Three Reasons Why Your Feet Hurt

Walking is known to be the most effective, and accessible ways to exercise. However, it is only so if you are not dealing with any foot pain. Almost, 80% of women are diagnosed with some kind of foot problem in their lifetime, which means that for a huge demographic, going out to take a walk can be a lot less tempting.

Plantar Fasciitis:

The most common foot problem is plantar fasciitis. It causes painful tissue inflammation running along the foot’s bottom. You will not find plantar fasciitis in little children or older people because they are seldom doing any activities that may contribute to it. However, if you are in the age bracket of 40- to 65-years, you are likely to experience heel pain, particularly if you are carrying extra pounds.

The fix: Make sure to stretch and massage your calves and feet. Not only does it help in relieving inflammation by encouraging a fresh supply of oxygenated blood, but stretching and massaging may also lengthen the muscles, helping them flex more freely.

Hammertoes and Bunions:

These are painful deformities of the small toes and great toe. The joints become painful when shoes start to rub against them and cause swelling, inflammation, and redness. With bunion, a painful, firm bump develops at the bottom of the big toe, causing the toe to turn diagonally towards the other toe. Hammertoes occur when one of the muscles of the toe becomes weak and, because of this, put a lot of pressure on the joints and tendons in one or more toes, making the toe to stick up from the joint.

The fix: Make sure to choose the right shoes. For preventing hammertoes and bunions, make sure you are wearing shoes that have a wider toe box. There has to be half-inch of space between the longest toe tip and the shoe’s end. Make sure the shoe is not causing too much pressure on the toes and feet.

Calluses:

While a lot of us think of calluses as unsightly, these are pressure spots that can get painful when walking. Basically, they are the body's way of preventing any blisters from emerging. However, this does not help if the calluses - normally on the foot’s ball, heel, or the top of hammertoes or bunions - keep you from walking.

The fix: To treat calluses, immerse your feet in warm water and then massage with a moisturizing lotion containing lactic acid, glycolic acid, or urea. These ingredients help to soften skin and reduce callus. In case the callus is especially painful or large, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or podiatrist who can get rid of it with a surgical blade.

If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned foot problem make sure to talk to your doctor and get the treatment you need. 

Ways to deal with Cuticle Problems

Apart from an occasional pedicure or manicure, you may not consider your nails or cuticles much. Although, they may seem like they do not have any functionality, but you will be surprised. Without your cuticles you will constantly be at risk of infections around the fingernails. Therefore, it is so important to keep them from damaging!

1. Do not cut your cuticles

Dermatologists suggest there is no reason to cut cuticles. Cutting cuticles can open the door to irritation or infection. By cutting your cuticle, you open up that space, and anything can grow in it.

2. Moisturize

Cuticles tend to get dry. They peel, crack, and flake, like the rest of the skin does. A good moisturizer is important, to keep the dry skin hydrated. Make sure you rub a moisturizer into the cuticles every day. Most experts suggest using thick moisturizers, such as creams or ointments, before going to bed at night. Lotions can be applied throughout the day.

Some salons also offer hot wax treatment, which is another great way of keeping the cuticles moisturized. A special oily wax is heated and people dip their toes or fingers into the wax, then they put on plastic gloves or mitts to seal in the heat leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Avoid rough manicures or pedicures

A lot of people have to see doctors when they develop a sore or red spots around their cuticles or nails caused by an infection known as paronychia. This normally happens when people get rough manicures or pedicures with over-vigorous manipulation leading to redness and soreness. Antibiotics become necessary.

When going in for a pedicure or manicure make sure you tell the expert that you only want the cuticles pushed back gently, nothing else.

4. Avoid using drying agents

The nails, hands, and cuticles may dry out from dish washing, or by using nail polish removers. Therefore, experts suggest wearing gloves when washing utensils. They also recommend using a nail polish remover which is acetone-free.

Whether you wash clothes or dishes, it is important that you moisturize your hands and wear vinyl gloves before starting the chore. Having gloves helps in keeping the nail plate and cuticles moisturized.

