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
Photo by pch.vector from FreePik
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.
Photo by brgfx from FreePik
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.
Image by storyset on FreePik
January 19, 2023
Do you have an irresistible urge to move your legs while trying to relax? If this sounds like you, you may suffer from restless leg syndrome.
There are countless leg conditions out there, some directly related to the vast array of foot conditions we treat at Feet First Clinic. However, many people do not even recognize restless leg syndrome as an issue. For instance, if you're someone with a lot of natural energy and pep, you may think your jittery legs are normal. But unbeknownst to you, your restless legs result from a neurological disorder affecting roughly 5% of the general population and 10% of people over 65 years old.
Today's article will address everything you need to know about restless leg syndrome, including:
What is restless leg syndrome?
Symptoms of restless leg syndrome
Causes of restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome treatment
Home remedies for restless leg syndrome
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome(RLS) is a neurological sleep disorder that causes an unpleasant sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable desire to move them. Symptoms typically arise when people are at rest, such as while watching a movie, sitting at a desk or trying to fall asleep at night. Furthermore, moving the legs can provide temporary relief, but RLS symptoms will appear again when you fall back into a sedentary position.
RLS is also called Willis-Ekbom Disease.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
The primary symptom of RLS is, of course, a nagging desire to move your legs.
Usually, we encourage high energy levels and love when people want to move their limbs and be active. However, while exercising is excellent for fighting foot pain and getting into shape, this fidgety, uncontrollable feeling can be distressing when trying to relax. In other words, it's important to understand that RLS is a serious problem that shouldn't be diminished, and it's critical to differentiate between RLS and being physically energetic.
To gain a better understanding of whether or not you may have RLS, you can look out for the following symptoms:
An unpleasant feeling in the legs. RLS patients have described the feeling in numerous ways, from a "crawling" sensation to electric pulsing. Other ways to describe the sensation include aching, itching, throbbing, pulling and "creeping."
An inability to settle into a sedentary position. RLS sensations kick in when you're trying to relax or are in a place where you can't move for a while. You may be seated on an airplane for hours or simply trying to fall asleep in bed after a long day. Moreover, you'll notice the symptoms subside when you start to move again.
Daytime drowsiness and a lack of sleep. RLS can be a significant contributor to insomnia and is technically a sleep disorder, so it's essential to seek medical attention when you notice an impact on your sleep schedule.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
There are no known causes of most cases of RLS. That said, scientific evidence suggests the following risk factors may play a role in RLS development:
RLS is slightly more common in seniors, likely because diabetic neuropathy, end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis are known risk factors.
Specific medications can make RLS symptoms worse. Some examples include antihistamines, anti-nausea and anti-emetic drugs, antidepressant medications and antipsychotic medications.
An iron deficiency can contribute to RLS.
Genetics can play a role in RLS development. Between 40-90 percent of affected individuals have at least one first-degree relative with RLS, like a parent or sibling.
For unknown reasons, women are more likely to experience RLS than men.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment
It may seem like nothing will help your restless legs. Since the symptoms are quite strange, it may feel like you simply have to put up with them. But rest assured, there are ways you can make your life much more comfortable while dealing with RLS:
Compression stockings: Compression wear is known to help with aches and alleviate sedentary symptoms, so it may be beneficial for those with RLS. More specifically, the National Library of Medicine notes that when light pressure is applied to the limbs, it can act as a counter-stimuli to the uncomfortable feeling RLS causes. The feeling of pressure essentially overpowers the other sensations.
Massage therapy: Registered massage therapy may prompt dopamine release in the body. It can also alleviate tension in the skin and muscles.
Medications: Dopamine-related medications, iron supplements, benzodiazepines (and other sleep-inducing drugs), and alpha-2 delta drugs (calcium channel blockers) may be prescribed by your family doctor.
Benefits of Compression Stockings from Sigvaris Group
Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome
Sometimes, your RLS symptoms will bother you before you can see your family doctor or get a compression stocking fitting with a chiropodist. If you're waiting around for treatment and becoming progressively more uncomfortable, these at-home remedies may help:
Hot baths: The warm temperature of bath water can "distract" your muscles when RLS sensations arise.
