Simple Foot Care Prevention for Common Foot Problems

September 24, 2018

As we’ve mentioned here on the Feet First Clinic blog before, over half of the population in the western world suffer from foot conditions. Half! That’s a lot. As far as we can understand, the reason that this happens is that although the feet are helpful like a workhorse, they’re also neglected like a workhorse. Clients who learn to take care of their feet make sure to clip their nails regularly, file off exfoliate dead skin with a foot file and even moisturize their feet in the dry of winter. These folks, however, constitute a small minority in a general population that abuses and neglects their feet for the most part.

While the purpose of Feet First Clinic is to help people recover from foot conditions and learn to treat their feet better, if we cannot disseminate the knowledge that leads people to understand these conditions, they won’t know that they need to seek out a specialist. Hence, we like to take the time here on our dedicated foot care blog to help spread the knowledge that leads to healing and health. If yourself, a friend or a family member are having serious or mild foot problems that is preventing mobility and quality of life, then our specialists can surely help. Foot care in the 21st century has lots of tricks to offer, so don’t be shy; our treatments could change your life for the better.

In the remainder of this post, we’ll go over some of the common problems we see here at the clinic, so that you can learn about common foot conditions and how to treat them. There is no one blanket solution for all conditions, so you’ll likely need to stop by for a consultation before we can figure what treatment is best for you:

Athlete’s Foot:

Athletes foot is an extremely common fungal infection, often transmitted on wet floors such as gym locker rooms and pools. The cracking and reddening of this skin comes part and parcel with a stinging, itching sensation that is extremely unpleasant. Fortunately, there is an assortment of treatments ranging from tea tree oil to topical and oral drugs. If you have diabetes, you may not feel the pain from the infection and the swelling and this can lead to all sorts of complications, so be quick to start a course of treatment when you recognize symptoms.

Heel Spurs:

Heel Spurs are, in a physical sense, exactly what they sound like: spurs that form at the bottom of your heels. These painful formations are caused by calcium that accumulates due to fascial pulling. Icing, stretching and taping are all part of the healing process, but in a long-term sense, you may need custom orthotics, quality shoes and a better understanding of your own bodies movement.

Deep Vein Thrombosis:

This one’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s really quite simple: DVT occurs when there is clotting in your veins that inhibits circulation, leading to health complications including pain swelling. The most effective method of treatment is compression stockings. Once you learn about compression stockings and socks, you’ll quickly see that they are comfortable and blend easily with your wardrobe. They increase circulation in your legs and feet, providing a comfortable, custom solution to clotting and other common circulation problems.

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, we’re ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. 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!

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September 18, 2023

Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating: A Comprehensive Guide

Although it may sound scary, ankle cracking isn't necessarily a sign to worry about. Often, ankle cracking is normal and, fortunately, harmless. There's a minor chance ankle popping can signify an underlying condition like a sprain or tendon damage, but that's not generally the case. Ankle cracking or popping when rotating can be a common occurrence for some people. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore ankle cracking altogether. You should monitor and assess whether you experience pain elsewhere or any other symptoms associated with the ankle popping (for instance, deep pain that could be a sign of a stress fracture). Understanding your recent history also helps - be extra careful if you've experienced a recent injury or trauma. Whether severe or a non-issue, we recommend brushing up on the possible reasons your ankle cracks when rotating. Read more in our comprehensive guide below. Gas bubble release The most common cause of ankle cracks when rotating is cavitation. When you rotate your ankle, the movement can cause tiny gas bubbles to form and collapse within the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This sudden collapse of gas bubbles can produce an audible cracking or even popping sound. Ankle cracking in this context is normal and harmless. Ligament or tendon movement Ankle cracks when cracking can also be due to the movement of ligaments or tendons over bony structures in the ankle joint. They may produce a popping sensation or sound as they shift during rotation. Tendon snapping Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating Sometimes, a tendon can snap over a bony prominence in the ankle, leading to a popping sensation or sound. This typically occurs due to repetitive movements or increased physical activity. Scar tissue or adhesions Past injuries or trauma to the ankle may create scar tissue or adhesions around the joint. These tissues may stretch or release during ankle rotation, causing a cracking noise. Joint instability Ankle cracking can be associated with joint instability. If the ligaments supporting the ankle are lax or weakened, the bones may move more than usual during rotation, leading to a popping sensation. Arthritis Occasionally, arthritis or inflammation in the ankle joint can cause cracking or popping sounds during movement. This is often accompanied by pain and stiffness. Synovial cysts Synovial cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop within the ankle joint. These cysts may cause cracking or popping sensations when they move or change position during ankle rotation. Bone-on-bone movement In rare cases where there is existing significant wear and tear in the ankle joint, bone surfaces may rub against each other during movement. This results in cracking sounds. Be careful with bone-on-bone friction; it's a recipe for developing bone spurs, which are calcium deposits that build up over time into outgrowths. How do I know when ankle cracking is severe? In most cases, ankle cracking during rotation is benign and not a cause for concern. However, we recommend seeing a professional if you experience pain, swelling, or instability along with the cracking or other concerning symptoms accompanying the cracking. They can thoroughly evaluate and provide appropriate advice or treatment based on the underlying cause. How do I prevent or reduce ankle cracking? To reduce the occurrence of ankle cracking and maintain ankle health, you can consider the following preventive measures: Regularly perform ankle exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint. Warm up properly before physical activity to prepare the ankles for movement. Avoid excessive or forceful rotation of the ankles, especially if it causes pain or discomfort. Wear appropriate footwear that provides support and cushioning for the ankles.