How you should be treating your cuticles depends on the kind of repair they actually need -- and that normally depends on how the problem started in the first place. In case you've been biting your nails or have peeled off a hang nail, handling the issue may only involve pouring some hydrogen peroxide on the affected area, cleaning it thoroughly and then putting on a bandage. However, if you’ve developed an infection, treating the problem may not be as simple and may require expert help.

Useful ways to cure Foot Fungus

Do you have an incessant urge to scratch in-between your toes? Does your skin feel cracked and smelly? Well, all these signs are an indication of acute foot fungus. Do not wait till the problem goes out of hand and requires surgical treatment. Here are some tips to help you through the painful and irritating state.

1. Keep the toes dry:  Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for fungus. It is best to begin by keeping your toes dry. It is very common for sweat to accumulate in these small spaces. Keep the problem at bay by cleaning the feet well with soapy water. Use facial tissues for cleaning tiny spaces in-between the feet, when travelling.
2. Get rid of old shoes: You may have that one pair of shoes that have been with you since high school. Even if the pair gets you a lot of compliments, it is time for them to go. Old shoes are a big reason for foot fungus and itchy toes.
3. T-bar: An important tip that can help your feet is to avoid wearing shoes that are closed during humid climates. Make sure your feet are breathing, to avoid itching. A great alternative is wearing T-Bar sandals.
4. Use vinegar: Do not restrict vinegar to the kitchen. Vinegar also works well in the world of beauty. The acidic properties of this liquid help in getting rid of fungus and infection. Make a mix of 2 parts water and one part vinegar and soak your feet in. Your feet will feel relaxed after the pedicure.
5. Embracing garlic: Another home remedy that battles foot fungus is garlic. Crush a few garlic cloves; add it in olive oil and apply to your feet and leave it for 30 minutes. It has an anti-bacterial property that puts the itch at ease. Follow the routine thrice a week and say goodbye to the foot fungus on your feet.
6. Orange oil or tea tree rub: Tea tree oil is known to be a natural disinfectant, possessing an anti-bacterial and fungicidal property that makes it very popular in toenail fungus treatments. Apart from this, orange oil has also become popular in getting rid of fungus. However, make sure you dilute the oil before using it on your feet.
7. Sprinkle organic corn starch on your feet before putting on socks. The corn starch will help in soaking up all the moisture.

If the problem area is your nail then make sure you clip as much of the affected nail as possible. Also, make sure you disinfect the clippers after use to prevent the infection from spreading. Wash your feet with warm water, and dry them thoroughly.

How to keep your feet looking young as you age?

While some changes in our feet are a painless and natural part of aging, others can be painful. Here is how to spot what is normal and what's abnormal so that you can keep your feet looking and feeling young.

Normal Changes

1. Your feet get longer and wider. It is believed that 90% of women wear tight shoes because of which 80% develop foot problems. Make sure you get both your feet measured on a regular basis, and buy shoes that fit the foot that is larger.
2. Thinning of the protective fat pads on the heels and balls. It is important to wear well-cushioned insoles or shoes to protect the fat pads on balls or heels from thinning.
3. Ankles losing some motion and become stiff. Stretch your heel cord several times by standing on a curb and dropping the heel off. Apart from this, rotate your feet while sitting to exercise your ankle joints.
4. Loosing balance. Make sure you do balance training. Stand on one foot for about 60 seconds several times during the day.

Changes that are abnormal

Speak to a qualified specialist if you are suffering from any of the problems mentioned below:

1. Hammertoes
2. Bunions
3. Mallet toes
4. Calluses
5. Overlapping toes
6. Corns
7. Arthritis

Make sure you wear shoes that are created out of soft leather. Apart from this, they should be cushioned and low heeled, with a wide toe box. You can also utilize over-the-counter products that offer support and cushioning such as orthotic pads, and splints. Orthotics can also help in preventing conditions such as corns and bunions from getting worse. If you still don't get any relief within six to eight weeks, consult a specialist. They may supply you with a custom-made orthotic or may suggest surgery.

Beauty regimes to keep your feet beautiful:

1. Hydrate: make sure you restore your skin’s softness by applying foot cream right after bathing, while your skin is still a little wet. Also, for maximum effect, look for a cream that contains exfoliators like lactic acid to enhance penetration of hydrators such as glycerin.
2. File and clip: toenails start to get harder and thicker as we age due to constant pressure. It is important to clip and file your toe nails correctly. Also, apply petrolatum jelly on nails at night to keep them softer.
3. Exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or a foot file in the shower to get rid of dead cells. However, avoid sloughing overzealously (calluses help in protecting feet, so do not file them down completely). It is also a good idea to avoid razors as they can cut skin and cause infection.