Restricting caffeine and alcohol: Stimulants and depressants can hurt your sleep. However, if you suffer from severe RLS, restricting caffeine may not do much, but it can be helpful in mild cases. Likewise, alcohol can make you sleepy, but it also tends to wake people up in the middle of the night.
Ice packs: Cold compresses can "distract" your muscles like hot water can.
Exercises: Foot and leg stretches, specifically flexing the ankles and performing toe circles, can help provide relief. That said, sudden vigorous exercise isn't always recommended for people with RLS. Instead, you should ease into moderate routines.
Magnesium and Calcium: These supplements may decrease muscle spasms. For the best results, take them before bed.
Valerian and Passionflower: These herbs may relax your muscles and trigger sleep.
January 3, 2023
The top of your foot is one of the most common areas to experience everyday foot pain. The muscles and tendons within the top side of your foot play a critical part in how you move. The top of the foot can be easily overworked and damaged, leading to various foot conditions.
Some symptoms and top-of-foot conditions are short-lived. Other top-of-foot symptoms can signal an underlying condition elsewhere in your foot or leg.
This article teaches about five potential causes (and solutions) for top-of-foot pain.
Cause 1: Foot Sprain
A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments in your foot stretch beyond their limit and become damaged. Foot sprains can vary in location. An ankle sprain is likely to be more of a forefoot sprain. A midfoot sprain is more likely to affect the front half of your foot.
Cause: Acute trauma causes foot sprain. Acute trauma refers to a one-time impact of an incident where you put your foot in an awkward or uncomfortable position. Your tendons are stretched beyond their limit and lose some elasticity. Your tendons may develop micro tears or more serious strains. More severe forms of acute trauma can result in a stress fracture or a hairline break of the bone.
Solution: Foot sprains require rest and recovery to heal. Rest allows your tendons to repair themselves and regain their elasticity. Ice and elevating your legs above your body can help promote healing and may quicken the recovery process. If the injury persists, or you have difficulty moving, you should visit your family doctor.
Taping can also act as an additional support system. A chiropodist can skillfully tape your feet. Taping works by providing additional support and "locking" your feet to avoid re-aggravating the injury.
Cause 2: Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the foot can cause top-of-foot pain. Damage to the tendons is known as tendonitis.
Cause: Extensor tendonitis can cause pain in the top of the foot. The extensor tendons are the tendons that run along the topside of your foot. The tendons help you straighten your feet and lift your toes. The extensor tendons play a critical role when running or walking. Chronic damage through overuse injuries can cause extensor tendonitis. Too much walking or running, or even too much of a weight-intensive activity too soon after any injury can cause extensor tendonitis.
Solution: The best course of action for tendonitis is rest. Specifically, you want to avoid the source activity that causes aggravation. If the pain is intense, you can also take over-the-counter medications and visit your family doctor. They may refer you to a massage or physiotherapist. If the tendonitis persists or is disrupting your mobility, you should visit your family doctor.
Cause 3: Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal skin infection that affects the skin on the feet. Although athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, sounds like it only affects sporty folks, it can affect anyone. Although not life-threatening, it's contagious and can be painful if left untreated.
Cause: A fungus called dermatophytes causes athlete's foot. The fungus inhabits, grows, and survives off the outer layer of the skin. By extension, the fungus can also spread to other parts of the body and people, either directly or indirectly.
You can catch athlete's foot anywhere where fungus thrives. Fungi love warm, moist environments, such as communal showers, locker rooms and the decks around public swimming pools.
Solution: Over-the-counter topical antifungals are the most common remedy for mild cases of athlete's foot in the early stages. However, fungal infections are notoriously persistent and stubborn. If your Athlete's foot persists, you should see a chiropodist, who can treat the skin on your feet and prescribe prescription anti-fungal creams. Our Toronto foot clinic also sells foot deodorants, including an antifungal foot spray, which are great for prevention and supplementing your athlete's foot treatment.
While treating your athlete's foot infection, it's essential to do the following:
Clean your socks and linens with bleach or hot water. The fungus can spread from your feet to these surfaces and re-infect you if not cleaned between uses.
