January 26, 2023
Our bodies have a lot of work to do on a daily basis, to put it lightly. But one critical function is blood circulation, which is at the top of the list in terms of importance.
You can experience many health conditions without proper blood flow, ranging from aches and pains to serious heart problems. That's why it's wise to learn the ins and outs of blood circulation. There are several components to this broad topic. These include:
What is blood circulation?
The link between blood circulation and heart health
Blood circulation benefits
What is the cause of poor blood circulation?
The link between blood circulation and foot health
How to improve blood circulation
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What is Blood Circulation?
Blood circulation is how your blood vessels deliver nutrients and oxygen to your cells and body parts.
The issue with blood circulation is that we can easily restrict blood flow when we neglect to care for ourselves. Furthermore, blood flow is not an "all-or-nothing" dynamic; we can go about our routines with poor blood circulation and not even realize it!
But the longer you proceed through life with poor blood flow, the closer you become to experiencing health conditions and frequent aches and pains.
The Link Between Blood Circulation and Heart Health
The circulatory system distributes blood throughout your body, with the heart at the centre of all the action. This system has three main components: the heart, blood vessels and blood itself. This system is the reason why we can function every day. As a result, it's safe to say it's a rather critical function of the human body.
Your heart pumps around eight pints worth of blood every single day. This means that if your heart is in poor health, it can affect blood flow. The same is true if you switch things around: if your arteries and veins are in poor condition, it can affect your heart health. More specifically, when your arteries deliver oxygenated blood throughout your body, the blood then has to find its way back to where it came from. Your veins do this by bringing the blood back to your heart, making its way towards your lungs to "drop off" carbon dioxide and "pick up" more oxygen.
Blood Circulation Benefits
It keeps your heart healthy.
It keeps your feet, legs and other body parts healthy.
It allows all vital organs to function properly.
It keeps you feeling sharp and alert (blood delivers oxygen and glucose to your brain)
It reduces aches and pains, including foot pain.
What is the Cause of Poor Blood Circulation?
How you live your life can determine how efficiently your body distributes blood. Since plaque build-up, narrowed vessels and blood clots are the main culprits behind circulation restriction, preventing these interferences is important.
Likewise, you can tackle many causes of poor blood circulation by adjusting lifestyle habits. Your family doctor or healthcare specialist can address diseases that lead to poor blood circulation.
Here are some reasons your body may be struggling to distribute blood:
You live a sedentary lifestyle without exercise.
You smoke cigarettes.
Your diet is lacking in healthy foods. Furthermore, a high fat and high cholesterol diet can lead to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) in the vessels.
You have high blood pressure (when blood pushes against the vessel walls, it can weaken them).
You have diabetes. This disease can cause excess glucose to harm your blood vessels.
You have blood clots in your legs.
You are overweight. Obesity can be a risk factor for other causes of poor blood flow.
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The Link Between Blood Circulation and Foot Health
When blood efficiently flows from your heart to your legs and feet, you reduce your risk of developing muscle pain, stiffness and weakness. Your feet and legs can also give you signals that you are having a problem with blood circulation.
But how does blood reach your feet?
There are specific arteries that transport blood to your legs and feet. One, the femoral artery, starts in the thigh area and extends downward toward the knees. This artery is responsible for transporting blood to your lower body and branches off into six other arteries along its route, all of which must supply blood to a different body part. Then there is the posterior tibial artery, which transports blood to the plantar surface of the foot.
Foot and leg issues may occur if you neglect your health by disregarding these arteries. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) may develop. This will lead to plaque build-up inside the femoral artery, and the vessels will narrow, greatly reducing the amount of blood that can pass through.
Here are some indicators that you need to improve blood circulation to your feet:
Numbness
Cold feet
"Pins and needles"
Foot pain
Discolouration
Varicose veins
Foot fatigue and "heaviness."
Swelling (edema): your body's lower extremities can swell if your heart cannot circulate blood properly. When blood collects, your vessels release fluid into the surrounding tissues.
