It Used To Be Wet Shoes Were Ruined Shoes

Canoe-kayak-marathon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Years ago it used to be a kid had one pair of shoes. Two pair perhaps if they were from an affluent family, one pair for the work week and one for Sunday worship.  No wonder it was so often heard, “Don’t get your shoes wet.”  Wet shoes meant cracked leather and that shortened the usefulness of a pair of shoes.

Time marches on and things change. Now a person probably has five or six pair available to them or perhaps more. Shoes are becoming highly specialized. It’s almost like there is a pair for every function and keeping shoes dry is a thing of the past because there are shoes designed specifically to get wet - water shoes. Even water shoes are becoming specialized to the point where they may have multiple pair. Water shoes are designed with specialized mesh linings for quick drying and channeling systems that allow water to flow out of the shoes. Under what circumstances would you choose water shoes?  Well, to wear around the deck of a pool. This may be done for different reasons such as foot protection from injuries, traction to prevent slip and fall injuries or hygienic purposes. There are even shoes designed with specific water sports in mind, such as kayaking.

When kayaking, you should consider the weather and performance demands of the shoes.  A water sandal is good if the weather is warm because they allow for drainage and quick dry, while providing some protection for the foot. They have a snug fit and not a lot of straps to get tangled. Water booties are a better choice if the water is cold. They help keep the feet warm, have zippered or hook and loop closures to adjust for a snug fit. Serious kayakers may choose water boots that offer protection from water and cold all the way up to your knees.

If you need a shoe to take you close to the pools edge, you may wish to try something like Crocs. It gives you a little something to prevent slip, falls and keep your feet off the pool deck so your feet are away from fungus.  However, if you are in the pool for an aqua class and are going to be moving a lot, try a sneaker type shoe that offers a bit of support, stability and protection from impact. Then, hit the water’s edge. There isn’t anything more refreshing than a quick dip, when the mercury rises.

Water shoes offer protection at times when other shoes aren’t appropriate, but if an accident or injury occurs, contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. He provides caring and compassionate full service podiatric care to help keep you active.

References:

http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-water-shoes.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/427103-good-water-shoes-for-kayaking/

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Hot Tips To Protect Your Cool Feet

Flip Flops, Blue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spring break is behind us now and school will let out shortly - if not already!  The lazy days of summer are stretching out before you, just begging you to come outside and play. If you’re like everyone else, this will probably mean some time out of shoes, maybe running on the beach or just wriggling toes in the sand. Whatever your pastime, let’s just take a couple of minutes and talk about foot protection over the summer.

• Pay special attention to your leather sneakers. Perspiration causes the damp warm dark environment in shoes that toenail fungus loves. And although shoes are a good thing for protecting your feet from lacerations and other injuries, toenail fungus is a hidden danger. Light and fresh air are natural enemies of fungus. Keep your shoes dry and aired out in the sunshine. Use an antifungal spray for an added source of protection.

• Sandals are a fresh and welcome choice for summer months, but don’t equate sandals with flip flops. Although they are bright, colorful and fun, flip-flops don’t provide any support or stability for your foot as they easily slide off and cause you to overhang them. They also break after a couple wearing’s.  Hit your local shoe store for a pair of leather sandals that has a formed heel cup and arch support. They’ll stay in place and conform better to your foot. There are a lot of styles available out there, so go shopping.

• If you have a steady hand with the polish and can give your nails a trimming now and then, you shouldn’t need a pedicure over the summer. The sand is a natural exfoliate. Just use caution as glass and bottle caps hide under beautiful white sand.

• When you’re at the beach, remember that the skin on the top of your foot has been protected by shoes and socks over the winter and early spring. The skin is tender and needs to be protected from the harsh burning rays of the sun, just like other parts of your body. Slather on the sunscreen and reapply after a swim to make sure of adequate protection.

Enjoy the summer, but remember if you have an accident or sustain a foot or ankle injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. Put your feet in his capable hands. Never allow pain to stand between you and what life has to offer.

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In With the Right Growth and Out With the Ingrown

Toenails (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the soft tissue at the corner or side of your toe. Although any toenail can become ingrown it usually is the big toe. They can be very painful and are usually visibly red and swollen. If neglected, or not cared for properly, they can become infected. Usually, you can treat an ingrown toenail by yourself, but if it is extremely painful your doctor can assist you. If you have diabetes, it is important that you have your podiatrist examine and treat your foot so that you avoid further problems. 

