Category: Footwear

With summer over and the back to school rush, we have prepared a small checklist/guideline to get you and your little ones ready for the new school year.

Back to School Checklist:

Footwear

Often times the transition from summer sandals to closed toe shoes can be hard on the feet for children and adults alike. Be sure to check your children’s shoes to make sure they still fit by checking the following:

1. •  Length: there should be at least 1-2 finger spaces from the end of their longest toe
   • Heel: should be fitting just right – not too snug or too loose as this can cause rubbing.
   • Width: should be roomy and you should not feel their toes bulging
   • Toebox: should be wide and deep – you shouldn’t be able to see toes squished at the top of the shoe

Socks

The right type of sock can make a huge difference in eliminating odours and damp socks.

Check the following:

1. • Materials:  Avoid buying synthetic material socks (acrylic, polyester and polypropylene); these breed odour causing bacteria and hold moisture in. If your child has very sweaty feet, avoid buying 100% Cotton socks. Cotton helps to retain heat which allows the growth of bacteria. The most breathable sock material is Bamboo which also has natural antimicrobial properties.
   • Fit: If socks are too short they will cause the toes to either rub (causing blisters) or curl (causing nail and skin issues). When purchasing socks, always check the shoe size associated with the fit on the label. When replacing shoes, be sure to also check the size of the socks and replace them accordingly.
   • Daily changes: Be sure to check that your child is changing their socks daily. If they have very sweaty feet, it would be beneficial to send them to school with an extra pair of breathable Bamboo socks to change into during lunch.

Creams

 If your child suffers from stinky sweaty feet, be sure to try the following products:

• Gehwol deodorant foot cream – 24 hour relief with natural Manuka extract which has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Foot and Shoe deodorant spray – spray once a day to eliminate bacterial and fungal spores from your skin and your footwear.

Foot pain

If your child has been complaining about foot, knee or hip pain, it would be a great idea to get them in for a Biomechanical analysis and Video Gait Analysis with one of our Chiropodists. It is common for children to experience some sort of growing pains. However, if the pain persists for weeks to months or with a specific activity such as running, biking, walking, there could be more serious issues at hand.

At Feet First Clinic, we assess your child’s feet, muscular strength, gait and footwear to make sure it is specific for their foot type and age.

Metatarsalgia is very broad term that describes pain at the ball of the foot or forefoot region where the metatarsal bones are located. It is usually a result of overuse or faulty foot mechanics leading to persistent stress to the area followed by inflammation of the bone and/or soft tissues.

You can be experiencing pain at the balls of your feet because of various reasons ranging from a deep corn to a stress fracture of the 2^nd metatarsal bone. Pain can stem from all levels of tissue and may be caused by but is not limited to the following:

• Pathological callus/corn
• Ganglion cyst
• Capsulitis
• Bursitis
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Nerve entrapment
• Stress fracture
• Arthritis

In general, to treat your forefoot pain, you must:

Reduce inflammation

Rest, ice, elevate and massage the area of pain with anti-inflammatory gels and topical creams. If absolutely necessary, a Licensed Chiropodist will prescribe an oral anti-inflammatory to help with manage your pain.

Change your footwear and get custom made orthotics

Wearing tight-fitting shoes with a high heel will only make the problem worse. Rather, wear shoes with a low heel and a wider toe box to reduce compressional stress to the balls of your feet. If the root problem is faulty foot mechanics, corrective custom foot orthotics will help to increase support and stability in the foot and ankle as well as redistribute plantar pressures. Essentially, with a custom orthotic, the goal is to remove excessive pressures from the balls of the feet by improving general foot function and/or controlling foot movement. There a number of different additions a health care professional can make to the orthotic for someone who is experiencing metatarsalgia. A common addition is a metatarsal dome pad or a plantar metatarsal pad with cut-outs. Both work to offload or reduce pressures from the area of concern.

If you are experiencing pain at the ball of your foot, book an appointment with one of our Licensed Chiropodists at Feet First Clinic. The appointment will include a thorough assessment followed by a proposed treatment plan that will get you on the path to pain-free feet today!

The likeliest cause for persistent foot odour is sweaty feet. Bacteria like warm, moist environments, so shoes and socks that are damp from sweat are the perfect spots for it to grow. When you don’t address the moisture, the bacteria thrive and create a pungent smell. If you want to stop feeling humiliated by foot odour, you should read ahead.

