Is Work Causing Your Foot Pain?

August 14, 2020

Is Work Causing Your Foot Pain? Do My Feet Hurt Because of My Job?

Have you ever thought about how your job or lifestyle choices may affect your feet? Whether you are an athlete, engineer, labour worker, teacher, or health care professional, your feet are very important in your day to day life. And although anyone can develop foot problems, there are certain issues that are more commonly seen in specific professions.

In today’s blog post, we will discuss profession and/or lifestyle specific foot concerns as well as easy tips on how to avoid them. Keeping your feet pain free and in good health will ensure you are less focussed on them and more focussed on doing your job to the best of your ability.

Athlete

Toenail Trauma

The purpose of a toenail is to protect the skin and bone underneath it, which means it takes on quite a bit of distress especially during rigorous activity if not properly protected itself. Due to the enormous amount of strain your feet endure during a game/work out session/training, the fast-paced stop and go motions, and the occasional collision with a member from the opposing team, your toenails are very vulnerable to trauma. Toenails can crack, become bruised, and even fall off. If damaged critically enough or repeatedly, the toenail may exhibit permanent changes such as thickening, discolouration, and stunted growth. Trauma can also encourage fungus to invade and colonize the exposed nail bed leading to stubborn toenail fungus.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal skin infection of your foot that causes skin peeling or a red scaly rash, is another common foot problem seen in athletes. During physical activity, feet can become very sweaty while confined within socks and shoes. This provides a perfect environment for fungi to thrive; dark and moist. Athlete’s foot is also contagious and can be spread from person to person by sharing towels and walking barefoot in gyms and locker rooms.

Solution:

Wear proper shoes that are activity specific and the correct size and fit to avoid injury
Wear toe caps to protect the toenails
Wear moisture-wicking socks
Disinfect the interiors of the shoe
Do not share towels and do not walk barefoot in public spaces

Working With Safety Shoes

Hyperhidrosis

Safety shoes are shoes made to protect an individual who is or may be exposed to hazards in the workplace. They are usually made with a protective material (ie steel, aluminium alloy, carbon fiber) at the toes as well as other sturdy materials at the soles and upper of the shoe. They may be puncture-resistant, slip-resistant, heat resistant, acid-resistant etc. When bought incorrectly, safety shoes can be occlusive and results in excessive sweating also known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis and inadequate air circulation in footwear can lead to skin infections, foul odour, and heat rashes.

Solution:

Buy a safety shoe that is protective and breathable
Wear moisture-wicking socks
Change your socks throughout the day when they get too damp
Use foot powders to soak up the excess moisture

Desk Jobs

Swollen legs and feet

If you are sitting for extended periods of time, you may start to notice swelling at your legs and feet by the end of the day. This is because when you are inactive, the muscles in your legs do not help to pump the blood back up to the heart. With age, this can worsen, and swelling can lead to heavy and tired legs, maybe even varicose veins. These are all signs of venous insufficiency, which suggests your veins are not efficiently pushing the blood from your lower extremities back to the heart.

Shortened calf muscle

Some jobs have a dress code, we get it. But, believe it or not, your footwear choices can really affect the anatomy of your feet. For instance, wearing high heels on a regular basis can effectively shorten the calf muscle. Tight calves can produce symptoms such as sudden pain at the back of your calf or heel, especially when the foot is flat on the ground. Sitting with your heels lifted from the ground (tip-toed position) can also lead to this.

Ingrown toenails

Wearing improper footwear can also cause nail issues. Tight-fitting and narrow shoes apply pressure to the toes, pushing them together in a small space, which may encourage toenails to curve and become ingrown over time.

Solution:

Walk around every couple of hours to get the muscles in your calf working
Wear compression stockings
Do not sit with your heels lifted off the ground
Do not wear shoes with a heel higher than 2 inches
Do not wear narrow shoes

Hospital Staff / Health Care Workers / Restaurant / Food Industry

Heel pain/ball of foot pain/arch pain

Working as a healthcare professional, a waiter/waitress, chef, or even a teacher, you are on your feet for most of the day. Unless you have a perfect foot, the sheer time spent on your feet can lead to overuse injuries and soft tissue strains resulting in inflammation and overall foot pain. More often than not, these conditions are caused by faulty foot mechanics.