Just a little effort and you can enjoy beautiful feet your whole life!

Home Remedies for Sprained Ankles

When you have an overstretched or torn muscle, you are probably suffering from a sprain. The problem occurs when your joint twists, injuring your ligaments. Ankle sprains are caused by walking or running on bumpy grounds, lifting heavy weights, wearing high-heel shoes, and due to accidents. Some of the symptoms may include swelling, pain, restricted motion and bruising.

Sprains can range from mild to severe. While acute sprains require medical attention, you can easily treat a mild ankle sprain at home with these home remedies.

1. Ice

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Ice helps the torn ligament from bleeding. However, do not apply ice over the affected area for the first 2-3 days after the injury.

Directions:

Take an ice pack or wrap about 5-6 cubes in a towel. Gently apply the cold compress to the affected area for fifteen to twenty minutes. Make sure you repeat the process every two hours.

2. Compression

To stop swelling, make sure you bandage the sprained ankle right after injury. Compression can help control pain and prevent further injury. You can use tape, elastic, special boots or bandages to apply compression.

Directions:

1. Buy a crepe or an elastic bandage from a pharmacy.
2. Wrap the bandage from your toes to the mid-calf by applying even pressure.
3. Wear the bandage during the day till the time swelling decreases.
4. Remove the dressing at night before retiring to bed.
5. Also, take off the bandage straight away if the area turns blue or starts feeling numb.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent pain reliever. Also, because it is anti-spasmodic, turmeric eases the tissues, muscles and joints and helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Directions:

Take two tablespoons of turmeric, a little water, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Make a thick paste. Apply the thick paste to the sprain and wrap it using a bandage. Leave it on for at least ten hours. Repeat again for a week.

4. Epsom Salt

A popular home remedy to treat sprains is Epsom salt. The crystals are extremely effective in soothing muscles and calming nerves. Epsom salt can easily be purchased at most pharmacies.

Directions:

1. Take a cup of Epsom salt and pour it in warm water. Stir it with your hand to help it dissolve in the water.
2. Soak the ankle in the water for 30 minutes.
3. Perform this routine daily for four days.

Home remedies are one of the best ways to treat mild ankle injuries. However, if you feel your injury is severe, make sure you visit a specialist to get the problem treated.

Signs your child is suffering from a foot problem

Ankle and foot problems tend to go unnoticed. Symptoms and signs can be delicate, and sometimes kids have a hard time explaining what’s wrong. However, it is very important to protect a child’s growing feet and have any issues checked at the earliest.

Here are some warning signs that your child is suffering from a foot problem.

1. Your child has a hard time keeping up with fellow peers

If the child lags behind in backyard play or sports, it may be due to their legs or feet. Fatigue is a very common problem when kids have flat feet. Leg and feet muscles tire easily since the feet are not working as well as they normally should. 

2. The child withdraws voluntarily from activities they normally enjoy

If the child is reluctant in participating, it could be because of heel pain — an issue often seen in kids between the ages of eight and fourteen. Recurring stress from sports can cause the leg/foot muscle to strain and inflame the growth plate, an area which is weak during younger age.

 3. They are reluctant in showing you their feet

Children may notice some change in their feet or nails but may not tell their parents to avoid a trip to the doctor’s office. It is always a good idea to inspect your child’s feet from a young age. Search for any changes such as growths, calluses, redness, skin discoloration, and swelling around the child’s toenails.

4. Your child falls and trips too often

Repeated clumsiness can be due to balance problems, in-toeing, or neuromuscular problems.

5. The child is complaining about pain

Foot pain in children is never normal. Sometimes injuries look minor, but if swelling or pain lasts for more than some days, make sure you get the child’s foot examined by a professional.