Clean any surfaces that your bare feet come into contact with
Wash your feet once or more a day
Ensure your feet are thoroughly dry after bathing or washing.
Wear flip-flops or shoes in any place where you think you could catch athlete's foot
Cause 4: Bone bruise
Damage to the bone itself can be painful and cause top-of-foot pain. There are varying degrees of bone damage, ranging from bruises to fractures.
Cause: A bone bruise is an acute injury, less severe than a fracture. Bone bruises typically stem from a one-time event that causes damage to the foot. Dropping an object, rolling your ankle, or stubbing your foot on an object can cause damage to the bone itself. You may notice bruising (reddish/blueish) on the skin. When in doubt, an X-ray can determine the severity of a bone bruise.
Solution: Treatment for a bone bruise includes the following:
Rest
Icing
Elevating your leg so it's above your heart (to promote blood flow and reduce swelling)
Taking anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter medications if the pain is intense
Cause 5: Peroneal nerve injury
Nerve damage can cause top-of-foot pain. The general term for nerve damage is known as peripheral neuropathy. When nerves are damaged, signals between your muscles and brain are disrupted, causing numbness, pain, and complete loss of sensation.
Cause: Injury to the peroneal nerve, known as peroneal nerve dysfunction, can cause top-of-foot pain. The peroneal nerve is outside our lower leg and just below the knee.
For example, you may experience temporary numbness in your feet from peroneal nerve compression. Have your legs crossed, and your feet and toes go numb? Peroneal nerve compression causes the numbing and tingling sensation.
There are several symptoms of peroneal nerve dysfunction. Signs can include:
Foot drop
Pain, weakness, or numbness on the top of the foot
Inability to move the toes up and down
Reduced mobility in the foot
Abnormal knee lift to compensate for reduced motor function
Solution: You should visit your family doctor at the first sign of any nerve-related symptoms. They will conduct the necessary diagnostic investigations and refer you to the appropriate doctors. There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for peroneal nerve injury.
Non-invasive treatments include orthotics, which can correct your gait and better distribute pressure within your feet. Additionally, physical therapy and foot-strengthening exercises to fortify the muscles in your feet can help improve mobility. If you have foot drop, an ankle-foot orthotic may be recommended.
You may require surgical treatment for more severe cases, including decompression surgery or nerve repair.
Other causes of top-of-foot pain
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve inside one of the tunnels within your ankle compresses. Specifically, the posterior tibial nerve (within the tarsal tunnel) is compressed from injury, flat feet, or fallen arches.
Bone spurs: Hallux rigidus, or arthritis of the big toe joint can cause bone spurs, which can lead to pain on the top of the foot. The bony outgrowths can put pressure on your foot or toe when wearing shoes and cause pain when lifting your toes due to the deteriorated joint.
Ganglions: Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled bumps on the tendons or joints in the feet. The cyst itself doesn't cause pain, but if large enough, it can add pressure to the nerves in the same vicinity.
December 29, 2022
Dry, cracked heels are a burden that several people suffer with. And as winter progresses and summer feels like a faraway dream, many people are on the look out for the perfect cracked heels remedy.
But first, it's important to learn why cracked heels occur in the first place. Understanding this skin condition is the first step towards successful treatment and pain-free winter adventures!
Today's blog will answer:
What are cracked heels?
What causes cracked heels?
What are some cracked heels remedies?
What Are Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels, sometimes called heel fissures, develop when the bottom of your heels become hard and dry, splitting open the skin. Cracked heels may also stem from having excessive, thick calluses.
As other symptoms progress, like flaking and crusting of the skin, dry cracked heels can become much more than a cosmetic issue. And while they don't often enter serious foot condition territory, deep cracked heels may start bleeding and cause severe pain, making it extremely difficult to move freely.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
You may assume that because you rarely go barefoot, that your heels shouldn't crack. But a variety of outside elements and risk factors can make your heels more vulnerable.
Common Causes of Cracked Heels
Cold weather: The cold temperatures and dry air you experience in winter are a recipe for cracked heel development. Removing your socks from the skin on your heels can feel like velcro, and you may find "foot dandruff" residue on your black socks as well.