Photo by Drazen Zigic from FreePik
How to Improve Blood Circulation
The primary way to boost blood circulation is to move your body. You can also use medical devices and make lifestyle changes.
When you perform exercises and stretches, the blood vessels around the targeted muscle will expand thanks to the chemicals the body releases when you move. This signals your heart to pump more blood into the more spacious vessels. Furthermore, your muscles will receive more oxygen, transforming glucose into muscle "fuel."
Harvard Health also notes that leg stretches that stimulate blood flow can protect against heart disease and strokes. Their study also showed that working the muscles in the hips, knees and ankles for 45 seconds at a time leads to better blood flow in the arteries of the lower legs, as well as less stiffness and pain.
Virtually any type of exercise improves your body's overall blood flow system. In addition to a regular stretching routine, you can try light to moderate cardiovascular exercise, yoga, and playing sports.
Compression stockings are also excellent (and stylish!) medical devices that boost blood flow in the lower legs and feet. You don't have to have a serious condition to use them; you can get them if you spend a long time sitting at a desk during the work day, frequently travel, or spend a lot of time lying down in bed. They are excellent for those experiencing conditions that greatly impact blood flow, including:
Pregnancy-related blood pooling in the feet and ankles
Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis
Phlebitis
Natural ways to improve blood circulation include eating a healthy diet. According to Healthline, foods that boost and stimulate blood flow include cayenne pepper, garlic, fatty fish, beets, nuts and leafy greens. Furthermore, quitting harmful habits like smoking cigarettes can also help you exercise efficiently. You will notice the effects of improved blood circulation between 2 to 12 weeks after ditching smoking.
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December 15, 2022
Holiday shopping can feel like a daunting ordeal that takes away from the fun. Your list is long, and you don't have ideas for some people --- which is okay! But it doesn't have to cause so much stress. When you're stuck on what gift to get for your grandparents, friends, and other relatives, medical gifts may inspire you more than you realize. The health and wellness industry is known for producing excellent products, opening your mind to many gift options.
Gifts that promote foot health can help those with debilitating foot issues. But they can also help prevent foot conditions before they develop. And they're simply fun to use. We're talking foot creams, scrubs, and other luxurious products fit for a spa session!
The gifts we'll discuss today focus on skincare; they shine on their own and work well as stocking stuffers. But the best way to gift products from a foot care clinic is by compiling a foot care gift set! It's fun to try more than one product, and it gives loved ones the tools for a great self-care day. Let's take a look at our top picks!
Foot Care and Medical Gifts: Gift Guide 2022
Below is a general overview of the products in our gift guide. But don't worry, we'll cover all the details.
Bath products
Scrubs, creams, and deodorants
Leg balms
Dermal therapy heel care
Foot Bath Products
Products like Gehwol's Revitalizing Bath Salt and their Refreshing Foot Bath are underrated and affordable medical gifts. They're suitable for people of all ages and help loosen and soothe dry skin.
But they do even more for the body than you may realize. First, foot bath products combined with hot water help promote healthy blood flow, which can relieve pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. They can also warm your overall body temperature, which alleviates muscle tension, reduces stress, and may help prevent sickness or fight flu symptoms by strengthening your natural immunity (perfect for the winter!).
Helpful tip: It's best to start a spa session by bathing your feet, as it leaves a clean base for exfoliation and moisturizing by washing away bacteria and dirt.
Scrubs, Creams and Deodorants
Foot Scrubs
Many bath products prep the feet for exfoliation by softening the skin. But gifting someone an additional exfoliation product will take your medical gift game to the next level. Exfoliation tools prevent itchy, flaky dead skin from building up while simultaneously unclogging your pores. Gehwol's Soft Feet Scrub is a nice gift choice. Moreover, you can toss an affordable foot file into your gift box to buff the skin.
Foot Creams
To restore the skin's natural barrier functions, you should always moisturize after soaking and exfoliating. Gehwol's Soft Feet Cream, Universal Foot Cream, and Med Lipidro Cream are just a few examples of medicinal moisturizers that work wonders. So why not gift them to someone you love? They'll get to enjoy smooth skin and fewer cracks and calluses.
