Can Your Feet be Trying to Tell You Something?

Fungal Nail
Reason: Trauma or infection to the nail that makes it thickened, discolored, loose or deformed. Often caused by the spread of athlete’s foot, but may also be an indication of conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
Response: Medications, such as Ker¬alac Gel and Lamasil tablets, have proven effective treatment.

Tendonitis
Reason: Overuse due to increase in physical activity, such as an increase in walking time or distance. May also be caused by wearing worn out or improperly-fitted shoes.
Response: Rest and ice, however in some cases, over-the-counter arch supports or anti-inflam¬matories may be indicated.


Blisters
Reason: Friction from shoes that don’t fit right or are too stiff.
Response: Instruct patients to keep feet dry and wear socks with properly-fitted shoes. Additionally, instruct them never to pop a blister and if painful, to seek medical attention.

Ingrown Toenails
Reason: Improper trimming or too much pressure on feet in tight-fitting shoes, resulting in redness, pain or swelling around the nail. Can also result from poor foot structure, heredity, trauma or foot deformities.
Response: Instruct patients to avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks and inspect nails daily. Additionally, instruct patients to trim nails straight across using toenail clipper.

Bromohydrosis (Foot Odor)
Reason: Increased perspiration from the more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot due to increased body temperature.
Response: Instruct patients to rub corn starch or spray anti-perspirant directly onto the soles of the feet and spray Lysol into shoes daily. Additionally, instruct patients to keep shoes and socks dry and change shoes regularly.

Bunion (Hallux Abducto-Valgus Deformity)
Reason: A bump at the base of the big toe that is swollen, tender or painful when in the shoe, often caused by misalign¬ment of the joints. Ill-fitting shoes, heredity, trauma, biomedical abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, inflammatory joint disease, congenital deformities or arthritis can also be culprits.
Response: Instruct patients to avoid pointy and narrow shoes or shoes with stitching or seams that rub bony areas of the foot. If painful, bun¬ions can be surgically removed by a podiatrist.

Plantar Fasciitis
Reason: Excessive weight gain resulting in pain on the bottom of the heel or in the arch. May also be caused by bony overgrowth on the heel, muscle imbalance, high or low arched feet, improper shoe gear, exces¬sive activity or trauma.
Response: Instruct patients to exercise, stretch their feet daily and wear strong, supportive shoes that don’t put undue stress on the ball or heel. If these measures are unsuccessful in relieving pain refer to a podiatrist for further examination and treatment.

If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, please do not hesitate to call and/or schedule an appointment at our office, 440-946-5858.