December 21, 2023
Diabetes is a chronic condition experienced by millions of people worldwide, including 11 million Canadians. Chances are, diabetes affects you, or someone you're close with. Diabetes can have a significant impact on various aspects of your health, including your feet. Foot health is a top priority for individuals with diabetes, as the condition can lead to a range of complications that affect the lower extremities. Understanding the connection between diabetes and foot health can help you address the condition and thwart potential issues. In this blog post, you'll learn more about how diabetes and foot health concerns are intertwined. The link between diabetes and foot health Diabetes is known to cause problems related to blood circulation and nerve function, and these issues can take a toll on your feet. Here are some key factors to consider: 1. Poor blood circulation Diabetes can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. This diminished blood circulation can result in slower wound healing and an increased risk of infection. 2. Neuropathy Diabetes often causes peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage that predominantly affects the feet and legs. Neuropathy can lead to numbness, tingling, or a loss of foot sensation. Reduced sensation makes it difficult to detect injuries, blisters, or sores. This lack of sensation increases the risk of complications. 3. Foot ulcers Diabetes patients are prone to developing foot ulcers due to reduced sensation and delayed healing. Ulcers may become infected and become more severe if not addressed promptly. 4. Calluses and corns Diabetes can alter foot anatomy, leading to abnormal pressure points on the feet. These pressure points can form calluses and corns, causing foot discomfort and an increased risk of ulcers. 5. Fungal infections Diabetes is thought to cause dysfunction of the immune response. A weakened immune system fails to control the spread of invading pathogens. As a result, those with diabetes are at a greater risk of fungal infections, like athlete's foot and toenail fungus. 6. Reduced ability to heal Elevated blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to heal wounds. Even minor cuts, blisters, or abrasions can become problematic if improperly managed or untreated. How to care for your feet when you have diabetes Proper foot care is critical for individuals with diabetes. To maintain good foot health and minimize the risk of complications, consider the following tips: Regular foot inspections Perform daily foot checks to look for any signs of injury, blisters, sores, or changes in colour and temperature. Early detection is critical to preventing more significant problems. You can also schedule annual foot assessments at Feet First Clinic, during which a chiropodist will thoroughly examine your feet and your foot health history. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels Aim to keep your blood sugar within the target range your healthcare provider recommends. Controlling your blood sugar levels will help your overall health, including your feet. Choose appropriate footwear Opt for comfortable, well-fitting shoes that reduce the risk of pressure points and provide adequate support. We carry a wide range of footwear and orthapedic footwear here at Feet First Clinic. See more in our complete guide on how to choose the perfect pair of shoes for you and your feet. Moisturize your feet Keep your skin hydrated to prevent dryness and cracking. Avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent fungal growth. Trim your nails carefully Trim your toenails straight and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown nails. People with diabetes should avoid nail salons. Instead, you should see a chiropodist for routine diabetic foot care. That way, you feel comfortable knowing the trimming is performed correctly. Stay active Engage in regular physical activity to promote better circulation. If you have trouble being physically active, consider low-impact activities like swimming, stationary cycling, or walking.
