Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Plantar Hyperhidrosis

On This Page

Overview

What Is Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Plantar Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the feet sweat excessively (“plantar” = “feet”, hyperhidrosis = excess sweat).  It is one of many types of focal hyperhidrosis conditions (also known as primary hyperhidrosis), which are conditions where excessive sweat is produced in a localized part of the body. Hyperhidrosis is more common in men than women.  

It is perfectly normal for our feet to sweat (especially when it’s hot outside).  Although this is usually not an issue, excessive sweating can sometimes produce a strong odour.  The buildup of moisture in your feet also predisposes them to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as friction blisters.

Symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Signs and symptoms of plantar hyperhidrosis are:

  • Constant or excessive sweating in both feet (this may coincide with sweaty palms)
  • Foot odour
  • Feet getting so wet that they slip around inside your shoes
  • Persistent moisture-related foot issues, such as foot fungus, athlete’s foot, foot infections or friction blisters from constant wetness breaking down the skin.
  • Negative impact on quality of life

Causes

What Causes Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Sweat is part of the body’s way of regulating its temperature and cooling itself off when it senses it’s too hot.  In people with hyperhidrosis, this regulatory process switches on at lower temperatures than it may for others.  

Hyperhidrosis is typically genetic.  It may also involve excessive sweat in other parts of the body, such as the palms and armpits.

For more information, check out our blog article on the causes of sweaty feet.

Treatment

How Do I Treat Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Plantar hyperhidrosis often requires ongoing treatment; it cannot be “cured” and typically does not go away.  Although not a serious condition, managing the moisture buildup from plantar hyperhidrosis is important in order to prevent other common moisture-related foot issues, such as fungus or infection.  

The key to this is good foot hygiene.  This involves:

  1. Washing your feet daily with an antibacterial soap (don’t forget the areas between the toes!);
  2. Thoroughly drying your feet after; and
  3. Applying foot powder or antifungal powder to your feet.

The following products are also recommended for treating the effects of plantar hyperhidrosis: 

  • Absorbent insoles
  • Topical antiperspirant
  • Double layered cotton socks
  • Anticholinergic creams

Our foot clinic offers a variety of products specifically designed to treat and manage plantar hyperhidrosis.  You can stop by our store and speak to our knowledge staff to find out which solutions work best for you.

Risk Factors

What Risk Factors Are Associated With Hyperhidrosis?

Risk factors that can exacerbate excessive sweating in the feet include:

  • Wearing shoes and socks that don’t let your feet breath (especially when it’s hot outside)
  • Hot temperatures
  • Physical stress
  • Emotional stress

Prevention

How Do I Prevent Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

Here are various foot care solutions for preventing Plantar Hyperhidrosis:

  • Keep a daily log recording the incidents of sweaty feet to determine what triggers your feet to sweat, and manage accordingly
  • Topical antiperspirants
  • Wear moisture wicking socks
  • Wear shoes with a breathable material and in the correct size
  • Stay hydrated to regulate body temperature

The knowledgeable staff at our foot clinic can help you find antiperspirants and footwear with breathable material to help prevent moisture-buildup around your feet.  This will help prevent other complications that may result from plantar hyperhidrosis, while keeping your feet dry, clean and healthy. 

Related Blog Articles

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!


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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.