The Diabetes Foot Care Connection

April 30, 2018

Autumn and back to school can be an incredibly busy time of year. If you have a demanding job and kids in school, it’s easy to get completely carried away and throw out any time you might need for self-care. This can be a catastrophic mindset, since preventative care for your mind and body is the best recipe for health – it’s easier to prevent a problem than it is to fix it. This philosophy applies to all forms of healthcare, and foot care is no exception. If you require wart removal treatments or suffer from knee and back pain due to an abnormal gait, it is imperative that you seek the aid of a knowledgeable Foot Doctor as soon as possible.

Fall Foot Conditions

In the autumn, we also tend to switch from sandals and deck shoes to socks and closed shoes that hide our feet. If you have warts or athlete’s foot, there’s less motivation to deal with it, since your feet aren’t exposed. If you are a healthy individual and you’re incredibly busy, it’s not the end of the world if you procrastinate for a bit as long as you keep it in mind. If, on the other hand, you suffer from diabetes and develop toenail fungus or sores on your feet, it may actually pose a severe threat to your health if you don’t seek treatment immediately.

Why Are People With Diabetes At Higher Risk For Foot Conditions?

The reason that folks with diabetes are at a higher risk for complications is that they have reduced blood circulation in their feet and are prone to skin infection (cellulitis). This is why the diabetes foot care connection is so important. Nerve disorders can create huge problems, since your pain receptors are not able to alert you to serious damage that has occurred. Whether or not you have diabetes, if you suffer from cellulitis, seek Toenail Fungus Help in Toronto as soon as you can – otherwise your toenails may never recover.

Further advice for those with diabetes is to wear compression socks or stockings to increase blood circulation. Compression socks really work, and they come in a myriad of styles to suit whatever setting you might find yourself in.

If you’re not sure how to tell that you have toenail fungus, here are some clear signs to look for:

Thickened
Yellow-brown or whitish change in colour
crumbly or ragged, possibly brittle
Shape is warped
Blackish colouration, triggered by debris building up under nail
Offensive odour

Treatment

This may sound scary, but the actual process to rectify the situation is not so bad. A combination of oral and topical medication is often prescribed to get at the condition from both angles. If the patient wears nail polish, medicated nail polish (Penlac) is a strategic option to cover up the condition while treating it. In extreme cases, the doctor may remove the offending nail to apply cream directly to the infection.

Prevention

Once you’ve got your foot health back, or if you’re already healthy and want to avoid such infections, wear moisture absorbing/ wicking socks and shoes that breathe. If you shower at the gym, always wear flip flops and keep your nails well-trimmed. Feet First Clinic retails plenty of Breathable Footwear if you need help.

We Can Help!

Whether you need wart removal treatment or help with fungus, or if you’re looking for orthotic inserts and breathable shoes, book an appointment at Feet First Clinic! Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

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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November 23, 2023

Why Are My Feet Swollen? Unraveling the Causes and Solutions

Swollen feet (edema) can become a concerning foot health problem if you don’t explore ways to manage them. That said, many folks are left in the dark as to why their feet are swelling in the first place. Knowing the causes of swollen feet is the first step towards treatment, and learning solutions and contacting your chiropodist for help is the second step! Causes of Swollen Feet Prolonged standing and sitting Pregnancy Weight gain Diabetes Warm weather Aging Image Credit: iStock Prolonged Standing and Sitting When you stand or sit for extended periods, blood can pool in your lower extremities, especially if your veins are not functioning properly. This can lead to fluid retention and swollen feet and ankles. Pregnancy According to Mayo Clinic, your body retains more fluid during pregnancy and your hormones are thrown out of whack, which both contribute to swollen feet. A growing uterus can also affect your vein and circulation efficiency, causing edema. Image Credit: iStock Weight Gain Weight gain can lead to swollen feet because the additional body weight puts increased pressure on your veins. This pressure can hinder the blood flow back to the heart, causing blood and other fluids to pool in the lower extremities. Diabetes Diabetes can wreak havoc on your feet in many ways. When it comes to swelling, high glucose levels can thicken the arteries, which causes them to lose their elasticity. This impairs blood flow to the feet, causing severe fluid retention. Warm Weather Sometimes the humidity we experience in the summer or during a vacation can cause mild foot swelling. This is called heat edema. It occurs when high temperatures cause the blood vessels to expand, which rapidly moves body fluid downward towards the feet. Aging Unfortunately, our ability to properly circulate blood throughout our bodies lessens as we age. Like diabetes patients, the arteries can lose their elasticity and efficiency. Other risk factors affecting older people include: age-related hormonal changes, mobility problems that encourage a sedentary lifestyle, and medications that cause side effects like swollen feet. Image Credit: iStock Solutions for Swollen Feet Orthopedic Shoes: Many shoes are designed with foot comfort in mind, but orthopedic shoes take it to new heights. They often come with adjustable closures and other features that accommodate swollen feet and prevent foot pain, like extra depth and wide toe boxes. Compression Stockings: From pregnant women, to people who stand at work all day, to those who spend a lot of time cooped up in airplanes — compression stockings can help prevent associated foot swelling. Studies show that calf-length compression stockings with a pressure range between 11 and 21 mmHg are the way to go, but this can vary depending on your needs. Please note compression stockings are not recommended for diabetes patients. Foot Care / Movement: Make sure you get enough movement in your daily life (taking into account disability and mobility troubles, of course!). There are plenty low-impact exercises and stretches that can go a long way for those with a sedentary lifestyle. To fight swelling feet, try exercises that rotate the ankles and move your toes. They may be able to get your muscles pumping and enhance circulation. Light walking can also aid swelling feet. Diet Changes: Eat nutrient-dense foods low in sugar and salt, and stick to small portions to lose weight. Shedding excess weight can have a direct, positive impact on your swollen feet. Check out the best foods to eat for your foot health. Nude and black compression stockings. Image Credit: iStock