If your loved one already has severely painful cracked heels, try gifting them Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care instead.
Foot Deodorants
Deodorants are useful to have on hand. Moreover, they fit in nicely with a foot care gift set but can also hold their own amongst other stocking stuffers. Regarding health benefits, foot deodorants (sprays, powders, etc.) can fight foot odour and target plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweating). The latter is extra common in winter as we stuff our feet into warm winter boots.
Leg Balms
Many of our elderly loved ones suffer from lower leg issues and have mobility problems. Likewise, if your grandparents struggle to move freely, it can lead to neglect, and problems like skin irritation and severe blood flow restriction can arise.
A good gift for grandparents is a high-quality leg balm. Gehwol's Leg Balm prevents leg ailments, slows skin aging, and can even strengthen your veins. Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality also refreshes tired legs.
But again, don't assume medical gifts are just for your grandparents. Many young people credit Gehwol's leg products for helping with tired achy legs after a long day.
While this product doesn't necessarily scream "spa day," it still works as a part of a general foot care routine. So feel free to include it in a gift box or use it as a standalone present for someone who will cherish it.
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Hopefully, it's becoming clear that medical gifts can be more valuable than gifts that sit around collecting dust. And Dermal Therapy Heel Care is one of, if not the best, medicinal products.
Cracked heels have the potential to burden everyone, from your best friend to your grandmother --- dry skin doesn't discriminate! Severely cracked heels can make walking almost unbearable and cause swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. So if you're catching wind that someone you love is suffering, why not brighten their holidays by gifting them some relief?
Dermal Therapy helps skin cells deep below the surface absorb and lock in moisture, which fights cracked heels. This cream is a moisturizer and exfoliator that removes dead cells, revealing fresh, young skin.
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.
October 31, 2022
In Ontario, there are two terms for a foot specialist: a chiropodist and a podiatrist.
Many prospective patients ask themselves if there is a difference between the two occupations. They assume there must be since there wouldn't be two words for one specialty, right?
But the truth is, there are very few differences between chiropodists and podiatrists. Even if you research the definition of both professions, you can be left feeling just as confused as when you started. You'll often find that the internet tells you that they are healthcare professionals who tend to the feet, so what gives?!
Despite your confusion, there are some reasons medical experts split foot care experts into two categories. Let's explore why the healthcare world doesn't simply settle on one term!
Podiatry and Chiropody: Key Differences
Now that we have a clear understanding of each profession, the question remains; why does the medical industry insist on preserving two terms for foot specialists?
The terms are not interchangeable, despite how similar they are. Let's look at why.
Education
It takes longer to become a podiatrist. According to the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association, podiatrists must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. This is a four-year post-baccalaureate program. On the other hand, chiropodists complete a post-secondary diploma in chiropody. Furthermore, both often have additional education in a science-related field from an accredited university.
Terminology and Word Choice
Even though they don't go to a traditional medical school, you can use the term "foot doctor" to describe a podiatrist, as podiatrists obtain their D.P.M. You should not use this term to describe a chiropodist, although "foot care expert" and "foot specialist" certainly qualify.
Diagnoses Communication
Podiatrists can "communicate a diagnosis" to their patients, which stems from Ontario law granting them one of the six primary care professions in the province. This does not mean that a chiropodist cannot participate in effective communication with their patient.
Specialties
With their background in sports medicine, a podiatrist may be a better fit for someone experiencing a foot/ankle fracture or sprain. They're also the only foot specialists able to perform surgeries on the forefoot bones. One may be able to argue that a podiatrist is better suited for a severe condition requiring surgical intervention. For example, surgery for severe heel spurs or bunions.
However, a chiropodist can also address foot conditions and may be a better fit for establishing follow-up visits, ongoing care, foot care treatments, and giving advice on managing your foot health.
For more information about the things a chiropodist can and cannot do, visit our FAQ.