September 11, 2023

Skin Peeling on Feet: Causes and Remedies

Having peeling skin on your feet can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This condition, often called foot peeling or foot exfoliation, occurs when the skin on the feet sheds in small flakes or larger pieces. Peeling skin on the feet may sometimes lead to itchiness, redness, and even pain. Fortunately, proper foot care can help alleviate the problem and restore the feet to their natural, healthy state. Various factors can cause skin peeling on the feet, and it's essential to identify the underlying cause to determine the appropriate remedy. Here are some common causes and corresponding remedies: Dry skin Dry skin roughens the skin, making it itchy, flaky, or scaly. It's a common condition that affects people of all ages. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma, whereas xerosis is severely dry skin. Cause Lack of moisture and hydration can lead to dry skin on the feet, making it prone to peeling. Dry skin has several causes, including: Heat: Warm temperatures reduce humidity, drawing moisture out of the skin and drying it out. Climate: Living in cold, windy conditions or low-humidity climates can cause drier skin. Too much bathing or scrubbing: Long, hot showers or baths and excessive drying/scrubbing can dry out your skin. Washing your feet too much may also dry out your skin because the washing strips away your body's natural oils. Harsh soaps and detergents: Some soaps and detergents may contain ingredients that can irritate and dry your skin. Age: As we age, the skin begins to thin and produces less water-retaining natural oils. Remedy Keep your feet well-moisturized by regularly applying a thick, hydrating foot cream or petroleum jelly. Ditch the harsh soaps and boiling water when washing your feet. It's also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Athlete's foot Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that affects the skin on the feet. Tinea pedis was named 'athlete's foot' because it is commonly found in people with sweaty feet. Cause A fungus called dermatophytes causes Athlete's foot when it comes in contact with your feet. It's a contagious infection that can quickly spread to others through skin contact. Common sites for fungus include warm, moist environments and shared spaces, like pools, locker rooms, shoes, or showers. Remedy Use over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders designed explicitly for Athlete's foot. Keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid wearing damp socks or closed shoes for an extended period. Eczema or psoriasis Eczema and psoriasis are conditions where your skin may peel on your feet. Cause These skin conditions can affect the feet, causing redness, itching, and peeling. Eczema occurs when you come in contact with an irritant, whereas psoriasis is an auto-immune disease with no cure. Remedy It's recommended to consult a dermatologist for remedies for eczema or psoriasis. They may prescribe topical corticosteroids or other medications to manage the condition. With psoriasis, treatments are designed to prevent skin cells from multiplying. Allergic reaction Cause Exposure to allergens in socks, shoes, or foot care products can trigger an allergic reaction, which then leads to skin peeling. Remedy Identify and try to remove the allergen causing the reaction from your environment. For instance, switch to hypoallergenic socks and shoes if your socks irritate your feet and lead to peeling skin. If that doesn't work, consider swapping your laundry detergent for a product with natural ingredients. Prolonged sun exposure Prolonged sun exposure refers to when you are exposed to UV rays for an extended time without proper sun protection. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines. Cause Sun exposure to the feet can cause moderate to severe sunburns, damaging the skin's outer layer. Next, your skin begins to peel as the body tries to rid itself of damaged cells. Remedy Protect your feet from the sun by wearing appropriate footwear and sunscreen with a high SPF. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash stemming from an allergic reaction. Typically, the rash forms after your skin comes in contact with a substance or irritant. Cause Irritation of the skin due to contact with certain chemicals or substances. Remedy Identify and avoid the irritant. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may provide relief. Consult a doctor if the condition persists. Pitted keratolysis Cause A bacterial infection affects the feet' soles, creating pits and causing peeling. Remedy Keep your feet clean and dry, wear open-toed shoes when possible, and use antibacterial soaps or topical antibiotics as a healthcare professional prescribes. Poor foot hygiene Cause Inadequate foot hygiene can lead to the accumulation of dead skin, which may peel off. Remedy Practice good foot hygiene by regularly washing and thoroughly drying your feet. Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin, and use moisturizers to hydrate the skin.

