Simple Everyday Foot Care Practices

Practicing daily foot care and hygiene is crucial in maintaining healthy feet and skin. Many people choose to care for the feet last, despite how many steps are taken daily, and how many times the wrong shoes are worn. Research has indicated that approximately 80% of Americans have experienced foot pain at least once in their lives, and this may contribute to having poor quality of life. Everyday foot care begins with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly. Research has indicated there should not need to be a “breaking in” phase, and that the feet need to feel comfortable from the first day shoes are worn. High heels generally do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in, and it is suggested that they are seldom worn. Proper foot hygiene is accomplished by cutting the toenails correctly, and this is done by trimming them straight across. For additional information about the basics of everyday foot care, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Do Not Stand for Foot Pain on the Job!

If you have a job that requires standing on your feet all day, you may think you just need to get used to foot pain, heel pain, swelling, blisters, back pain, sore muscles, and more. Not true! There are many things you can, and should, do to protect your feet and stay comfortable. The best thing you can do is invest in a good pair of shoes that offer proper support in your arch and heel, while giving your toes plenty of room to move. A pair of customized orthotics from a podiatrist can boost your level of comfort and support, while correcting any alignment issues that might be causing stress throughout your body. Also, take every break you are allowed to, and use the opportunity to get off your feet, while stretching and elevating them. Additionally, strengthening your foot and leg muscles through exercise will build up their endurance and help you better prepare your entire body for a long day’s work. Check with your podiatrist for further measures and foot care that will help you remain comfortable and healthy while standing at work. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

How Aging Can Seriously Affect the Feet

By the time you reach the age of 50, experts say that you will have walked around 75,000 miles. As a result, the general wear and tear on the feet becomes more apparent. Fat pads, skin, and bones get thinner. Feet that have been pushed into tight shoes for years become deformed. Tendons and ligaments lose strength and fail to rebound as quickly. Arches are apt to fall, causing flat feet that can result in longer feet and toes. But many older people continue to wear or buy the same shoe size. Osteoarthritis often sets in, causing inflammation in any number of the foot’s 33 joints. Older people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may develop neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, both of which can cause other serious foot problems. All that said, there are ways to lessen the effects of aging on your feet. Consider custom orthotics to counteract the natural decline in foot efficiency. Be on the lookout for sores that do not heal properly. Stretch or do mild exercises to promote circulatory health. Wear shoes that fit properly and offer ample support and cushioning. Pay attention to unusual or new foot pain. Finally, it is wise to consult a podiatrist for regular exams. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry

Does Your Child Need Orthotics?

As a child grows and navigates their way through their youth, they may experience any number of foot problems. For example, your child may complain to you about having foot pain as a result of having flat feet. Consequently, your child might have sunken arches in their feet and turn their feet inward when walking. One important way in which you might be able to help improve the condition of your child’s feet is with orthotics. These custom-made shoe inserts can be made to exactly fit your child’s specific foot, and are made to help correct their gait. Namely, orthotics for children with flat feet are designed to have arch support cushions that encourage their feet not to collapse into the ground when walking. Additionally, orthotics for children with flat feet also have heel cushions that are intended to strengthen the ankles. These shoe inserts can be utilized in many different kinds of spacious footwear for children. Orthotics are not just for children – they have been effective in correcting the gaits of individuals of all ages as well. When it comes to protecting the health of your child’s feet, it is best not to take chances and to be proactive in preventing injuries. It is highly suggested to see a podiatrist for more information about orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes

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