Start by Cleaning Your Shoes

The easiest cleaning method is to sprinkle baking soda inside of the smelly shoes and then leave them alone for 24 hours. Baking soda will soak up the moisture and remove the odour. All you have to do is shake the powder out of the shoe later.

Another quick trick is to put the smelly shoes in a large plastic zip-lock bag and then store them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperature will kill the bacteria in the shoes in the same way that it kills bacteria living on food. Or, you could dry the shoes outdoors in the direct sunshine. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is a natural disinfectant.

Certain types of shoes can be tossed in the washing machine. A pair of tennis canvas shoes? Perfect. A pair of leather dress shoes? No.

If you want to clean shoes in the washing machine, you should remove the laces and insoles ahead of time. If the laces or insoles look too worn down, replace them. Put the shoes inside of a pillowcase or mesh bag and then put it in the drum. Add in some towels. These steps will keep the shoes from bouncing around.

Run the machine on a gentle cycle with cold water, using liquid detergent and a splash of vinegar. When the cycle is over, let the shoes air dry. Stuff them with newspaper. The paper will absorb the moisture and help them retain their shape.

Check for Fungus

A foul odour sometimes accompanies the foot fungus commonly known as Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis). Inspect your feet for other symptoms like flaky skin, redness and itching/burning sensations on your feet.

Toe fungus is another cause of foot odour. A bad case of Athlete’s Foot can spread to the toenails, meaning that you could have both conditions.

There are some home remedies for foot fungus and odour like black tea soaks and tea tree oil, but you’re better off trying a topical anti-fungal cream from the pharmacy. If that doesn’t work, you may need a prescription of anti-fungal pills.

If the problem keeps coming back, you might need to visit a foot clinic and have an appointment with a chiropodist. They could suggest reducing the thickness of the toenail to allow the anti-fungal treatment to penetrate better.

Practice Proper Foot Hygiene

Of course, the ultimate way to prevent foot odour is to practice good hygiene habits. You won’t have to deal with any future foot problems when you take care of them in the present.

Here are some simple good hygiene habits that will lessen your chances of foot odour:

• Wash your feet every day with soap and water.
• Always wear socks with your closed-toe shoes.
• Change your socks when they get sweaty.
• Rotate your shoes every day.
• Air out your shoes after every use.
• Don’t store your shoes in an enclosed space, like a gym bag.

Foot odour doesn’t have to follow you for the rest of your life. When you take good care of your shoes and your feet, you’ll find that that the odour goes away. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be comfortable taking off your sneakers in front of company.

For most, Labour Day weekend marks the end of the summer season. It’s your last chance to enjoy your favourite outdoor activities in the summer heat before you have to hit the books or get back into the grind, so make the most of it!

Whether you are planning one last weekend away at the cottage, a camping trip with friends, or a hike at sunrise, don’t forget to think about the health of your feet so they don’t get in the way of ending your summer on a blissful and memorable note.

Things to consider on what footwear to wear best this Long Weekend:

1. Base your footwear choices according to the activity.

If you’re going to be playing baseball or soccer, wear cleats to reinforce traction. If you’re going on a hike, wear proper hiking shoes with a rigid shank to ensure firmness when walking on rocky terrain. Even if you’re going to explore the hidden gems in your hometown, wear a supportive shoe with good cushioning in the sole. Making the right footwear choices will impact the longevity of your day, provide a stable foundation for better posture, and significantly reduce the risk of injury.

2. Ensure proper fit.

Have your foot measured when you’re buying a new pair of shoes and always try them on in the store before purchasing. There should be about a finger’s width distance from your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your footwear should also follow the general shape and width of your foot. Avoid heels higher than 2 inches and shoes with a narrow toe box. Inadequate width can result in compression of the tissues, corns, and calluses. Improperly fitted shoes increase the risk of bunions and Morton’s Neuroma.

3. If you own a pair of custom foot orthotics, use them!

Don’t let your orthotics go to waste. Your Chiropodist would have made your orthotics with your footwear and lifestyle in mind and therefore, should be used on a day to day basis. A custom foot orthotic is a device that works to control and improve the function of the foot, alleviating symptoms experienced in the foot and lower extremity by providing support or stability -perfect for a long day on your feet!