Solution:

Wear shoes with arch support, good torsional stability, and adequate cushioning
Wear orthotic inserts
If pain is worsening or consistent, have your feet assessed by a foot care professional

As always, if you have serious concerns with your feet, do not wait to seek attention from a Licensed Chiropodist.

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Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

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January 16, 2023

Toenail Pitting: What is it?

Fact: Your toenails can give you clues about your overall health. That's right, the state of your nails, including toenails, can indicate an underlying health condition. Conversely, healthy nails can be a sign of a healthy lifestyle. The state of our toenails can differ in a lot of ways. Toenails can splinter, thicken, thin, peel, dry out, break, and pit. Toenail pitting is the focus of this article. Below, you'll learn about toenail anatomy, the basics of pitting, signs, treatment methods, and preventative measures to keep your nails in good shape. Toenail anatomy Before we delve into the details of toenails and pitting, we must understand their anatomy and the part it plays for our feet. Toenails are the plate-like covers on our toes. Alpha-keratin, a type of protein, comprises toenails. Alpha-keratin is the same protein building block for hair and the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis). Generally, the toenail is about 0.5 mm thick and slightly curved. The toenail consists of several distinct components. The toenail includes the nail plate, the cuticle, and the nail folds surrounding the nail's perimeter. The part referred to as the toenail colloquially is the "nail plate." What's toenail pitting? Pitting, by definition, is an indentation. Toenail pitting follows the same logic. Pitting of the nail occurs when tiny dents or "pits" form in the nail plate. Toenail pitting is a type of nail abnormality. Toenail indents can be shallow and only recognizable by touch. Deep toenail pits may be visible due to their concave nature. Within the grooves, some parts of the pitting may be deeper than others, just as there are deeper and shallow parts of a pit. Nail pitting is generally more common for fingernails, but toenails are also affected. What causes toenail pitting? There are several causes for toenail pitting. Toenail pitting reasons range from external trauma to an underlying medical condition. Learn about the various causes of toenail pitting below. Nail psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause toenail pitting. Those with nail psoriasis produce too many skin cells, causing nail irregularities. According to Healthline.com, approximately 80% of those with psoriatic arthritis experience nail irregularities or changes. You may be able to recognize nail psoriasis because of two related symptoms: discolouration and nail bed separation. There are a few groups more likely to develop nail psoriasis. At-risk factors include: People who are over 40 (though psoriasis may occur at any age) Males Genetics Psoriatic arthritis According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, psoriasis can cause toenail pits "remarkably even in size and depth. Their distribution may be haphazard or sometimes arranged in parallel transverse or short longitudinal lines." Though psoriasis is not curable, you can mask the effects of toenail pitting. You can buff or apply nail polish to hide the indents and improve the aesthetic. Nail eczema Eczema is a condition that causes itchy and red skin. The disease can cause nail thickening or pitting when eczema targets the feet. Habit-tic deformity Habit-tic deformity on the fingernail. The habit-tic deformity is a nail condition similar to toenail pitting with several differences. When you constantly pick at your nails, external trauma can create pits in your nail. The habit-tic deformity is most common on the fingernails, specifically the thumbs, but it can also happen on your toenails. For instance, if you sit cross-legged or have your feet at arm's reach, you may develop a habit of picking at your toenails. The defining features of habit-tic deformity are horizontal ridges across the nail and a slight depression in the middle of the nail plate. The habit-tic deformity is not severe and typically heals if left alone. The condition is known as "washboard nails" because of the horizontal nail ridges. Reiter's syndrome/reactive arthritis Those with reactive arthritis may experience toenail pitting. An infection or bacterial infection elsewhere in the body can cause reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome. People with a specific type of gene are more likely to develop the condition, as it's believed to be genetic. How do you fix nail pitting? Toenail pitting fixes vary. In some cases, like psoriasis, there is no cure. Cosmetic procedures are an option to mask the effects. Removing external trauma can help reverse toenail pitting in cases like a habit-tic deformity. Additional treatment options include medication applied to the nail itself. Options include steroids, salicylic acid, calcipotriol, cyanoacrylate adhesive (for the habit-tic deformity) and tazarotene. Is nail pitting serious? In most cases, nail pitting as a symptom isn't severe. Nail pitting is more often a cosmetic issue than a medical issue. However, the underlying conditions that cause toenail pitting can vary in severity.