While no parent can avoid injuries in children completely, one can take preventative measures such as:

1. Buying sport-specific gears and shoes to ensure maximum stability, comfort, performance and support
2. Make sure that every pair of skates or shoes fit correctly. A lot of parents make the mistake of not paying attention to the proper fitting of the shoe.   
3. See your Podiatrist/ Chiropodist for regular analysis.

If your child is showing any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above, promptly get them examined by an ankle and foot surgeon for proper treatment and diagnosis. It is also advised to give your children a balanced diet that offers their body the nutrition it needs to build strength and repair damage more quickly. You can learn more about foot problems in children by browsing through this topic over the web.

Common foot problems faced by children

It is not normal for a child to feel pain in their ankle or foot. “Growing pains” are a myth. In fact, any pain that lasts longer than a couple of days, or is strong enough to restrict the child’s walking, needs to be treated by an ankle and foot surgeon.

Here are some common foot problems faced by children:

1. Flatfoot – there are no symptoms of flat feet. However, at times the child may have problem participating in physical sports or activities, or appear to run or walk uncomfortably. Some children complain of cramping or pain in their legs, feet, or knees. Any difficulty or pain with the feet of a child must be evaluated immediately.
2. Sever's disease – this is an extremely painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It normally affects children within the age bracket of eight and fourteen, because the heel bone is still developing till age fourteen. Due to too much repetitive pressure on the growth plate, tenderness begins to develop.
3. Ingrown toenails - Tight socks or shoes, or improper nail trimming are the most prevalent causes of ingrown toenails. Although the tendency for toe nails to curve inwardly can also be ascribed to genes. If the toe nail starts to break the skin, it can cause severe infections. It is advised never to dig the child’s nail out immaturely at home; getting it treated by a qualified doctor is the best idea.
4. Plantar wart- Warts can easily develop at any area of the foot, but normally they appear at the bottom of the foot. These warts, which can be caused due to human papilloma virus are more common on adolescents and children. Planter warts grow deep inside the skin, and can make standing or walking very painful.

Some precautions to take:

Here are a few precautions that you must take to ensure your child enjoys good health:

Choosing the right shoes:

When children are less than five years of age, their feet grow very quickly, and it's extremely important that their bones develop straight. The bones at the time of birth are very soft. If they are restricted by tight socks or shoes, they can't grow properly. Therefore, it is really important that socks and shoes are the correct size.

Shoes with buckle, laces, or a Velcro are a good option as they help in holding the heel in place and stopping from damaging the toes. 

Care for foot and nails:

After you have washed the child’s feet, make sure you dry them well, especially in between the toes. Also, when cutting their nails, cut across straight to avoid the possibility of ingrown toenails.

As children grow, some of the conditions mentioned above correct themselves without requiring treatment. However, others may become severe if not treated on time. It is best to see a professional to make sure your child’s growth remains healthy.

Understanding Hammer toes: Cause, Prevention, Treatment

Hammer toe is a deformity of the foot in which the toe ends, or toes, curl down like a claw. The disorder can be present at birth or may develop because of wearing poorly fitted shoes. Treatment of hammer toe depends on how severe the deformity is. This blog covers the cause, prevention and treatment of hammer toes.

Cause:

Toe muscles work in pairs and when they get out of balance, hammertoe may form. Imbalance of muscles puts pressure on the joints and tendons of the toe. This pressure tends to force the toe into a shape of a hammerhead.

What is the reason behind a toe muscle getting out of balance? 

• Genes: a person suffering from a hammertoe may have inherited a tendency to develop this problem because their feet are unstable -- they may have a high arch or are flat.
• Arthritis
• Toe injury: ill fitted shoes can be a big reason. In case shoes are too short, too tight, or too pointy, they tend to push the toes. High-heeled, pointy shoes put severe pressure on a person’s toes.

How do I know if I have hammertoes?

Symptoms:

A toe that is stuck in a "V" position (upside down) is normally a hammertoe. Some of the symptoms of a hammertoe are:

1. Putting on shoes hurts the bent toe.
2. The toe joint takes a red color and swells.
3. It's tough to move the toe joint.

A detailed medical exam can easily tell if you suffer from a hammertoe. Normally, an X-ray is a big part of this exam to check the extent of deformity. A hammertoe occurs when there is an imbalance in the ligament or the muscle around the toe joint causing the middle toe joint to curve.

