Podiatrist warns of high heels risk in pregnancy

But are flat shoes OK? Click the picture below to find out.

Shopping for children’s shoes

When shopping for a young child’s shoes, it’s important to consider more than just how cute the miniature footwear is.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these tips for shoe-shopping parents:

• Your child’s feet may grow quickly, and sock and shoe sizes can change rapidly.
• Poorly fitted shoes can cause irritation and pain, so always measure the foot before a shoe purchase and make sure shoes feel comfortable.
• Don’t share shoes or have your child wear secondhand shoes.
• Once your child begins wearing the shoes, frequently inspect the heels, which often wear most quickly. Uneven wear may indicate a foot problem.
• Let your child participate in shoe shopping.
• Always try on shoes while wearing socks or tights.
• If feet are different sizes, buy the size that fits the larger foot.

Making strides for good health: Why taking care of your feet matters

When’s the last time you thought about your foot health? Read this article to find out some great tips.

Just click on the picture below.

Practical, protective foot health steps for people with diabetes

Healthy feet are essential for overall good health, no matter your age, fitness level or physical challenges. For people with diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is especially vital. More than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide are related to complications from the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.

A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics with diabetes are particularly in danger since more than 90 percent of those with the disease or at risk for it have never seen a podiatrist as part of their health care.

“Regardless of ethnicity, foot ulcers and infections are the leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes, but most of those problems are largely preventable,” says Dr. Joseph Caporusso, a podiatrist and president of the APMA. It’s important for those with the disease to ‘knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot exams by today’s podiatrists.”

While ulcers – open sores on the foot – are the most common diabetes-related foot problem, several others are also serious and prevalent, including neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, poor circulation and infection. The nerve damage that diabetes causes may mean a person with an ulcer or injury may be unaware of it until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg.

The good news is, regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, the APMA says.

People with diabetes need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels) or drainage on their socks.

Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe. If you discover an ulcer or have any symptoms, see a podiatrist immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment.

In addition to examining your feet every day, and keeping your blood glucose in your target range, make sure to follow these foot health tips:

* Discuss your diabetes and the risks with your family. Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health.

* Never go barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure both socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well.

* Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection.

* Keep your feet elevated while sitting.

* Wiggle toes and move your feet and ankles up and down for five minute sessions throughout the day.

“Successfully managing diabetes is a team effort, and today’s podiatrist is an integral player on that team.

Are Minimalist Running Shoes Safe to Wear for Cross-Training?

Runners are all about them. But do minimalist shoes provide enough support for programs like CrossFit? Click the picture below.

Diabetes: Best Foot Care

Here’s a very good article on how to protect your feet if you have diabetes.

 

Orthotics may relieve chronic back pain or joint problems

You may just need orthotics. Click the picture below to read an article about orthotics.

Protect Your Feet from Fungus

Your feet, particularly your toenails and in between the toes, are prone to fungal infection, often referred to as athlete’s foot. This can lead to itchy toes and thick, brittle and discolored nails.

The American Podiatric Medical Association says you can help prevent fungal infections of the feet by:

• Carefully and frequently washing the feet, making sure to thoroughly dry them.
• If walking in public showers or locker rooms, wearing flip flops or shower shoes.
• Changing pantyhose, shoes and socks more than once daily.
• Cutting toenails in a straight line, short enough that the nail doesn’t grow beyond the toe.
• Making sure that shoes and hosiery aren’t too tight.
• Wearing socks of synthetic material and shoes of breathable material.
• Disinfecting any nail clippers and pedicure tools after use. Also, avoid polishing toenails that appear to have a fungal infection.

Fall Running Tips

Here’s some tips to make running safe and healthy. Click the runner below.

The 8 Most Common Sports Injuries

Here’s a list of the 8 most common sports injuries with the causes and tips.

Just click the picture below.