The Sun and Your Feet: Summer Foot Care Tips

Written by Bianca Charles on September 10, 2021

Last updated June 7, 2024

Sun’s out, the toes are out. OK, maybe that’s not the idiom but when the sun shines, you’re inclined to spend time outdoors. With that comes the need to protect your body, including your feet, from the elements, namely in the sun’s UV rays as well as the heat.

Although protection against the sun is critical year-round, it’s especially important in the summer. In this article, we’ll guide you on common warm-weather foot care tips including how to protect your feet from the sun, how to limit common summer foot conditions, and guidance on what to do if you get a sunburn.

Use Sunscreen On Your Feet (Both Sides!)

Your best measure for skin protection is covering up. Your next best is sunscreen. Some may know it as sunblock, sun lotion, or sunscreen, but in essence, it’s a lotion or spray that absorbs and/or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It protects your skin against sunburn and helps prevent skin cancer. Additional benefits of using sunscreen include slowing the development of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin.

No one is completely safe from the sun. In Canada, the sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, and harm to the eyes. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer; it’s also one of the most preventable.

Here are our top sunscreen practices:

Always use sunscreen before going out in the sun. Apply sunscreen rain or shine. Even on cold cloudy days, there’s still a UV rating. For best results, apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
Apply sunscreen to both sides of your feet. Applying sunscreen to your feet means both sides. Don’t forget your soles for maximum protection, especially when you’re at the beach.
Reapply sunscreen after going in the water. Additionally, look for broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) and “water-resistant” on the label if you plan on taking a dip.
Use an SPF of 30 or higher. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends you use an SPF of 30 or higher because at that rating it blocks out 97% of UVB rays.
Use sunscreen before other sprays/skincare products. If you’re using insect repellent, for example, apply sunscreen to your body and feet first.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours. Sweat, water, or toweling off can remove sunscreen and lessen its effectiveness. Reapply sunscreen often to ensure you’re always protected.
Check the expiration date. Sunscreens should not be used after the expiry date. This is because they contain chemicals that degrade over time, and therefore won’t be as effective after the expiration date. Additionally, sunscreens can be affected by extreme changes in temperature.

Check Your Feet Regularly

Here are a few facts about melanoma and skin conditions, courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic:

UV rays cause 90% of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) cases in North America
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada
Incidence rates of melanoma in North America ranked second highest in the world
Skin cancer is highly preventable
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, tanning lamps, and tanning beds increases your risk of developing melanoma

Regular foot checks can help you spot abnormalities early on. Check your feet each month for any suspicious spots, changes in moles, or dark patches of skin. Many moles are not a cause for concern. One rule of thumb is to follow the ABCDE method of detection. It stands for:

A = Asymmetrical shape
B = irregular Border
C = Changes in Colour (look for moles with many or an uneven distribution of colours)
D = Diameter (look for growth larger than ~6 mm)
E = Evolving

Doing a thorough analysis of your feet, which takes just seconds, allows you to monitor any developments close to real-time, if not shortly after.

Common Summer Foot Conditions

It’s not just the sun you should worry about in the summer. The heat and humidity are grounds for a number of foot conditions to develop.

Blisters: Moisture is a prime breeding ground for blisters. This condition occurs when a small fluid-filled bubble forms just under the top layer of your skin. Using moisturizer (which strengthens your skin’s protective properties and makes it less vulnerable to blisters), foot powders (to counteract excessive foot sweat), wearing moisture-wicking socks, and properly-fitted footwear are all preventative measures to avoid blisters.

Cracked Heels: Summer heat makes you more prone to dehydration, contributing to dry skin, and thus cracked heels. Additionally, the prospect of going barefoot is particularly attractive in the summer making your feet more prone to the elements, whether it’s the beach or in the yard. Shop our selection of Gehwol products to help moisturize your feet.

Corns: Corns are frequently caused by shoes that don’t fit properly. In the summer, the culprit may be flip-flops or any ill-fitting or unsupportive shoe that puts pressure on hot spots like your toes or bony prominences.

