry. Do not use instruments like pumice stones or nail files if previously used on a wart. Inspect your child's feet. Minor cuts or cracks in the skin put your child at greater risk of catching the plantar wart-causing virus. Apply a bandage or waterproof plaster on the area to reduce their exposure If your child partakes in activities requiring them to be barefoot, like gymnastics or dance, cover any warts with a bandage to preventspreading to other children.
November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa. Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure. Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures! Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions Say goodbye to foot odour Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session Safe and sterile environment Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing. Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones. Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails. Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon. If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations. Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure: Warts Corns and calluses Signs of proper blood circulation Fungal infections Nerve function Signs of additional infection Say Goodbye to Foot Odour A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour. To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants. Safe and Sterile Environment Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats. When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed. But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture. Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again. A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure. This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.
September 15, 2022
Warts can occur anywhere on your body. These small, circular growths are a type of skin infection that stand out because of their roughness, slight discolouration, and sometimes pain. When it comes to your feet, the soles are a common place for warts. This skin condition is known as plantar warts. Although warts on your feet are a common occurrence, this condition comes with very treatable solutions. From self-care remedies to visiting a foot specialist, the scale of treatment methods varies based on the persistence level of warts. If you're looking to avoid plantar warts altogether, learn about what causes them, or how to get rid of them, you've come to the right place. In this article, we explore plantar warts, their causes, how to get rid of plantar warts, and finally how to book an appointment with a foot specialist if you have persistent plantar warts. What are plantar warts? Plantar warts are common viral skin infections that grow on the bottom of the feet. They are small, flat, and hard circular growths that look like a corn, callus or blister. Walking puts pressure on the wart, which makes it grow inward and builds a hard layer of skin overtop. Applying pressure to plantar warts (walking, standing, or running) may be uncomfortable, if not painful. Anyone can get plantar warts: they are not a severe health condition and sometimes go away on their own. However, they are contagious. If they persist, they can grow, spread and cause foot pain when you stand or walk on them. What causes plantar warts? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes foot warts by infecting the foot's outer layer of skin. HPVs are a group of more than 200 related viruses. In the case of plantar warts, the strain of HPV causing this foot condition is not severe and varies from the strain that infects the reproductive tract. If you think plantar warts and herpes or genital warts, are related, don't worry - the HPV strains are different. Usually, the virus enters the skin through a perforation like a cut or small breaks in the skin. Frequenting high-traffic common areas like showers, change rooms, and pool decks increase your likelihood of contracting the HPV that causes warts because the virus can spread more easily in these areas. Understandably, the wart-causing virus thrives in warm, moist environments. (This can be said for several other foot conditions, actually, including athlete's foot.) Wearing Crocs or flip-flops will help lessen your chances of catching this virus by ensuring your bare feet do not come in contact with the virus. Children and teenagers are more likely to get plantar warts because of their hobbies; additionally, those with weakened immune systems are at heightened risk. That said, like many foot conditions, anyone can get plantar warts. So, what happens when you get plantar warts? Fortunately, there are several treatment options, including DIY methods as well as visiting a foot specialist. Plantar warts treatments Sometimes, plantar warts will treat themselves and go away with time. If that's not the case, a foot specialist like a chiropodist can easily remove plantar warts. There are also different treatments depending on how resistant the wart is to certain methods. For instance, if the wart is not responding to one treatment, a more aggressive treatment may be tried. Regardless of the treatment method you choose, it's best to follow these practices: Cover the wart to help prevent it from spreading to either other people or another part of your body Wash your hands any time you touch the wart, accidentally or intentionally Below you'll find a mix of at-home treatment methods and procedures done by a foot specialist at a local clinic: Cryotherapy Cryotherapy is a method by which extreme cold is used to freeze and remove a plantar wart. This procedure is quick and easy, and generally low risk. Instead of cryotherapy performed in a cold tank, this kind is slightly different and more concentrated. Cold therapy is performed via liquid nitrogen on a cotton swab. This treatment is performed every two weeks, and often requires several treatments to eradicate the wart. Salicylic acid Salicylic acid is a topical medication that is applied to the wart. It softens the skin and helps shed layers of skin (and the wart) bit by bit. It is found in many over-the-counter wart removal products, and a chiropodist can prescribe a high-strength salicylic acid topical solution that you can apply regularly at home. The higher the dose of salicylic acid, the better its treatment. Laser treatment Laser treatment involves cauterizing blood vessels. Ouch, that sounds intense. But, your medical practitioner will numb your skin first. To be effective, this treatment can be repeated every 2-4 weeks. Blister-inducing medicine View this post on Instagram A post shared by Feet First Clinic (@feetfirstclinic_) A foot specialist can help induce a blister under the wart by applying cantharidin, a type of burn agent. This is applied every 2 to 3 weeks by a chiropodist. The cantharidin forms a blister over the wart and separates the wart from the skin covering it and brings the wart to the surface. The blister then dries over the next few days and the wart falls off. The treatment is repeated until the wart is fully removed. Needling Needling is a simple, but more invasive wart removal procedure with roughly 70% effectiveness. After a local anesthetic is administered, a specialist punctures the wart with a sterile needle about 100 times. This method pushes the HPV away from the surface of the skin and internally where an immune reaction is triggered. If successful, your body's immune system will do the rest. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Feet First Clinic (@feetfirstclinic_) Excision Excision is used for plantar warts that resist other treatments. The foot is first numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, as the name implies, the wart is cut away (or “excised”) from the skin. The base is also cauterized to ensure no living viral tissue is left behind. There is a risk of scarring, so this method isn’t used unless other treatments have failed. Duct tape Duct tape is a common yet relatively unproven method for treating plantar warts (largely because plantar warts can disappear on their own, which makes it difficult to attribute to the treatment method). This DIY method relies on suffocating the plantar wart and stripping away the outer layer of the skin to help rid the virus.
