Try a Trend - Don't Trash Your Feet

Boots were such a hot fall trend that they have stuck around for winter.  Check out the American Podiatric Medical Association's "Fall Into Boots That Feel Good Article" and find the boot that suits you. Some additional tips for boot shopping are listed below.

• Have Feet Measured
• Buy for the larger foot
• Try boots on in the afternoon - feet swell during the day
• There shouldn't be a break in period
• Take an insole with you, in case a boot lacks support
• Boots made of natural material are best
• Choose a boot with toe room, a firm heel counter, and traction

For many, it is time to recommit to diet and exercise programs for the new year.   However, some Americans might have trouble making it to the treadmil.  A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association has found that foot pain stops 72% of Americans from having a healthy work out routine. 

The most common cause of foot pain is ill-fitting or improper shoes.  Running and exercising are enough work, don't let poor quality shoes get in the way of your work out.  To ensure happy feet, get fitted every time you buy a new pair of shoes.  It is also important to buy the appropriate shoes for your sport or activity. Be sure to bring the socks you plan on wearing with your shoes, as the thickness of different socks can impact the fit of the shoe.  You may way to invest in moisture wicking socks, especially if you sweat a lot, to prevent blisters from building up during your work out.  Blister prevention patches are also great for minimizing pain at the gym.  Try Engo's blister prevention patches, available through our online product store.  It's a low friction patch manufactured with pressure sensitive adhesive.  Apply them directly to your footwear for blister protection and relief.  Best of all, they are sweat proof so you can still get the maximum benefit from your work out.

Don't let foot pain compromise your health. It's possible to get a good work out and not have foot pain get in the way! If you are experiencing problems with your feet, make an appointment to see your podiatrist.  Build your health from the ground up!

Socks are really great.  They are one of the best holiday gifts and can be given at any holiday.  Best of all, you will never regret buying a pair of socks because they are something that is worn everyday.  Socks are especially important for diabetics and require a special kind of sock.  Our online product store features several diabetic socks. For example, Smoothtoe Diabetic socks have no irritating toe seam, keep feet cool and dry, unique hourglass construction, heel to toe comfort sole, and a secure fit.  These socks fit your specific diabetic foot's needs. If you are diabetic, be sure to also follow the American Podiatric Medical Association's tips to maintain your foot health.  

Inspect Feet Daily

Check your feet and toes everyday for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails such as thickening or discoloration.

Wear Thick, Soft Socks

Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries

Exercise

Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.

Have new shoes properly measured and fitted

Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.

Don't go barefoot

Don't go without shoes, even in your own home. The risks of cuts and infection is too great for those with diabetes.

Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself.

Over-the-counter products can burn the skin and cause irrepearable damage to the foot for people with diabetes.

See your podiatrist

Regular check ups by a podiatrist - at least annually - are the best way to ensure your feet remain healthy. Call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website, vailfoot.com, to request an appointment.

Although dry skin is not usually serious, it may not be attractive and can cause you to be uncomfortable.  There are several factors that may cause your heels to become dry and cracked, weather being the number one culprit.  Some people enjoy the sparking winter wonderland that the first snowfall can bring but the winter months also bring harsh, cold weather. The decrease in humidity and temperature cause your feet to become dry.  Turning on the heat to escape from the cold weather may also be to blame, as air conditioning and central heating also decrease the humidity.   The weather may also worsen any existing skin conditions. 

Your hygiene routine may also be a cause of your dry skin.  Hot baths and showers can cause your skin to dry out as well as harsh soaps and detergents. Hot showers, especially long ones, break down the lipids in your skin causing it to dry out and the soap you are using may also be a cause.

But don't worry.  You can continue to enjoy your showers and soap because there are doctor approved products designed to help your dry skin.  Barefoot Bontanica cracked heel repair cream dissolves away dry callused skin and moisturizes the underlying healthy skin.  This product is great because it is a special podiatric physician and pharmacist formula.  It also contains certified organic ingredients and is easy to use. Simply apply to rough,dry, cracked or callused areas of feet twice daily (best after bathing, to trap moisture in skin.) For severe cases, use under cotton socks overnight the first few days of treatment. As callus tissue softens, gently reduce with a pumice stone. Barefoot botanica and other great doctor approved products are available through our online product store.  Remember, foot pain is not normal.  If you are experiencing any problems with your feet, don't hesitate to call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request and appointment.

1. How Does Pregnancy Impact the Feet?

Pregnancy can impact the feet in numerous ways, from over pronation and plantar fasciitis due to increased body weight to an increase in foot size related to hormonal changes and leg cramps because of impeded circulation.

2. Is it normal for my baby's feet to look discolored or wrinkled or for his/her skin to peel when he/she is born? 

Babies spend anywhere from nine to ten month in a shelter protective fluid.  The feet need just as much time to fill out and turn a normal color as the rest of the body Once you give birth, your obscetrician and later your pediatrician will look for obvious abnormalities of your baby's feet and legs.

3. Are there certain things I can do to care for my baby's feet?

Caring for your baby's feed is no different than the care you provide to the rest of his/her body. Trim your child's toenails with baby nail clippers, making sure to cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Also, be sure to thouroghly dry your baby's feet after a bath. Try Smartknit Kid's Seamless Sensitivity Socks - these soft anti-microbial socks don't wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation on your tot's tootsies.

4. At What age should my child take his/her first step?

When physically and emotionally ready, your child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 - 18 months.

5. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes?

When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop musulature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible foot wear made of natural materials. Try Pedipeds- designed for infants and toddlers up to two years old, these soft, hand-stitched shoes provide a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of room for foot growth and muscle development.

6. When shoud I take my child to see a podiatrist?

The APMA recommends having your child examined by an APMA member podiatrist, if there is a family history of foot problems, once he/she begins to walk to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally. Many APMA member podiatrists special pediatrics.

7. When is a child's foot fully developed and why is this important?

Full skeletal maturity takes place in most individuals between the ages of 18-23 years of age. Foot maturity continues while many children are active on their feet. It is important to have your child's feet checked regularly by an APMA member podiatrist.

8. What steps should be taken to make sure a child's feet are not at risk when participating in sports?

When you child participates in sports, make sure he/she wears sport-specific shoes that fit properly. He/she should also warm up and cool down before and after participating in a sport and avoid poor outside playing conditions, such as very wet grass.

*source http://www.apma.org/