Wearing Ill-fitting footwear: The fat pad, or cushioning, under your heel will take on sufficient damage if you stand on your feet for long periods while wearing shoes with very minimal heel support.
Wear flip-flops in the summer: Similarly, this can set you up for a worsening condition when winter rolls around.
Using harsh soaps: This can strip away the skin's natural oil barriers, which can lead to dryness and eventually, cracked heels. The winter months can exacerbate this issue since people want to take long, hot baths more often.
Cracked Heels: Risk Factors
Age: Skin loses natural elasticity with age.
Obesity: Holding extra weight can lead to excessive pressure on the heels.
Having diabetes or a thyroid disorder: When diabetes damages the nerves in the feet, it can cause your feet to produce insufficient sweat, causing dryness. Hypothyroidism can cause a hormonal imbalance, leading to cracked heels.
Cracked Heels Remedies
Now that you know how this pesky condition started, it's time to find the cracked heel remedy that works best for you! Your best bet will be utilizing a combination of the following treatments:
Moisturize
Without moisturizing your feet, you won't be able to fully solved your cracked heels issue.
Use products (oil-based balms and foot creams) with skin softening agents (urea is one of the most common), as these can boost the skin's natural moisture production and rid your feet of dead skin. For the best results, moisturize your feet twice a day, after showering or bathing.
Check out this blog for more details on the best products for moisturizing your heels!
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes a little goes a long way, and the perfect cracked heels remedy includes making changes.
Try a complete footwear overhaul, which includes ditching shoes with little to no heel support and investing in supportive footwear. You can also try over-the-counter insoles that provide extra heel support.
You should also exfoliate your feet and buff them with a foot file. However, make sure you do this as part of a routine and not just to rid yourself of current cracked heels.
And lastly, switch from harsh, scented soaps to gentle, relatively scent-free products and assess what products you may be allergic.
See Your Chiropodist
Your trusted foot specialist can not only remove calluses on the feet, but they have extensive knowledge on foot care products and which ones would be best for you. Your chiropodist can also work to offload pressure on your heels, allowing the cracked to heal and close.
December 22, 2022
Holiday travel can be an exhausting and inconvenient experience, no matter how excited you are. There is often little time to rest. Standing, walking, and waiting for hours at the airport can also do a number on your feet. Moreover, the Canadian winter weather can surprise you and leave you without the right footwear. That's why bringing the right travel shoes for your plans is critical.
Now, you don't have to jam-pack your luggage with five pairs of travel shoes. That is just another inconvenience, especially for those who want to avoid checking bags at the airport. But you should assess your winter activities and double-check the weather forecast before selecting a couple of shoe types for your travel bag. And if you invest in some of the shoes in today's blog, your feet will thank you!
The Best Travel Shoes 2022
The all-purpose boot
The snow boot
The running and walking shoe
The dressy shoe
The hiker
All-Purpose Boot: Portofino ID1673 or Portofino MS-105
Everyone needs an all-purpose boot to get from point A to point B, especially during the holidays when your travel time includes a dusting of snow. The depth of snow can soak your feet and make the sidewalks slippery, putting you at risk of a fall.
While searching for winter boot travel shoes, you should opt for a brand that offers not only foot support, but also insulation, a solid grip, and waterproofing features.
That's where Portofino comes into the picture! They make orthopeadic boots, a feature rarely found in winter footwear that can help with countless foot conditions. Their unisex black boot (ID 1673 on their website) is perfect for a mild snowfall and is lined with genuine sherpa wool that keeps you cozy and warm. They're also waterproof, and the rubber outsole allows for a slip-free walk during the holidays. Moreover, you can remove the footbed if you need to insert custom orthotics or insoles to walk without foot pain.
The MS-105 boot from Portofino is another solid all-purpose option, with the main difference being the outside is made with suede, and there are just laces and no zippers.
Portofino ID 1673
The Snow Boot: Sorel Tivoli Parc Boot
Snow boots differ from all-purpose winter boots, so you may need to alter your travel shoes depending on where you're heading for the holidays.