4. Have a first-aid kit ready.

Lastly, if you plan to be in the outskirts of the busy city, keep a first-aid kit handy with basic supplies such as a topical antibiotic, alcohol wipes, gauze, tape, bandages and an ice/heat pack. That way, if anything were to happen, you will be prepared and can tend to your or your loved ones’ needs right away.

Stay safe and healthy this upcoming long weekend everyone!

For foot problems don’t ignore the pain make sure to call and book an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist at Feet First Clinic.

Most people are aware a flat foot has its mechanical flaws, but less people know a high arched foot has its cons too. A foot with a high arch is a common structural abnormality that results in increased pressures on the heel and the ball of the foot.

This foot type is characterized by a degree of rigidity in the joints and limited pronation during gait. Pronation is the inward rolling of the ankles towards the arches of the foot and although too much pronation leads to complications, lack of it results in poor shock absorption and therefore, immense amounts of stress on your ankles and lower leg. In other words, your feet require a certain amount of pronation to absorb the force exerted on the them when making contact with the ground to then use this ground reaction force to help you propel forward.

Due to the limitations described above, a high arched foot has an increased risk of the following pathologies:

• Ankle sprains
• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain, arch pain)
• Callus and corns
• Clawed digits
• Metatarsalgia (pain at the ball of the foot)

The good news is the right footwear choices and a well-fitted custom foot orthotics can do a great deal in relieving pain and discomfort as well as improve overall foot function.

When choosing footwear for a high arched foot, look for shoes that provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption. A contoured footbed/arch support as well as a sole made of a dense foam will likely do the trick.

Over the counter insoles may also help to redistribute the pressures along the bottoms of your feet as well as provide extra cushioning.

Special additions such as heel cushions, arch pads, offloading pads, shock absorbing top layers, and postings may be added as needed and as recommended by the prescribing health care professional.

Book an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist at Feet First Clinic for a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to determine the right pair of orthotics for your feet.

With custom foot orthotics, you are guaranteed a functional device that is uniquely made for your foot.

You only got two feet. Take care of them! Book an appointment today!

0What are blisters and what causes them?

Blisters are small, fluid-filled bubbles on the upper most layer of the skin. The blisters on your feet are most often caused by friction, although they can also occur as a result of extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions. Increased moisture or damp conditions increase the chance of a blister forming. The blister forms to actually protect and cushion the layers of skin underneath it, allowing the skin time to heal. The fluid within the blister can also vary from plasma-like fluid leaking from the cells as the top layer separates from the layer beneath it, to blood and even pus depending on the cause. If a small blood vessel at the surface of the skin ruptures, blood will leak in to the blister, giving it a dark bluish-purple appearance.

Treatment

More often than not, blisters will resolve on their own with time. Although it is tempting to pop and peel them, try to leave them alone. The roof of a blister helps to protect your skin from infection and removing it prematurely results in a wound. If you leave them alone, you will find that as new skin grows underneath it, the fluid inside the blister with reabsorb into the skin and the roof of the blister will dry and peel off naturally. While the blister is fresh, wear shoes that reduce pressure in the area of concern or avoid the shoes that caused them in the first place. In addition, covering it with a band-aid or gauze will provide added protection.

If you’re prone to blisters and you have diabetes, book an appointment with a Chiropodist today to have him or her assess your feet and treat them accordingly. Additional measures may need to be made to ensure blisters do not reoccur as they put you at risk for additional complications.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent blisters. First and foremost, ensure you are wearing shoes that properly fit your feet and that are comfortable. If you have a new pair of shoes, gradually break them in rather than wearing them for an eight-hour day the first time you decide to wear them. Also, reduce the moisture at your feet by always wearing socks when wearing closed toe shoes, opting for moisture-wicking socks especially during exercise, and applying foot powders either directly on the foot or even sprinkling some in your socks if your feet tend to perspire excessively. Finally, if you know you are prone to blisters at a certain area on your foot, be proactive and apply a piece of moleskin to reduce friction and shear forces.

Blisters may seem like a small problem, but they can be rather painful. Pain with every step throughout your day can really impact the quality of your life.

Remember, it’s the little things that can make a big difference!

For all your foot concerns and for all products mentioned above check out our Toronto Foot Clinic!

To schedule best foot care treatment with our licensed Chiropodists (foot specialists) check out our website for more inquiries or call 416-769-FEET(3338).

