November 9, 2023
What’s in a foot bath, really? A combination of comfortably warm water and medicinal ingredients (think herbal oils, camphor, urea, and more) from companies like Gehwol may be the perfect marriage. And not only is enjoying a foot bath one of the most relaxing experiences for your tired feet, but it can also take your foot health to new levels. Let’s explore everything there is to know about foot bath benefits.
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Benefits of a Foot Bath
Drawing up a foot bath is one of the best relaxation techniques around, but foot baths go beyond calming oneself; they can also address your foot health by fighting pre-existing conditions and preventing their development. Here are some of the top benefits:
Improved circulation and pain management
Exfoliation and skin health
Swelling and inflammation reduction
Photo credit: iStock
Improved Circulation and Pain Management
Bath salts and the thermal effects of hot water can boost circulation in your feet, ankles and lower legs. Furthermore, warm water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation and helping your muscles relax - all of which can reduce pain. Some conditions a foot bath can help include plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis.
Exfoliation and Skin Health
Not only are foot baths an excellent hygienic practice, but the right foot bath products and bath salts can penetrate the skin, leaving it softer and more hydrated than ever before. Foot baths can also eliminate dead skin cells, remove dirt and bacteria, and reduce foot odour with ingredients like lavender oil. Camphor is also present in a lot of foot soak products, which naturally treats skin irritation.
Swelling and Inflammation Reduction
As we mentioned before, the blood vessels dilate when the feet are immersed in warm water. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to flow through the circulatory system, which reduces inflammation. Some foot soaks can also encourage lymphatic drainage, which helps the body eliminate excess fluids.
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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.
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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 22, 2023
Seasonal foot health is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for fall footwear. It’s not just about replacing your sandals with boots — it’s about ensuring your feet are protected with high quality materials, and investing in brands that use effective technologies to prevent painful foot conditions.
Ara Debbie. Source: Ara
Autumn Shoe Trends: Healthy Footwear Meets Style
So, what exactly do you need for fall? Take a look below for what you should be on the hunt for when revamping your fall shoe collection.
Warm and Waterproof Materials
Many high-quality manufacturers are using Gore-TEX membrane in their shoes to protect your feet from unwanted moisture, which can be a real issue in the fall. The material works by grouping together billions of miniscule pores that make it impossible for water to get through. Shoes made with Gore-TEX are also good for blocking the cold air from the wind while maintaining breathability.
You can hold off on highly insulated boots and features like shearling lining til the winter rolls around, but it’s still important to keep your toes cozy in the fall. Look for boots and shoes with good seam sealing and leather or suede waterproof uppers. High-quality rubber outsoles can also help trap warmth.
Image Credit: iStock
Comfort
Your shoes should always allow for a pleasant walking experience. With proper fall footwear, your feet won’t feel painful at the end of a long day. Look for comfortable boots and runners with a good amount of shock absorption and cushioning to protect your joints, muscles and bones from the ground’s impact. You can also find shoes with removable footbeds so you can easily wear them with your own custom orthotics or inserts.
Traction
A solid grip on slippery, wet pavement is crucial all year long. However, this is extra important in the fall when it gets colder and black ice starts to form. Search for shoes with molded rubber outsoles and high traction rubber to avoid a painful foot injury. As a bonus, high traction can also enhance your running performance.
Saucony Excursion with traction-ready grip. Source: Saucony
Not Sure What to Buy? Try These Stylish Examples
Need some fall footwear inspiration for comfortable boots and shoes? We’ve got you covered!
Light, stylish fall boots and booties are a must for many women. Try the Sorel Lennox Chelsea WP and Ara Debbie for combined comfort and style.
For hiking adventures and excursions, the Mephisto Nigata-TEX for women and Canyon TEX for men are highly protective choices and keep you on your feet for long hours and help you navigate unpredictable terrain and weather. The ASICS Gel-Sonoma is also designed for outdoor exploration, and the Saucony Excursion is great for trail running in colder temperatures.
Mephisto Nigata Tex Red. Source: Mephisto Canada
September 4, 2023
Teachers spend long hours on their feet, so choosing comfortable and supportive shoes is essential to prevent foot fatigue and discomfort. From standing at the front of the classroom, traveling to or from work, or walking between classrooms, teachers put their feet to the test every day.
The best shoes for teachers offer a combination of cushioning, arch support, stability, non-slip soles, and durability. The right pair of shoes can make a difference in a teacher's daily life, providing comfort, support, and style that keeps up with their fast-paced roles. The Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education suggests that "appropriate footwear is a shoe designed for athletic activities with a sole that provides traction and is secured to the foot."
Without the proper footwear, teachers are at greater risk of developing two common foot conditions: plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. In this guide, we list our recommendations for the best shoes for teachers to maximize comfort and keep your feet feeling great all day.
Saucony
Saucony has a wide range of footwear, including athletic, athleisure, and sport-specific shoes. With a strong focus on running shoes, Saucony caters to various running styles and preferences and is known for its durability, support, and cushioning. For teachers, we recommend the Saucony Triumph 21 for those looking for a more athletic shoe or the Saucony Shadow Original and Jazz Triple for a more casual appearance.
Asics
ASICS shoes are amongst the most popular in the world. The brand's GEL cushioning system makes them a great choice to protect your feet and keep them feeling their best. They have great shoes for walking and standing, like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 (for people with neutral gaits or high arches), the Asics Novablast 3 for those seeking a rocker sole, and the Asics Gel-Kayano for those requiring a stability shoe.
