Footsie survival

Footsie survival

SUMMERTIME in LAS VEGAS:
when trees bloom, flowers bud and women - liberated
from their winter boots - get footloose in open-toed sandals and backless heels. Unfortunately, the season is often accompanied by SUMMER
Foot: the gnarly blisters, ingrown nails and scraped heels that go along with breaking in
warm-weather shoes. Ouch. And yuck.
Still, with a little effort and planning, SUMMER Foot can be a thing of the past. IF THE SHOE FITS
Tight-fi tting shoes are one of the biggest causes of
SUMMER Foot, buy shoes “at the end of the day, when feet
are biggest.” And if you’re in the market
for stilettos or pointy-toed shoes - and who isn’t? - buy a half size larger to leave a little room for padding. forgoing the blister-causing strappy sandal
altogether - but we all know that’s not realistic.
If you must indulge, he says to remember to break in your Blahniks slowly. “The time to test them out is not the day you go on a three-mile walk.” USE PROTECTION Vaseline. The lubricant is a cinch for avoiding blisters. Spreading a bit of it on the parts of your feet that are prone to blistering will decrease the friction between foot and shoe.

BLISTER IN THE SUN
To get rid of a blister, apply a cushiony blocker like
Band-Aid Blister Block or Dr. Scholl’s Blister treatment
directly on the problem area. These gel-based bandages protect from infection and
allow the blemish to heal. If the blister’s on the sole
of your foot, “lance it,”

Battling foot woes

Spring weather means backless shoes and accompanying blisters. But there are
many ways to keep your feet feeling absolutely toe-traffic . Make a tiny prick and squeeze out all the fluid
while leaving the loose skin intact “to act as a biological barrier.” Disinfectant and a Band-Aid will keep the area clean.

TOENAIL TRAGEDY
Tight-fitting shoes or high heels can jam toes together
and redirect nail growth. To treat ingrown nails, doctors recommend soaking the foot
in warm water twice a day. After soaking, put cotton under the ingrown edge to help the nail grow above it.

HEEL HORROR
Although not quite as bad as plumber’s crack, cracked
heels are a defi nite don’t. Try a moisturizing salve like
Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Heel Relief Cream to soothe,
restore moisture and prevent infection.
If you’re about to step into new shoes with stiff backs,
shoe guru Cleary suggests “gently bending the heel
forward and in towards the insole,” and then applying
moleskin or Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz cushions to
ease friction between the heel and the shoe.

DRY SPELL
If your feet are simply dry
from a long winter of closed toed
neglect, pamper yourself.
Try a warm water foot
soak with Epsom salt, which
bubbles to create a exfoliating
whirlpool effect.
After a warm soak, apply
Plantogen Sole Scrub, an
all-natural rub made from
ingredients like peppermint
and antibacterial tea tree oil.
For moisture, Cleary recommends
a soothing lotion like
Dr. Scholl’s for Her Foot
Softening Balm.
Of course if you’d rather
have someone pamper your
tootsies for you, LAS VEGAS is
packed with pedicure pros. “I
always tell my patients to go
out there and pamper yourself,”
“You’ll feel much better.”
Remember, those are doctor’s orders.
Vaseline: A little dab will do you to prevent blisters.
Band-Aid Blister Block: Essential in the battle of the
blister, these are good for treatment and prevention.
Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Hell Relief Cream: It’s used to
heal the heel.
Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz: These cushions prevent
the back-of-heel bruise and blister.
Plantogen Sole Scrub: It moisturizes and prevents
infection.
STOCK your medicine cabinet with these foot-saving
faves

Fungus Toenails

What is a fungal nail infection?


Definition

It is not just a cosmetic problem. It is an infection of the bed and plate underlying the surface of a nail. Fungal nail infection, a condition called onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis), is caused primarily by organisms called dermatophytes. It is extraordinarily common, afflicting more than 35 million people in the United States alone. However, some 90% of them have yet to see a doctor for treatment.

Once these tiny organisms find their way under a nail, they begin to multiply. Ironically, when the fungus finds its way under the nail, the nail itself provides a protective environment for the fungus to thrive. The toenails are most vulnerable to infection, since they spend much of their day surrounded by
dark, warm, and often moist shoes and socks.


Symptoms

When fungal nail infection begins to take hold, it can cause the nail to change colour, often to a yellow/green or darker colour. Debris may collect under the nail, causing a foul smell. The nail
may thicken and become flaky. Thick toenails, in particular, may cause discomfort in shoes and may even make standing and walking uncomfortable for some people.

Moreover, because fungal nail infection is an infection, it can spread to other nails, and possibly to other people. Something as ordinary as an emery board can carry the fungal organisms from an infected nail to an uninfected one. That's why it is so important to seek treatment as soon as you think you have an infection.

Only your doctor can determine for sure if you have fungal nail infection. He will take a small sample of the debris under your nail, as well as possibly some nail clippings, and have them analyzed to see if fungus is present


How do you get it?

Fungal nail infection has little to do with personal cleanliness. Something as simple as banging a toe or finger, trimming your nails too closely, or wearing tight shoes is enough to weaken the nail and expose the underlying nail bed to infection. The fungus that causes the infection resides in many common places: locker rooms, swimming pools, showers, even your garden. You can also contract the infection while getting a manicure or pedicure, from unsterilized instruments that have been used on others with the infection.

Some people have chronic disorders that make them more susceptible to fungal nail infection. People with diabetes, circulatory problems, and immunological deficiencies (such as AIDS/HIV infection) are at increased risk, as are the elderly.
Moreover, fungal nail infection appears to be more prevalent in those with a history of athlete's foot (a fungal infection of the skin) and people whose feet perspire a lot.


How do you treat it?

Fungal nail infection will not go away by itself. Only your doctor can prescribe effective treatments for fungal nail infections.


What can you do?

•	Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible; you may want to use a talcum foot powder
•	Use shower shoes when walking in public swimming and shower areas
•	Clip your toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe
•	Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly

What Podiatrists do

Just yesterday someone called the office asking about what a Podiatrist does. The short answer is the diagnosis and treatment, both medically and surgically of all foot and ankle related illness. Short and sweet! Including but not limited to: Bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, heel spurs, heel pain, tendinitis, bone tumors, ALL soft tissue conditions of the foot and ankle. All nail pathology, Vascular conditions of the feet, diabetic foot related problems. This is just a quick lunch time pop answer. Will give more detail in later Blog's

Have a great Day!!!

Dr. Ted