June 1, 2023
When it comes to custom orthotics for women, improved foot health is just around the corner. These days, women from all walks of life are enjoying the benefits of orthotics, from foot pain management to better posture and mobility. These perks combined reduce the average woman's chance of developing a painful foot condition. Let's look at how orthotics are becoming one of the best ways to support women's health.
The Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Women
Foot pain management
Better posture
Improved mobility
Foot Pain Management
Many women spend most of their time on their feet and use custom orthotics to relieve and prevent pain. WebMD notes top orthotic features that accommodate pain:
Alignment and support: This corrects imbalances and abnormalities, distributing weight more evenly and reducing strain on the areas of the feet that need a break.
Shock absorption and cushioning: Orthotics with shock absorbing qualities reduce the harsh impact of walking on the pavement and ground.
Offloading, protection and injury prevention: Orthotics can offload specific areas of the foot or relieve pressure on injured or sensitive areas. This promotes healing and prevents irritation.
Women with plantar fasciitis and sore spots on their feet (like blisters, painful corns, etc.) should try "soft orthotics" that have extra cushioning. "Rigid orthotics" are best for daily walking and working on your feet as they prevent strain and the resulting domino effect (pain throughout the lower extremities, hips, knees and back) that comes with wear and tear. If you're interested in orthotics, ask your chiropodist what type are best for your lifestyle.
Posture
Standing tall and maintaining good posture is important to a lot of women. It can boost self-confidence and mental well-being, but most importantly, it works wonders for your health by keeping your bones and muscles in proper alignment.
Since orthotics address the misaligned position of your feet, they are a successful method of improving posture. According to the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, wearing custom orthotics over a certain period can support postural stabilization. This can help women by preventing circulation issues and the vast array of other problems that stem from poor posture. Better Health notes back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration (which can exacerbate osteoarthritis), rounded shoulders, headaches and muscle fatigue as side effects of bad posture.
Improved Mobility
For women struggling with daily movements, orthotics can make a world of difference. Many women adopt poor walking gaits to accommodate pain, but don't realize the long-term effects this can have. Moreover, issues like overuse injuries or arthritis can negatively impact quality of life.
Luckily, orthotics enhance stability and provide more control with every step, mainly due to the support they give your foot arches. They reduce excessive motion or overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) during walking and ensure each movement has a purpose.
August 22, 2022
Don't be embarrassed if you have sweaty and funky feet --- you may just need a foot deodorant.
The moisture trapped in your shoes can cause some incredibly common issues, like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), odour and irritation. Let's look at everything there is to know about foot deodorant!
What Is Foot Deodorant?
Foot deodorant is just like your standard underarm deodorant or antiperspirant - but for your feet! Your feet can get as sweaty and stinky as your underarms do. It can often come in good use, and many people can benefit from trying a good foot deodorant product.
What Does Foot Deodorant Do?
Natural deodorants target hyperhidrosis, keeping your feet feeling fresh for long periods.
Foot sprays and deodorants are a critical component of foot hygiene. Practicing regular foot care prevents a wide array of foot conditions.
Deodorants fight stinky feet by eliminating odorous bacteria.
Some foot deodorants act as a barrier between your feet and shoes. This can help prevent blisters.
Types of Foot Deodorants
The active ingredients in natural foot deodorants are responsible for their amazing capabilities. There are many different types for specific purposes and uses.
Each type works to neutralize foot odour and block sweat glands, from sprays to creams to powders. Deodorant creams usually include an additional moisturizing effect. With foot sprays, you can also use them on your footwear and socks, and they often come with preventative anti-fungal properties. Powders are perhaps the best option for absorbing excessive, pre-existing moisture.
GEHWOL Foot Deodorant Products
Foot Powder
Foot and Shoe Deodorant Spray
Deodorant Foot Cream
Foot Powder
This foot deodorant absorbs sweat without leaving a clumpy powder mess behind. Simply dust the powder formula onto your feet or socks for extra moisture control.