Plantar fasciitis: Summer is flip flop season. Cheaper flip flops can have minimal arch support, putting your plantar under pressure. Over time, this aggravation can lead to plantar fasciitis. Stop this foot condition in its track by shopping sandals from Mephisto, FitFlop, Naot, and Clarks. FitFlop sandals in particular are engineered to address plantar fasciitis. For more information, check out our article about why we love FitFlop sandals.

Treating Sunburns

A sunburn occurs when your skin has been exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light. It’s a form of radiation burn.

Common symptoms include changes in skin tone, skin that feels warm or hot to the touch, pain, tenderness, swelling, headaches or fever, or even small blisters.

Sunburns can vary in intensity. A mild sunburn is not a big deal, but over time, there is potential for long-term consequences. Sun damage can lead to cancerous changes in your skin, and your feet are no exception. A sunburn on your foot can also be particularly painful as it’s a tender part of your body. Pair that with the fact that we regularly wear socks and shoes, it’s hard to avoid aggravating the burn after the fact.

Fortunately, there are a number of at-home remedies you can use to reduce the pain and help heal sunburns. These include:

Soak your feet in cool water or milk
Use medication like acetaminophen to reduce pain
Apply aloe vera to help soothe your skin
Allow your blisters to heal on their own. Don’t pop them!
Elevate your feet, which minimizes swelling
Stay hydrated

Skin Damage Risk Factors

According to the Weather Network, UV rays can cause sunburns, eye cataracts, skin aging, and skin cancer. Nearby surface(s) can exacerbate the effects of UV rays. For example, being on the water, or in the snow (which isn’t relevant for our feet, but rather our body in general), can increase exposure because of the reflection off the ground. Extra precaution and protection are needed in these scenarios.

The strength of the sun, and in turn the strength of UV rays, also varies by time of day. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Full precautions are needed during these times in particular: Seek shade, cover-up, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Your local weather network will have a UV Index report that indicates the UV strength at various times of the day. The UV Index scale is between 1-11, with one being the lowest and minimal risk, and 11+ being the extreme and highest risk for skin damage. The higher the UV Index number, the stronger the sun’s rays, and the greater the need to take precautions.

The UV Index scale breaks down as follows:

UV Index	Description	Sun Protection
0-2	Low	Minimal sun protection required Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen Reflection off snow or light surfaces can nearly double UV strength. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen
3-5	Moderate	Take precautions – cover-up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest
6-7	High	Protection required – UV rays damage the skin and can cause sunburn Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions – seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
8-10	Very High	Extra precautions required – unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions – seek shade, cover-up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
11+	Extreme	Values of 11+ are very rare in Canada. However, values can reach this high (even 14+) in the tropics and the southern United States Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Your Foot Care Solutions Live Here!

All under one roof! Our team of Toronto foot specialists is trained to handle any and all your foot health concerns. From mild to critical, we cover all sides of the foot needs spectrum. Call us to ask about actionable steps towards your solution today!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! We’re Toronto’s one-stop-shop for all your foot-related needs. For 15 years, our staff and licensed chiropodists have been helping people with their feet. From foot care to foot pain to foot products – we do it all! Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

About Author: Bianca Charles

With 15 years of dedicated experience in podiatry, Bianca Carter offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise at Feet First Clinic. Throughout her career, Bianca has worked closely with leading chiropodists, continually deepening her understanding of all aspects of foot care.

