Foot Health Information

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot problems that Americans deal with every day. Whether you are the college athlete of the year or the village gardener, athlete’s foot can affect anyone.

Athlete’s foot is an infection on the skin of the feet that is caused by fungus. The culprit is the fungus called tinea pedis, which is quite common in the surrounding areas. This fungus practically lives and grows everywhere just as long as the area is warm and moist.

They can be found lounging around in areas where there is moisture such as in locker rooms in college gyms, the swimming pool area, the bathroom, and even the classiest spa houses in the country.

This love for moisture is the reason why the fungus just loves the environment inside your footwear especially rubber shoes that are not often aired out and dried properly. And remember this, once the fungus inhabit your shoes, it will be really hard to make it go away. But how does this fungus get into your shoes?

Simple. When you use public facilities where there is moisture, these fungus adhere to the outer layers of the skin. When not washed out and dried, this fungus can live inside your shoes or await another foot, which it can adhere to the next.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

How do you know when you have athlete’s foot? Often, people suffering from this foot problem will start to experience itching in between the toes. There will also be scaling and unusual redness in the skin.

Soon after, the affected area will crack and will blister. It is important that you do not scratch the affected area as touching it will cause the skin to open up and allowing the fungus to enter deep into the skin, thereby exacerbating the condition. It is also so much easier for the problem to spread to other areas of the foot when you are scratching and touching the affected area.

When not treated early, fungal infections like these can become really severe with the toenails becoming yellowed and thick.

Treating athlete’s foot

Although there are topical medicines available that can help your solve this problem, prevention is always the best treatment. Always wear cotton socks when using your rubber shoes. These absorb the moisture so that it will not adhere to the shoes. Of course, change those socks often as the sweat inside can also be a good environment for the fungus.

The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of good health. If you’re looking for a way to wrap up this present, you can find it in a detox foot bath. Not only is this product a highly effective tool for helping those with health issues feel better, but it can also allow those in good health to maintain their energy without drastic steps. Detoxification is the next step in taking better care of your body; shouldn’t you share that with everyone you know?

The gifts of detoxification

A detoxification cleanse isn’t just another name for a fast. While most of us cringe at the idea of abstaining from food in order to increase our health, it just isn’t necessary. The body is quite able to detox itself, but sometimes, it just needs a little help. Detoxing the body can help the kidneys, liver, lungs, and even the digestive system work more efficiently – allowing the rest of your body to function at its highest capacity. This not only gives you energy and stamina, but also allows you to protect your body from damage and repair any damage that you may have already done. You don’t add any special oils or lotions; in fact, the instructions tell you not to do so. All your gift recipient needs to add is their feet into the water.

What this detoxification system will include

What’s even better about giving a Detox Foot bath, such as the Ioncleanse, as a gift is that your lucky recipient isn’t going to have to buy anything else to go with this detoxification system. All they need for a regular detoxification routine is access to an electrical outlet as well as a supply of water – that’s it. By simply adding as much water as indicated in the directions, plugging the system in, turning it on, and placing their feet into the bath, your gift recipient is going to have a spa experience that’s really a detoxification cleansing in disguise.

What’s the system going to do?

This detoxification cleansing system works through the idea of removing negative ions from the body. When the body is exposed to negative energy throughout the day – electricity, electro magnetic fields, etc. – it can start to have more negative ions built up, which can lead to harmful health effects. But in this kind of detoxification system, by using the ionically balanced medium of water, the system pulls toxins from the body, even changing the water a different color in the initial treatments. By simply using the system for twenty to thirty minutes ever few days, the body will begin to readjust its ionic balance and lead to more energy, more health, and more vitality.

A detoxification cleansing system is the perfect gift for anyone that’s interested in increasing their overall health. By simply making sure that they don’t have an conditions that might be negatively affected by the device ahead of time, you will be wrapping up a longer life and a better life for one special person

People go for running, jogging or walking either for the purpose of exercising or for sports event. To ensure safe running and to prevent running injuries, plan the running program properly. The warm-up and stretching exercises are a must before you start running. Do the stretching exercise again after you finish running.

