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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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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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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