January 9, 2023

Red Toes: Should You Worry?

There can be a range of discolouration in your toes. The most common is a pinkish/red hue - a sign of red toes. Red toes may result from cold temperatures, toe injury, infection, or potential medical conditions. Red toe onset may be immediate, or red toe onset may be progressive. The redness often resolves itself, but it may sometimes present symptoms of underlying medical conditions. Learn more about red toes and potential risks in our article below! Why are my toes red and itchy? Several causes result in redness in your toes. Red toes result from inflammation, injury, temperature, skin irritation, and infection. Varying degrees of redness may indicate the severity of damage to the toes. In some cases, redness may subside independently, while others may require medical attention. What medical conditions cause red toes? There are a variety of medical conditions that induce red toes. Red toe causes range from skin conditions to musculoskeletal damage to infection. Below, we've categorized medical conditions that cause red toes by severity. Note that all medical conditions can have varying degrees of severity, so use this list as a reference, not a diagnosis. Lower severity Low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are short-term causes and often subside independently. Proper attention and care are required to prevent additional damage. However, low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are more surface-level and less cause for concern. Blisters A blister is a small fluid-filled bubble that forms just under the outer layer of the skin. The fluid (usually a serum, rarely blood) is a natural cushion to protect the tissue underneath from friction and irritation. Fortunately, blisters often heal on their own once the source of friction is eliminated. As tempting as it may be, avoid popping the blister and allow it to heal naturally. Frostnip Frostnip is a mild, non-severe cold injury to the skin and tissue. As such, frostnip doesn't cause permanent damage. You can treat frostnip with basic first aid. Above all else, you should try to escape the cold as quickly as possible. Possible complications include infection and temporary nerve damage, which are rare if caught at the frostnip stage. Stubbed toe A stubbed toe occurs any time you jam your toe against another object. A stubbed toe is a trauma injury. The injury results from a one-time accident. Depending on the severity, damage to the toe may cause swelling and inflammation, muscle injury, and even bone fractures. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash triggered by an allergic reaction. The skin's response to an irritant causes inflammation, followed by a rash. Contact dermatitis isn't contagious nor life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Soaps, plants, detergents, or jewelry have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. One can treat and prevent contact dermatitis by identifying and removing environmental allergens. A doctor can also prescribe topical medications to help treat flare-ups. Athlete's foot Fungal skin infections are a common culprit of red toes. Athlete's foot is one such common fungal skin. Athlete's foot is a prevalent cause of the redness. The toe fungus is not life-threatening, but it is contagious and may spread elsewhere on your body or even to other people. It can also cause foot pain and difficulty walking if left untreated. Nail infection Paronychia is an infection of your nail folds typically caused by bacteria or a fungus and can cause toe pain and swelling, which causes redness and the appearance of red toes. Ingrown toenail An ingrown toenail is a nail condition that targets the toes, mainly the big toe. As the name applies, it occurs when the sides or edges of the toenail grow into the skin. As the nail pierces the skin, it can cause bleeding, redness and pain. If left untreated, the ingrown toenail can get infected. Moderate severity Moderate-severity causes of red toes are more severe and may be longer-lasting. Symptoms and recovery time may vary, and pain and discomfort may be more intense and significant. You may require medical assistance to determine the diagnosis and treatment