Essentially, a snow boot should take the insulation and waterproofing features of an everyday boot to the next level. And a boot that can handle deep snow is crucial for any Canadian. Furthermore, some provinces encounter much heavier snow than others. So if you're travelling from the west coast to the east, you should prepare for inconvenient weather. A supportive, warm and protective snow boot is also great for doing some last-minute Christmas shopping on a particularly cold day.
Sorel is known for its winter footwear, and the Tivoli Parc Boot, with its 200g insulation, is great for cold temperatures that dip as low as -40. The shearling collar and microfleece lining also work together to warm your feet. The moulded rubber outsole keeps you safe from sudden slips, and this boot also features a removable footbed for custom insole accommodation. And lastly, the entirety of the boot's upper (sans the laces) is waterproof, so you can walk easily and confidently, knowing the elements won't slow you down.
Mephisto Tivoli Parc Boot
The Running and Walking Shoe: ASICS Gel-Cumulus GTX or GT-2000 GTX
Did you know that you can still go for runs during the wintertime?
That means you can take your fitness goals with you during the holiday season if you bring the right travel shoes. You should assess your comfort level and conditions, but wet sidewalks and trails with compacted, dense snow are usually no trouble!
You should look no further than ASICS for a smooth December running session. If you need a stability or a neutral shoe, you can opt for the Gel-Cumulus for GT-2000 GTX. The GT-2000 GTX is designed for overpronation (low arches and flat feet), and the Gel-Cumulus GTX is designed for neutral gaits and underpronation (high arches). If you aren't sure what type you need, you can read more about shoe stability here!
Both shoes are lined with GORE-TEX fabric to keep your feet dry, letting you stay active as long as you'd like. Other notable features include the engineered mesh upper, lightweight cushioning and reflective accents that keep you visible when it's dark outside. ASICS is also always upgrading and fine-tuning its GEL technology, which makes you feel like you're walking (or running) on a cloud.
The GT-2000 GTX is similar to the Cumulus but includes LITETRUSS™ technology to improve medial support for stability.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus GTX
The Dressy Shoe: Ara Maggie
Sometimes, travel shoes need to be stylish. And while Ara's highly-cushioned waterproof pump may not be the best for snowfall, it's a solid choice for a short journey to a holiday party.
Like your ASICS running shoes, the Maggie is made with GORE-TEX membrane, which guarantees dry feet. It also comes with a removable footbed for easy insole insertion. Ara's Maggie is also made with a stretchy fabric, so it's easy to wear with thick fleece tights or leggings.
Ara Maggie
The Hiker: Mephisto Allrounder Nigata-Tex
Winter hikes are underrated, and snow lovers should bring hiking boots for the holidays!
Mephisto's Nigata-Tex is great for trudging along the winter trails. That's likely why they claim this boot is great for "rising to everyday challenges." More specifically, it combines the lightweight feel of an ankle boot with the protection and innovation of your winter boots.
The ALLRO-TEX technology ensures breathability, which keeps your feet healthy during strenuous activity. The shock absorber in the outsole protects your feet by reducing the harsh impact often felt on hiking trips. Most importantly, they have one of the best grips out of all the shoes in today's blog. This is especially crucial for the unpredictable nature of trails.
Mephisto Nigata Tex
December 19, 2022
Christmas and the holidays are naturally stressful as we hunt for the perfect gifts. But it's important to take a moment to reflect on what gifts are the most meaningful rather than the most expensive or luxurious. One example of a loved one we may struggle to shop for is our grandma. But finding the perfect stocking stuffers for grandma may not be as challenging as you think!
Shopping for health and wellness gifts is a great angle to take. Seniors are more prone to suffering from foot conditions than we are, and many products that help alleviate these problems are affordable and perfect for stockings.
Let's take a look at some of our top picks!
Stocking Stuffers For Grandma
Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality
Foot File
Medilogics Massage Ball
Sigvaris Compression Stockings
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Misc Gehwol Products
Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels!
Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality
Price: $27
The perfect gift for grandma can be something that helps her with mobility. Joint problems and muscle weakness are quite common in elderly people and can lead to instability, difficulty standing up after sitting, and even falls. So why not enhance her Christmas stocking this year with a multi-beneficial leg product?
