It Takes More Than Two Alike to Make a Good Pair of Socks

Rainbow striped toe socks worn with thong sandals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That’s a fact. Just because you can match up a pair, doesn’t mean it’s a good pair of socks. Shoes are dark. Add feet and you suddenly have warmth. Once an environment is warm and dark, when perspiration starts, the environment becomes a haven for fungus. Socks form a barrier between feet and shoes, but unless the socks are the right kind of socks, it may add to the problem and create new ones. In order to protect the feet from harmful bacteria and the elements, socks should have specific characteristics.

Some traits a good sock may exhibit:

• Synthetic fibers or blends

• Correct construction and length

• Tactile stimulation

• Appearance

• Cushioning

• Temperature

• Longevity

• Smooth seams

Socks should have moisture wicking capability to keep the foot as dry and comfortable as possible. In the winter damp feet can become very cold and no one wants hot sweaty feet in the summer. They just stink up your sneakers. Socks should be constructed to fit the foot. Tube socks may have a purpose. A tube sock is apt to slip down, bunch up and possibly cause blisters. Of course, everyone wants a sock that’s soft and pleasant feeling and if it’s not solid color and design is important then check out the work and pattern. Socks have areas of cushioning knit into them, so a good sock should have extra padding on the ball of the foot, along the arch and under the heel. If the socks are designed with a specific sport in mind, this may change the way the sock is padded.

A good pair of socks will help keep the feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is due to fiber content and wicking capabilities. Some natural fibers such as Marino wool and silk have this ability, but once cotton gets damp, it stays damp and has a long drying time. Damp socks will bunch up and cause lumps. Look for synthetic or blends. Perhaps check out Aetrex socks that have copper ions embedded in the yarn.

Good socks perform a function. All things considered, they take care of your feet and form a barrier between your feet and shoes that provides healthy comfort. Keep your feet safer by changing socks to keep feet dry. Dark warm moist environments may allow fungus to gain a “foot hold,” and no one needs that.

If you think your socks may have let you down and you have corns from seams that have caused irritation, or the beginning of toenail fungus or any one of many other concerns, call Dr. Blaakman at (864) 487-3338. No need to get your socks in a bunch. Get an appointment and he can evaluate your concern and have you leave a happier and healthier person.

References:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?78201-More-Than-You-Ever-Wanted-To-Know-About-Top-Quality-Socks-2010-Update

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Plantar Fasciitis - A Real Pain

children foot - plantar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The plantar fascia is a thick and wide band of tissue that connects the heel band to the toes forming the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed and irritated due to overuse or over stretching, it is called plantar fasciitis. This is a common complaint and most often affects patients between ages 40-60.

The pain ranges from minor to severe and is usually more noticeable:

• When you first get up in the morning

• After vigorous exercise

• After long periods of standing or sitting

This is a common ailment of distance runners, and can also affect pregnant women, people who are overweight and those who do not wear shoes with adequate support. The pain usually develops gradually.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis ranges from simple non-invasive to surgical in extreme cases. Pain will usually diminish with conservative treatment methods which may include:

• Rest

• Icing

• Heel stretching exercises

• Over-the-counter pain medication

• Shoes with better arch support

• Inserts or orthotics

• Reduce mileage if you are a runner, alternate with swimming and bicycling

Generally pain diminishes with persistent treatment. Occasionally when all other methods have failed, Dr. Blaakman may recommend surgery, but surgery has risks that he will discuss with you.
As with so many foot ailments, prevention is the best medicine. Start early by keeping your weight under control, wear quality and supportive shoes. Just because your shoes look good on the outside does not mean they aren’t worn out on the inside. If you are a runner or walk aggressively, buy new shoes at 300-500 miles. You may think your old comfy shoes are your best friends, but this is not true.

If you believe you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, see Dr. Blaakman at once. Chances of treatment being successful are greater with early intervention. During your examination, Dr. Blaakman will likely look for swelling, redness and tightness in the bottom of the foot. He may want an x-ray to rule out other conditions and he will ask questions about your medical history, if you have other pain and also ask about your physical activity. The treatment plan he develops for you will take all of this into consideration. Call him at (877) 941-3338 (FEET) so he can get you back on your feet.