method(s). Gout Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by heightened uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystal deposits in the joint. The joint then becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. The initial attack of this condition is usually sudden, with symptoms lasting for about a week. The most common joint it affects is the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of the foot. If left untreated, gout attacks may reoccur, increase in severity and lead to enduring joint damage. Frostbite (superficial) Superficial frostbite is a stage more severe than frostnip. Cold temperatures damage the skin and the underlying tissues in your toes. Blisters form 24-36 hours after rewarming, and you may experience pain and discomfort for several days. Higher severity More serious medical conditions that cause red toes may be chronic or permanent. These conditions can be irreversible and limit the motor function of your toes. Surgery may be a last-resort treatment option in severe cases. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis ("RA") is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. RA causes periodic flare-ups of joint pain, stiffness and swelling, eventually making movement difficult. Although there is no cure, you can manage the condition with proactive and diligent treatment focusing on your overall health and well-being. Diabetes Diabetes can cause a chain reaction in your body that hinders circulation to the feet and toes. People with diabetes may experience two conditions that cause red toes: peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Nerve damage and reduced circulation can cause an itchy or numbing pain in the toes. Diabetes can also hinder the body's ability to fight less severe conditions due to reduced immune response and blood circulation. Frostbite (deep) Deep frostbite is the most severe form of cold damage to the skin. Your skin or tissue may turn red and black and die altogether. You may sometimes lose muscle function and require surgery to remove part of the toe. Bunions A bunion is a foot condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Bunions occur when the big toe misaligns. The shift in bone structure causes what appears to be a bony outgrowth. The outgrowth is simply the angling of your toes. The damage to the joint causes pain and redness, and the increased volume of your toes can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Without proper footwear or orthotics, you can further aggravate your bunions. Bunions are irreversible and have no "cure" other than surgery. However, physical therapy and accommodations, like orthotics and proper footwear, improve quality of life. How can I prevent my toes from turning red? Treatment and prevention for red toes depend on the severity of the underlying medical condition. Generally, low-severity medical or skin conditions are treated simply through rest and recovery. For low-severity conditions, the goal should be to focus on "How do I prevent this from getting worse?"; whereas for high-severity needs, much of the damage has been done and is irreversible. For more severe red toe conditions, the focus is more geared towards improving quality of life and implementing tools to improve mobility, like custom foot orthotics or orthopedic footwear. We've created a treatment guideline below: Low severity. Low-grade medical or skin red toe conditions are treatable, often at home. Treatment methods include topical creams or prescription medication, rest, recovery, taping, or changing footwear. Further prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene. Moderate severity. Moderate severity medical or skin red toe conditions are a mix of prevention and treatment. A proper diagnosis is often required, followed by a treatment plan. Rest and recovery may be part of the treatment plan, but the recovery may be longer (weeks, not days). Like low-severity causes, prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene. Higher severity. Severe medical or skin red toe conditions are often irreversible and have no cure. Treatment methods focus on improving motor function, mobility, and well-being through orthopedic tools and physical therapy.