Symptoms include:

    •    Pain along one or both sides or corners of your nail

    •    Redness and swelling

    •    Infection alongside the nail

Ingrown toenails can be caused by:

    •    Shoes that are poorly shaped and crowd the toes

    •    An injury to the toe

    •    Poorly trimmed nails or nails that are trimmed too short

    •    Toenails that grow in an unusual manner

If caught in the early stages, treatment of an ingrown toenail may be able to be done at home.   However, repeated cutting of the nail can compound the situation. If there is a sign of infection, you are better off to have your doctor treat it, especially if you have any additional medical concerns like diabetes that make your feet more vulnerable.

Beneficial home remedies for ingrown toenails include room temperature soaks with Epsom salts added to the water. After the soak gently rub the area around the nail. This may help to alleviate swelling. Wedging cotton under the nail is not recommended as this provides an area for bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection. Over the counter medications are not beneficial because they may disguise the pain, but they do not improve the situation. If pain continues for more than a couple of days, it’s time to see your doctor.

Sometimes after treatment an ingrown toenail can return. If this is the case, Dr. Blaakman may recommend a slight in office surgical procedure to remove the side of the nail, or in more serious cases the root of the nail. Once the offending nail is gone, so is the pain.

If you have an ingrown toenail that is still aggravating you, call for an appointment today (877) 941-3338. For more information visit our website.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ingrown-toenails/DS00111/DSECTION=complications
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm

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Warts – Oh My!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)Do you feel an intense pain in the sole of your foot when you first step on it?  Does the sole of your foot reveal a small spot similar to a callous or corn, but is extremely tender to touch? These may be signs of plantar warts.

Plantar warts are caused by a very common viral infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects the outermost layers of the skin. Although these warts can be found in any age bracket, they are most common in young people age 12-16. They can be caused by use of public areas such as gyms or showers, and also occur from skin trauma, which allows the virus access.  Since Plantar Warts occur mostly on the sole of the foot in areas that receive a lot of pressure and friction, they can be quite painful. Many warts will disappear over a period of time, and no treatment is necessary.  However, in some instances the placement of these warts can affect your ability to stand or walk, and need to be treated.

Treatment of plantar warts can vary. There are over-the-counter medications, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that are generally successful. Application followed by gentle scraping can be effective. If relief is not found by use of these medications, other treatment methods such as burning, freezing or surgical removal may be necessary. Dr. Blaakman can make an evaluation, provide recommendations and treatment options.

Now is a good time to apply the “ounce of prevention…” rule. There are several steps that you can take which include:

    •    Avoid walking barefoot, especially in public showers and locker rooms. Use shower thongs or sandals.

    •    Change shoes and socks daily, and keep feet clean and dry

    •    Do not pick at or scratch warts as they can spread.

    •    Cover warts with a waterproof barrier, when in the shower, to prevent spreading

Warts can be stubborn, so work with your doctor, and be diligent with the treatment program. They know what is best for you. If you have concerns, or suspect you may have plantar warts, contact Dr. Blaakman by calling (877) 941-3338 or on Upstate Footcare's website. There is nothing like two healthy feet to get you where you need to go.



Resources:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/plantar_warts/article_em.htm

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Foot Risks - Is it worth exposing your feet in the winter?

Image via WikipediaSo as we get into the cooler seasons of the year, one thing you need to think about is the risk there can be to exposing your feet.  Wearing high heels, sandals, any open toe shoes, open heel shoes, or just going barefoot runs a high risk on you feet that you will not see in spring or summer time.  Due to the colder temperatures, exposed feet have the risk of getting frostbite.  While we don’t get the extreme cold temps that northern states get, South Carolina still gets cold at night, cold enough to freeze your toes off.  But what exactly happens when your feet get frostbite?

Frostbite starts to show itself through a painful tingling or burning sensation.  Then the area with frostbite starts to turn numb and a change occurs in the color of the area’s skin.  The color is usually turns from a red or pale color to a blue or black color.  The other problem is that once an area of skin gets frostbite, it is much more prone in the future to get frostbite again.  So how does one treat frostbite once they have it?

First of all, make sure to get yourself or the other person out of the cold as fast as possible.  Then make sure that the area effected is dry and also warm.  Make sure that you don’t expose the skin to extreme warm like a fire or by putting it too close to a heater.  You’ll end up burning the area instead of helping it.  Make sure to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any long term injury.  If you live in an area that facing extreme cold often and you are out in that weather a lot, make sure to take precautionary measures to prevent frostbite.  Measures like making sure all areas of skin are covered at all times and wear many layers to keep you warm.  If you get cold, make sure to warm up as soon as possible.  For us who live in South Carolina, make sure to cover up, even your feet, in the colder temps we’ll be facing these next couple of months. 

If you have any questions regarding your foot health, contact us by giving Upstate Footcare a call at 877-941-FEET (3338) or visit our website.

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