November 16, 2023

Medical Pedicure: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

When it comes to self-care and pampering, we often focus on treating ourselves to facials, massages, or spa days while neglecting one of our body's hardest working and overlooked parts: our feet. Enter the world of medical pedicures, a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience that goes beyond the typical nail salon visit. In this blog post, we look at medical pedicures and uncover the many benefits they offer for the health of your feet. Whether seeking relief from foot-related ailments or well-deserved self-care, a medical pedicure might be the secret to the happy and healthy feet you've been waiting for. What's a medical pedicure? A medical pedicure, also known as a medi-pedi, is a specialized foot treatment performed by a trained medical professional, typically a podiatrist or chiropodist. Unlike a cosmetic pedicure you might receive at a spa or nail salon, a medical pedicure focuses on the medical aspects of foot care - there is no nail polish or foot soaking. It ususally involves the following: Examination and consultation. Before the procedure, a chiropodist assesses your feet, discusses any concerns or foot-related issues you may have, and creates a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Nail and callus care. A chiropodist trims and shapes your toenails, carefully avoiding ingrown toenails. They will also remove calluses and corns to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. Hygiene. A medical pedicure places a strong emphasis on hygiene. The instruments used are sterilized (or disposable) to prevent the risk of infection. Skin and cuticle care. Your provider will moisturize and care for the skin on your feet, paying particular attention to dry or cracked areas. They will also address overgrown or problematic cuticles. Why should I get a medical pedicure? Only you can decide whether you need a medical pedicure, but we want to lay out the benefits to help you make an informed decision. There are several reasons why you may need one: Treatment of Specific Foot Conditions Medical pedicures are not just about pampering but about addressing specific foot conditions. Whether you're dealing with fungal infections, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or thickened and discoloured nails, your healthcare specialist can offer treatments and recommendations for future care. Proper Nail Care While traditional pedicures focus primarily on nail aesthetics, medical pedicures focus on nail health. Sure, they will properly trim and file your toenails, but they'll also go the extra mile in preventing ingrown toenails and addressing any nail conditions like toenail fungus. Healthy Skin The skincare aspect of a medical pedicure involves moisturizing and nurturing the skin on your feet. Dry, cracked, or rough skin patches will be taken care of. Plus, we can provide product recommendations to help you maintain healthy, soft feet between appointments. Education and Guidance A significant part of a medical pedicure is education. You'll receive valuable guidance on proper foot care practices. In addition, with conditions like recurring calluses or ingrown toenails, the chiropodist can determine whether there could be any biomechanical factors at play. These insights empower you to take better care of your feet daily, reducing the likelihood of future issues.

October 23, 2023

Can Menopause Lead to Foot Problems?

