Connect With Us
Anyone who has played sports knows just how strenuous it can be on your feet. Think of all the skilled movements you make as an athlete: the swift twists and turns in basketball, the rigorous sprints taken in a football or baseball game, and the hard landings made after a volleyball spike. Regardless of how fit you are, the physical demands of your sport will still leave you stepping off the court or field with sore, tired feet.
Considering the wear and impact a sport can take on your feet, there is always the likelihood of damage or injury. In order to keep yourself in top condition to compete, proper foot care is essential.
Footwear appropriately designed for the sport is essential to prevent injury. A common bad habit among pickup players is wearing running shoes or skate shoes, even in a high-impact sport like basketball or volleyball.
Skate shoes are a horrible choice for any non-skating sport: they have extremely flat soles, designed to grip a board as tightly as possible. But for any other sport, you will not have the proper arch support or cushioning required for your movements.
While running shoes are perfectly appropriate for a casual game of football or soccer at the park, they are a poor choice for a sport like basketball. They may have the proper cushioning needed for running down the court, but they do not have a sole designed to grip the court surface when playing defense, increasing the likelihood of slipping. Moreover, they have neither the cushioning nor the ankle support to allow for a safe landing in basketball or indoor volleyball. Even popular low-top basketball shoes like the Kobe series will support your ankles better than a pair of running shoes.
Using either of these shoes improperly will put you at risk for conditions like plantar fasciitis or a serious ankle injury. It may not be possible or practical to have the perfect shoe for every activity, but make sure to choose the safest option available. For example, a basketball shoe would also be appropriate for court or concrete volleyball, since both sports involve quick movements, jumping, and hard landings.
If you have had an injury before, you know exactly which parts of your body are weaker and more prone to injury. Consider purchasing a brace or other type of support to protect your vulnerabilities.
Whether you are a serious competitor on a sports team, or a casual player who loves to play pickup games on the weekend, a dedicated podiatrist who prioritizes your foot health is essential.
If your hobbies have been hard on your feet, schedule a consultation today with esteemed podiatrist Dr. Vikki. Dr. Vikki has a reputation as the trusted choice of Special Olympic athletes, and an outstanding record of patient satisfaction.
For this and all your related foot care concerns, contact the specialists at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center today.
Have you been experiencing a sharp pain in your foot, but you can’t figure out why? Chances are that you have developed a condition called bone spurs.
A bone spur is a small bony growth or a collection of growths which form on joints like the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and the feet. While we will be focusing on the feet, much of the information below will apply to bone spur treatment in general:
A bone spur occurs when the body attempts to repair itself by building extra bone on areas affected by long periods of pressure, rubbing, or stress.
Bone spurs rarely cause pain on their own. If they grow on the feet, however, calluses may form to cushion the affected area. As the wear and tear on the joints continue, the spurs may compress the surrounding ligaments, tendons, or nerves. This results in injury to the surrounding tissue, in addition to swelling, pain, and tearing.
There are several factors which may contribute to a bone spur. The aging process is partly to blame: cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in a joint, slowly wears away due to a process called osteoarthritis. The damage to the joints will lead to pain and swelling, and will often result in a bone spur. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of bone spurs in joints of the feet and spine.
Tight ligaments will also make you more vulnerable to bone spurs. Many factors can cause this tightness, including strenuous activities which affect the feet like dancing, running, long periods of walking, basketball, and tennis. Other factors include:
Bone spurs rarely require treatment, unless they cause frequent pain or damage to surrounding tissues. Unless these symptoms are present, it is difficult to detect a bone spur without an X-ray (though it is rare to use an X-ray for this condition, since it rarely causes symptoms). Since heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are closely related, many of the same treatment methods for plantar fasciitis will be used for bone spurs as well. Consider these tips to find relief:
Bone spurs are difficult to detect, and the volume of potential variables related to foot pain can make it difficult to determine the cause. If you’re suffering from foot pain, schedule your consultation with expert podiatrist Dr. Vikki today. Dr. Vikki has a reputed record of patient satisfaction, and is the trusted podiatrist of Special Olympic athletes.
For this and all related foot care concerns, the caring professionals at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center are happy to help with your podiatric needs.
A plantar wart is one of just a few soft tissue conditions, which can be very painful. It is also very common, and can be treated at home with common household items or over-the-counter products.
Plantar warts are caused by a virus which invades the skin through small or even invisible cuts and abrasions. It is most often contracted while walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or littered areas.
Communal bathing facilities and other warm, moist environments are also breeding grounds for the virus.
Plantar warts are found on the bottom of the feet. They tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and defined boundaries. They are often gray or brown (colors may vary) with one or more pinpoints of black. Left untreated, the warts may grow to an inch or more and may even spread into clusters (often called mosaic warts).
These warts are very resistant to treatment, and may even return after healing; but some have been known to disappear on their own. Though warts may be painful on weight-bearing areas of the feet (e.g. the ball of the foot or the heel), most warts are harmless.
Read more about warts and how to identify them here.