August 24, 2023

Summer and Swelling Feet: How to Prevent Foot Inflammation in Hot Weather

Most are thrilled when the temperatures warm up. But for some people, the summer and swelling feet are a dreaded yearly occurrence. Foot inflammation in hot weather happens when sweltering heat causes our blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid pooling in the legs and feet. This is also called heat edema. Those with underlying health or foot conditions can be more prone to foot inflammation in the summer. Still, young and healthy adults who exercise in high temperatures or gyms without proper ventilation can also experience it. For those wanting to prevent foot inflammation this summer, there is hope. Let’s check out several ways you can keep your feet cool and comfortable. Photo Source: Photo by brgfx on Freepik Exercises and Stretches PHoto by FreePik Boosting your blood circulation with movement and activities can reduce foot swelling (not to mention the other foot health benefits you can enjoy). Try a solid, low-impact exercising and stretching routine, performing a few sets twice daily. Compression Stockings Compression socks place pressure on the feet and legs so fluids cannot pool as easily. They also boost blood flow. That said, compression stockings are generally not recommended for diabetes patients. If your swelling feet are a diabetes symptom, you should seek other relief methods. Compression socks can also be uncomfortable during the summer, so make sure you wear them indoors in cool spaces. You can also try lighter, sheer hosiery instead of knee-high socks. Orthopedic Shoes Wearing the right shoes can help accommodate larger, swollen feet and prevent your heat edema from worsening. Look for orthopedic shoes and medical shoes with extra cozy and protective features, such as more width and depth, stretchy fabric, easy adjustability (like velcro and buckle closure straps), and removable insoles you can replace with orthotics if needed. Summer and Swelling Feet: At-Home Foot Care Tips for Preventing Foot Inflammation Chiropodists and other healthcare professionals recommend the following tips for reducing heat-related foot swelling: Eat magnesium-rich foods or take supplements. Studies show that foot swelling is often a result of magnesium deficiency. Lower your sodium intake. Stay hydrated. Soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath. Stay in cool, air-conditioned areas and avoid hot temperatures when possible. Photo by FreePik