The bisabolol in this deodorant has a calming effect on the skin and reduces redness and irritation. The tapioca starch is responsible for absorbing moisture, and the zinc oxide has antimicrobial properties that prevent foot infections like athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Talcum protects the skin and absorbs moisture, and it's also frequently used in baby powder products. Many people use talcum powder as an odour-prevention alternative to antiperspirant.
Foot Spray and Shoe Deodorant
A crucial part of maintaining foot hygiene is fighting foot odour. The zinc ricinoleate in Gehwol's foot spray and shoe deodorant prevents that odorous foot smell from festering in your shoes all day. You can apply this deodorant spray on your footwear and socks, making it an excellent choice for athletes and people on the go.
In addition to the typical foot deodorant properties, this product also anti-fungal properties. You can spray it on your feet and footwear in contagious public spaces like saunas, shoe stores and public pools.
Note: This product is not a substitute for a prescription anti-fungal for an active fungal infection. Rather, you should use it for prevention, especially for athletes and those prone to sweaty feet and foot fungus (which can often be a chronic condition).
Deodorant Foot Cream
This cream has added moisturizing benefits due to the manuca oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera components. Gehwol's deodorizing foot cream also has a pleasant scent that doesn't overwhelm your senses. The zinc oxide and manuca extract keep pungent foot odour at bay for up to 24 hours. The zinc oxide also protects sensitive skin and prevents itchiness while ensuring a silky smooth feel.
August 2, 2022
The perfect pair of beach sandals are a sensible solution to your summer concerns. Not only should they be hassle-free and comfortable, but they should also protect your feet. A good beach sandal should hold up both sand and water, so you can enjoy yourself in style and comfort on those hot summer days.
Let's take a look at the hottest beach sandals for 2022. Keep in mind, all of these sandals are available at Feet First Clinic!
FitFlop Lulu Toepost
Ara Bilbao
Clark's Mira Tide
Birkenstock Arizona EVA
Fit Flop Lulu Toepost
Some people want a beach sandal that's easy to slip on and off. If fussing with straps is a dealbreaker for you -- check out the Lulu Toepost from FitFlop. With the open back and slip-on design, putting on the FitFlop Lulu is a total breeze.
The rubber outsole is slip-resistant and offers excellent traction - perfect for when it's time to leave the beach and walk on the slippery wooden boardwalks. This sandal is also easy to clean since its simplistic design features a basic toe thong and built-in arch contour.
FitFlop sandals are also known for their ergonomic comfort. The Microwobbleboard midsole is responsible for absorbing the shock from the ground and offloading pressure. This will keep you at the beach for as long as possible without foot pain!
Ara Bilbao
This beach sandal is a great choice for those who want a multipurpose shoe. Its dressy style and leather material make it a good choice for an everyday sandal you can also wear around the city.
It's also slightly elevated with a small platform, giving you some height. Wearing high-quality platform sandals is an amazing way to be fashionable and functional simultaneously!
Leather is also easy to clean after a long day at the beach. You can make your own simple cleaning solutions to take care of them, and the sand itself wipes off easily.
Most importantly, this sandal offers what you're looking for at the beach: a lightweight feel and soft cushioning. The HighSoft technology and velcro fasteners ensure a snug fit that keeps you on your feet for a while. This sandal is also slip-resistant, so there are no worries about tripping up after a long day in the sun!
Clarks Mira Tide
One of the cutest beach sandals for women, the Mira Tide from Clarks brings a fashionably athletic appeal to your beach day. The synthetic straps hold up nicely to the beach elements.
Furthermore, the Cloudsteppers series featuring the Mira Tide ensures long-lasting comfort. Specifically, this series showcases shoes with a lightweight and flexible feel and a combination of EVA and Cushion Soft™ technology.
The adjustable straps guarantee the right fit, so you don't have the fuss with them throughout the day. While some people prefer an easy slip-on beach sandal, others enjoy the security that straps provide.