Always prefer to run in the early morning or evening. This is highly important in hot summers to avoid sun strokes. Avoid running at night. Do not run in traffic areas. Be conscious of your running environment in order to prevent injuries while you run. Try to run on clear, smooth, even, and almost soft surface. Avoid running on hills, which increases stress on the ankle and foot. When running on curved surfaces, change directions in forward movement, so that pressure on both feet is even.

Wear proper dress and footwear. Your dress material should provide insulation, absorb perspiration and moisture from skin and protect against wind and external moisture. While buying your running shoes, look for good shock absorption and construction that will provide stability and cushioning to the foot. Make sure that there is a minor gap between the end of the toe and the shoe. Replace your shoes when it loses the shock absorption capability.

Apply good sunscreen lotions or creams, wear sunglasses and hat with a visor if you are exposed to sun while running. During cold seasons, do not expose your skin. Wear gloves, full jackets and hat, and cover the neck. Petroleum jelly can be used on exposed areas, such as the nose.

Drink some fluid 10 to 15 minutes before running and every 20 to 30 minutes while you run. Dr. Lewis G. Maharam who is the world’s premier running physician, medical director of New York Road Runners, ING New York City Marathon, Elite Racing’s Musical Marathons and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team and Chairman of the Board of Governors, International Marathon Medical Directors Association, said in an article “I can safely say that there is no substitute for a sports drink when exercising for more than 30 minutes. If you drink it — using thirst as your guide — you will truly be healthier and perform better”.

If you have asthma, you may find difficulty in running or exercising. Changing your diet and exercise habits can help asthma patients to run. Try to lose extra pounds to make you run more effectively, even with your asthma. Eat fresh vegetables rich in magnesium, avoid food items which trigger asthma attacks, drink eight and ten glasses of water every day, and stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Practice breathing exercises that will allow you to maintain proper breaths even while running. Know your limits and stop running if you get a tightening feeling in the chest. Always have your asthma inhaler with you at all times, especially when running or exercising.

According to experts, walking or running barefoot develops muscle strength in the feet, legs, and hips. Also it stretches and strengthens your calf muscles, improves your walking or running style and equilibrium. Many runners routinely finish their practice with barefoot running in the grass. But, if you have some serious medical ailments like poor circulation, diabetic neuropathy, and open crack or wound never run or walk with barefoot. For safe running with barefoot apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet and avoid running on or near hazardous areas.

Don’t wear a headset or jewelry while running. Carry a whistle or other noisemaker. This will help you in emergency situations. If you are running alone, carry identification card or paper containing information such as your name, phone number, blood group, and medical information. Let your family members know where you will be running and taking rest. Have some money with you to make a phone call in emergency situations. Seek the advice of doctor within 24 hours if you are injured.

Foot corns develop as a result of increased pressure on a particular area of skin causing it to become thickened and hard. Corns often appear on the tops of the toes, the sole of the feet or even in between the toes. Because of the constant increased and localized pressure on a specific area of the foot generally from poorly fitting shoes, the skin begins to react in a protective fashion and forms a corn. These corns can be either hard or soft in nature.

Corns on the tops of the toes are generally hard whereas the ones found in between the toes are more often soft in nature. A very common location of corns is on the outside of the little toe, most often seen in women, particularly those wearing fashionable yet ill-fitting shoes which because of the tight and narrow toe box cause an increased friction and pressure on the outside of the toe. Other common forefoot problems can also occur such as the development of bunions or hammertoes.

Corns generally appear as a round, hard areas and generally occur on the areas of the feet which bear the most pressure. Foot corns are caused by a variety of issues such as ill-fitting shoes, hammertoes, other conditions causing an abnormal gait, or even bunions. It is important for your physician to assess your feet to accurately diagnose the exact type of foot malady present. Plantar’s warts, calluses or foot corns may appear the same yet they each require specific treatment and so it is important to have an accurate diagnosis prior to treatment.

Foot corns may be treated in a variety of ways, including those that you can implement at home and those that require a physician’s intervention. Gel toe tubes and soft toe rings provide cushioning for corns giving temporary relief. Using a pumice stone to gently buff away at the thickness of the foot corn can also provide temporary relief.