Menopause and foot health have an indirect relationship. In other words, the symptoms and body changes you experience during this time can eventually cause foot conditions. On the bright side, foot problems during menopause are usually not serious and within one’s control. This is a relief for women who have enough to deal with during this challenging time! Today we’ll investigate what happens to your feet during menopause and what prevention strategies and foot care routines you can master to keep your feet feeling happy and healthy. Photo by iStock Hard and Dry Skin Studies show that estrogen aids in the prevention of skin aging by retaining moisture. So when menopause hits and estrogen levels drop, the padding on the heel of the feet can become hard and dry over time. This may lead to cracked heels, which may become progressively more painful if you don’t treat them. What You Can Do Practice a healthy self-care / foot care routine with an emphasis on moisturizing at least twice per day. Try Gehwol medicinal products with added urea. Burning Feet While hot flashes and night sweats are not always fully understood by medical experts, for those going through menopause they are very real. Somewhat related are the burning sensations also felt in the feet, which may be caused by poor circulation and dropping estrogen levels. What You Can Do Submerge your feet into a nice, warm (not too hot!) foot bath to help with circulation. Make the most of it by adding a Gehwol bath salt product to the water. You can also work on improving your circulation by practicing easy, low-impact foot exercises. Photo by Macrovector From freePik Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis and heel pain in menopausal women starts with collagen reduction, according to Foundation Podiatry. This causes less elasticity in the plantar fascia and the resultant pain. Furthermore, menopausal weight gain can cause you to place excessive pressure on the feet and change your walking patterns, causing even more discomfort. What You Can Do Orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics can help correct your walking patterns and ease the symptoms of menopausal foot pain. Photo By iStock Corns, Blisters and Calluses Abnormal gait patterns, placing pressure on vulnerable parts of the feet due to weight gain, and less healthy skin can all lead to more painful little nuisances for your feet. Years of wearing ill-fitting shoes are also not doing you any favours when it comes to skin issues for your feet. What You Can Do A chiropodist can remove and smooth corns and calluses, and treat painful blisters. You can also try products like corn and blister pads. Most importantly, you should ensure you always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes (a shoe fitting can set you up with the right pair). Photo by FreePik

October 12, 2023

Black Spot on Toenail: Should You Be Worried?

Generally speaking, you don’t have to worry about a black spot on the toenail. Incidents like . In many cases, you can let your toenail heal naturally, but if you have a fungal infection or severe pain, you should schedule an appointment with your chiropodist. Often, incidents like stubbing your toe can cause a black toenail, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition you are already aware you have. Source: istock Causes of Black Toenail If you see a full black toenail or a black spot on your toenail, it is likely for one of the following three reasons: Trauma (injury) Natural pigmentation changes Fungal toenail In some (rarer) cases, a serious illness like heart disease, diabetes or melanoma can cause a black toenail. Trauma (Injury) Sometimes our foot health takes a turn for the worse when we injure ourselves. Dropping a heavy object on your toe or stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture can cause a subungual hematoma, or bleeding and bruising under the nail. This gives it a black appearance and it is usually tender to the touch. There are certain medical procedures (like drainage and decompression) that treat black toenails caused by injury, but for minor cases, resting and using ice while elevating your injury is sufficient. Source: istock Natural Pigmentation Changes For people with darker skin tones, black patches can sometimes appear underneath the toenails over time. Medical News Today notes that this will usually happen to matching toes on each foot. So if your black spot is happening on corresponding toes, this may be the reason. Fungal Toenail Fungal toenail infections usually cause yellow or brown discolouration and thickening of the nail. But when debris builds under the nail bed, it can appear black. There are topical and oral antifungal medications you can take to treat fungal toenail. In some cases, you can even have your nail removed. But prevention is just as important when it comes to contagious foot conditions. Proper toenail care like keeping your nails (and the rest of your feet) clean can ward off infections, and for extra peace of mind, you can enjoy regular medical pedicures with your chiropodist. Source: istock. While Fungal Toenail usually looks thick and yellowish brown, there can aslo be black spots caused by debris build up.

October 5, 2023

Curly Toenails: What They Indicate and How to Manage Them

When it comes to toenail anatomy, a lot can change the structure and growth pattern of your toenails. Case in point: curly toenails. They don't look quite right and, the truth is, there are several potential causes behind their development. Sometimes it can be an underlying health condition wreaking havoc on your nails, and other times it may be a more direct toenail condition. It's also wise to ensure curling toenails don't co-exist with/turn into ingrown toenails, which may become infected. Let's take a look at what might be causing your curling toenails, and what you can do about it! Causes of Curly Toenails Image Credit: Istock Onychomycosis This is a fungal toenail infection in the nail unit (the nail plate, surrounding soft tissues and nail folds). It usually results in nail thickening and the formation of pincer nails (curly toenails). Diabetes patients in particular should be on the lookout for diabetes-related onychomycosis, or “ram horn,” and other severe abnormalities caused by toenail thickening and curling. Autoimmune Illnesses and Deficiencies Lupus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and thyroid disorders can all cause thickened toenails that eventually degrade and curl. Severe iron deficiency can also cause curly toenails since iron is so critical for maintaining our nail and foot health. Ill-Fitting Footwear Perhaps the least serious cause of curly toenails is also the most avoidable — simply neglecting foot care and failing to buy shoes that fit well. Wearing shoes that are far too tight for years (perhaps because you’re procrastinating a proper shoe fitting) is a mistake. When you wear shoes with minimal space in the toe box, the shoe will squeeze both sides of the toe, disrupting normal nail growth and bending the nail root or matrix. Image Credit: Studio4art From Freepik Medications Drug-induced nail disease is a very real concern for those taking necessary medicines. Some examples of medications that cause curly toenails and other nail growth disruptions include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, lithium, and Retinoids. Genetics Sometimes your gene pool is responsible for your curly toenails. Your mom and dad can pass down hereditary characteristics like the shape and thickness of your toenails, as well as how much skin you have surrounding the toenails. But don’t worry if you feel like you have no control over genetic traits - proper foot care can still help you manage curly toenails. Image credit: FreePik by kroshka__nastya Here are some of the best treatments for curly toenails: Medical Pedicures: Chiropodists can properly clean and trim the nails to promote healthy growth. Antifungal Medicines: These can help with onychomycosis. OnyFix: Modern, non-invasive treatment that involves using a special paste to correct nail growth. At-home foot care: Remember to keep your feet and nails clean, but don’t try to trim them on your own if they're severely curled or ingrown. If your toenails become severely curled or ingrown, it's best to contact a chiropodist. Image Credit: Istock