Peeling Medicine
Nonprescription wart removal methods typically come as a patch or liquid. The directions usually tell patients to wash the affected area and soak it for 20 minutes. Gently remove the dead tissue with a pumice stone or emery board, then apply the solution or patch. Patches are typically changed every 48 hours, while liquid applications are applied twice a day. Results may not appear for several weeks.
You may be able to get this kind of treatment from the doctor . The doctor will trim the wart with a small knife. In rare cases, local anesthetic may be administered. Then, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen with a probe or cotton swab.
For this method, cover the wart with silver duct tape for six days, then soak the wart in water. Remove the dead tissue with a pumice stone or emery board, and leave the wart exposed for 12 hours. Repeat this process until the wart is gone. Keep in mind that this method has seen mixed results at best.
You may want to discuss these methods with your doctor first. Most over-the-counter wart treatments will contain acids or chemicals which destroy skin cells. An expert hand will be able to destroy the abnormal skin cells without harming the surrounding healthy tissues. Patients with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or circulatory disorders should avoid self-treatment entirely.
There are a few steps to take in order to prevent plantar warts from forming:
If you have a plantar wart and the treatments listed above haven’t been effective, you should see a doctor about other treatment options. Generally, it is always a good idea to see a doctor whenever there is a growth or eruption on the feet to ensure the correct diagnosis. Sometimes, what appears to be a wart may actually be a sign of cancer – for example, carcinoma or melanoma.
If you are concerned about a wart that won’t go away, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vikki or Dr. Connie today. For more foot care advice, contact the specialists at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.
While an ingrown toenail might happen to some people more than others due to hereditary factors, the fact is that an ingrown toenail can happen to anyone. Simply put, an ingrown toenail occurs when a nail grows into the flesh rather than over it, occurring most often in the big toe. The nail will irritate the skin, causing pain and even infection should it break into the skin. (An infected ingrown toenail will be red, swollen, hot, and painful). Ingrown toenails can become very painful conditions, but only because patients are often unaware of what the condition is and how it occurs.
A number of factors might cause an ingrown toenail:
If caught in its early stages, an ingrown toenail may be prevented or even cured by taking the following steps:
Generally, persistent and troublesome symptoms should be brought to a doctor’s attention. The situation becomes urgent if the patient has diabetes or a poor immune system, since the infections must be treated immediately.
Patients with diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, or those who have otherwise lost the nerves or feeling in their feet should see a doctor ASAP.
Additionally, patients that take are on chemotherapy or any immunosuppressant medications must see a doctor immediately.
These conditions make it difficult to sense problems like deep infections, requiring monitoring and assessment from a podiatrist.
For more information about feet and nails, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Dr. Vikki.
Smelly feet (eccrine bromhidrosis) is a common condition which many people experience, in particular pregnant women, teens, the elderly, heart disease sufferers, diabetics, and people who are stressed. But did you know that there are many different ways to treat it?
The reason why feet get so smelly is because they have around half a million sweat glands excreting sweat into socks and shoes. With no other place to go, most of the sweat remains on the feet, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi thrive.
The solution is simple: by taking better control of your hygiene, you can minimize the incidence of smelly feet significantly.
While many people mistakenly believe that a simple shower is sufficient, the fact is that most people do not clean their feet properly. Proper foot hygiene requires a daily, thorough cleansing with antibacterial soap.
Drying the feet is just as important, since moisture tends to collect in-between the toes.
If thorough cleansing isn’t enough, apply an over-the-counter athlete’s foot spray or powder to your shoes and feet. Even your underarm deodorant will work just as well, provided that it contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is a chemical that prevents excessive sweating.
There are antiperspirants designed specifically for feet, from brands such as Klima and Sweatblock. There is no downside to giving this a try, unless you are walking on a slippery surface.
Certain home remedies have gained the support of podiatrists. Bathing your feet in either salt, tea, or vinegar are effective ways to dry out your feet and prevent bacteria from growing.
Salt and vinegar both absorb moisture from the skin. Tea closes your pores and also acts as a natural antibiotic.
For a saltwater bath, dissolve ½-1 cup of kosher salt in a tub or large bowl. Soak for 20 minutes, and repeat every day for two weeks.
Vinegar baths require one part vinegar and two parts water in a tub or large bowl. Feet should be soaked 30 minutes a day for one week.
Two black tea bags for every pint of water should be added for a tea bath. Let the water boil with the tea bags for 15 minutes, then add 2 quarts of cool water. Pour this solution into a tub or a large bowl. Soak for 30 minutes, and repeat daily for one week.
Choosing breathable footwear is one of the best ways to prevent future incidence of smelly feet.
Breathable socks and shoes allow moisture to evaporate, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Generally, the socks and shoes you buy should be made from natural materials.
Unlike synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, socks made from natural materials like cotton and wool will provide more ventilation.
As for shoes, leather and canvas are two of the most breathable materials. Insoles made with activated charcoal will act as further protection against stinky feet.
Never wear your shoes without socks. This will allow sweat and bacteria to accumulate, in addition to the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, oils, mold, and fungus.
There are a wide variety of anti-odor products available for your shoes. Choosing between the options is largely a matter of your individual preferences and needs. Dr. Scholl’s and Kiwi are two of the more popular brands for this purpose.
