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November 7, 2024
Foot odor is a frustrating problem; it goes to show that non-painful foot conditions can be as life altering as painful ones. There are many foot odour myths floating around the internet. In this article, we'll break down some of the most common foot odour myths, and give you the facts about foot odour causes and how to prevent it.
6 Myths About Foot Odour:
Only People With Sweaty Feet Have Foot Odour
Foot Odour Always Means You Have a Serious Health Condition
All Foot Odour Smells the Same
Going Barefoot Helps Eliminate Odour
If You Have Foot Odour, you Aren’t Showering or Bathing
Foot Odour Only Happens in Hot Weather
Myth 1: Only People With Sweaty Feet Have Foot Odour
Foot odour, also known as bromodosis, is the unpleasant smell that comes from the feet due to a combination of sweat and bacteria. The feet have numerous sweat glands, which produce moisture to regulate temperature and prevent skin from drying out. Plantar hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessively sweaty feet. Sweat is a major contributor to foot odour and provides the moisture needed for it to thrive, however, other factors are also at play.
The Main Causes of Foot Odour
General bacterial buildup and everyday life! (wearing shoes all day long, etc).
Fungal infections: Conditions like athlete’s foot can lead to odour as fungi produce waste products during growth.
Diet: Certain foods, like garlic and onions, can affect sweat composition and lead to a noticeable foot odour.
Health conditions: Conditions other than plantar hyperhidrosis can cause foot odour, including diabetes, particularly when ulcers and wounds omit a strong smell. Other conditions include thyroid disorders (they may cause excessive sweating) or kidney and liver issues.
Footwear material: Shoes made from non-breathable materials trap even normal sweat production, increasing moisture and bacterial growth. Preventing foot odour often means choosing breathable, waterproof shoes.
Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can contribute to foot odour.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1aaNATnXvWw
Foot Odour Myth # 2: Foot Odour Always Means You Have a Serious Health Condition
It’s true that one of the causes of foot odour can be an underlying health condition, but that doesn't mean it's serious. The most common cause of foot odour is a general build up of sweat and bacteria that you can tackle yourself.
Foot odour is often caused by everyday factors like wearing shoes made from non-breathable materials or not changing socks frequently enough. In most cases, simple steps like improving hygiene, airing out shoes, or using foot deodorants (sprays, powders or creams) can help control the smell.
While it's important to be mindful of persistent odour or other accompanying symptoms, the vast majority of foot odour issues are easily managed with at-home care and do not indicate a serious health condition.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aFdZ042koME
Foot Odour Myth # 3: All Foot Odour Smells the Same
Foot odour can vary significantly based on several factors, including the underlying cause, personal hygiene, diet, and the type of bacteria or fungi present. For example, open wounds and sores will smell different than smelly, sweaty shoes. Here are some common smells:
Sour: Often caused by bacteria breaking down sweat, resulting in lactic acid production.
Musty: May be associated with fungal infections or warm, moist environments.
Vinegar-like: Often linked to sweat and potentially neglectful hygiene.
Ammonia: May indicate dehydration or a dietary imbalance.
Rotten: This odour can be a sign of a more serious infection.
Foot Odour Myth 4: Going Barefoot Helps Eliminate Odour
While going barefoot might seem like a good idea for reducing foot odour, it can actually have the opposite effect in some cases. While it’s always good to air out your feet, going barefoot outside exposes your feet to various surfaces that may harbour bacteria and fungi. Walking on dirty or damp surfaces can lead to the accumulation of these microorganisms, potentially worsening foot odour. In fact, foot fungus (one of the most common causes of foot odour) is often caused by walking barefoot in public places.
Additionally, sweat can still pool in the crevices of your feet without socks and shoes, allowing bacteria to thrive. Instead of eliminating odour, going barefoot may introduce new sources of smell. Wearing breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks and changing them regularly is a much better idea.
Myth 5: If You Have Foot Odour, You Aren’t Showering or Bathing
This is completely untrue since foot odour is often linked to other conditions like plantar hyperhidrosis and fungal infections. Therefore, foot odour is is a symptom rather than a cause. It also often develops throughout the day, so you can shower every morning and still experience smelly feet when you get home at night.