January 3, 2023

5 Causes & Solutions for Top of Foot Pain

The top of your foot is one of the most common areas to experience everyday foot pain. The muscles and tendons within the top side of your foot play a critical part in how you move. The top of the foot can be easily overworked and damaged, leading to various foot conditions. Some symptoms and top-of-foot conditions are short-lived. Other top-of-foot symptoms can signal an underlying condition elsewhere in your foot or leg. This article teaches about five potential causes (and solutions) for top-of-foot pain. Cause 1: Foot Sprain A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments in your foot stretch beyond their limit and become damaged. Foot sprains can vary in location. An ankle sprain is likely to be more of a forefoot sprain. A midfoot sprain is more likely to affect the front half of your foot. Cause: Acute trauma causes foot sprain. Acute trauma refers to a one-time impact of an incident where you put your foot in an awkward or uncomfortable position. Your tendons are stretched beyond their limit and lose some elasticity. Your tendons may develop micro tears or more serious strains. More severe forms of acute trauma can result in a stress fracture or a hairline break of the bone. Solution: Foot sprains require rest and recovery to heal. Rest allows your tendons to repair themselves and regain their elasticity. Ice and elevating your legs above your body can help promote healing and may quicken the recovery process. If the injury persists, or you have difficulty moving, you should visit your family doctor. Taping can also act as an additional support system. A chiropodist can skillfully tape your feet. Taping works by providing additional support and "locking" your feet to avoid re-aggravating the injury. Cause 2: Tendonitis Inflammation of the tendons in the foot can cause top-of-foot pain. Damage to the tendons is known as tendonitis. Cause: Extensor tendonitis can cause pain in the top of the foot. The extensor tendons are the tendons that run along the topside of your foot. The tendons help you straighten your feet and lift your toes. The extensor tendons play a critical role when running or walking. Chronic damage through overuse injuries can cause extensor tendonitis. Too much walking or running, or even too much of a weight-intensive activity too soon after any injury can cause extensor tendonitis. Solution: The best course of action for tendonitis is rest. Specifically, you want to avoid the source activity that causes aggravation. If the pain is intense, you can also take over-the-counter medications and visit your family doctor. They may refer you to a massage or physiotherapist. If the tendonitis persists or is disrupting your mobility, you should visit your family doctor. Cause 3: Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal skin infection that affects the skin on the feet. Although athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, sounds like it only affects sporty folks, it can affect anyone. Although not life-threatening, it's contagious and can be painful if left untreated. Cause: A fungus called dermatophytes causes athlete's foot. The fungus inhabits, grows, and survives off the outer layer of the skin. By extension, the fungus can also spread to other parts of the body and people, either directly or indirectly. You can catch athlete's foot anywhere where fungus thrives. Fungi love warm, moist environments, such as communal showers, locker rooms and the decks around public swimming pools. Solution: Over-the-counter topical antifungals are the most common remedy for mild cases of athlete's foot in the early stages. However, fungal infections are notoriously persistent and stubborn. If your Athlete's foot persists, you should see a chiropodist, who can treat the skin on your feet and prescribe prescription anti-fungal creams. Our Toronto foot clinic also sells foot deodorants, including an antifungal foot spray, which are great for prevention and supplementing your athlete's foot treatment. While treating your athlete's foot infection, it's essential to do the following: Clean your socks and linens with bleach or hot water. The fungus can spread from your feet to these surfaces and re-infect you if not cleaned between uses. Clean any surfaces that your bare feet come into contact with Wash your feet once or more a day Ensure your feet are thoroughly dry after bathing or washing. Wear flip-flops or shoes in any place where you think you could catch athlete's foot Cause 4: Bone bruise Damage to the bone itself can be painful and cause top-of-foot pain. There are varying degrees of bone damage, ranging from bruises to fractures. Cause: A bone bruise is an acute injury, less severe than a fracture. Bone bruises typically stem from a one-time event that causes damage to the foot. Dropping an object, rolling your ankle, or stubbing your foot on an object can cause damage to the bone itself. You may notice bruising (reddish/blueish) on the skin. When in doubt, an X-ray can determine the severity of a bone bruise. Solution: Treatment for a bone bruise includes the following: Rest Icing Elevating your leg so it's above your heart (to promote blood flow and reduce swelling) Taking anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter medications if the pain is intense Cause 5: Peroneal nerve injury Nerve damage can cause top-of-foot pain. The general term for nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy. When nerves are damaged, signals between your muscles and brain are disrupted, causing numbness, pain, and complete loss of sensation. Cause: Injury to the peroneal nerve, known as peroneal nerve dysfunction, can cause top-of-foot pain. The peroneal nerve is outside our lower leg and just below the knee. For example, you may experience temporary numbness in your feet from peroneal nerve compression. Have your legs crossed, and your feet and toes go numb? Peroneal nerve compression causes the numbing and tingling sensation. There are several symptoms of peroneal nerve dysfunction. Signs can include: Foot drop Pain, weakness, or numbness on the top of the foot Inability to move the toes up and down Reduced mobility in the foot Abnormal knee lift to compensate for reduced motor function Solution: You should visit your family doctor at the first sign of any nerve-related symptoms. They will conduct the necessary diagnostic investigations and refer you to the appropriate doctors. There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for peroneal nerve injury. Non-invasive treatments include orthotics, which can correct your gait and better distribute pressure within your feet. Additionally, physical therapy and foot-strengthening exercises to fortify the muscles in your feet can help improve mobility. If you have foot drop, an ankle-foot orthotic may be recommended. You may require surgical treatment for more severe cases, including decompression surgery or nerve repair. Other causes of top-of-foot pain Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve inside one of the tunnels within your ankle compresses. Specifically, the posterior tibial nerve (within the tarsal tunnel) is compressed from injury, flat feet, or fallen arches. Bone spurs: Hallux rigidus, or arthritis of the big toe joint can cause bone spurs, which can lead to pain on the top of the foot. The bony outgrowths can put pressure on your foot or toe when wearing shoes and cause pain when lifting your toes due to the deteriorated joint. Ganglions: Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled bumps on the tendons or joints in the feet. The cyst itself doesn't cause pain, but if large enough, it can add pressure to the nerves in the same vicinity.