Stretching your shoes or replacing them with properly fitting shoes can be the best solution to preventing the development of future corns. Addressing other health issues that may cause an abnormal gait leading to excessive pressure on your feet can also be of help. Your physician can provide foot corn treatment in the office by using a scalpel to shave off the top of the corn to reduce the toughened and hard skin. Your physician may also suggest the use of a salicylic acid on the corn itself to soften the skin and reduce its size.

Foot corns are bothersome and painful. Prevention is the key and best solution. However there are numerous options available for foot corn treatment involving both easy to implement ideas that you can use at home to treatments requiring your physician’s assistance.

A foot massage is something that almost everyone craves, but very few can actually get. It can be both sensual as well as relaxing. This is a very simple idea that can help to keep even the most on edge person relaxed and at ease. A simple foot massage can relieve many of the tensions of the day and can make you feel revitalized. It can do this in many different ways. It will help to relax the tense muscles in your feet and it will also give you a feeling of relaxation.

In regards to the sensual aspect, there can be many benefits to this as well. A simple foot massage of your loved one will tell them that you care and will help in the creation of an atmosphere of peace. By simply touching and caressing your partner’s feet you set the tone and the atmosphere for the time that lies ahead. This simple gesture will let your partner know what you are willing to do for them and how much you care by caressing their feet and letting them take some tension off which will lead to a night of potential romance.

A simple foot massage can be something that is very helpful to those who have high stress jobs or for someone who is on their feet for the better part of their day. This simple tension reliever will lead to not only your feet feeling better, but your mind and soul will be relaxed as well. This simple pleasure will make your whole day better. A simple foot massage helps to sweep the tension away from your body by making your feet feel comfortable and relaxed again which will rejuvenate your entire body. It is a great end to a long day and a wonderful way to start your night. It will send you on your way to a relaxing evening and a good night which will allow you to have a great start to your next day.

A foot massage has many benefits not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It also helps to relieve the stress as well as provide physical relief. It can relax the muscles and tendons in your feet and help to soothe away those aches and pains that you get from standing on your feet all day. As far as mentally, the fact that someone is pampering you and showing you the affection and attention that you need and crave. It is also just a simple relaxation and stress relief technique that for all intents and purposes allows you just put your feet up. So go home and find someone to give you that foot massage that you so richly deserve or you can go to a massage parlor and let someone else do it for you while receiving some of the other perks of the massage service. It is something that everyone deserves every once in a while or even more so. So go and treat yourself, you deserve it.

Does the idea of falling nails scare you? You must be. Nail fungus can do that slowly but surely. Nail fungal infection is onychomycosis (on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis) in scientific term. They are micro-predators from the bacterium called dermatophyte or tinea unguium, mother of other skin disorders such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Yeasts and molds are its common sources.

The disease indeed looks as bad as the name sounds. Once your nails are penetrated, they progressively form ugly cracks on the outer layers and white, yellow or black discoloration. It is accompanied by swelling, redness, and itchiness around the affected area. In the process, the nails, which once served as protective barrier to the fungus, detach from the nail bed and it would take months of treatment for a new one to grow.

There are of course some hassle-free preventive means to avoid them, if you haven’t yet been afflicted. Below is a list of useful facts and tips for you to follow:

Fact 1. The bacteria dermatophyte is anaerobic in nature, or it booms in places with very little or no supply of oxygen like your feet for example – they habitually stay covered in socks and shoes for 80 per cent of the day and are less ventilated.

Tip 1 . Always keep your feet dry and clean. Apply foot powder before putting on a pair of 100% cotton socks and shoes. It is also necessary that you keep your feet sheltered in wet and people-heavy surroundings (e.g. public swimming pools, gyms, communal toilets) to ward off possible contamination.

Fact 2. The toenails are the favorite habitat of dermatophyte because they are always more secluded, damp, and warm. This doesn’t give you reason to be lax with your fingernails. If your hands are often exposed in water and/or chemicals, the fingernails can also be infected.

Tip 2. As much as possible, wear gloves to protect your hands. Dry them immediately after exposure to liquid. Also, be sure to use sanitized instruments on your nails. If you prefer manicure and pedicure done by a professional in the salon, check if they sterilize their tools. Better yet, bring your own to be safer.