That said, you should pay more attention to foot-specific hygiene and clean your feet frequently. Check out this blog article on foot hygiene tips to learn what to do.
Myth 6: Foot Odour Only Happens in Hot Weather
Foot odour is commonly associated with hot weather, but it can occur year-round, regardless of the temperature. While warm conditions can exacerbate sweating and create a breeding ground for bacteria, factors such as personal hygiene, footwear choice, and lifestyle also play significant roles in foot odour.
For example, wearing insulated shoes in fall or winter weather can trap moisture and heat, leading to odour even when temperatures are low. Additionally, individuals who sweat excessively—regardless of the season—are more likely to experience foot odour. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain proper foot care and hygiene practices throughout the year to prevent odour, not just during the warmer months.
October 14, 2024
There are many at-home and natural remedies for foot pain that work, but there’s no denying the importance of foot exams with a top Toronto chiropodist. Some conditions require foot check-ups throughout the year and your foot clinic visits can make a big difference in not only your comfort levels, but your long-term health. Let’s take at what you can expect at a foot clinic appointment and why you should get your check-ups.
What You Can Expect at a Foot Clinic
This depends on if you’re visiting your foot clinic for the first time or are following up with a specific service, such as a custom orthotic casting and fitting or a medical pedicure.
At Toronto’s Feet First Clinic, your first foot check-up—an initial foot assessment—helps determine your unique needs. It’s your chance to discuss any concerns so your chiropodist can tailor the care to what matters most to you. Many people schedule one if they have persistent foot pain, but you may also do it for diagnostic purposes, footwear recommendations and more.
Why Schedule Regular Foot Check-ups?
Regular foot care is mandatory if you have diabetes. Studies show that neglecting your feet and failing to visit your foot specialist may lead to infections, ulceration and limb loss. While they sound extreme and scary, chiropody services can help you prevent these problems.
Chiropodist visits for diabetes include full examinations (particularly to assess for neuropathy), nail and skin care, wound debridement, and more. Some experts recommend coming in every 4-6 months, but this may be more or less, depending on your condition.
Foot check-ups are also a must for anyone with arthritis, circulatory issues, a history of strain injuries like plantar fasciitis, chronic fungal infections, to name a few. They’re especially important as we get older. But really, anyone can benefit from a little foot TLC—whether you're on your feet all day or just looking to prevent future problems, regular check-ups help keep your feet healthy, pain-free, and ready to go wherever life takes you!
An annual foot assessment is also a great preventative form of self care, like a wellness check for your feet. You don’t have to wait until you notice symptoms — assessments can catch early signs of the most common foot issues before they become painful.
August 5, 2024
Many people make it through their days without worrying about every little minor cut, scrape, ache or sensation. But for those with diabetes, foot care is a whole different ball game. Foot care for diabetes patients involves around-the-clock vigilance and solid diabetic foot care tips. These can prevent debilitating and life-altering diabetic foot complications, like severe mobility limitations, ulcers and even gangrene and limb loss. Let’s explore how a little goes a long way when it comes to foot health and diabetes.
Low-Impact Exercises and Stretches
Exercises and stretches that target diabetic neuropathy is one of the best strategies for protecting feet with diabetes.
To keep your feet as strong as possible, you need to stimulate blood flow and make sure nutrient-rich blood reaches your lower extremities. This can help wounds heal. Even if you have lost sensation in your feet, your muscles should still function properly enough to do light exercises.
Studies show that non-weight bearing and low-impact exercises and stretches can also improve motor score and help patients with activities of daily living (i.e.: basic chores, climbing stairs, etc).
To get started, check out the best exercises and stretches for diabetes.
Daily Inspections, Foot Hygiene and Nails
Preventing foot ulcers in diabetes patients involves frequently examining your own feet. A chiropodist should also do this for you, but more on that later!
Look at your feet multiple times per day. Are there any new wounds? Discolouration? Do your feet feel cold to the touch? Do you possibly have a fungal infection? Any abnormality should be noted.
Practice top-notch foot hygiene, as well. You can follow this general foot hygiene guide, but please note that diabetes patients are often advised not to cut their own toenails.