December 29, 2022

Cracked Heels and What to Do

Dry, cracked heels are a burden that several people suffer with. And as winter progresses and summer feels like a faraway dream, many people are on the look out for the perfect cracked heels remedy. But first, it's important to learn why cracked heels occur in the first place. Understanding this skin condition is the first step towards successful treatment and pain-free winter adventures! Today's blog will answer: What are cracked heels? What causes cracked heels? What are some cracked heels remedies? What Are Cracked Heels? Cracked heels, sometimes called heel fissures, develop when the bottom of your heels become hard and dry, splitting open the skin. Cracked heels may also stem from having excessive, thick calluses. As other symptoms progress, like flaking and crusting of the skin, dry cracked heels can become much more than a cosmetic issue. And while they don't often enter serious foot condition territory, deep cracked heels may start bleeding and cause severe pain, making it extremely difficult to move freely. What Causes Cracked Heels? You may assume that because you rarely go barefoot, that your heels shouldn't crack. But a variety of outside elements and risk factors can make your heels more vulnerable. Common Causes of Cracked Heels Cold weather: The cold temperatures and dry air you experience in winter are a recipe for cracked heel development. Removing your socks from the skin on your heels can feel like velcro, and you may find "foot dandruff" residue on your black socks as well. Wearing Ill-fitting footwear: The fat pad, or cushioning, under your heel will take on sufficient damage if you stand on your feet for long periods while wearing shoes with very minimal heel support. Wear flip-flops in the summer: Similarly, this can set you up for a worsening condition when winter rolls around. Using harsh soaps: This can strip away the skin's natural oil barriers, which can lead to dryness and eventually, cracked heels. The winter months can exacerbate this issue since people want to take long, hot baths more often. Cracked Heels: Risk Factors Age: Skin loses natural elasticity with age. Obesity: Holding extra weight can lead to excessive pressure on the heels. Having diabetes or a thyroid disorder: When diabetes damages the nerves in the feet, it can cause your feet to produce insufficient sweat, causing dryness. Hypothyroidism can cause a hormonal imbalance, leading to cracked heels. Cracked Heels Remedies Now that you know how this pesky condition started, it's time to find the cracked heel remedy that works best for you! Your best bet will be utilizing a combination of the following treatments: Moisturize Without moisturizing your feet, you won't be able to fully solved your cracked heels issue. Use products (oil-based balms and foot creams) with skin softening agents (urea is one of the most common), as these can boost the skin's natural moisture production and rid your feet of dead skin. For the best results, moisturize your feet twice a day, after showering or bathing. Check out this blog for more details on the best products for moisturizing your heels! Lifestyle Changes Sometimes a little goes a long way, and the perfect cracked heels remedy includes making changes. Try a complete footwear overhaul, which includes ditching shoes with little to no heel support and investing in supportive footwear. You can also try over-the-counter insoles that provide extra heel support. You should also exfoliate your feet and buff them with a foot file. However, make sure you do this as part of a routine and not just to rid yourself of current cracked heels. And lastly, switch from harsh, scented soaps to gentle, relatively scent-free products and assess what products you may be allergic. See Your Chiropodist Your trusted foot specialist can not only remove calluses on the feet, but they have extensive knowledge on foot care products and which ones would be best for you. Your chiropodist can also work to offload pressure on your heels, allowing the cracked to heal and close.