One of the most common complaints with hammertoes is irritation and rubbing on the very top of the bent toe.

Treatments for Hammertoes:

You should seek expert advice if you suffer from a hammertoe. Meanwhile, there are also steps that you can take to get rid of the pain and discomfort:

1. Only wear shoes that are broad and high across the toes. There must be a minimum of one-half inch space between the tip of the shoe and the longest toe.
2. Avoid wearing heels higher than two inches.
3. Wear the right shoes for the activity you are about to do.
4. You can also purchase non-medicated hammertoe pads. These pads help relieve pressure by fitting around the top of the toe joint. Some come with a gel lining that can help prevent irritation of the toe.
5. Massaging the toe gently may also help in relieving pain.
6. Place ice packs on the affected area to reduce swelling.

Drugs that decrease inflammation can ease the swelling and pain. Sometimes, an expert will use cortisone injections to help relieve acute pain.

A qualified medical provider like a podiatrist may also customize an insert to wear within the shoe. This can help in decreasing pain and keeping the hammertoe from getting any worse. It is best to speak to a professional if you suffer from a hammertoe to find relief from the problem as soon as possible.

Fungal Nail infection: How does it occur?

A fungal nail infection starts to develop when fungus starts attacking the toenail, fingernail, or the nail bed. Fungi can attack the nails through tiny cuts within the skin or through the openings between the nail bed and nail.

If you have a healthy body, the infection will not cause any serious problems. However, it may hurt, look bad, or damage your nail bed. A nail infection may lead to serious health problems if you have a weak immune system or suffer from diabetes. Molds, yeasts, and different types of fungi can create fungal nail infections. Most can be caused by the same kind of fungus that leads to athlete's foot. Speak with an expert about the best way of treating the problem.

Symptoms:

Fungi grows best in moist, warm places, and they are also infectious. You can get a fungal infection by walking barefoot in public pools, showers or even by sharing items, such as nail clippers and towels. If you suffer from athlete's foot, the infection may also spread from the skin to the nails.

Nails that get fungal infection may:

1. Get thicker.
2. Start to turn white or yellow.
3. Split or crumble.
4. Separate from the skin.

Fungal nail infection can make it extremely painful and uncomfortable to walk, wear shoes, or stand for a very long time. The problem may also extend to other nails. Over the period, the infection can create permanent damage to the nail.

How to control the infection?

The diagnosis of a fungal nail infection is done by looking at the nail, analyzing the patient’s past health and symptoms, and performing tests to look for any fungi.

If you’ve decided to treat a nail infection, you must start with using an antifungal medicine that generally comes in the form of a lotion, cream, or nail polish. If the infection has become severe the doctor may also prescribe stronger medication. You may have to apply or consume this medicine for some weeks or as prescribed by the expert. 

Antifungal pills offer the best chance to cure a serious fungal infection. However, they may be costly and have side effects. It is important to get in touch with your doctor for testing if you start to take these pills.

Fungal infections have a tendency to come back. Hence, it is important to take extra care to prevent this.

1. Wash and dry the feet before going to bed.
2. Make sure you wear roomy shoes or sandals that allow moisture to seep out.
3. Wear socks
4. Do not share clippers or nail files, socks, and other such items.
5. Wear shower sandals or flip-flops in wet public areas.

Remember, a few steps can go a long way in preventing nail infection. Also, if the infection gets strong make sure you visit your doctor to get the problem cured.

Heel, ankle and Rear foot: When is surgery important?

A lot of conditions that affect the rear portion of the ankle and foot, including the heel, can be treated using conservative methods. However, when pain gets worse or deformity occurs, the only option left is surgery.

When does surgery become a necessity?

Even though conservative treatment can normally address a lot of ankle and heel issues, surgical care may be required to effectively:

• Correct deformity
• Treat chronic pain
• Function restoration of ankle or foot

Heel Surgery

Heel surgery can offer pain relief and help restore mobility in several cases. Some of the most common conditions that can lead to heel surgery include:

1. Heel Spur – a bony development on the underside of your heel bone
2. Plantar Fasciitis – A swelling of a fibrous tissue band in the bottom of your foot
3. Haglund’s Deformity –enlargement of bone at the back of the heel bone
4. Insertional Achilles Spur/ Calcification –calcification or spur formation

There can be several other causes of heel pain, known to be one of the most common problems of the foot.