Learn more about Bianca Charles

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October 28, 2024

5 Ways Cold and Wet Weather Impacts Your Feet

Taking care of your feet during winter might require a little extra effort, but it’s essential for preventing discomfort and long-term issues. The cold weather can impact your feet in its own unique ways, just like hot weather can. Whether you’re dealing with dry, cracked skin or trying to avoid slippery conditions, being mindful of your foot health will keep you a step ahead of the cold. 5 Ways Cold and Wet Weather Can Impact Your Feet Dry, cracked skin Skin conditions Reduced circulation Stiffness and joint pain Winter-related foot conditions 1. Dry, Cracked Skin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Sf43woLLE One of the first things you may notice during the winter is dry, cracked skin on your feet, especially your heels. The chilly air and low humidity can quickly sap the moisture from your skin, leaving your feet feeling rough and sore. Heating indoors doesn’t help either, as it dries out the air, exacerbating the issue. This is where cold weather foot care enters the picture! Since cracked skin can cause pain and even bleed, it becomes essential to protect your feet. This dryness isn’t just unsightly—if the cracks open up, it creates an easy pathway for infections. This can lead to debilitating pain and bleeding that makes walking difficult. Regular moisturizing with a medical-grade foot cream is a straightforward way to combat dry feet and cracked heels. Look for products that contains a high urea concentration, which will help your skin replenish and retain lost moisture. It's important to use a foot cream instead of a regular moisturizer for your feet because the skin on your feet is thicker than the skin elsewhere on our body. Therefore, a regular body or facial moisturizer won't cut it - especially during the dry, colder months. While you're at it, take your hydration to the next level by always remembering to drink your eight glasses of water per day. This advice still holds up today! 2. Reduced Circulation Cold weather can mess with your blood flow, which can pose a problematic obstacle for foot health. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict to preserve heat, meaning less blood flows to your extremities. This is called vasoconstriction. As a result, your feet may feel cold, numb, or even tingly. Poor circulation can also lead to prolonged healing times for cuts or blisters. This is concerning for diabetes patients with neuropathy who are already struggling with wound healing issues. That's why cold weather diabetic foot care should always include steps to monitor and improve blood flow— including daily foot inspections and easy foot exercises. Wearing thermal socks and ensuring your feet are properly insulated can help combat the impact of reduced circulation. Just make sure your thermal socks fit comfortably with your fall and winter footwear: if your shoes or boots are too tight, it will reduce circulation and make your feet more susceptible to cold-weather complications (more on that below). If you experience slippery conditions during winter, circulation issues can also increase your risk of falling or slipping. When your feet are numb, it’s harder to get a good sense of balance, so be cautious and wear shoes with good grip for FALL prevention. Moving around can also help keep your blood flowing. So, if you’re out and about, take small breaks to wiggle your toes and stretch to maintain circulation. There are even targeted foot exercises you can try to help trigger healthy blood flow. In fact, you should do these more often in the winter than the summer. 3. Skin Conditions https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xZ4RQwPmCzg It might seem strange to consider blisters a winter problem, but they can definitely crop up due to cold weather foot care challenges. Wearing heavy boots and thick socks can cause friction, leading to blisters on your heels or toes. This is why it’s extremely important for boots to fit snugly, but not be too tight. So if the socks you like to wear in the winter are causing your boots to constrict your feet, they don’t fit! And if your feet are already dry, cracked, or dealing with reduced circulation, they’re even more susceptible to developing painful blisters. Combat this by ensuring your boots and sock combo always fit perfectly together, and opt for moisture wicking socks to go the extra mile. Another common winter foot problem is athlete's foot. Though often associated with the hot summer months and public swimming pools, athlete's foot is no stranger to winter either. Athlete's foot thrives in wet, damp areas, so instead of crowded public summer pools, fungal infections change their habitat to the wet-from-the-snow environment inside your boots. And keep in mind, you can get athlete’s foot simply by coming into contact with someone who already has it. When you’re tackling wet feet, whether it’s from snow or rain, you need to dry them thoroughly before putting on warm socks. Athlete’s foot loves moist environments, so making sure your feet are dry is key. If you start to notice itchy or peeling skin between your toes, it’s a sign that athlete's foot might be setting in. Treat it promptly with your Toronto chiropodist, who can provide the right antifungal products. Make sure you also keep your feet clean and dry and avoid sharing shoes and socks to protect your feet from a future infection. 4. Stiffness and Joint Pain https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n46k32OZgco Cold weather tightens your muscles, which in turn can lead to stiff joints. This discomfort can be particularly noticeable if you already have arthritis or any other joint-related issues. Without the right cold weather foot care, your feet can end up feeling stiff, which can affect your overall mobility. To help counteract this, regular stretching and low-impact exercises, such as foot rotations, can keep your joints limber. This season also requires some extra attention to footwear. Choose shoes with ample support to keep your feet cushioned against the impact of walking on hard, cold surfaces. Slippery conditions can further aggravate joint pain because your body works overtime to stay balanced, putting extra pressure on your feet. Adding orthotics or insoles that provide added arch support can also reduce some of this strain and make your steps feel more cushioned and less jarring. 5. Winter Related Foot Conditions Winter brings its own set of unique foot problems, including chilblains, frostbite, and Raynaud’s disease, all of which can make cold weather foot care a bit trickier. Chilblains occur when your feet are exposed to cold, damp environments, causing painful, itchy red patches. This is particularly common in teenagers, or people who quickly reheat their feet after being in the cold, so it’s best to warm up slowly. Frostbite is another concern in extreme cold, as it can severely damage your skin and tissues. Frostbite can occur more quickly than you might expect, especially if you don't protect your feet from the weather. Signs of frostbite include numbness, skin discolouration, and a hard, waxy texture. If you think you may be experiencing frostbite, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. To prevent frostbite, be sure to layer up and wear weatherproof boots that keep your feet dry and warm. Lastly, Raynaud’s disease can be exacerbated by cold weather. People with Raynaud’s experience an exaggerated response to cold, which restricts blood flow to the toes, leading to reduced circulation and making your feet even more vulnerable. Keeping your feet constantly warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help manage Raynaud’s symptoms, but if you experience persistent pain or numbness, you should consult a healthcare provider.