Schedule Regular Foot Assessments and Foot Care Services
At-home tips are great, but the truth is most diabetics need help managing foot issues. If you have diabetes, cutting your own toenails is often a bad idea because vision loss and neuropathy can cause you to not notice if you cut too deeply. Diabetes also affects the eyesight, so you may not notice any developing issues. And since diabetes causes circulation to the feet, these issues cannot properly heal. That's why one of the best services a chiropodist can perform is a medical pedicure that’s specially catered towards diabetes patients.
Your chiropodist can also:
Give advice on proper foot care. This often means investing in orthopedic footwear.
Provide wound care.
Assess for diabetic neuropathy — how severe is it?
Assess your blood circulation.
Inspect for potential ulcers.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, one of our Toronto chiropodists can perform routine diabetic foot care and diabetic foot assessments to help prevent diabetic foot complications. Click here to learn more about our foot care services for diabetes patients.
Additional Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Never go barefoot, even at home. Wear house shoes or orthopedic slippers. Being barefoot is too risky for diabetes patients, as if you stub your toe or cut yourself, the wound can't properly heal.
Avoid direct heat sources, like a really hot foot bath. It can dry out your skin and make your feet more susceptible to cracking.
Consider custom orthotics by learning when you might need them.
June 10, 2024
Not fully understanding of diabetes complications and the importance of preventative diabetic foot care can be detrimental. Diabetic ulcers (sometimes called diabetic foot) often occur after the onset of diabetic neuropathy, which severely restricts sensation in the feet. Around 40-50% of diabetes patients develop neuropathy; people with type 1 diabetes may develop it years after their diagnosis, while those with type 2 can sometimes already have neuropathy in the pre-diabetes stage.
Today, we’ll explore how minor cuts and scrapes, combined with neuropathy, can lead to ulcers and progressively severe issues. But with solid diabetes awareness and preventative measures, serious complications can be easily avoided!
How Cuts and Scrapes Turn Into Diabetic Ulcers
Here are the five stages between a tiny wound and a full blown diabetic ulcer:
Stage 1: Initial Injury
A minor injury such as a cut or scrape occurs on the skin — anything from a small burn to stepping on a piece of glass. Foot conditions that open the skin’s barrier can also cause tiny wounds, like blisters, cracked heels, calluses and ingrown toenails. For individuals without diabetes, these usually heal without complications.
Stage 2: Diabetes Impairs Circulation and Wound Healing
Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy halts the wound healing process, especially if diabetes is uncontrolled. First, high blood sugar levels harm blood vessels and restrict the oxygen-rich blood flow our injuries need for repair. Neuropathy also causes a loss of sensation, meaning you may not even be aware of the cut or scrape.
Stage 3: Infection
The wound may become red, swollen, and warm, indicating infection. Pus or an unusual discharge might be present.
Stage 4: Chronic Wound
The cut or scrape evolves into a chronic wound, characterized by persistent inflammation and failure to heal after several weeks.
Stage 5: Diabetic Ulcer
An ulcer forms as an open red or pink sore that looks “punched out.” It may penetrate deeper layers of skin, extending to muscle or bone in severe cases. Tissue death (necrosis) can also occur, leading to blackened areas around the ulcer. Ulcers can lead to extensive tissue death (gangrene) and bone infections when ignored.
What You Can Do to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers
Ulcers sound scary, but the good news is that being vigilant about your foot health can help keep your feet ulcer-free. Examine your feet at home every day, keep them clean, and wear protective orthopedic slippers while inside to protect your skin. Lastly, you should regularly visit your chiropodist for inspections and diabetic foot care if you have diabetes; ask them how frequently you should be coming in!
June 3, 2024
Do orthopedic shoes have their place in fashion? The answer is yes! While there is no doubt orthopedic shoes are designed to treat foot conditions, it doesn’t exclude them from contemporary 2024 shoe trends. Let’s review the top choices for stylish orthopedic shoes this year!
Stylish Orthopedic Footwear 2024
Orthopedic shoes usually have specific features, such as:
Built-in arch support for plantar fasciitis, etc.
Extra cushioning / shock absorption (protects your joints from the impact of the ground!)
A wide toe box for foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, etc.
Removable insoles to give you the option of using orthotics.
