Do stinky feet have you hiding in shame?

(VOA Photo S. Herman) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is really no delicate way to say it - foot odor is obnoxious and embarrassing. The good news is there are several things that can be done to counteract the problem. So don’t hide at home in shame.
Foot odor is caused by sweat and although sweat itself has no odor it creates a place for bacteria to thrive. Bacteria occurs naturally on your feet and hair on the toes increases the hiding places for the bacteria. Your feet are more densely covered with sweat glands than any other place on your body. Because your feet are usually encased in shoes all day the sweat has no chance to evaporate, so it’s trapped inside your foot wear.

Although there are several factors that can contribute to smelly feet, there is also a multitude of preventive and extinguishing methods that can control and eliminate the problem. Factors that contribute may include:

• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Stress

Now that you know the problem exists let’s look at options for correcting it. Preventive measures and methods to extinguish the problem are quite often the same. What you can do to eliminate foot odor includes:

• Wash your feet daily, dry thoroughly especially between the toes and apply foot powder
• Wear clean socks
• Don’t wear the same shoes two days in a row and allow them to dry thoroughly
• Avoid synthetic socks as they don’t allow for as much breathability as natural fibers
• A few pinches of baking soda, which is very inexpensive, can keep your feet and shoes fresh
• Swabbing feet with rubbing alcohol will freshen feet and rid them of bacteria
• Use a hand sanitizer to aid in killing bacteria on your feet
• Rub your feet with corn starch as it will absorb perspiration

There are other more aggressive methods of treating foot odor if you have a persistent problem.  A low level electrical current can be applied to the skin, which will hold foot sweating at bay for several weeks. In the most severe cases, Dr. Boucher can cut a nerve that controls the sweating.

So take heart, there is a solution for you. On those really depressing days, when even the dog won’t fetch your shoes, you have foot odor control options. Dr. Boucher is available to advise you on your foot odor problem. Call her at (203)238-3668. She can help your feet feel fresh all day.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_odor
http://www.epodiatry.com/smelly-foot.htm

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Summertime Blues - The Water’s Edge; Appropriate Water Footwear

HDRI photograph of sunset on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Summer is almost here. Schools everywhere are letting out and families are trying to figure out the whole vacation thing. Whether you choose inland lakes, beautiful coastal regions, or the azure blue of the Caribbean, the allure of the water is sure to play a part in your vacation. However, remember that there is no time to relax your foot care routine while on vacation. Protect your feet because not only are injuries and ailments inconvenient to your vacation plans, but they can also be painful and cause you to miss out on a lot of the action. Even what seems harmless, like an easy stroll on the beach, can hide dangers. Protect your feet with appropriate footwear at all times, even while in the water.

Shoe manufacturers make it so easy now with the quick dry materials, open ventilation and multifunctional water shoes. Just grab a pair and go.
 
Pools

If you are at poolside, not only do these provide hazard protection from deck slippage, but they can protect from hidden dangers in the water.  One such hidden danger is broken glass on the pool bottom or rough tile edges, both capable of cutting your feet. You don’t want to be the one that’s bleeding in the pool. Another danger of public pool areas is athlete’s foot fungus, which loves moist and damp areas. This is the same fungus which can invade your toenails.  So now you’ve progressed from a minor ailment to a major catastrophe, which can become a very lengthy battle and one that is difficult to win.
 
Beaches

If you’re drawn to the beaches, keep water shoes on your feet if you plan on getting wet, or sandals while on the dry sand. Hidden objects lay just below the surface, such as coral, rocks, broken glass, metal and sticks that can cause lacerations and puncture wounds. Openings in the skin then allow bacteria to enter the body.
 
Lakes

If you enjoy inland lakes and waterways, there is appropriate footwear for canoeing, kayaking, walking shorelines and fording streams.

Water shoes are a critical element in swimming and fitness. They are the first line of defense that protects your feet from injuries and bacteria.  If the unthinkable happens and you are injured, contact Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668. Her expert healing hands can get you right back to having fun, just like life was meant to be.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC Podiatrist Meriden CT http://www.centralctfootcare.com Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

References:

http://gmagoldie.hubpages.com/hub/002-EZ-Swimmer-Swim-Shoes-Are-Essential

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Show Those Summer Toes!

With summer here, many of us are ready to shed those heavy shoes and socks in favor of sandals and flip-flops. But over the winter, corns and calluses many have developed, making your feet and toes not quite ready for "prime time". Help is on the way!

Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, thick, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated firction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes, and calluses on the soles or the balls of the feet. Corns and calluses can also form when the position of the bones in your feet change. The corns and calluses initially form to provide protection, but as they thicken, they can become painful and inflamed.
The friction and pressure from both corns and calluses can cause a painful or burning sensation. Often one visit to the podiatrist can be all that's needed to relieve the pain, although most corns and calluses will reoccur without regular monitoring or changes in either your shoes or your foot function. The podiatric physician can work with you to relieve the pain by using a variety of pads or mateirals on the affected areas.
It is important that you never cut your corns or calluses with any instrument and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist's instructions. Many over-the-counter remedies are advertised frequently, but often these home remedies can be dangerous. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
Corns and calluses can be particularly problematic for patients with diabetes. These patient should always schedule regularly yearly visits with their podiatrist to check for foot problems and circulation issues. If more frequent visits are required, the podiatrist will work with you to make sure your corns and calluses are monitored and treated as needed.
One way to control corns and calluses is to make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running). Also, it is important to alternate shoes- don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
A visit to your local podiatrist can be all you need to get your feet in shape for summer footwear, so schedule that now and be ready to show off your fancy feet!
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Summer Foot Fixes: Fungal Toenails

Nine percent of men and women have suffered from nail problems. Fungal toenails are thickened, discolored, loose or deformed toenails, typically the result of trauma to the toenail. They are caused by an infection that starts in the skin, like athlete's foot, which can spread to the nails. Fungal toenails are sometimes an indication of other medical problems such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and psoriasis. Shoes and socks create a warm, dark, and humid environment, which fungus loves to grow and spread in. It may also be caused by heredity. To prevent fungal toenails, keep shoes and socks dry as a preventative measure. Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying to feet carefully, especially between the toes. Change shoes regularly and wear acrylic or moisturing wicking shoes, like Aetrex's Copper Socks. Inspect toenails and trim them straight across on a regular basis. Do not use nail polish to cover discoloration. A podiatrist will recommend either Lamisil, a prescription tablet, or Formula 3, a topical remedy.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
 http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Summer Foot Fixes: Calluses or Corns

Calluses or corns are a painful thickening and build up of skin that forms at points of pressure, over bony prominences, or on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Calluses and corns can also be caused by your heredity, tight stockings, and tendon imbalances. To prevent calluses and corns, wear supportive shoes with a wide, roomy toe box and a low heel. You can use over-the-counter creams, but avoid medicated callus-corn remover pads. Make sure to read the label on any over-the-counter products thoroughly to avoid serious complications. If you do not have diabetes, soak feet in warm water, and use a pumice stone or file to treat. Talk to a podiatrist about products such as Pedinol's Ureacin-20 Cream and AmLactin Moisturizing Lotion. Avoid tight-fitting shoes, socks, and hosiery. Do not use heating devices on feet; instead soak in cool water and ice.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Summer Foot Fixes: Blisters

Blisters are painful, fluid filled lesions that are caused by ill-fitting or stiff shoes, wrinkled socks against the skin, excessive moisture, and foot deformities. To avoid blisters, keep your feet dry and always wear socks as a cushion between your feet and shoes. Wear properly fitting shoes. Never pop a blister. Carefully open a corner of the blister closest to the bottom of te foot with a sterilized utensil like a sewing needle, drain, apply antibiotic cream, and cover with a bandage immediately. Treat a mild blister with soap and water; cover it with an antiseptic ointment and protective dressing. Check the blister regularly to ensure it doesn't get infected. Remove the blister surface if needed. Use padding, such as moleskin to reduce friction.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will only be sent to Connecticut residents.

Hit the Beach- But Watch Out For Your Feet!

One perk of a beach-bound vacation is looking forward to lounging happily with your toes dangling in the warm weather, shoe-free, with the sand at your feet. Your dream vacation does come it its own set of tootsie troubles. Since we'd all rather spend time collecting sea shells than doctor's bills, there are ways to prevent foot predicaments so you can enjoy your vacation:
*Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete's foot, ring-worm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
*Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room, and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.
*Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles and don't forget to reapply after you've been in the water.
*Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
*Keep your blood flowing wiht periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches. Take a walk and enjoy the view every few hours.
*Some activities at the beach, lake, or river may require different types of footwear, so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack an extra pair of sneakers or or protective water shoes. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried out completely before your next wearing to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.
*If you injure your foot and ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from  podiatric physician.
In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go kit:
**SUNSCREEN!- to make sure that you protect all of your skin, including your feet, against the scorching sun.
**Flip-flops- for the pool, spa, hotel, and airport security check points. We can recommend some brands that are better for your overall foot health.
**Sterile bandages- for covering minor cuts and scrapes.
**Antibiotic cream- to treat any skin injury.
**Blister pads or moleskin- to protect against blisters.
**Anti-inflammatory medication- to ease tired, swollen feet.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!