December 19, 2022

Stocking Stuffers For Grandma

Christmas and the holidays are naturally stressful as we hunt for the perfect gifts. But it's important to take a moment to reflect on what gifts are the most meaningful rather than the most expensive or luxurious. One example of a loved one we may struggle to shop for is our grandma. But finding the perfect stocking stuffers for grandma may not be as challenging as you think! Shopping for health and wellness gifts is a great angle to take. Seniors are more prone to suffering from foot conditions than we are, and many products that help alleviate these problems are affordable and perfect for stockings. Let's take a look at some of our top picks! Stocking Stuffers For Grandma Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality Foot File Medilogics Massage Ball Sigvaris Compression Stockings Dermal Therapy Heel Care Misc Gehwol Products Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels! Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality Price: $27 The perfect gift for grandma can be something that helps her with mobility. Joint problems and muscle weakness are quite common in elderly people and can lead to instability, difficulty standing up after sitting, and even falls. So why not enhance her Christmas stocking this year with a multi-beneficial leg product? Now, this trusty balm won't eliminate mobility problems --- it takes a lot of attentive care, exercises, and visits with healthcare professionals to improve mobility. However, gently massaging Gehwol's Leg Vitality does produce a soothing effect for tired, achy muscles. The ingredients are scientifically proven to positively affect the circulation and vascular system. Gehwol's Leg Vitality also prevents skin irritation, tightens the skin, and prevents dry, scaly dead skin. These benefits can be extremely valuable for people who have difficulty moving since discomfort can lead to skin care neglect. Foot File Price: $8 (2 for $14) One of the best gift ideas for grandma is a foot file. This pedicure tool scrapes the dead skin off the bottom of the feet. As a result, happy foot filers enjoy fewer calluses and cracked heels and a lower chance of developing a fungal infection. But a lesser-known benefit of using a foot file is the boost in blood circulation, which can help relax your feet and prep them for a day of walking. Now, you may be wondering why this is a good Christmas gift for grandma versus someone else. To answer that, studies show that seniors are more at risk of developing plantar keratosis, also known as a "painful, discrete, and focused callus" resulting from dead skin buildup. Aging also leads to the reduction of natural collagen production, which can result in even more dead skin and calluses. A good foot file can help with all of that! At Feet First Clinic, we have quality double-sided foot files available. Use the coarse side to exfoliate, and the other side to smooth and soften the skin. They also come with a free GEHWOL foot scrub to use with the foot file. Medilogics Massage Ball Price: $11 This year, grandma can stimulate blood circulation and soothe her sore muscles with a therapeutic massage ball. This gift is meaningful since countless older adults suffer from bottom of the foot pain. More specifically, elderly people are more at risk of succumbing to stress fractures, poor circulation, gout (typically in the big toe but it can target the heel), and plantar fasciitis, so comforting and strengthening all of the foot muscles is important. The textured surface of this massage ball helps it stand apart from other therapeutic balls or the standard tennis balls some use for foot pain exercises. Sigvaris Compression Stockings Price Range: $60-190 Fashionable, discrete, and snug compression stockings from Sigvaris can help make daily life easier for seniors. They help preserve health in older adults by preventing fluid buildup and blood clots and improving circulation. Medium-pressure (20 to 30 mmHg) stockings are generally sufficient for seniors experiencing mild swelling and aching legs and feet. The only issue with choosing compression stockings for Christmas gifts is that you need to arrange a fitting for your grandma, so the surprise element isn't there. However, gifts aren't all about the surprise. When a present is meaningful and used daily, it can be much more valuable than other gifts. Dermal Therapy Heel Care Price: $15 This heel care cream is all your grandma needs to get through the bitterly cold winters. Cracked heels can be more common in older adults as the skin around the rim of the heel dries out and thickens. As the fat pad under the heel bears a lot of pressure throughout one's lifetime, it only makes sense for cracked heels to develop if seniors don't take proper precautions. Furthermore, seniors are more prone to dry skin due to water loss in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), causing cracking, itching, and bleeding. But Dermal Therapy Heel Care can be a lifesaver of a Christmas gift. The ingredients (such as urea and silk amino acids) actively hydrate the skin by imitating the body's natural moisturizing system. It also works as an exfoliant, replacing the dead, old skin with new skin. Lastly, it can restore skin tone in the feet and provide a silky, smooth feel. Miscellaneous Products From Gehwol Price Range: Roughly $18-30 When pondering stocking stuffers, it's important to shine a light on all products from Gehwol. They continue to master the art of combining natural ingredients and medicinal properties to create multipurpose foot care products. The following products are perfect as stocking stuffers and are all available at Feet First Clinic: Gehwol's Foot Bath Gehwol's Lipidro Cream Gehwol's Med Express Foam Gehwol's Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream Gehwol's Fusskraft Herbal Foot Bath Gehwol's Foot and Shoe Deodorant Gehwol's Med Lipidro Cream Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin Gehwol's Extra Universal Foot Cream

December 15, 2022

Foot Care Gift Guide 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.

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