October 23, 2023
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
June 15, 2023
Corns are one of the most common foot conditions, and quite frankly, they can be a real nuisance. They can target anyone but may occur more frequently in women and older people. While they aren't usually a cause for alarm, chronic foot corns can be painful and affect your quality of life. Let's look at what causes foot corns and what you can do to prevent and treat them. Causes of Foot Corns The American Academy of Dermatology notes that friction and pressure on the skin can lead to corns. Here are some everyday lifestyle factors that build friction and may lead to corn formation: Wearing high heels often Wearing shoes that are the wrong size Wearing uncomfortable shoes Not wearing socks with your shoes Irregular walking motion / abnormal gait Foot corns are a protective response to friction and an attempt to shield the skin beneath them. The hardened layer is your body's method of preventing skin ulceration. Corn Treatment and Prevention of Corns Preventing foot corns involves attentive foot care and protecting your foot health by wearing the right shoes and avoiding friction on the toes (where corns usually form). Furthermore, NHS explains how your podiatrist or chiropodist can remove corns if they're severe or may be infected. You should also consider consistent corn removal (corns often come back) if you have diabetes, poor heart health, or blood circulation problems. People with these issues can see minor corns become serious, painful wounds. A shoe fitting can help prevent foot corns by guaranteeing a proper fit and preventing friction Here are some safe and common preventative measures and foot corn treatments: Corn removal techniques, like gently shaving down the corn with medical grade, sterilized tools (performed by a chiropodist) Products like toe pads or medicated patches Custom orthotics to properly align your feet and prevent friction Footwear modifications to ensure a better fit (consider a shoe fitting) Keeping your feet clean Soaking a corn in warm water Applying moisturizing products to the toes Remember: never try to remove a corn yourself, as this can leave a dangerous opening in the skin that welcomes infection.
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.
April 6, 2023
Corns and calluses on the surface of your feet can be a warning to pay better attention to your foot health. Specialists discuss corns and calluses simultaneously because both conditions are caused by your body protecting your feet from friction or pressure. Likewise, the same treatment and prevention methods help both pesky skin problems. Today's blog will discuss the preventative measures you can take to ward off calluses and corns and the treatments a chiropodist can perform. Corns vs. Calluses The causes of calluses and corns are similar, but it's important to note a few key points. The term "corn" derives from their appearance as round, hardened skin resembling a piece of corn. Calluses encompass a large, rough and thick area of the foot. Corns usually appear on the top or side of the toe. Calluses can spring up anywhere on the foot that bears weight, like the heel, big toe, ball of the foot and side of the foot. Both conditions are not usually painful but may feel tender if you continuously walk on them. Corns may feel slightly more painful since they're a more concentrated area. To read more about calluses and how they form, click here. To read more about corns and how they form, click here. How to Prevent Corns and Calluses Prevention of calluses and corns starts with the footwear you choose. Shoes with too much or too little overall room can be a risk factor: When shoes fit loosely, the foot slides forward excessively, creating friction and leading to corn and callus development. When shoes are too tight, consistent pressure will lead to the same result as loose-fitting shoes. That's why it's essential to look for shoes that properly fit your feet and leave enough room in the toe box (especially important for corns). Sometimes, biomechanical issues can make a person especially vulnerable to corns and calluses. In these cases, custom orthotics may be helpful as they correct any biomechanical abnormalities that can be causing excess friction and pressure on parts of the foot. Further, they add an extra layer of defence between your foot and friction via the arch support they provide. Orthotics also help manage hammertoes, a pre-existing risk factor for corns. Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses In general, non-painful calluses and corns can go away independently with footwear modifications. But there are occasions when chiropody and podiatry services must enter the picture. For instance, if you notice inflammation, redness and intense pain in the affected area, you should seek treatment. It is extremely important to never attempt to remove a callus or corn from home! Furthermore, those with diabetes should ensure a chiropodist regularly tends to their corns and calluses because diabetes prevents them from healing properly. In addition, diabetic neuropathy can prevent the patient from noticing if corns and calluses are getting worse and entering ulcer territory. Chiropodists can remove thick calluses during a medical pedicure. This is also a preventative treatment as the entire treatment process strengthens the skin's protective barrier. Chiropodists can also shave down corns and calluses with sterilized tools before applying the right creams or ointments to ensure skin repair. In addition, they can recommend medical-grade products like corn foot pads and foot devices to reduce friction.
November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa. Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure. Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures! Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions Say goodbye to foot odour Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session Safe and sterile environment Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing. Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones. Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails. Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon. If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations. Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure: Warts Corns and calluses Signs of proper blood circulation Fungal infections Nerve function Signs of additional infection Say Goodbye to Foot Odour A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour. To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants. Safe and Sterile Environment Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats. When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed. But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture. Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again. A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure. This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.