Otherwise, common kitchen and bathroom products such as baking powder, corn starch, baby powder, and talcum powder may be enough to suit your needs.
In rare cases, foot odor can be so foul or persistent that a visit to the doctor is warranted. You will only need to do this if the steps above have not been sufficient.
Smelly feet are sometimes a sign of a larger medical problem, especially if you have an immune system deficiency.
If smelly feet have been plaguing you even after practicing proper hygiene, check for cuts or wounds in the skin between the toes, and for signs of infection like redness and swelling.
If you are diabetic, be especially attentive to your foot odor, since infection progresses much faster.
For the best in foot care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vikki or Dr. Connie today.
For this and all other related questions and concerns, consult the specialists at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.
It is very important to have shoes that have just the right amount of arch support, particularly for those who transition into boots during the winter time. Seasonal Footwear all have their own unique support issues. Most boots lack the cushion and support that sneakers have while summer sandals do not provide proper ankle support.
Wearing appropriately-fitted shoes is a key part of keeping your feet healthy and in working order. You need shoes with good arch support and stable shoes, but it can be difficult to find the footwear that provides the best orthopedic fit for your feet. Without proper arch supports you leave yourself open to developing pain in your heels, ankles, knees and even lower back.
Dr. Foley and Dr. Ornelas of Superior Foot & Ankle Center have compiled a list of shoes and shoe retailers that are best suited to prevent a variety of foot-related injuries and issues. This list separates shoes by athletic categories, such as running, cross-training, basketball, hiking and golf. To avoid these problems you should always find shoes that have just the right amount of arch support or else wear orthotic insoles.
Here’s some information about what orthotics are and what different kinds are available.
Orthotics are inserts that correct a number of foot-related problems from flat feet to heal pain. While they do not fix any major biomechanical problems with your feet, they do provide relief for minor aches and pains.
There are a number of different kinds of over-the-counter orthotics that treat minor foot problems and alleviate pain. For example, arch supports can help correct fallen arches or flat feet while gel inserts help relieve foot and heel pain.
If you find that over-the-counter orthotics are not alleviating your pain, and it is best to consult a foot care professional about getting prescription orthotics. Prescription orthotics are high-quality inserts that address your specific foot care needs. These custom orthotics correct any number of serious foot problems from plantar fasciitis to abnormal motion. In addition, custom orthotics can relieve severe pain in your feet, knees, shins and back. They can even be used to help diabetic treat their painful foot ulcers and calluses. Prescription Orthotics are created by taking a mold or scan of your feet, so you know that your individual foot issues are being addressed.
You can find orthotics that are designed to fit and work inside high heel shoes.
Because over the counter orthotics can take a while to break in it is best to wear them around the house for a few days before wearing them to work. Many shoe brands come with extra padding and support. For example Cole Haan dress shoes and boots all come with Nike Air inserts.
Over the counter inserts can last anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending upon how much standing and walking you do at your job. For this reason, people with jobs that require a lot of standing and walking such as nurses and waitresses should have a spare pair of inserts just in case.
Now that you know the importance of having proper foot support in all of your shoes no matter what season it is, be sure to use orthotics to correct and prevent pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, no matter how minor, it is important to speak to a foot care professional as soon as possible to discuss ways to correct this issue. If you have any questions about orthotics; please feel free to contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Although most blisters eventually heal on their own, the recovery time required isn’t a feasible option for those who are active or experiencing pronounced pain. It is important to know the right methods of treatment to remain healthy and to prevent your blister from getting worse.
Blisters occur when temperatures rise, causing the feet to swell and sweat. This results in additional friction formed between the feet and shoes, creating a fluid-filled sac around the affected area.
The treatment method depends on where the blister is located and its level of severity. An unbroken blister or a blood blister will heal on its own. All that is required is a bandage to protect it, and avoidance of the activities which caused or may aggravate it.
For a small blister on a weight-bearing area (such as the heel, or the ball of the foot a doughnut-shaped felt pad should be applied. Leave the area above the blister open as much as possible.
In most cases, popping a blister at home is not advised. If it is too painful, however, follow these steps to drain it safely:
Never drain a blister, no matter how small it may be, if the following is true:
Once the blister has torn or drained, follow these steps:
Call your doctor if the following occur:
Monitor the area closely for signs of an infection. These may include: increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth surrounding the blister; red streaks extending from the blister; drainage of pus; or fever.
Call your doctor if you notice these symptoms:
Since blisters are caused by the friction between your feet and your shoes, wear shoes that fit well. This means that you should be able to wiggle your toes inside the shoe. Your feet swell later in the day, so try on shoes in the afternoon or the evening.
Moisture-wicking socks help reduce the swelling of the feet and friction associated with blisters. There are other socks and insoles designed to prevent blistering as well.
Applying moleskin to an area of the shoe where your feet rub may also help. Dust the inside of your shoe with talcum powder.
Avoid contact with plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Avoid contact with people who have infections that can cause blisters, such as:
To learn more about keeping your feet healthy, read the 15 Steps to Fabulous Summer Feet.
For the best in foot care, schedule an appointment with specialist Dr. Vikki or Dr. Connie at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center today.
Connect With Us