Birkenstock Arizona EVA
Birkenstock sandals are some of the most popular on the market. This specialized version is made with an EVA midsole, outsole and upper, making the entire sandal waterproof. This makes it an excellent choice for the beach if you want to dip your toes in the water without taking your shoes off! The EVA also makes this shoe skin-friendly by preventing uncomfortable chafing.
The waterproof qualities are just the beginning. The Arizona is also exceptionally comfortable with adequate shock absorption and a lightweight style. Thanks to the anatomically shaped footbed, you can spend a long time in these sandals without hurting your joints and feet. It's another slip-on option with adjustable buckle closures for those who don't want to spend time fastening straps.
Looking For More On Summer Foot Care?
Best Sandals For Summer
6 Summer Foot Problems and How to Treat Them
5 Beach Day Foot Care Secrets
July 28, 2022
Sneakers are like a warm hug for your feet. They keep your feet supported and protected, whether you are pounding the pavement or running errands at the grocery store. However, wearing sneakers without socks can make your shoes a haven for bacteria. Without socks, your feet can sweat uncontrollably. This unnecessary moisture can seep into your shoes, infiltrating them with bacteria and germs. Socks play an instrumental role in your foot health and hygiene.
Learn why socks are so essential to the health of your feet and why you should never wear sneakers without socks!
Today we will take a look at:
Why your feet sweat
Why socks are important
What are the best types of socks to wear
Why you should never wear shoes without socks
Why do I have sweaty feet?
Did you know that the soles of your feet contain nearly 250,000 sweat glands on both feet combined? The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet have the most sweat glands anywhere on your body, meaning these areas produce a great deal of sweat. In fact, your feet can secrete upwards of one cup of fluid every day.
Most of us find the thought of sweat repulsive. It brings to mind images of stinky gym bags and foul body odor. However, sweat actually plays a significant role in your health. The sweat produced by your feet is clear and utterly odorless on its own. It provides your feet with moisture and keeps your skin well-hydrated. This protects your feet when standing and walking and helps keep them free from cracking, calluses and blisters.
Some people have excessively sweaty feet. This is due to a condition called hyperhidrosis. While most of us sweat more during physical activity or when we are warm, someone with hyperhidrosis will sweat all the time for no apparent reason.
Why are socks important?
Socks add an extra layer of protection to your feet. They help wick moisture away from your skin and keep your feet dry. Socks can help regulate the temperature inside your shoes and reduce the amount of sweat your feet produce. They also minimize friction and can prevent blisters and calluses from forming.
What are the best types of socks to wear?
Not all socks are created equal. When selecting the perfect pair of socks, look for those made from natural fibers. Bamboo, cotton or merino wool are two excellent options that will help pull moisture away from your skin and regulate the temperature inside your shoes, allowing better air circulation around your feet.
Choose a lighter sock for warmer days and heavier socks for chilly winter weather. Merino wool in particular is great for thermoregulation: It will keep your feet warm when it's cold, and cool when it's hot outside. You also want to pick a sock that fits your feet properly. A sock that is too tight will be too hot. However, a sock that is too loose will rub and lead to blisters and sore feet. You should also ensure that your sock covers your entire foot and ankle to prevent your shoes from rubbing against your skin.
Why should you always wear socks in your shoes?
Wearing socks inside your new sneakers is crucial for keeping your feet healthy. Wearing no socks can lead to a host of complications that can impact the health of your feet, your hygiene, and your wallet!
Not wearing socks can cause athlete's foot
This fungus grows in dark, damp places and is highly contagious. While it can cause a whole list of uncomfortable symptoms, athlete’s foot is best known for the constant itching and burning sensation it causes on your feet and toes.
Not wearing socks can cause blisters
Blisters are an excruciating condition caused by friction. Socks act as a barrier between your shoes and your skin; without it your shoes will rub excessively against your skin. When your feet become damp with sweat, they can lead to added friction. This causes fluid-filled sacks to form on your skin. Blisters can make walking highly uncomfortable and can also lead to more severe infections.