July 24, 2023

Heel Spur Relief: Non-Surgical Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone that look like small bumps on the heel. Although they can’t be removed entirely without surgery, there are several non-surgical treatment options that can provide heel spur relief and maximize your quality of life. Heel spurs often cause pain and discomfort, especially during weight-bearing activities. The most common form is called a calcaneal spur, which is a bony projection that forms around the calcaneal bone, the strongest, most significant, and posterior-most bone in the feet. Surgery is only sometimes the best option. Exhausting non-surgical treatment options should come before more intrusive options, especially considering heel spur pain can be managed in several ways. If conservative measures do not provide relief or the pain worsens, you should consult a healthcare professional or foot specialist who can evaluate the condition and recommend further treatment options. This article outlines some non-surgical treatment options and lifestyle changes for heel spur relief. Regular rest and icing Resting the affected foot and applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help reduce inflammation and pain. Allowing adequate rest between activities or when your heel spur flares up provides time to reduce inflammation and swelling. Additionally, rest allows the surrounding muscles to rebound and recover so you don’t overstress certain parts of your foot. Pain relief medication Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with heel spurs. However, following the recommended dosage and consulting a healthcare professional is essential. Physical therapy Specific exercises and stretches can help elongate and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the foot, providing relief from heel spur pain. A chiropodist can recommend the proper exercises to incorporate into your routine to help strengthen and stretch the calf muscle, which is often the culprit for heel pain. Regularly performing stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help relieve tension and reduce pain associated with heel spurs. These sorts of exercises and stretches shouldn’t just be done when you’re in pain. Incorporate them into your daily routine as part of your lifestyle. A chiropodist may also recommend treatments such as shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment method that uses soundwave pulses. While the name may cause you to assume electrical impulses are at work, they’re actually mild-frequency soundwaves. These soundwaves penetrate through the skin at the site of an injury, which triggers your body to amp up its healing abilities. Very little (if any) pain is involved in the process. Custom orthotics or inserts Custom or over-the-counter orthotic shoe inserts can help support the arch and cushion the heel, reducing pressure on the heel spur and providing pain relief. These inserts can be used in both athletic and everyday shoes. You can supplement your shoes with heel cushions or pads for extra heel relief. Supportive footwear Wearing shoes that provide proper arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption can help alleviate heel spur pain. Look for shoes with a padded heel and good arch support. For instance, ASICS provides a variety of lines of shoes for various foot types. Night splints Wearing a night splint while sleeping can help stretch the plantar fascia and calf muscles, reducing morning heel pain associated with heel spurs. Heel spur pain is typically at its most intense in the morning, and wearing a night splint helps stretch out your calf, reducing tension on your heel during the first few steps of the day. Weight management and diet Maintaining a healthy weight, specifically aiming to reduce sudden and significant fluctuations in weight, can help alleviate stress on the feet and reduce heel spur pain. Sudden weight changes or changes to diet can put added stress on your feet and legs while your body adjusts. Following a healthy diet while also exercising can help improve the feeling of your feet and body overall.

July 20, 2023

Cold Feet Remedies: How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Comfortable

Most of us experience cold feet metaphorically when we’re hesitant and nervous. But your feet can also feel cold to the touch if you suffer from a nerve disorder or poor circulation caused by a foot condition. Fibromyalgia, heart disease, diabetes and Raynaud’s disease are some of the most common causes of chronically cold feet. But knowing why your feet are chilly and clammy 24/7 is only one step towards relief. Let’s look at some of the best remedies for cold feet and how you can achieve optimal foot comfort. Cold Feet Remedies Exercises and stretches Compression stockings Orthopedic slippers Additional remedies Photo by wirestock from FreePik! Exercises and Stretches The link between circulation and cold feet is clear, so naturally, one of the best ways to keep your feet warm is by practicing foot exercises and stretches. From stretching and flexing your toes to ankle rotations to writing the alphabet with your big toe — there are dozens of low-impact foot exercises you can try. You can also perform most of these while sitting if you have mobility troubles. Compression Stockings Compression socks may help with chronically cold feet. Not only do they offer a layer of warmth, but they also work by helping your blood vessels work more efficiently, improving your body’s circulatory function. That said, if you have diabetes, you may want to look elsewhere for cold feet remedies, as compression socks may slow diabetic wound healing. They may also have the opposite effect of what diabetes patients need and restrict blood flow. Orthopaedic Slippers Orthopedic slippers can be an excellent foundation for your feet while lounging around the house – and we’re not talking about flimsy hotel slippers. Most varieties of orthopaedic slippers are snug and encompass the entire foot like a pair of shoes would. Slippers can be made with faux-fur collars, shearling linings, and high-quality uppers and footbeds that all work together to keep your feet toasty. Additional Ways of Keeping Feet Warm It’s tough to narrow down all ways to heat your cold feet. Here are some more remedies to consider: Try products like heated foot pads or toe warmers. Enjoy a warm foot bath, using a foot soak product from Gehwol to trigger as much blood flow as possible. Speaking of foot baths, establishing a full foot care routine with medicinal moisturizers will take foot comfort to the next level. Ensure your shoes accommodate your foot condition and promote a healthy foot environment and breathability. Double up on your socks. Wear waterproof shoes to repel cold water. Remember, chronically cold feet are not a normal experience for most. It’s always best to check in with your chiropodist to ensure your remedies will help your condition.