Now, this trusty balm won't eliminate mobility problems --- it takes a lot of attentive care, exercises, and visits with healthcare professionals to improve mobility. However, gently massaging Gehwol's Leg Vitality does produce a soothing effect for tired, achy muscles.
The ingredients are scientifically proven to positively affect the circulation and vascular system. Gehwol's Leg Vitality also prevents skin irritation, tightens the skin, and prevents dry, scaly dead skin. These benefits can be extremely valuable for people who have difficulty moving since discomfort can lead to skin care neglect.
Foot File
Price: $8 (2 for $14)
One of the best gift ideas for grandma is a foot file. This pedicure tool scrapes the dead skin off the bottom of the feet. As a result, happy foot filers enjoy fewer calluses and cracked heels and a lower chance of developing a fungal infection.
But a lesser-known benefit of using a foot file is the boost in blood circulation, which can help relax your feet and prep them for a day of walking.
Now, you may be wondering why this is a good Christmas gift for grandma versus someone else. To answer that, studies show that seniors are more at risk of developing plantar keratosis, also known as a "painful, discrete, and focused callus" resulting from dead skin buildup. Aging also leads to the reduction of natural collagen production, which can result in even more dead skin and calluses. A good foot file can help with all of that!
At Feet First Clinic, we have quality double-sided foot files available. Use the coarse side to exfoliate, and the other side to smooth and soften the skin. They also come with a free GEHWOL foot scrub to use with the foot file.
Medilogics Massage Ball
Price: $11
This year, grandma can stimulate blood circulation and soothe her sore muscles with a therapeutic massage ball. This gift is meaningful since countless older adults suffer from bottom of the foot pain.
More specifically, elderly people are more at risk of succumbing to stress fractures, poor circulation, gout (typically in the big toe but it can target the heel), and plantar fasciitis, so comforting and strengthening all of the foot muscles is important.
The textured surface of this massage ball helps it stand apart from other therapeutic balls or the standard tennis balls some use for foot pain exercises.
Sigvaris Compression Stockings
Price Range: $60-190
Fashionable, discrete, and snug compression stockings from Sigvaris can help make daily life easier for seniors. They help preserve health in older adults by preventing fluid buildup and blood clots and improving circulation. Medium-pressure (20 to 30 mmHg) stockings are generally sufficient for seniors experiencing mild swelling and aching legs and feet.
The only issue with choosing compression stockings for Christmas gifts is that you need to arrange a fitting for your grandma, so the surprise element isn't there. However, gifts aren't all about the surprise. When a present is meaningful and used daily, it can be much more valuable than other gifts.
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Price: $15
This heel care cream is all your grandma needs to get through the bitterly cold winters.
Cracked heels can be more common in older adults as the skin around the rim of the heel dries out and thickens. As the fat pad under the heel bears a lot of pressure throughout one's lifetime, it only makes sense for cracked heels to develop if seniors don't take proper precautions. Furthermore, seniors are more prone to dry skin due to water loss in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), causing cracking, itching, and bleeding.
But Dermal Therapy Heel Care can be a lifesaver of a Christmas gift. The ingredients (such as urea and silk amino acids) actively hydrate the skin by imitating the body's natural moisturizing system. It also works as an exfoliant, replacing the dead, old skin with new skin. Lastly, it can restore skin tone in the feet and provide a silky, smooth feel.
Miscellaneous Products From Gehwol
Price Range: Roughly $18-30
When pondering stocking stuffers, it's important to shine a light on all products from Gehwol. They continue to master the art of combining natural ingredients and medicinal properties to create multipurpose foot care products.
The following products are perfect as stocking stuffers and are all available at Feet First Clinic:
Gehwol's Foot Bath
Gehwol's Lipidro Cream
Gehwol's Med Express Foam
Gehwol's Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream
Gehwol's Fusskraft Herbal Foot Bath
Gehwol's Foot and Shoe Deodorant
Gehwol's Med Lipidro Cream
Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin
Gehwol's Extra Universal Foot Cream