Not wearing socks can lead to foot infections.
Excess sweat and moisture are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Fungus and other germs thrive in this type of environment. If your feet have any open sores on them, this bacteria can easily enter your body, leading to dangerous infections and compromising your health.
Not wearing socks can lead to smelly feet
When your feet sweat, bacteria build-up. While foot sweat is odorless on its own, without socks, the sweat can't be wicked away from your skin, creating an abundance of germs on your feet. Not only is this highly unhygienic, but it can also quickly lead to foul odors.
Not wearing socks can ruin your new sneakers
A good pair of running shoes are expensive! Not wearing socks will cause sweat and bacteria to build up inside your shoes, causing them to smell and leaving them dirty and worn out. Protect your new shoes by always wearing socks inside them.
Should I be wearing socks with my sneakers?
Absolutely! If you want to give your feet the best care possible, always show them some love by wrapping them in a comfortable pair of socks. These will help keep your feet dry, regulate the temperature inside your shoes, and prevent blisters, bacteria growth and disease. Plus, you won’t have to worry about having stinky feet again!
June 20, 2022
Have you ever experienced a rash shortly after cleaning, going out for a nature walk, or even when wearing a piece of jewelry? It could be contact dermatitis - a type of skin condition that occurs when you have an allergic reaction.
Fortunately, this condition is not serious, but it can be uncomfortable. But, there is plenty you can do to avoid and treat contact dermatitis. So do not fear! In this article, you'll find an overview of contact dermatitis, its causes, treatment and prevention, and more tips on keeping this skin condition at bay.
The 'what': What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is your skin's allergic reaction to a certain chemical or substance. Typically, you'll develop a red rash and itchiness. In serious cases, there may be ooze and crust associated with skin blisters.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Irritant contact dermatitis: a condition where the outer layer of your skin is damaged/irritated. This is more of a surface-level type of dermatitis. According to the National Association of Eczema, irritant contact dermatitis accounts for roughly 80% of all contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis: a condition where your skin has an immune reaction to a foreign substance, either directly or through consumption. This can be surface-level dermatitis, but it can also have a deeper impact below the surface layer of the skin.
Dermatitis is also referred to as eczema which more generally describes a group of allergic skin conditions.
The 'why': Why does contact dermatitis occur?
To understand why contact dermatitis occurs is to understand allergies. As the Mayo Clinic describes it, "allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people." Specifically, allergies occur when your body produces antibodies against substances that other people may not react to. The most common forms of allergies are food allergies, like peanuts, dairy, or fish. But allergies aren't just restricted to food. Seasonal allergies like grass and pollen also affect a large portion of the population.
In the same way, people's skin may react to certain substances. This reaction can occur with essentially anything that comes in direct or indirect contact with your skin.
What things can cause contact dermatitis on your feet?
There is a whole laundry list of items that can cause contact dermatitis on your feet. Fittingly, this list includes laundry detergent, as well as the following:
Shoes. Footwear can contain multiple materials that can cause contact dermatitis. Possible allergens include rubber, the glue that binds your shoes together, a nickel buckle on a sandal, Chromates, formaldehyde, or paraphenylenediamine (a type of dye). If you find that the shoes you wear give you a rash or redness, you can try footwear with natural materials. Cork, wool, hemp, and natural rubber are alternative materials found in various forms of footwear that may reduce your chance of developing contact dermatitis.
Socks. Socks can cause contact dermatitis if they contain certain dyes. See our list of top picks for socks in this blog post.
Rubbing alcohol. If used on your foot to treat wounds, you may experience discomfort and a reaction.
Bleach and detergents. These can cause contact dermatitis if they're used around the house or by washing clothes that come in contact with your feet (like your socks). If you use any sort of cleaning chemicals on your floors, use sandals or shoes.