October 14, 2024

The Importance of Regular Foot Check-Ups: What to Expect During a Foot Clinic Visit

There are many at-home and natural remedies for foot pain that work, but there’s no denying the importance of foot exams with a top Toronto chiropodist. Some conditions require foot check-ups throughout the year and your foot clinic visits can make a big difference in not only your comfort levels, but your long-term health. Let’s take at what you can expect at a foot clinic appointment and why you should get your check-ups. What You Can Expect at a Foot Clinic This depends on if you’re visiting your foot clinic for the first time or are following up with a specific service, such as a custom orthotic casting and fitting or a medical pedicure. At Toronto’s Feet First Clinic, your first foot check-up—an initial foot assessment—helps determine your unique needs. It’s your chance to discuss any concerns so your chiropodist can tailor the care to what matters most to you. Many people schedule one if they have persistent foot pain, but you may also do it for diagnostic purposes, footwear recommendations and more. Why Schedule Regular Foot Check-ups? Regular foot care is mandatory if you have diabetes. Studies show that neglecting your feet and failing to visit your foot specialist may lead to infections, ulceration and limb loss. While they sound extreme and scary, chiropody services can help you prevent these problems. Chiropodist visits for diabetes include full examinations (particularly to assess for neuropathy), nail and skin care, wound debridement, and more. Some experts recommend coming in every 4-6 months, but this may be more or less, depending on your condition. Foot check-ups are also a must for anyone with arthritis, circulatory issues, a history of strain injuries like plantar fasciitis, chronic fungal infections, to name a few. They’re especially important as we get older. But really, anyone can benefit from a little foot TLC—whether you're on your feet all day or just looking to prevent future problems, regular check-ups help keep your feet healthy, pain-free, and ready to go wherever life takes you! An annual foot assessment is also a great preventative form of self care, like a wellness check for your feet. You don’t have to wait until you notice symptoms — assessments can catch early signs of the most common foot issues before they become painful.