A firm heel counter for proper stability or motion control.
Adjustable straps to accommodate edema (swelling) and for a snug, breathable fit.
That’s a lot to look for! And it’s a common misconception that these features look unappealing. The truth is, you can't often see these features at first glance; orthopedic shoes do not have to look clunky.
If you’re not sure where to look for comfortable and fashionable shoes, keep reading for some examples that offer the best of both worlds. The cherry on top? All of them are available at Feet First Clinic!
Anodyne No. 27
Anodyne No. 27
Anodyne shoes are designed to help treat diabetes-related foot problems and other musculoskeletal issues and deformities. The No. 27 is a simplistic white walking shoe that pairs perfectly with casual attire. Features include a rigid heel counter to help with instability, a protective toe box, a supportive sole, and more. It's a comforting staple that keeps modern fashion trends in mind!
APEX Logan Chelsea Boot
The Logan Chelsea Boot from APEX offers a good amount of depth, and a removable EVA insole to boot (no pun intended!). The side zipper and lack of laces makes it easier for people with mobility challenges to get their feet in and out. This boot is also perfect for every season, from spring all the way to winter!
APEX LOGAN CHELSEA BOOT
Aetrex Men's Milos And Women's Jess
Aetrex is a cutting edge company offering trendy orthopedic shoes. The men's Milos are an orthopaedic slide sandal that combines the comforting and supportive features you would typically find with a custom orthotic, with the breathability and stylish flair of a summer sandal. They're super durable and have great arch support and cushioning thanks to UltraSky™ EVA technology.
Like the Milos, the Jess from Aetrex is another sandal offering the same top-of-the-line arch support and cushioning. The microfibre top cover adds a layer of softness and fights against cuts, scrapes and blisters. One minor difference is the easily adjustable ankle strap for extra ankle support.
NAOT Amadora
Looking for a fashion-forward sandal with a slight platform and fun design? The NAOT Amadora is a great finishing touch for your everyday summer dresses, skirts, and more! The hook and loop strap with full upper coverage is great for those who prefer a more secure feel to their sandals. The removable, anatomic cork and latex footbed conforms to the natural shape of your foot as it moves, offering maximum comfort! The best part: the footbed is removeable so you can wear them with your custom orthotics!
Naot Amadora
April 25, 2024
Foot reflexology benefits are becoming a hot topic. Studies show that published scientific articles on the subject are increasing, piquing public interest. But is there a reason to subscribe to holistic foot care? Can foot reflexology techniques truly benefit our health or treat common foot conditions? And if so, how does reflexology for health work? Let’s answer all of these questions today!
How Does Foot Reflexology Work?
Foot reflexology is a holistic practice. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, known as reflex points, which correspond to various organs, glands, and parts of the body via an energetic connection. By stimulating these points, the goal is to help with a wide variety of ailments and health concerns.
For example, the toes may correspond with the head and brain, the ball of the foot with the diaphragm and arms, and the area of the foot between the ball and heel corresponds with the small intestine.
Check out this detailed chart from Healthline for more.
How Reflexology May Help With General Health Problems
Reflexology may be a good option for you if you experience any of the following:
Premenstrual symptoms: A significant study demonstrated that foot reflexology could effectively reduce cramping and hormonal side effects. Participants were observed after 8 foot reflexology sessions.
Blood pressure: Reflexology can sometimes reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Don’t forget, your feet and your heart are connected in other ways too!
Mental illness: Holistic foot care may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in adults.
Chemotherapy side effects: Foot reflexology may help reduce shortness of breath in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Can Foot Reflexology Treat Foot Conditions?
Be sure to talk to your chiropodist if you are interested in trying new foot care treatments; this applies to reflexology or any type of unfamiliar service. It’s worth researching holistic foot care if you have any of these conditions:
Plantar fasciitis: Reflexology techniques involving pressure points and trigger point release may reduce heel pain.
Heel spurs: See note on plantar fasciitis above.
Osteoarthritis: Holistic foot care may stimulate blood circulation, mildly relieving joint stiffness.
Diabetic neuropathy / Diabetes Mellutis: Studies indicate that foot reflexology may help increase skin sensation and reduce blood sugar levels.