Feet First Clinic is open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm. You do not need a referral to become a patient at our Foot clinic.

Summer in Toronto is spectacular. The sun is out, people have come out of hibernation, and are spending more time outdoors; walking instead of driving or taking public transit, participating in sport activities, attending local festivals, camping, hiking, and more!

However, with increased activity, we can’t forget about our feet. In fact, it’s all the more reason we should give our feet a little more love and care. To get you started, here is your go-to checklist for healthy feet this summer season.

1. Shoes

This can’t be stressed enough: Wear the proper shoes for the activity and for your foot type. Footwear can make a drastic difference and dictate whether or not you come home with sore feet at the end of the day. This summer try opting for shoes that help your feet rather than work against them.  Limit the use of heels, flats, and flip flops; rather invest in a good running or walking shoe. Look for shoes with good support, cushioning, adequate torsional stability, and that accommodates the natural shape of your foot.

2. Cream

Keep your feet moisturized. Wearing sandals and open toe shoes can really dry out your skin and calluses may build up. Overly dry skin loses its elasticity and can tear, which can increase your chances of contracting an infection. You can prevent this by simply applying moisturizer every day to your feet, preferably one that contains the ingredient urea. Urea helps your skin to absorb moisture as well as exfoliates it from dead skin cells, leaving it soft and smooth.

3. Bath salts

If your feet feel sore or tired, try a foot bath with Epsom salt. Epsom salt helps to reduce inflammation and swelling, irrigates infections or wounds, and even controls unpleasant odors. Make the experience even more therapeutic by adding your favourite scented essential oil.

4. Toe supplies (band-aids, corn pads) and general foot care

Finally, if you notice a blister or experience pain or tenderness from excessive friction, make use of the foot care supplies available at your local drug store such as band-aids, silicone toe separators, and corn pads. Maintaining proper foot hygiene such as keeping your toenails trimmed and feet clean will also reduce risks of any complications. Wash your feet daily and wear a clean and dry pair of socks with closed toe shoes every day.

Summers in Toronto are great, but they’re short! So, get out there and take full advantage of it while it lasts. Don’t let your feet get in the way of having your most memorable summer yet.

Smelly feet are annoying and downright embarrassing! It makes you self-conscious and anxious about having to take off your shoes in front of other people, sometimes even your loved ones. Continue reading if you want to find out more about what causes stinky feet and what you can do to treat and prevent it for good.

Malodorous feet are most often caused by excessive sweating, which can be due to standing on your feet for an extensive period of time, stress, and sometimes a common disorder called hyperhidrosis. When you sweat, the bacteria on your feet break down the sweat and in doing so, release an unpleasant odor. If you’re wearing closed toe shoes and your feet are sweating all day, the shoes will become damp; this dark, moist environment creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive.

So, then how can we treat and prevent smelly feet? The answer is in controlling moisture and bacteria overgrowth. Follow these steps to do just that!

1. Make sure you are washing your feet daily (sometimes even twice a day if need be) with an antibacterial soap. Maintain good foot hygiene by drying well between the toes after washing and keeping the toenails relatively short and free of debris. Once in a while, exfoliating the dead skin off your feet will also help reduce bacterial load.

2. Allow your shoes to fully dry between wears. It is sometimes necessary to alternate between two shoes to allow sufficient dry time.

3. Wear a clean and dry pair of socks each day. Consider even carrying an extra pair of socks with you if you know your feet will sweat more that day. Simply wearing socks with your closed-toe shoes can also reduce sweating. Choose materials such as cotton or wool or specifically socks with a moisture-wicking property.

4. Use deodorants or antiperspirants on the foot. At Feet First Clinic, Gehwol products are available for purchase, such as the Foot and Deodorant Spray. This along with several others help to control moisture and odors on the foot and in the shoe.

5. Insoles with a deodorizing, antifungal, antibacterial, and absorbent effect are also available at Feet First Clinic and may be beneficial to help control growth of unwanted micro-organisms as well as control odor.

Sometimes, malodorous feet can also be caused by a fungal infection in the foot. If the malodor is accompanied with pain, itchiness, bleeding, or pus, see a Registered Chiropodist at Feet First Clinic for the necessary treatment. You may require a prescription for an oral or topical antifungal or antibiotic.

Stay informed and gain your confidence back by saying good-bye to smelly feet today!