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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: Athlete's Foot

By Clark Podiatry Center
July 31, 2019
Category: Running

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will go outside to participate in a popular and healthy activity; running. With this can come some foot health issues. They include:

  • Corns and Calluses – hardened areas of skin where there is friction between the toes, feet, and shoe
  • Blisters – open sores due to poor footwear support
  • Ingrown toenails – toenails that have been pushed inward and cut into the toe causing pain
  • Bunions – bony protrusions on your big toes due to poorly shoes or genetics
  • Athlete’s foot – a fungal infection often caused when people go barefoot in public pools and showers
  • Strains and sprains – overuse of the foot or ankle muscles especially if you haven’t stretched
  • Shin splints – a painful inflammation of the shin caused by repeated pounding on a hard surface

Runners can avoid these problems by taking the necessary precautions. Ways to avoid these foot issues include:

  • Making sure you have well-fitted shoes – this will cut down on corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails and blisters
  • Dry socks - make sure you have replacement socks as moist socks will breed bacteria which will lead to athlete’s feet
  • Never share shoes or socks – prevents the sharing of the athlete’s foot fungus
  • Never walk barefoot in a public shower or pool – prevents athlete’s foot fungus from spreading
  • Stretch your foot and leg muscles – will help avoid strains and sprains
  • Avoid hard surfaces when running – seek out softer surfaces like artificial track surfaces or the good old earth. Dirt is better than pavement and gives more on contact  

Taking these precautions will help you keep running and getting into the best shape you can. Taking care of your feet is the same as taking care of the special tires used for NASCAR and other types of racing. Without them, racers could not successfully compete.

If you are you a concerned runner or athlete or are just generally concerned about the health of your feet, schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues making sure that you not only choose the right shoes but also keep your feet healthy. See us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
June 26, 2019

Keeping in good health requires constant effort, whether it is through regular exercise or a healthy diet. The same goes for your feet. Regular checkups with your Primary Care physician are essential, as are regular checkups with your podiatrist. While you may be able to detect many foot problems, your podiatrist is best qualified to diagnose any issues, which may arise regarding your feet. Regardless, there are certain things you can do to help.

Tips to follow for healthy feet:

  • Don’t ignore foot pain – pain or discomfort is a sign that something is wrong. Stop and look.
  • Trim your nails – keep your nails neatly trimmed to avoid the collection of bacteria or other problems.
  • Make sure you dry your feet after a shower or bath – not doing so can contribute to athlete’s feet.
  • Regularly inspect for calluses, corns, blisters, redness, swelling or other unusual changes in your feet – every time you change socks or shoes take a quick look.
  • Wear properly fitted footwear and socks – this is very important for good foot health.
  • Alternate shoes – this varies the pressure and lets the older shoes air out reducing bacteria buildup.
  • Keep your feet soft and smooth – use a good moisturizer. Over the counter medicines are fine.
  • Maintain a good exercise regimen to keep the blood flowing in your feet – walk, run, play basketball.
  • If you have diabetes, it is crucial you keep an eye on your sugar level.

Your foot health is up to you. Your podiatrist stands ready to help but needs you to participate and care. Life seems so full these days, stopping to check out our feet may seem trivial, but it isn’t. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain!

Do you need some more help and encouragement in caring for your feet or choosing the right shoe?  Schedule an appointment with Clark Podiatry Center to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon A. Macy. He can assess your feet to ensure that no issues are making sure that you not only choose the right shoes but also keep your feet healthy. Call us at 732-382-3470 and see us at our Clark, New Jersey office today!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
March 20, 2019
Category: skin conditions

A Dry foot is a common ailment for many people. Besides looking unhealthy, having dry feet could lead to other more serious conditions, so keeping an eye on the health of your feet is important. Some of the causes of dry feet include:

  • Athlete’s foot – a skin disease caused by a fungus which usually occurs between the toes
  • Eczema - also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the feet
  • Psoriasis – inflammatory skin disease that causes flaking
  • Thyroid disease – over or underactive thyroid can cause an unhealthy thickening of the skin
  • Diabetes – (Associated with feet) loss of feeling due to high levels of sugar in the body

If you have dry feet, try soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. This will loosen the skin and make it easier to remove. You can also soak pumice stone in warm water and gently rub the foot in a circular motion which will slowly take off the dry skin. Follow this up with a good skin oil or lotion which includes Coconut and olive oil. Make sure you inspect your feet after showers or baths. This is an especially good time to use the pumice stone as your feet will have just come out of the water.

Curing and Preventing Dry Feet

Some of the ways dry skin can be prevented include:

  • Wearing soft, cushiony socks
  • Use wide and comfortable shoes with low heels
  • Use soft insoles that allow the feet to breathe
  • Soak any corns or callouses in warm water
  • Regularly use pumice stones
  • Frequently apply oil or lotion

If you believe you have dry skin or any other foot concerns, please make an appointment with us. Dr. Brandon A. Macy, who is associated with New Jersey Children's Foot Health Institute, will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments to get you back to being active. Call Clark Podiatry at (732) 382-3470.