Fact 3. According to statistics, men are more likely to be infected than women. Kids need not worry, however. As anyone can actually be a victim to nail fungal infections, adults, persons suffering from diabetes and leukemia are among the most vulnerable groups to acquire this nail disorder. It is due to their immune systems getting weaker and blood circulation problems.

Tip 3. Proper hygiene and eating health foods that strengthen the body’s defense mechanism is the ultimate key to survival from these fungi. Acquiring nail fungal infection for diabetic and leukemic is dangerous as it may lead to other complications, so prevention is a must.

Fact 4. There are oral and topical treatments available over the counter which can help kill nail fungi. Popular brands like Dermisil, Lamisil, Tinactin, etc. are among the widely suggested. Alternative remedies can also be done if you want less costly medication. You may try soaking the infected part in vinegar for about 20 minutes two times a day. Do this until the infection disappears and you can expect a new nail to grow. Otherwise, just apply Vicks VapoRub.

Tip 4. Consult a podiatrist (a foot doctor) or dermatologist (a skin doctor) for professional and safe advice.

Orthotics are orthopedic devices designed to treat various mechanical foot disorders.

Orthotics are heel cups or full insoles for shoes that are custom tailored devices designed to meet the needs of individuals who have had persistent problems with their feet.

At some time in your life most people will experience a foot problem. If you have had foot problems in the past then chances are you have already experienced the impact foot pain can have on your quality of life. If your feet hurt, then it seems like your whole body hurts.

While we all know it is important to stay active, what do we do if our feet hurt? Understanding our feet and knowing how to treat and prevent foot problems is vital to our longevity and overall health.

The best treatment and prevention for foot related problems is a combination of stretching, weight control and appropriate footwear.

Weight is a significant factor in foot problems and, unfortunately, the less you exercise due to foot pain the more difficult it is to control your weight.

Stretching also helps by toning the muscles and tendons in the back of your legs that have attachments in the foot, this is especially important for people who are suffering from plantar fascitis or heel pain.

Orthotics are known to help and relieve Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, heel pain, arch pain, stress fractures and runner’s knee.

The average cost of customized orthotics varies between $375 and $450. Over the counter orthotics varies between $10 and $50.

It is important that you check with your podiatrist before purchasing an orthotic. Because there are so many different types of orthotics, it is important to purchase the correct one for your particular problem. You do not want to purchase an orthotic that is not the correct fit for your medical needs.

If you do have persistent foot pain, it is best to consult your physician or podiatrist for treatment. Despite what many people think, it is not normal for your feet to hurt.

If you require custom orthotics you will begin by making an impression of the foot which is also known as a cast. The impressions in the cast duplicate misalignments in the foot or feet.

Specialists in an orthotic laboratory can correct the misalignments with compensation and stabilization techniques. Once the orthotic is complete it will then be placed in your regular shoes to help keep the foot in proper alignment.

Orthotics are beneficial for individuals with persistent foot pain.

Don’t delay…get back to enjoying life again! Find relief for your foot pain… orthotics may be your answer!

Cryosurgery has become more popular over the last few years for relief of painful foot problems. Now thanks to advancements in the technique, the procedure has become more accurate allowing more reproducible results with higher success rates than cryosurgery performed as recent as the past few years!

Dr. Marc Katz, a podiatrist and cryosurgeon in Tampa, FL, has pioneered new advanced techniques to improve the accuracy and results of foot cryosurgery. He has coined the CryoMax procedure which involves the use of a color power ultrasound for guidance to accurately target and treat the abnormal nerve. This doppler technology is different than the common black and white doppler imaging used by some cryosurgeons. The nerve and vessel structures can be identified with ease using the color doppler. Of course there is a learning curve which is fairly steep but the outcome is much more positive.

The most common foot cryosurgery procedures performed today do not use any visual guidance to place the cryosurgery probe. The area of foot pain is found by pressing points of tenderness on the foot and the probe is placed where the pain seems to occur. Dr. Katz does not like the random approaches of the past. The exact nerve branch needs to be identified. This can be accomplished with the use of the color power doppler and small amounts of anesthetic accurately placed. Dr. Katz stated that he developed this technique because of the need for better results with minimal discomfort. This is a much more scientific approach with better outcomes. Cryosurgery involves freezing of the nerves and without proper guidance the procedure may be hit or miss. Of course, no technique is perfect but he feels that CryoMax is far superior and he has the results to prove it.