References:
 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508/

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Nail Fungus - Kill It Now!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an unsightly and embarrassing condition that affects millions of Americans. The tendency is to want to hide the feet once a fungus appears, but the problem is that fungus thrives in dark, warm and moist environments such as the insides of shoes. There are many treatments available, but this is a persistent fungal infection that is resistive to treatment, therefore it is important to begin treatment at the first sign of nail fungus infection.

Symptoms of toenail fungus outbreak include:
   
•    Discoloration (may begin as a white or yellowish spot in the nail)

•    Thickening

•    Disfigurement

•    Dry and crumbling nails

Nail fungus tends to affect more men than women and age is a factor due to lower blood circulation and greater time of exposure to fungus. Other factors that increase the likelihood of infection include:

•    Damp environments

•    Heavy perspiration

•    Going barefoot at public pools, gyms and shower rooms

•    Athletes foot

•    An injured or damaged nail that allows infection to enter body

Dr. Blaakman will examine your feet first and may take a small scraping from under the nail. This can be examined through a microscope to determine the origination of the infection and better guide him in prescribing your treatment.

As previously mentioned, nail fungus can resist treatment and re-infection is common. There are over-the-counter medications available, but traditionally these have little effect. Dr. Blaakman may prescribe an oral medication, the most popular of which is Lamisil. The oral medications take a while to work, and it may take the nail months to grow back. However, persistence and patience is necessary.

Topical nail treatments are also a consideration either in the form or paint on or creams that are applied. Again, these take months to work, so they may be prescribed in conjunction with an oral medication. Dr. Blaakman may file away some of the affected nail so there is less area to treat and medication can be more easily absorbed. In the worst cases, Dr. Blaakman may recommend surgical removal of the nail, but the latest treatment using laser therapy to attack the fungus is showing promising results.

If you have nail fungus symptoms, don’t delay. Contact Upstate Footcare by calling (877) 941-3338 and let Dr. Blaakman evaluate your condition and determine the course of action appropriate for you. 

If you have experienced the horror of nail fungus, and have successful treatment results, please share your story below.

References:
 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nail-fungus/DS00084

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Helpy Selfy Pedicures

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It probably feels so wonderful to sit in one of those over sized spa chairs and soak your feet in the warm swirling water, allowing the stress and aches to slowly ease out of your body, right?  Well, what happens when the nails need grooming and you can’t get to the salon for whatever reason? Oh! Sudden revelation! You do it yourself. Up until 25 or so years ago, many people did their own pedicures, or helped each other. But just in case you’ve forgotten, here’s a little refresher on tools, technique and precautions.

First, assemble the necessary tools and make sure they are sterile. You will need toe nail clippers, an emery board, pumice stone, cuticle softener, an orange stick and some cotton. Ladies, in preparation, remove old polish.

Now, here comes the good stuff:

• Allow yourself a warm soak, minimum of 5 minutes, but longer is nice too. Here’s a trick, if you’d like to add a little milk to your soak, the lactic acid will help remove dead skin.

• Use a pumice stone to gently scrub away the calloused and dried skin.

• Completely pat the feet dry, making sure you dry between the toes too. 

• Apply an emollient rich lotion, but not between the toes!

• Trim the nails straight across. Nails should be clipped short, but not too short. They should never extend past the end of the toe, and never clip the sides. This can lead to ingrown toenails.

• Use the fine grain side of an emery board to smooth the nails. A steel file is more likely to damage the nail. Smooth the nail, working from the outer edge toward the center, only filing in one direction.

• Apply a dab of cuticle softener to the base of each toenail and let it work for a minute.

• Cover the end of an orange stick with a small amount of cotton and gently push back the cuticle. Caution: It is difficult to trim cuticles at home and should probably be left for the pedicurist, as it is easy to cut yourself.

For polishing techniques, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTZ2_qIua0U. They have an excellent video on home pedicures. Just have a few more thoughts on pedicures to share. If you have that awful nail fungus, don’t polish. The polish coats and traps the infection. Instead, there are a variety of antimicrobial coatings that you can use.

Also guys, man up. This is not sissy stuff. If you looked at your feet or asked your lady she’d say that you need a pedicure too. It’s a part of good foot health care.  And if you ask nice, she might even help.

If you are diabetic, get some assistance from Dr. Blaakman. Your feet may lack sensation and putting them at greater risk if injured. Call him at (877) 941-3338 (FEET).
 
References:

http://www.healthyfeetblog.com/the-25-best-pedicure-tips-ever
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-orange-stick.htm

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