Plants. In southern Ontario, in regards to plants that can cause contact dermatitis, you'll want to avoid wild parsnip, giant hogweed, poison ivy, wild hemlock, and pokeweed. These ground plants can grow in frequented areas, so be careful when out walking, running, or riding your bike. Thoroughly wash your feet if you think you've come in contact with potentially harmful plants. Additionally, wash your hands frequently to avoid it spreading to other parts of your body.
Fertilizers and pesticides: Avoid being barefoot in the yard if you recently fertilized or used pesticides on the surface. If you used these, wear high socks and/or shoes to avoid direct contact with your feet and skin.
The 'how': How do I get rid of contact dermatitis?
Getting rid of contact dermatitis is a two-phase process. First, you'll want to remove the offending substance and material. At that point, you can treat dermatitis itself.
Treatment
Remove the substance/chemical from your environment. This may mean changing laundry detergents, and shoes, wearing gloves when dealing with certain household cleaners, or taking certain precautions when seasonal allergen levels are high.
Use a cream or lotion on the affected area. A cream or lotion can help soothe the discomfort associated with contact dermatitis. Products such as calamine lotion or Benadryl can be applied 1-2 times a day for as long as is needed. Depending on the severity of dermatitis, a doctor can even prescribe oral steroids to help with inflammation and itching.
Apply a cool, damp towel. A moist, cool cloth can provide temporary relief for discomfort and itchiness. You can even take a relaxing bath to soothe the redness and rash.
Avoid touching the area. Avoid scratching and touching dermatitis to reduce any sort of inflammation or further discomfort. Just like any skin condition, repeatedly scratching can exacerbate the issue and prolong the recovery time.
Prevention
Remove the substance/chemical from your environment. This is both a treatment and preventative method. You can prevent contact dermatitis by simply swapping out your daily lotions or topical creams for a hypoallergenic version that is fragrance, paraben and preservative-free. This can include hydrocortisone or foot creams made for sensitive skin (like the Gehwol Sensitive Skin).
Protect your hands. Wear gloves and rinse after dealing with a substance you find you're sensitive to.
Rinse after being outside. Take a quick shower or rinse any part of your body that may have come in contact with an irritant when outdoors. This is especially the case if you're in an area with plants like poison ivy or poison oak.
Don't itch. As tempting as it is to scratch and itch, you may spread the irritant to other parts of your body. Try avoiding contact, and cover up the area if it helps.
Get tested. Dermatologists can perform what's called patch testing. This is an allergy skin test that helps determine reactions to certain substances in a controlled environment. Determining the root cause of dermatitis can then help inform you on certain substances to avoid in the future.
June 16, 2022
With spring and summer comes the outdoor season. And allergy season.
When you think of seasonal allergies, the first thing to come to mind is pollen. In the spring and summer months, tree, grass, and weed growth increase the pollen particles in the air. Humans may react to these pollens by developing an itchy nose/throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip. But did you know there's another type of allergy that may plague you in the summer? Yes - foot allergies.
In this article, we explore the concept of foot allergies, how they affect your feet, and how you can avoid skin reactions.
What are foot allergies, you may ask?
Foot allergies are your body's reactions — hypersensitive reactions in fact — to an external factor or substance in the environment. Allergies can affect any part of your body, and your feet and legs are no different. Certain foods, insect bites, plants and pollens can trigger an allergic reaction.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by a substance coming in contact with your skin. Common substances include plants, soaps (like laundry detergent), cosmetics, fragrances, chlorine (like in pools or hot tubs), and jewelry. Contact dermatitis can also cause blisters, even bubbling of the skin. Although reactions are not contagious nor serious, they can be quite uncomfortable. The affected area is typically the part of your skin that comes in direct contact with the offending substance. Our feet and lower legs are particularly prone to contact dermatitis because of their proximity to the ground.