Dr. Katz is one of a few podiatrists in the US to do the procedure. He has patients that travel from many cities across the US and he also sees patients from Canada and even other countries.

The most common cryosurgery procedures for foot pain are performed for neuritis or nerve inflammation, foot neuroma and all types of heel pain. Many other types of foot and ankle pain can be treated as well. The use of CryoMax has been an excellent addition to treatment options available. The need for more major traditional surgery has been mostly eliminated in Dr. Katz’s Tampa practice. Patients have been pleased with the fast healing and short recovery time. They walk out of the office after the procedure and take it easy for a few days. After about 24 hours a Band-aid is applied and the incision is so small there is no stitch. In some cases, the patient may require more than one treatment. However patients readily admit that they would repeat the procedure without hesitation for the relief.

So what exactly happens when a patient has cryosurgery?

The cryosurgery process is all natural. The cryosurgery probe causes the fluid in the tissues to freeze around the nerve. There is no chemical that goes into the foot and nothing is removed from the foot. The procedure can be done even if the patient has had prior treatments including traditional surgery.

Basically, super freezing is applied to the nerve that is causing pain. When controlled freezing and thawing occur, a portion of the nerve will breakdown. This causes a prolonged anesthetic effect and thus pain relief. This occurs because the pain signal to the brain has been disrupted. The physician can then address the underlying cause of problem and correct it to obtain more lasting relief. It is the natural course of healing for the body to attempt re-growth of the nerve. So many patients will receive custom orthotic arch support devices to realign the foot and ankle and allow healing without repeat damage to the nerve.

One major advantage of cryosurgery is that when the nerve heals and new growth forms, there is no occurrence of a stump neuroma. A stump neuroma is a disorderly growth of nerve tissue often resulting in chronic unresolved pain. Since the cryosurgical procedure leaves the outer coating or insulation of the nerve intact, the newly growing nerve has a pathway for orderly growth and allows pain-free regeneration.

Dr. Katz recommends this treatment to his patients before consideration of more invasive procedures including the removal of the neuroma, heel surgeries and soft tissue release procedures. I don’t compare cryosurgery to nerve removal or nerve releases procedures. It’s like comparing apples to oranges! I believe that the procedure should be tried because of its success and it may avoid the need for more risky procedures. This is a totally different approach to relieving pain and it is the future of pain relief. Katz says that if he can have a large percentage of his patients avoid a poor outcome it is certainly to the advantage of the patient. In addition, health care costs are decreased since a costly surgery center or hospital visit can be avoided because the procedure is performed in the office setting.

Cryosurgery is an excellent safe option for relief of foot and ankle pain. With advances in technology and technique, patients have additional choices available in their treatment regimen. The future of medicine is evolving into minimally invasive methods of treatment. Patients can now take advantage of this cutting edge pain relief technology.

Heel pain, also referred to as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, is one of the most common foot conditions treated in a podiatrists office. In our fast paced lives, heel pain has become an epidemic. This is due to the combination of long work days and lack of exercise. People are also gaining weight and losing their muscle strength and flexibility. These are all contributing factors to heel pain.

Typical symptoms consist of pain when getting out of bed in the morning and after sitting. Many people also experience discomfort at the end of the day or the day after exercise/strenuous activity. Others describe their pain as radiating or sharp shooting pain which likely involves a nerve in the heel area.

A major support structure known as the plantar fascia is partially responsible for supporting the foot arch and for absorbing shock while walking. The fascia extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. The fascia is a flat band similar in makeup to a ligament. For various reasons, the fascia weakens and causes the arch to fall, thus developing a lower arch or “flat foot”. As a result, there is excessive stretch or tension on the fascial band which causes inflammation or swelling and often small tears of this band. With repeated stress of the fascia on the heel bone or calcaneus, a spur or bone enlargement develops. This is the body’s way of responding to stress. When a tissue is stressed, the body forms more of that tissue, in this case bone.

In addition to the swelling of the fascia, there is often a related irritation, entrapment or enlargement of various nerves around the heel. It has been shown that these nerves are a major source of the pain experienced with plantar fasciitis.