Among these other causes are:

1. Entrapped nerves
2. Stress fractures
3. Bruises
4. Arthritis
5. Bursitis
6. Improper shoes
7. Obesity
8. Heel’s fat pad deterioration

Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Reconstructive foot surgery comprises of complicated surgical repair that are necessary to regain stability or function, decrease pain, or prevent further disease or deformity. Reconstructive surgery can include:

1. Bone fusion
2. Tendon transfer/ repair
3. Joint implantation
4. Soft tissue or skin repair
5. Bone grafting
6. Amputation
7. Tumor excision
8. Bone osteotomy
9. Bone pins, screws, wires, and other fixation devices

Preoperative Care and Testing

Before undergoing an ankle or heel surgery one requires certain examinations or tests beforehand for a successful outcome. Before surgery, the surgeons review the patient’s medical conditions and history, evaluating specific illnesses, diseases, allergies, and medications they could be using.

Other tests that assist in evaluating a patient’s health and can be ordered by a podiatric physician comprise of urinalysis, blood studies, EKG, blood flow studies, X-rays, and biomechanical examination. Added consultation with other medical experts is sometimes advised, depending on specific medical condition and the test results.

Postoperative Care

Rearfoot surgery requires careful care after the procedure. To assure a correct and rapid recovery, it is important to follow advice and postoperative instructions of a podiatrist carefully. Some postoperative treatments that are commonly prescribed include:

• Icing the affected area
• Complete rest
• Elevation and compression of the ankle and/or foot

The use of splints, bandages, casts, crutches, surgical shoes, or canes may be required after surgery. Your surgeon will also evaluate if and when you can put weight on an operated foot. The expert will also suggest different ways to ensure best health.

Treating an ankle sprain

Even though sprains are often associated with athletes and women in high-heels, this ailment is common among all sorts of people. In fact, about 25,000 people suffer from it every day. So what exactly is an ankle sprain? It is typically an injury to a ligament in the ankle. Ligaments are tissue bands that help to hold the bones together. Even though ligaments are flexible, sometimes a sudden twist can make them snap or stretch too far.

Ankle sprains are graded as per the severity, while Grade I indicates that ligaments are not torn but stretched; Grade II indicates that ligaments are partly torn; and Grade III means a completely torn ligament.

You may get a sprain if your foot lands at an angle on the ground. Your risk of an ankle sprain is greater if you:

1. Have suffered from ankle sprains before
2. Play, run or walk on uneven surfaces
3. Wear shoes that do not have proper support
4. Play sports that need sudden direction change, such as, soccer, football, and basketball

What do ankle sprains feel like?

Some signs of an ankle sprain include:

1. Mild to severe pain
2. Swelling
3. Problem moving the ankle
4. Bruising

Treating an ankle sprain:

Minor to moderate sprains have the ability to heal on their own with time. To fasten the healing process, you can:

1. Rest the ankle. Avoid putting too much weight or pressure on the affected ankle. In case the pain is too much, you will need crutches till the time it goes away.
2. Reduce swelling and pain by icing your ankle. Do this for 15-20 minutes each day for two to three hours for a couple of days, or till the swelling is better. After this, ice the area once a day till there is no symptom left.
3. Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage to keep the swelling down.
4. Raise your ankle on a cushion when lying down or sitting.
5. Make use of ankle stirrups or braces to give support to an ankle.
6. Use anti-inflammatory painkillers. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help with swelling and pain. However, such drugs may have side effects, such as stomach upset and ulcers. It is best to take them with food, and they must only be used occasionally, unless the physician specifies otherwise.
7. Practice strengthening and stretching exercises if the doctor recommends them.

Even Grade III sprains, where the ligament is torn completely, may repair naturally. In some cases, you may require surgery. During such operation, the doctor may remove small bits of the damaged and torn ligament, cartilage and bone. The ligament may also be reconstructed (substituted with a biologic material), or repaired (sutured together). Once the surgery is over, you may require a cast for a couple of months.

Although ankle strain is very common it is always a good idea to visit your doctor to make sure the injury does not get aggravated.