June 29, 2023

2023 Summer Camp Essentials: Kids Camp Shoes Must-Haves

2023 camp shoes for kids are just as high-quality as adult footwear. Gone are the days of compromising on quality and comfort for our little adventurers. After all, children deserve the same support and comfort we enjoy from our favourite brands. And one of the most crucial times of the year to invest in your child's feet is right before they head off to summer camp to run, explore, swim, hike, and lose all their inhibitions until school starts again. Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels! You know your kids will exert high energy levels at camp and you want to ensure they don't return with a fresh, painful foot condition they didn't have before. And for that, you need some shoe recommendations for the summer months. Let's explore some of the best camp activity shoes and the top outdoor shoes for kids! 2023 Kids Footwear Must-Haves: Summer Camp Shoes Saucony Peregrine Shield ASICS GT-1000 Birkenstock Arizona Birkenstock Arizona EVA Saucony Peregrine Shield For hiking and exploring Plenty of children spend their summer camp days hiking. While exploration can be a lure for many kids, it does pose the threat of slipping and falling on a trail, which can cause a serious injury without the right shoe. Since camp terrain can be unforgiving, the Saucony Peregrine Shield is one of the best shoe recommendations for kids who love hiking. When it comes to traction and grip, you can't beat them. The Shield version of the Peregrine series also includes a water-resistant upper and waterproof membrane. This feature helps keep your child's feet dry and protected when hiking in wet or rainy conditions or crossing streams and puddles. The Peregrine Shield also features everything else you need in a solid camp shoe, like breathability, protection, cushioning, and stability. Saucony Peregrine Shield for kids ASICS GT-1000 For sports, running, and high-impact activities ASICS has always been a top shoe contender for adults with different foot types. But many parents may not realize they have a tot-sized version of their GT-1000 for your child's summer camp needs. The ASICS GT-1000 for children features cushioning technology that helps absorb impact and provides a comfortable fit. This can be beneficial during summer camp activities that involve a lot of walking, running, or playing. These shoes also offer a good balance of support, cushioning, and traction, and are the best choice for the countless sports and high-impact activities kids enjoy at camp. ASICS GT-1000 for kids Birkenstock Arizona EVA For the pool, lakes and beach For the little ones who seem more like fish than children sometimes, comfortable shoes with waterproof features are essential. A nice sturdy pair of Birkenstocks made with EVA are one of the best kids footwear options for protecting your child's feet from contagious fungal infections like fungal toenail and athlete's foot, which notoriously breed in common areas like pools, public showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms. (never let your child run around in these areas without footwear!) They're also great for wearing on the beach or next to a lake. EVA is a waterproof rubber material that is also highly durable and provides cushioning. The waterproof qualities come from the sealed bubbles within the foamed rubber and the absence of stitches, allowing water to roll off the shoe without penetrating it. Birkenstock Arizona EVA for kids Birkenstock Arizona For everything in between Some days at summer camp are low key. Kids may be spending time in the cafeteria, playing low-impact games that don't require runners, walking around aimlessly, or simply sitting around the fire telling stories. For those days, they need a neutral sandal they can use for walking without pain and fatigue. It should be breathable, but without the flimsy material and complete lack of support you get in a flip flop (psst: ditch the flip flops). Birkenstock Arizonas for kids come with all the sleek sophistication the adult version has, like the shock absorbing sole, supportive cork footbed, moisture-wicking and strengthening jute fibers, and footbed liner. These all come together to create the ultimate layering of comfort, support, protection, and durability. Birkenstock Arizona for kids

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Simple Foot Care Prevention for Common Foot Problems

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

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Related Posts

Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating: A Comprehensive Guide

Skin Peeling on Feet: Causes and Remedies

Summer and Swelling Feet: How to Prevent Foot Inflammation in Hot Weather

Heel Spur Relief: Non-Surgical Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Cold Feet Remedies: How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Comfortable

2023 Summer Camp Essentials: Kids Camp Shoes Must-Haves

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About Us

Our Newsletter

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

Book an Appointment

Book an Appointment

416-769-FEET(3338) 2481 Bloor St. W, Toronto info@feetfirstclinic.com

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat : 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Sun : 10:00 am – 4:00 pm * *alternating

Book an Appointment

Share:

Simple Foot Care Prevention for Common Foot Problems

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Related Posts

Why Your Ankle Cracks When Rotating: A Comprehensive Guide

Skin Peeling on Feet: Causes and Remedies

Summer and Swelling Feet: How to Prevent Foot Inflammation in Hot Weather

Heel Spur Relief: Non-Surgical Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Cold Feet Remedies: How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Comfortable

2023 Summer Camp Essentials: Kids Camp Shoes Must-Haves

Useful Links

About Us

Our Newsletter

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun : 10:00 am – 4:00 pm *
*alternating