So what exactly causes the pain in the heel?

It is a combination of swelling of the fascia and the irritated nerves of the heel. The heel spur itself causes no pain even though on x-ray it looks pointed and appears as piercing object. As a matter of fact, many people have fasciitis without the spur.

Dr. Marc Katz, a Tampa Podiatrist, notes that in his 17 years of practice he has rarely removed the actual bone spur. He also stated that over the past 10 years he has used advanced treatments to heal the pain and more recently has used a cutting edge technology known as Cryosurgery with a high success rate. Dr. Katz is the first Cryostar certified Cryosurgeon in the Tampa area for foot problems.

How do we treat Heel Pain?

Treatment of heel pain can be frustrating for the patient and physician. Healing can take months and sometimes as long as a year. This does not mean that there will be constant pain for that period of time, however, expectations need to realistic. It is important to seek early treatment.

There are many treatments for heel pain. Your doctor should customize a treatment plan depending on individual factors including lifestyle, foot types and any other associated illnesses. Treatment should not only concentrate on the heel but also on the person as a whole. Many factors both physical and physchological may be important to consider. In addition, weight control, systemic medical conditions and injuries should be evaluated. Evaluations consist of a thorough history and physical, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound and MRI if necessary. Referrals to other specialists may be needed if there are associated medical conditions.

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory pills, ice, cortisone injections, custom orthotic arch supports, padding, strapping, night splints, removable casts, stretching, physical therapy, shockwave, homeopathic and natural medicine, change in activities, weight-loss programs, wearing different shoes, change in activities and change in life style.

Dr. Katz stated that Cryosurgery is showing some excellent long-term results! This newer treatment is recommended after trying other treatments. However, at times it may serve as a first line treatment for certain patients. This procedure is done in the office and is minimally invasive and allows the patient to quickly return to normal activities.

The patient is always advised that to help prevent recurrence of the condition, custom orthotic devices, continued stretching and body weight control are necessary.

Treatment of heel pain can be a challenge. Find a Podiatrist that is compassionate and willing to spend the necessary time and try different treatment options.

Most people have been led to believe that making positive changes in their health requires dramatic alterations to their lifestyle, but this is not the case. By simply adding a few things to your weekly routine and making the effort to help your body help itself, you can increase your energy, your stamina, and your immune system. Here is what you need to start thinking about adding to your life.

Standing on your health?

While many of us would do most anything for the chance to soak in a nice foot bath, maybe you have a good reason to do so now. Recent studies have shown the foot detoxification systems really do work to help restore health and prevent future illnesses. By adding a foot cleanse to your health routine a few times a week, you can help to adjust the energy in your body in order to free toxins from your body as well as increase your overall energetic balance. And when this happens, your body can more easily heal itself and repair damage that’s been done.

All you need to do is find an ionic foot bath dealer, such as the Original ioncleanse that has both EU and FCC certifications. These foot cleanse systems will be easy to use and do not require expensive accessories or oils. All you need for foot detoxification is water and access to an electrical outlet. You simply plug the device in after putting water in the system (the order will depend on the instructions that come with the unit) and then turn the system on, place your feet inside and then soak for twenty to thirty minutes a few times a week. You may notice that the water changes color as your body is rid of the various toxins that have built up. But you will also notice an immediate increase in your energy. Some people report feeling lighter after the experience as well.

Your feet can collect a lot of toxins due to the long periods of sitting and standing that we do. And when our circulation and excretion systems aren’t working as well as they should, the toxins can accumulate due to gravity. By soaking in the bath, you will allow the energy of the system to draw these toxins out of your body.

What about the rest of your body?

However, to complement this therapy for your body, you can also do a full body cleanse. Many times this internal body cleansing will require that you dramatically change your diet or take supplements that will change your digestion speed. What you’re doing is ridding your body of excess debris that may have built up in your intestines and may be causing your body to feel sluggish. What’s happening is that your digestive system is trying to digest these foods over and over, using up a lot of energy in the process. By doing a full body cleanse, you can expedite this process and have that excess energy back. An internal body cleansing is only necessary a few times each year as well as after taking long courses of medication.