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By Clark Podiatry Center
December 26, 2018
Category: Foot Health Tips
Tags: Bunions   Orthotics   Athlete's Foot   fungal   toe exercises   wart   corn  

The holidays are coming to a close, and now it’s time to ring in the New Year! Whether you’re staying home with family or celebrating with friends at a party, remember to stay safe and keep your feet comfortable. After all, they’ve worked hard for you all year in 2018!

So how will you keep them healthy and in tip-top shape in the New Year? Here are some ways you can help your feet to be healthier and stronger so that they can keep you walking:

  • Daily foot hygiene is key to keeping your feet free from bacterial or fungal infection. Don’t start your year off with Athlete’s foot! Use flip flops in communal showers and wash your feet daily with soap and warm water! Why wait for infection symptoms when you can prevent them?
  • Incorporate foot exercises into your regular physical activity. Remember, we recommend moderate to vigorous activity, at least 3 times a week. Try doing exercises like calf stretches, heel-ups (tip toes), and toe exercises like curls with a small gym towel. You can even do some while sitting at your office desk, like foot circles, as well as pointing and flexing them.
  • Step it up! Got a new phone, smartwatch, or other activity trackers as a holiday gift? Put it to good use! Start tracking the number of steps you’re getting each day. It’s a great motivator to keep active instead of leading a sedentary lifestyle. You might be surprised just how much or how little steps you get in per day!
  • Start wearing the right shoes. We’re not necessarily saying that you are wearing the wrong shoes, but rather that there are shoes that may better suit your feet. Since they are working hard for us every day, why not get comfortable and supportive shoes for our feet? If you need orthotics, get them! That way they won’t be tired or sore at the end of a long day.
  • Stop ignoring your foot problems and finally get around to treating them. Had a pesky wart that doesn’t hurt but won’t go away? How about a new corn that’s been developing? Many women develop mild bunions and when left untreated, can become very large and disfigured. In the New Year, we urge you to come to see your podiatrist so that he can help you get the foot care that you need. Why wait for it to become a bigger problem?
  • Hydrate and Eat well. Most people want to start the year healthy. Eating a nutritious diet and remembering to stay hydrated is a great start. Not only will your whole body benefit, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of potential foot problems as well. Additionally, if you do have some foot problems, foods full of nutrients can help them heal more quickly.

Maybe you’ll incorporate these into your New Year’s Resolutions. It is, indeed the time to make important new healthy habits and break bad unhealthy ones.

Need some more help and encouragement for healthier feet in the New Year? Schedule your annual podiatry checkup by making an appointment to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He can assess your feet to ensure that there are no issues and recommend some great ways to keep you walking. Come see us at our Clark, NJ office today!

 

 

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By Clark Podiatry Center
November 13, 2018
Category: skin conditions
Tags: blisters   corns   calluses   warts   Athlete's Foot   Shoes   diabetic   ulcer  

Your skin is one tough organ. It literally holds you together! But it’s also your first defense, making it more prone to attack from the outside world (and maybe some from inside your body). Your skin might not have 99 problems, but they surely are at risk of a lot!

Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi, Oh My!

  • These microorganisms usually live on and around us, but when we have a break in the skin and they get inside, that’s when an infection can occur. In most cases, cleaning and treating any cuts and scrapes can help to stop infections. However, other infections like Athlete’s foot (caused by the fungus tinea) might need more special care. Viral infections, like warts, can be more difficult and stubborn, ultimately needing podiatric intervention. Hygiene is the first defense and prevention tactic against these little troublemakers.

The attack of the shoes

  • You chose them and bought them – how could they be out to get you? Well, all of us have encountered uncomfortable shoes at one point or another. They can cause blisters, corns, and calluses if they are uncomfortable or cause excessive pressure on certain parts of the feet.
  • Don’t forget that bacteria and fungus can thrive in the moist and warm environment of your shoes, especially if you wear the same shoes every day.

Oops! and Ouch!

  • Oops, you dropped a heavy object on your foot! Ouch! That can really cause swelling, bruising, and turn your toenail black.
  • Oops, you forgot to wear sunblock with your sandals on a hot summer day! Ouch, sunburn got you good. Yes, even your feet are prone to sunburn!

Attack from within

  • Your own body can be your skin’s worst enemy. How? When you have neuropathy (such as diabetic neuropathy), your feet lose feeling. The nerves stop communicating and you can have poor circulation. Your skin can begin to break down and become an ulcer. When left untreated, that ulcer can lead to a really bad infection, gangrene, or even amputation!

Have we made our case for you to take care of your feet, including the skin? Be sure to wash your feet with soap and warm water each day. This is especially important if you go to communal locker rooms where you can easily pick up microorganisms while barefoot.

Noticed a skin problem on your foot? We can help assess your skin. Make an appointment today for a consultation at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your children’s feet to find the best solution for stinky feet! We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!

 

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470