Have you noticed white spots on your toenails? Adding more zinc to your diet could help clear those spots up. Eating foods like milk and hard-boiled eggs will increase your zinc intake throughout the day.
Orthotic insoles are commonly used to treat minor foot problems. The orthotic, made of plastic or rubber, slides into your shoe to help correct your foot’s alignment and prevent excessive pressure on the foot. Orthotics are used for a variety of conditions and can be custom-made.
If you think you may have claw toe, it’s important to get to a podiatrist as soon as possible, as this issue is easier to fix when detected early. Usually, a splint or tape is used to hold the toes in correct position, so that they don’t harden into the deformed shape over time.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into your skin instead of straight up. The painful condition can be caused by clipping your nails too short, wearing too-tight shoes or stubbing your toe. Your podiatrist can treat the problem and help you keep it from recurring.
Preparing for your initial appointment? The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends you make a list of your symptoms and questions; compile a list of all current medications; and bring any relevant medical records, x-rays, and lab reports.
Did you know that the best time to buy your shoes is the afternoon? According to the American Podiatry Medical Association, your feet will swell slightly over the course of the day, so this is the best way to get a good fit.
Has your podiatrist recommended foot surgery? Look into getting a knee scooter to use during recovery. The scooter, similar in design to a tricycle except your knee rests where the seat would be, allows you to maintain daily activities while keeping the weight entirely off of your foot.
Over time, structural deformities in the foot can grow worse and cause additional pain. Wearing orthotics made for your foot can help slow the progression of deformities and pain.
What’s the difference between a corn and callus? Calluses are larger and are often on the bottom of your feet or the heel or a foot. Corns usually have a hard center, with skin that is aggravated or inflamed surrounding it. Corns are always painful while calluses may or may not be.
Want to find the perfect occupational or athletic footwear? See a podiatrist. He or she can assess your foot structure and give you expert medical advice on what to look for in the right footwear and/or whether you need prescription orthotics.
Achilles tendonitis is a debilitating condition that is common among long distance runners and basketball players. It is caused by an inflammation of the tendon.
Is there a way to prevent plantar fasciitis? Doctors say that keeping your weight at a healthy level is important, as are shoes that fit properly and offer sufficient cushioning and support, particularly if you exercise. Replace your shoes before they get completely worn out.
Achilles tendinitis is a common occurrence in athletes who overtrain or who don’t take the time to warm up properly. This condition causes irritation and inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel bone, and needs to be looked at and treated.
The first shoes were made of animal skins. How long ago were they invented? Thousands of years ago? How about five million years ago, during the Ice Age.
It’s important to remember that one foot should never be a drastically different color from the other, especially when you haven’t been in the sun. If you notice this type of discoloration, be sure to schedule an appointment right away.
Feet are the literal foundation of our bodies. Keeping them comfortable and working properly is key. A podiatrist is one of the best options to help you do just that. And if there’s a problem, they are the ones to go to for help.
What type of running shoe is best for runners with high arches? Runners with high arches will need a highly cushioned running shoe that has a soft midsole and plenty of flexibility. This type of shoe design will offer added compensation for the high-arched foot’s poor shock absorption characteristics.
If the virus creating the warts persists, individual warts can spread rapidly and root deeply into the bottom of the foot. In serious cases, removing and then cauterizing the base of existing wart is the best way to avoid new warts.
Are you starting to avoid walking, exercise, or even standing because of your feet? You don’t have to live with pain and limited mobility. A podiatrist will be able to offer a variety of solutions to help you get back on your feet.
Clubfoot is a relatively common birth defect in which one or both feet turns inward at the ankles. Treatment can completely correct the problem and usually consists of a series of casts to gently turn the foot into the proper position and braces to help keep it in place.
If you regularly jog, its a good idea to invest in proper foot wear. Some physicians advise that you replace your footwear at least every 6 months to ensure maximum protection to your feet.
It’s important to remember that your feet can take quite a beating just from walking in the wrong shoes all day. If your attempts to start running have been met with severe foot pain, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment so that we can help you get to the bottom of things.
Do you have yellow toenails? Often, this is an indication of a fungal infection. The change in color may be accompanied by a change in the consistency of the toenail – sometimes thicker and raised and sometimes brittle. A podiatrist can determine the best treatment plan for yellow toenails.
Did you know that issues with your feet have the ability to throw your whole body out of alignment? If you’ve been experiencing unexplained back or hip pain, it’s time to take a closer look at your feet.
According to the American Podiatry Medical Association, "hammer toes" are among the most common foot ailments. This is a toe joint condition that results in permanently bent toes, which resemble a claw and cause serious pain in the ball of the foot.
What is a bunion? Good question. According to the National Institutes of Health, “In common parlance, ‘bunion’ has come to denote any bump or associated deformity of the first MTP joint with deviation of the lateral great toe.”
Keep logging those steps. Over a lifetime, the average person walks enough to circle the planet four times. That's a lot of miles. Every step counts.