Availability
As of May 2022, there are over 600 chiropodists and only 60 podiatrists in Ontario. With limited access to podiatry, it's important to reiterate that those suffering from foot issues can explore chiropody and don't have to wait for a podiatrist to become available. Of course, the exception is if you require bone surgery.
In addition, unlike a podiatrist, you do not need a referral to see a chiropodist (although your private extended benefits may require one for coverage).
Coverage
Podiatrists can bill OHIP. Chiropodists cannot bill to OHIP, but they can bill companies that offer extended healthcare coverage, like Manulife and Sunlife.
Can a Chiropodist and Podiatrist Treat the Same Conditions?
Unless you require surgery on the bones in your feet, or you are not covered by extended health insurance and need OHIP coverage, you can see a chiropodist instead of a podiatrist.
It can be difficult to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, so there's no reason to neglect the expertise, kindness and care a chiropodist can offer you. Plus, they treat the same conditions as podiatrists, which include (but are not limited to):
Skin conditions such as calluses, corns, plantar warts, and cracked heels.
Toenail conditions like ingrown toenails, cracked toenails, and discoloured toenails.
Structural abnormalities that cause foot pain, like Plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bunions.
Contagious conditions such as fungal toenail and athlete's foot.
Additional conditions like foot odour.
Diabetic foot care, assistance and guidance.
September 12, 2022
We've all heard the term cold feet to describe last-minute nerves. But cold and sweaty feet are a whole other ballgame.
Cold and sweaty feet can signal a common problem you can work on. Alternatively, they may indicate a more troubling medical condition that needs your attention. The most important thing to do is visit your family doctor or foot specialist when the problem becomes recurring.
Let's take a look at some causes of cold and sweaty feet, and what you can do about them.
Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet
Hyperhidrosis
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Menopause
Overactive thyroid
Raynaud's disease
Hyperhidrosis
This is essentially a term for excessive sweating, which can simultaneously cause cold feet. Many people clue into this condition if they experience sweaty feet without exercising or being in the heat.
Primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis is the most common form and isn't a sign of an underlying medical condition. It occurs when the nerves in your body send too many signals to sweat glands. While embarrassing at times, it is certainly manageable. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is always associated with another medical condition.
Treatment
Foot deodorants, creams and sprays.
Antidepressants can lower triggers like stress and anxiety, which cause you to sweat more.
Nerve-blocking medications.
Daily foot hygiene practices: keeping feet clean and dry, regularly changing socks, etc.
Airing out your feet.
Breathable footwear.
Moisture-wicking socks.
Regular foot assessments to check for conditions that thrive in moist environments, like athlete's foot.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD is a serious condition that affects the body's lower extremities. Due to fatty plaque buildup, the blood vessels that transport between the heart and the legs become totally blocked or severely narrowed. Risk factors may include diabetes, being over 60 years of age and having high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Treatment
Medications called statins, which lower cholesterol.
Blood pressure medications.
Medications that increase blood flow in the legs.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Menopause
One of the most common culprits of cold and sweaty feet in older women is menopause. Due to hormonal imbalances, blood vessels expand and increase the level of blood flow in the body during this point in a woman's life, triggering night sweats. But hormonal changes can also slow blood circulation, quickly affecting the feet. Cold, sweaty feet can also contribute to insomnia in menopausal women.
Treatment
Estrogen therapy
Antidepressants
Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and salt.
Low-intensity exercise.
Monitoring stress levels.
Getting enough vitamin D.
Regular foot assessments to check for other symptoms, like foot swelling.
Overactive Thyroid
A thyroid disorder can cause plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweat) while also deregulating body temperature. An overactive thyroid also messes with our blood circulation, giving the feet and skin only a quarter of the blood supply they usually need. You should inquire with your family doctor about a thyroid condition if your feet are always cold and you've ruled out other causes.
Treatment
Medications called thionamides.
Surgical intervention.