October 10, 2024

Common Fall Foot Problems and How to Prevent Them

Toronto's summer is behind us and the warm days of sandals won’t return until next year. But fall brings its own charm and many folks are excited for a new chapter. At the same time, you may also be looking to prevent foot issues this fall in as many ways as possible, and luckily, you’ve come to the right place! For top tips on blisters and dry skin prevention, as well as how you can fight some other common fall foot problems, keep reading today’s article! Cracked Heels As summer’s humid air is replaced with dryness, the skin on your feet may dehydrate and over time, cracked heels can form. One of the best fall foot care tips to prevent this is regular moisturizing. Use a nutrient-dense product like Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream, available at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic. It helps lock in moisture and prevent further damage. Containing high-quality ingredients like avocado oil and urea, this cream helps your skin absorb water into its layers and supplies dry skin with the lipids it needs. Properties like allantoin can also soothe irritation sometimes associated with cracked heels. Fungal Infections You may have heard how fungal infections like athlete’s foot are easy to contract during the summertime. Public pools, shared locker rooms and showers, and other communal spaces are all summer hot spots where this foot fungus can breed. But did you know that foot fungi is still a threat in the fall? It can thrive when people wear closed shoes for longer periods, trapping moisture and warmth. To prevent this, keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable socks, and choose shoes that allow proper ventilation. Shoes should also be waterproof to prevent extra water getting into your shoe’s environment. To find the right pair for fall, visit your local Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting. While you’re at it, learn all about the best foot hygiene here! Musculoskeletal Foot Conditions Musculoskeletal foot conditions can flare up as the fall chill starts to bite, making each step feel a little extra uncomfortable. Cold temperatures cause the tissues in your joints to contract, putting pressure on nerve endings and leading to more foot pain and aggravated osteoarthritis. The cold can also worsen foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and other sources of arch and heel pain. Get ahead of this issue by wearing boots with solid insulation that traps warmth. Also, keep your feet extra cozy with warm socks — a Toronto chiropodist may even suggest a pair of compression stockings (like Sigvaris' Thermoregulating Wool or Merino Wool compression stockings). Blisters Autumn foot health often involves managing painful blisters. As new footwear makes its debut, a tight squeeze can slowly wreak havoc and cause discomfort. To keep your feet happy and blisters at bay, make sure your shoes fit securely and snugly (but not tight!) to prevent excessive friction rubbing against your skin. Wear your boots with other products like moisture control socks, foot powders, blister bandages and insoles to prevent this frustrating issue.

October 3, 2024

The Importance of Proper Footwear for Kids in Fall: What Parents Need to Know

Are you wondering how much you need to invest in your kids’ foot health this fall? Not sure what all the fuss is about over getting the best fall shoes for children? While it may seem like your child’s summer shoes can last a little while longer, it’s important to take their foot health needs seriously and make sure they're set up for the fall. We’ve crafted this parent's guide to kids’ shoes in the fall to help you out! Keep reading to learn the main reasons why proper footwear for kids is essential during this beloved season. 3 Reasons Why Your Kids Need Fall Shoes They support back-to-school activities They protect feet from the elements They provide support for growing feet Support Back-to-School Activities Remember the excitement of getting a new pair of athletic shoes every year before that first day of school? Well, there’s a reason your parents did that for you! Many kids up their activity game during back-to-school season. The excitement of reuniting with friends, outdoor recess time, extracurriculars and gym class are all contributing factors to this healthy boost in physical activity. Thus, comfortable athletic shoes for children land inside the fall shoes realm. The best shoes for kids should encourage proper gait patterns. They also feature cushioning for shock absorption, which reduces stress on growing bones and joints during activities like running and jumping. Additionally, supportive footwear can prevent common foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and ankle injuries, the latter of which is a common injury for kids. It's important to ensure shoes have a snug (but not tight!) and secure fit, breathable materials, and a durable outsole for safe performance and comfort. If your child's shoes put pressure on the side of their feet, opt for wide-width shoes. Protect Feet From The Elements Shoes are always designed with seasonality in mind, and just like you need new fall boots, so do your kids. One of the reasons is the slowly declining temperatures and damp, cold conditions. While September and early October are often pleasant weather-wise in Toronto, November can bring sudden frigid air and freezing rain. Wearing the wrong shoes in this weather may cause foot problems like chilblains, or small, itchy swellings caused by poor circulation in response to the cold. Studies show it often targets teenagers. Additionally, shoes designed with weatherproof materials and proper ventilation help ward off bacteria and fungi. Lastly, fall shoes for children correlate with FALL prevention. Colder weather + rain = slippery sidewalks and even black ice formation. For these, your kids need boots with a solid grip. Provide Support For Growing Feet Did you know that children’s bone, muscle and joint growth continues until they reach their early twenties? Child foot development is both fascinating AND fast paced, so you need to keep on top of your child’s needs and assess how much their feet have grown or changed shape when the fall season rolls around. Properly fitted shoes with arch support and cushioning are crucial during growth phases to ensure healthy foot alignment and prevent long-term issues. Likewise, teaching good footwear habits during the foot development phase sets your child up for success! Wearing ill-fitting shoes now can lead to problems in their adult years, and may even cause deformities like bunions and hammertoes decades down the road. Here are our top tips to make sure your child's shoes fit properly: When putting shoes on, get your kid to kick their heel back before lacing or strapping up the shoe. This puts their foot is in the proper position, with the heel in the heel cup and the arch lined up with the arch support. Then use the laces or straps to secure the foot into that position. This will ensure your kid's foot doesn't slide forward when they walk, and also allows you to properly gauge their toe room. If your kid's shoe isn't put on properly, you won't be able to determine whether it fits. Leave about 1 cm of toe room at the end of the shoe. While it's good to leave growing room, it's important not to leave too much room. Otherwise, the shoe will slip and slide around your child's foot and not be secure. And a shoe that's not secure won't provide good support. If you see a gap at the back of the shoe or the shoe moves as your child walks, go down half a size, or make sure the shoe is put on properly (see above). Use the laces to adjust the width and fit. If your child feels pressure on the sides, try loosening the laces. Don't pull the laces too tight. Instead, gently adjust them to the width of your child's feet. If the shoe still feels tight and there's enough room at the end of the shoe, look for a wide width shoe. Don't size up if there already is enough room at the end; you'll just end up with a long narrow shoe.