Apex
Apex shoes provide ample support, cushioning, and ergonomic design to promote proper alignment and alleviate common foot ailments. From orthotic-friendly features to diabetic footwear options, APEX aims to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or diabetes can experience improved comfort and mobility. Look at the Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe for a supportive and comfortable option on the job.
Anodyne
Anodyne footwear specifically caters to those with diabetes, neuropathy, and other foot-related sensitivities. Their footwear features extra depth and roomy toe boxes to provide ample space for toes and accommodate custom orthotics. In addition, Anodyne shoes also often incorporate seamless interiors to minimize irritation and pressure points. The Anodyne No. 75 or No. 72 Casual Sport shoes are excellent for teachers mixing comfort and style.
Mephisto
Mephisto shoes strongly emphasize quality and feature the brand's soft-air midsole technology. Their shoes prioritize shock absorption and cushioning, which reduces impact on joints and promotes a smoother walking experience. Mephisto offers both casual and dressier options like the Mephisto Wing or Majestro.
ara Shoes
ara Shoes blend of fashion and functionality appeals to individuals seeking versatile footwear that combines style and comfort. Look at the Ara Leigh footwear line from Ara Shoes for a solid shoe choice for teachers' working hours.
Portofino
Portofino shoes are backed by Italian craftsmanship and offer a premium footwear line for a more formal look. Whether it's delicate stitching, exquisite leather, or refined silhouettes, Portofino Shoes blend traditional artistry and contemporary aesthetics. Consider the Portofino DY-5068 model if you're a teacher in the market for new shoes.
Clarks
Clarks shoes combine form and function. They're also backed by close to 200 years of innovation. The Clarks Unstructured Line is excellent lightweight footwear with flexible soles, ideal for long days on your feet. We recommend the Clarks Nalle Lace or the Clarks Court Lite Wally outside the Unstructured line.
June 26, 2023
Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone (calcaneus). Bone spurs on the heel are often associated with plantar fasciitis, in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. A heel spur is the most common bone spur.
In minor cases, you may experience discomfort in the heel from time to time. In more severe cases, the bony outgrowth may protrude from the heel and a bump on the underside of the foot. Generally, the larger the outgrowth, the more sensitive your heel becomes to stress, which can exacerbate the condition. However, roughly 15-30% of cases are asymptomatic with no pain.
In this post, we uncover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for heel spurs, so you can kick discomfort to the curb and get back on your feet. Ready to say goodbye to heel pain? Read more below.
Causes of Heel Spurs
The primary cause of heel spurs is repetitive stress to the foot, which can lead to the formation of bony growth on the heel bone. Microtears typically cause the initial onset of heel spurs due to the repetitive stress associated with standing upright and weight-bearing. These microtears can be caused by the following:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the top contributor to heel spurs. The condition involves inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, leading to pain and swelling in the heel.
Flat feet or high arches
Flat feet or high arches are two foot conditions that can stress the heel more, leading to heel spur formation.
Excessive weight or obesity
Being overweight puts additional stress on the feet and can increase the risk of developing heel spurs.
High-impact sports
High-impact activities like running, ballet, or jumping can put added stress on the feet. Over time, repeated impact to the foot and heel can lead to heel spur formation.
Inadequate footwear
Improper footwear can stress the heel and lead to heel spurs over time. For instance, wearing worn-out shoes, using footwear for which it's not designed, or wearing footwear unsuitable for your foot type.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs
There are a few telltale signs of heel spurs with symptoms entirely isolated to the heel of the foot. Symptoms include:
Pain in the heel, especially with walking or running
Tenderness and swelling in the heel area
Redness or warmth in the heel area
A bony protrusion on the heel bone, which may feel like a bump or be visible through X-rays
You may experience numerous symptoms or just a single symptom of heel spurs, depending on how long you've experienced discomfort. The treatment method should match the level of symptoms you experience.
How to Treat Heel Spurs?
Heel spur treatment addresses the condition's underlying cause and may include rest, stretching exercises, footwear changes, orthotic devices, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. If you are experiencing heel spur symptoms, seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Learn more about some of the more common treatment options for heel spurs below:
Rest and ice
The number one treatment method for heel spurs is resting and icing. Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Stretching exercises
Stretching exercises can help to loosen the plantar fascia and reduce stress on the heel. You may find relief in stretching the calf muscle, which reduces the load and stress on the foot and heel. Specifically, tight gastrocnemius, soleus, and other posterior leg muscles are common in plantar fasciitis patients. Here are eight practical heel spur stretching exercises you can perform at home.
Footwear changes
Proper footwear can help reduce heel stress. Wear shoes with good arch support and adequate cushioning. It would help if you also chose your footwear according to how you use them. For instance, buy and use running shoes for running. Buy and use work boots for the job. Footwear should meet the demands of the activity, which can help protect your feet and keep them healthy.
Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics can help to support the foot and reduce stress on the heel. The goal of orthotics is to redistribute weight and load away from the heel specifically.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles and tissues in the heel and the foot. A more balanced foot allows muscles to work together in unison without overstressing the heel.
Surgery
As with bone spurs, the only removal method is surgery. As such, surgery may be an option in more severe cases of heel sours to remove the bony outgrowth entirely, which can help repair damage to the surrounding tissues.
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.