September 25, 2023

Foot Calluses: Prevention and Treatment Tips

Whether you're an avid runner, a dedicated dancer, or someone always on the move, chances are you've encountered pesky patches of thickened skin on your feet. Foot calluses, while often considered a minor inconvenience, can stem from and influence our daily routines, footwear choices, and overall foot health. In this blog, we'll delve into the various causes behind these bothersome patches of thickened skin, explore proactive strategies to keep them at bay and equip you with effective treatments to ensure your feet stay pampered and callus-free. So, take a step forward on the path to happy, healthy feet! First, we'll explore preventative measures and treatment methods for those trying to curb the skin condition. Foot calluses prevention Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Avoid high heels and shoes that squeeze or rub against your feet excessively. Cushioning insoles: Consider using cushioned insoles or gel pads inside your shoes to reduce pressure on specific areas of the feet. Moisturize regularly: Keep your feet moisturized to prevent dry skin, which can lead to callus formation. Apply a good quality foot cream or lotion daily, especially after bathing. Girl smears moisturizing cream dry feet covered with cracks Choose socks wisely: Opt for moisture-wicking socks that help keep your feet dry. Change socks regularly, especially if your feet tend to sweat a lot. Avoid going barefoot: Protect your feet from excessive friction by wearing shoes or slippers, especially when walking on rough surfaces. Regular foot exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin and prevent calluses from building up. Annual foot assessment: Why not prevent foot calluses as part of an annual foot assessment? A skilled chiropodist conducts a foot assessment and checks for foot pain and skin conditions. They can also recommend footwear, diagnose conditions, and provide general hygiene tips. Foot calluses treatment Medical pedicure: A medical pedicure includes foot callus treatment. A medical pedicure is therapeutic (without nail polish) performed by a qualified foot specialist. Rather than an aesthetic service, consider a medical pedicure service a comprehensive full-service maintenance package. Soak your feet: Soaking your feet in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes can help soften calluses, making them easier to remove. Use a pumice stone: Supplement a foot soak with a pumice stone or foot file to rub the callused areas. Take a stone or file and rub it in a circular motion gently. Just be cautious not to remove too much skin at once. Ask a foot specialist to treat the callus for you when in doubt. Moisturize: After exfoliating, moisturize the foot cream or lotion to keep the skin soft and prevent further callus formation. Protect with bandages: If the callus is causing discomfort or pain, you can protect it with non-medicated felt pads or moleskin. Avoid cutting calluses: Never attempt to cut off calluses with scissors or blades, as this can lead to infection and other complications. Salicylic acid products: Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid can help soften and remove calluses. Orthotic devices: Consider using orthotics or shoe inserts to redistribute pressure and alleviate callus formation. Regular footwear inspection: Check your shoes for signs of wear and replace them when necessary. Worn-out shoes can contribute to calluses. Consultation: Consult a foot specialist if the calluses are severe, painful, or not responding to home treatments. They can safely remove the callus and provide further advice on managing foot health.

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The Diabetes Foot Care Connection

Fall Foot Conditions

Why Are People With Diabetes At Higher Risk For Foot Conditions?

Treatment

Prevention

We Can Help!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

Related Services & Conditions

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Related Posts

Why Are My Feet Swollen? Unraveling the Causes and Solutions

Medical Pedicure: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

Can Menopause Lead to Foot Problems?

Black Spot on Toenail: Should You Be Worried?

Curly Toenails: What They Indicate and How to Manage Them

Foot Calluses: Prevention and Treatment Tips

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About Us

Our Newsletter

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

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

Share:

The Diabetes Foot Care Connection

Fall Foot Conditions

Why Are People With Diabetes At Higher Risk For Foot Conditions?

Treatment

Prevention

We Can Help!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Related Posts

Why Are My Feet Swollen? Unraveling the Causes and Solutions

Medical Pedicure: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

Can Menopause Lead to Foot Problems?

Black Spot on Toenail: Should You Be Worried?

Curly Toenails: What They Indicate and How to Manage Them

Foot Calluses: Prevention and Treatment Tips

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