September 2, 2024

How to Recognize and Treat Ingrown Toenails Safely

Ingrown toenails can be more than just a foot problem. Quite frankly, they're annoying. They can also lead to significant discomfort and even serious complications if not addressed properly. Many people don’t even fully understand what they are or what “ingrown” really looks like, so recognizing ingrown toenails early is crucial! This will allow for prompt, effective and safe ingrown toenail treatment, which will reduce your risk of infection and help you avoid more invasive procedures. Recognizing Ingrown Toenails So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail? The first symptoms include pain and tenderness along the side edge of your toenail (the exact location is the called the paronychium, or the soft tissue border around the nail), typically on the big toe. Why the big toe? It is larger and more vulnerable! It withstands the most damaging effects from poor foot care habits (more on that later). You might also notice swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. If the condition progresses, pus may develop, indicating an ingrown toenail infection. Catching these signs early is key to avoiding further issues. Visually, it may look curved or embedded, or simply like a tiny, strange nail growth attached to the main nail. You may also see skin growing over the nail. Ingrown Toenails Causes Ingrown toenails result from seemingly innocent routines that over time, damage your foot health. These include improper nail trimming — cutting nails too short or rounding the edges (many people do this for aesthetics but it's a big no-no!) which encourages the nail to grow into the skin. Tight shoes that squeeze the toes together (your feet may be wider than you think), as well as injuries to the toenail, are also common culprits. In some cases, genetics may play a role: some people's natural nail shape and growth pattern may make them more predisposed to developing ingrown toenails, like involuted or pincer toenails. Knowing these causes gives you the upper hand in preventing ingrown toenails before they start. Preventing Ingrown Toenails Wherever possible, prevention is always better than cure. By trimming your nails straight across, wearing shoes that fit properly, and keeping your feet clean, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails and a corresponding infection. If you’re unsure how to cut your toenails properly, especially if you have conditions like diabetic neuropathy, seeking help from a chiropodist for a medical pedicure can be a smart choice. People with diabetes need to be extra vigilant about foot care, as their condition can make them more susceptible to complications from ingrown toenails. Click here to see how a deceptively minor laceration can turn into an ulcer. Regularly checking your feet, especially if you’re prone to ingrown toenails, is also an essential part of care. Treating Ingrown Toenails For mild cases in the early stages, soaking your foot in warm water for 15 minutes 2 times a day can soften the skin and reduce swelling. After, you can wedge a wet piece of cotton under the corner of the toenail to help lift the ingrown portion while it heals. But beware—safe ingrown toenail treatment at home requires careful handling to avoid making things worse. And whatever you do, do not attempt to cut the toenail or dig the ingrown portion out. If there's no improvement in 3 days, or if you're experiencing any pain or irritation, seeking professional ingrown toenails treatment from a Toronto chiropodist is a better idea. For safe ingrown toenail treatment, always see a chiropodist - do not go to a salon. If you try to treat your ingrown toenail at home (or at a salon), you can get an infection and make things worse. Plus, when you do ultimately see the chiropodist, the chiropodist will have to cut the toenail even shorter than they normally would in order to fix the DIY job. This lengthens the healing process. If the pain is severe and you’re waiting for your chiropody appointment, try the following tips for ingrown toenail relief: Soaking your feet in warm (not hot) water with Epson salts: The salt is a natural disinfectant and will help clean the wound so that it doesn't get infected and become further irritated. If there are signs of infection (i.e.: bleeding, discharge), wear a band-aid over the ingrown toenail when you're wearing shoes and socks to prevent bacteria from getting stuck in the wound. Try over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen These can offer temporary comfort before you can address the root cause and follow proper treatment guidelines. Safe Ingrown Toenail Removal Safe ingrown toenail removal with a licensed chiropodist is always the best way to go. Most ingrown toenails do not need to be surgically removed: a chiropodist can typically safely remove it non-surgically with sterilized tools in a sanitized, safe environment. They can also cut the toenail in a way to prevent it from coming back. In severe cases (like if you attempted to fix your own ingrown toenail and it got infected, or your ingrown toenail keeps coming back), safe ingrown toenail treatment may involve a minor surgical procedure from a chiropodist called a total or partial nail avulsion.