Plants that can cause contact dermatitis
When outdoors, you should be particularly cautious and aware of certain plants as their chemicals are a particularly common cause of contact dermatitis. In Ontario, there are a number of weeds and plants that are harmful and can cause severe skin reactions. Although we may all know about poison ivy, there are many other plants that can cause contact dermatitis. A few examples include:
Wild parsnip
Stinging nettle
Poison ivy
Pokeweed
Poison hemlock
Giant hogweed
Dog-strangling vine
You should be particularly cautious when in cottage country, in forests, in areas of long grass and brush, or when going off-trail when running or even walking your dog. In fact, you can even get contact dermatitis from your pet — your pet can too actually, although the reaction is generally less severe — without ever actually coming in contact with the offending substance. Your pet may be the carrier and can bring the sap into your home.
Foot allergy prevention and treatment
The best form of prevention for contact dermatitis is to recognize and learn about the irritants that affect your skin in particular. An allergist (doctor specializing in allergies) can do this for you as part of a complete medical examination. However, there is a number of other precautions you can take to help prevent and treat contact dermatitis:
Wash your skin: Even if you haven't come in direct contact with an irritant, wash your skin if you think you may have been exposed.
Know your environment: If you're out on a walk or in the backcountry, wear long socks and never go barefoot. Additionally, wash apparel afterward to remove the irritants from your clothes, and wash your pet if you think they've come in contact with a harmful substance (both for their sake and for yours).
Use moisturizer: Keeping your skin moisturized keeps its outermost layer healthy.
Steroid creams or ointments and oral medication: Your doctor may prescribe certain medications depending on the severity of the contact dermatitis.
Insect bites
Spring and summer are primetime for bugs and insects, especially in more rural areas. Humans can have minor to serious reactions to insect bites with the most common symptoms being redness and itchiness. Some bites, like that of a mosquito, are likely to be less painful and severe than that of a wasp. Insects inject certain chemicals when they bite, which causes your skin's reaction. The following insects can cause a reaction when they bite:
Ticks
Fleas
Bees
Wasps
Mosquitoes
Flies (black flies, horse flies, deer flies)
All of these insects may target your feet, especially ground insects like ticks and fleas. Additionally, insects can carry diseases such as Lyme disease in ticks. The best form of defense against insect bites is to wear lightly-coloured clothing and reduce exposed skin.
How to treat an insect bite
Most insect bites can be treated at home unless one has a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) to bites. In terms of stingers, insects like hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets do not leave a stinger, so no immediate action is required. There is one exception: According to the Allergy Asthma & Immunology Society of Ontario, a honeybee leaves its stinger in the skin, and it is necessary to remove this immediately. This is because the stinger and sac slowly seep out venom, and you want to stop this as soon as you can. Other insects like hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets do not leave a stinger, so no immediate action is required.
After stingers have been accounted for, you can gently wash the area with soap. If needed, use a topical anesthetic, such as Polysporin, or calamine lotion if itching and redness persist.
Hives and angioedema
Hives and angioedema are a condition where your skin forms large and small red blotches. This skin reaction is quite itchy. Certain foods and medication are often the culprit for this type of foot allergy. The difference between the two is that hives are a surface skin reaction that goes away quite quickly (often in less than 24 hours), while angioedema is a reaction of the skin below the outer layer.
Foods that can cause hives and angioedema
Shellfish
Fish
Peanuts
Soy
Eggs
Milk
Medications that can cause hives and angioedema
Penicillin
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen sodium
Blood pressure medication
The most common treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamine medication.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a foot condition that causes small itchy blisters on the soles of the feet. Eventually, these blisters can dry and crack causing pain. According to the National Eczema Association, the actual cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn’t known. But it's believed to be related to genetics as this condition tends to run in families from generation to generation. Further, those who suffer from other forms of eczema are more prone to dyshidrotic eczema.
This skin condition is often found in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Certain triggers include elevated stress, contact with metals like nickel, and seasonal allergies.