The thyroid gland, courtesy of the National Cancer Institute
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease causes both cold hands and feet, as well as numb toes. Furthermore, Raynaud's can occur in its primary form or as an accompaniment to another disease, like lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis. Like many other cold feet causes, it decreases blood flow in certain body parts. This is due to blood vessels spasming in the affected areas.
Treatment
Calcium channel blockers can open the small blood vessels in the feet.
Wearing socks indoors.
Vasodilators, which relax blood vessels.
Severe cases may require surgery.
Additional Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet
Anxiety disorders: Known to cause hyperhidrosis, severe stress and panic disorders can make you feel clammy and uncomfortable.
Exercise: An obvious cause of sweaty feet is regular physical activity. It's essential to keep on top of routine foot care if fitness is causing your sweaty feet.
Wearing small shoes: Sometimes sweat can't evaporate if our shoes don't fit properly.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage, common in diabetes patients, is known to cause excessive sweating and can disrupt regular body temperature
August 15, 2022
Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your feet? Your feet may feel hot for no reason or tingle and become uncomfortable, especially at night. While hot feet syndrome is highly painful, it is extremely common and can affect anyone for several reasons. If you experience a burning sensation in your feet, learn about the cause and potential treatments for burning feet below.
Nerve damage
Also known as neuropathy, nerve damage occurs when the sensitive nerves of the feet are injured. This is usually caused by disease. Nerve fibers can become overactive, misfiring and sending mixed messages to the brain. Sometimes they may send pain signals, while other times, they may send feelings of tingling, heat, or numbness. These sensations may be manageable with only slight discomfort, or they may be completely debilitating.
The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes. Alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiency, kidney disease, and the side effects of some medications can also cause nerve damage. The nerves of the legs are often affected as well, causing pain and numbness to radiate down the lower legs and into the feet and toes.
Infection
Another common cause of burning feet is infection. Certain types of infection can cause hot feet. When the feet become inflamed, they can feel hot and uncomfortable. The skin of the feet may feel as though it is tingling and burning, and if not promptly treated, some infections may spread up the leg.
Blisters and cuts that become infected may cause burning feet. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, can also cause pain and discomfort.
Other Causes of Burning Feet
Other possible causes of burning feet include:
Inflammatory Arthritis: Sometimes, arthritic pain can cause a burning sensation in the affected joints. This from excess inflammation buildup, is most often seen with inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. Treating the underlying arthritis can ease or make the burning sensation go away.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is your skin’s allergic reaction to a certain chemical or substance. It is associated with an itchy red rash. Sometimes, the rash can also feel like it's burning. Contact dermatitis is caused by allergens and skin irritants. Often, identifying and removing the allergen/irritant can resolve the reaction.
Symptoms of burning feet
The symptoms you experience will depend on the cause of your condition. Some common complaints include:
Feet that feel warm or hot.
A burning sensation in the feet.
Burning feet at night.
Numbness or loss of sensation.
Prickling or tingling sensation.
Increased sensation to the touch (hyperesthesia).
Impaired blood flow to the feet.
Swelling.
Itching.
Difficulty walking.
How are burning feet diagnosed?
Depending on your overall health, your health care provider may use a few different methods to determine the cause of your burning feet. If you have been previously diagnosed with diabetes, this is the likely cause of your neuropathy, and no further testing will often be required. However, if diabetes isn't the culprit, your doctor may order a blood test, a nerve biopsy, a nerve conduction study, or an electromyography test. These tests will help determine the exact cause of your hot feet and allow your doctor to provide you with the best treatment solution.
Treatment for burning feet
The treatment for your burning feet will depend on what's causing it in the first place. If your hot feet are the result of an infection, treating the infection should eliminate all symptoms. If you are suffering from a vitamin deficiency, such as a lack of B12, taking supplements of this nutrient will help. If you have neuropathy, the best option is to slow down any further progression of the disease and help minimize the severity of the symptoms.
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable and ensuring you take all prescribed diabetic medications will help keep your nerve fibers healthy. Minimizing alcohol consumption and following a healthy and nutritious diet can also help. On top of this, numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce your discomfort, help you manage your pain, and improve the quality of your life.