August 26, 2024

Children’s Foot Development: Developmental Milestones and Concerns

As children’s foot development takes its first steps, it’s common to encounter a few bumps along the way. From in-toeing to Sever’s disease, these growing pains are part of the journey as little ones explore the world with developing feet. Let’s take a look at what foot conditions might correspond with your child’s age. Ages 1-3: In-Toeing and Toe-Walking Troublesome toes occurring during the “terrible twos” can be concerning. But these quirky walking patterns are totally normal developmental milestones for children's foot development. No cause for alarm or invasive treatment! In-toeing, also known as pigeon-toeing, is when a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead while walking. Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet with their heels off the ground. Up to Ages 3-4: Flat Feet Children around this age will have pen planus, also known as fallen arches or flat feet. This is when the entire sole of their foot contacts the ground while standing and walking. Traditional children's foot development is at play here, as arches in children's feet develop around age 6. No treatment is generally needed for flat feet before this point, unless your child’s flat feet persist as they age, in which case you may want to consider custom orthotics, stability shoes and other treatments for flat feet. 5+ Years Old: Blisters As kids get older, gain a sense of independence and participate in more physical extracurricular activities and outdoor play, they may start to develop skin conditions on their feet. Enter: blisters. These are a pretty common condition that’s usually harmless, but can painful and bothersome for kids when they walk. Blisters form as a result of excessive friction between shoes and the foot’s skin. Read here to learn the best ways of preventing foot problems like blisters and how to choose the right shoes for children! Puberty and Growth Spurts: Sever’s Disease Did you know that the concept "growing pains" in children is not what most people think it is? While kids may experience pain as they grow, the pain itself is not caused by growing. But what can cause pain for kids going through puberty is something called Sever’s Disease, which is like a kid’s-only version of injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achille’s tendonitis and heel spurs. Sever's disease kicks in when a growing heel gets overworked, causing inflammation. It leads to sharp heel pain, especially when kids are on the move, like during sports and playtime! Kids between 9 and 14 are the most vulnerable. Solid foot care for kids can help offset Sever’s disease. Try the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should also buy your child supportive footwear to ease the strain on the heel. Avoiding high-impact activities can also help speed up recovery.

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Children’s Foot Development: Developmental Milestones and Concerns

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