Items filtered by date: October 2023

Engaging in physical activities, whether it's running, hiking, playing sports, or hitting the gym, offers numerous benefits to both the body and mind. However, the repeated stress and impact on the feet during these activities can lead to injuries and discomfort if proper foot care isn't prioritized. Today, we'll delve into the importance of foot care for active individuals, offering insights into preventing injuries and optimizing performance. 

Choosing the Right Footwear

The journey to optimal foot care begins with choosing the right footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and even more serious issues like plantar fasciitis or stress fractures. 

When selecting athletic shoes, consider the following factors:

• Size and Fit: Ensure that your shoes fit snugly without being too tight. Your toes should have some room to wiggle, and there should be about a thumbnail's space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• Arch Support: Different foot types require varying degrees of arch support. If you have high arches, look for shoes with cushioning and arch support; if you have flat feet, choose shoes that provide stability and motion control.
• Activity-Specific Shoes: Different activities demand different shoe designs. Running shoes have specific cushioning for impact, while hiking boots provide ankle support and traction. Wearing the right shoes for the activity can reduce the risk of injury.

Preventing Common Foot Injuries

Maintaining the health of our feet is crucial for overall physical well-being and an active lifestyle. These common foot ailments can significantly impede our ability to move comfortably and engage in daily activities. By understanding the causes and adopting preventive measures for these injuries, we can ensure that our feet remain resilient, allowing us to continue pursuing a life of mobility and vitality. Some common foot issues include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: This condition, characterized by heel pain, is common among athletes. Stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia before and after activity can help prevent this painful injury. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can provide relief post-activity.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Overuse and inadequate stretching can lead to inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Regularly stretching the calf muscles, eccentric heel drops, and avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity can help prevent this condition.
• Blisters and Calluses: Moisture-wicking socks and well-fitting shoes can significantly reduce friction and the development of blisters and calluses. If a blister forms, avoid popping it, as it can lead to infection. Instead, cover it with a bandage.
• Stress Fractures: Overtraining and improper footwear can lead to stress fractures, especially in high-impact activities. Gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts and ensuring proper rest days can reduce the risk of stress fractures.

Foot and Ankle Stretches to Improve Mobility 

Stretching is a great way to improve foot and ankle mobility, especially for highly active individuals. Here are a few stretches to try before your next workout:

• Toe Raises:
  • Sit with both feet flat on the floor in front of you.  
  • Repeatedly raise the front of your foot off of the floor, stretching your toes to the ceiling, while keeping your heels on the floor. 
  • Then curl your toes underneath themselves and raise your heels off the floor. 
• Ball Rolls:
  • Stay seated with both feet in front of you.
  • Use a tennis ball or other ball of similar size on the floor.
  • Take one foot and place it on top of the ball with it resting on the arch of your foot.
  • Extend your leg using minimal pressure, rolling the ball back and forth along the bottom of your foot. 
  • Increase the hardness and decrease the size of the ball to target areas of your foot that feel more tight. 
• Achilles Stretch:
  • Stand with both feet facing forward, and put one foot in front of the other, giving yourself room between the front and back of your feet. 
  • Make sure you have something in front of you to lean against, bend your knees and lean forward.  
  • Keeping both feet flat on the ground allows your knees to bend as your body moves toward the wall in front of you.
• Point and Flex:
  • Start this exercise seated on the floor with your legs extended out  in front of you 
  • With your legs together point your toes forward as hard as you can, then release.
  • Reverse this and flex both feet pushing your heels forward and your toes back towards you, then release. 
  • You can continue to do this, alternating feet and holding each position for longer to get a deeper stretch. 

Enhancing Performance Through Foot Care

Enhanced performance spans beyond techniques, encompassing a fundamental factor: foot care. Often overlooked, maintaining optimal foot health significantly influences agility, endurance, and overall functionality. Whether in sports, daily tasks, or professional pursuits, prioritizing foot care unlocks the potential for elevated achievements.

• Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Before engaging in any activity, make sure to warm up your feet and calf muscles with dynamic stretches. Cooling down with static stretches after your workout helps maintain flexibility and prevent tightness.
• Foot Strengthening Exercises: Strong feet are more resilient to injuries. Incorporate exercises like toe curls, towel scrunches, and resistance band work to improve foot strength and stability.
• Maintain Healthy Foot Hygiene: Wash and dry your feet thoroughly after workouts to prevent fungal infections. Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed reduces the risk of ingrown nails and other complications.
• Listen to Your Body: If you experience persistent foot pain, it's crucial not to ignore it. Pushing through pain can exacerbate injuries. Instead, rest, ice, and elevate your feet, and consider consulting a healthcare professional if the pain persists.

For active individuals, foot care isn't just about maintaining comfort—it's about ensuring long-term performance and preventing injuries that could sideline your activities. By selecting the right footwear, understanding common foot injuries, and incorporating preventive measures, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities while keeping your feet healthy and strong. If you suffer from any severe injuries during physical activity, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist for professional treatment. Remember, prioritizing foot care today sets the foundation for a more active and fulfilling tomorrow.

Feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, but they play one of the most crucial roles in our daily lives. Foot care is vital when it comes to mobility and comfort during day-to-day activities. As you get older you become more susceptible to various health issues and discomfort due to the changing of your body. Your feet flatten and become wider, skin begins to thin, and circulation decreases with age. All this makes seniors more susceptible to foot pain and discomfort. 

In this blog post, we explore the reasons why senior foot care deserves special attention. Along with that, we have compiled a list of foot care tips that will help to maintain comfort and mobility which can easily be added to your daily routine. Incorporate these practices into your routine to promote foot health and general well-being.  

Wash Your Feet Daily

The easiest way to promote foot hygiene is through daily bathing. Good foot hygiene is key to preventing bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. So, make washing your feet part of your daily routine. As a bonus, bathing promotes relaxation, so if it is done at night you may have a better night's sleep.

Bathing can be done in the shower simply with warm water and soap or out of the shower with a soapy washcloth if need be. Be mindful of how long you soak your feet in warm water as overexposure can dry the skin. Lastly, pat your feet dry, and don’t forget to get between your toes!

Moisturize Your Feet 

An important addition to your routine should be applying moisturizer to your feet. Foot lotions should be applied after you have washed and thoroughly dried your feet, making this the last step in your foot care routine. After moisturizing your feet, put on a breathable sock to help lock in the moisture. The sock will also prevent slips and falls as your feet will be slippery after applying the lotion.

When your skin is dry it is prone to cracking and flaking, which will cause discomfort, itchiness, and irritation. These moisturizing tips will help to prevent cracking as foot lotion stops the skin from drying out, keeping the feet smooth and plump.

Trim Your Nails

Proper toenail care is another important part of foot care. Neglecting overgrown and ingrown toenails will lead to irritation and pain, which may lessen mobility and create unstable walking. Be sure to follow these steps to safely and effectively trim your toenails. 

First, be sure to use clean toenail clippers or scissors to prevent infections. The second step is to trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting corners, preventing ingrown toenails from occurring. Lastly, use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming, this will stop the nail from splintering. An added tip is to soak your feet in warm water before trimming to loosen the nails and make things more comfortable. 

If you have trouble trimming your toes yourself you should locate a nail care clinic that specializes in senior feet, for example, your local podiatrist or nail salon. If done incorrectly, trimming your toenails may make your pain worse, so ask for help if needed. 

Promote Circulation

Older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis may have limited mobility in the feet and ankles. Promoting circulation in the lower leg can help to alleviate pain, increase blood flow, and decrease swelling. 

To increase circulation try to elevate your feet whenever possible. If you find yourself sitting for extended periods try to wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles to get your blood moving. Massaging the area and light exercise will also help to promote circulation which sends oxygen and nutrients to your feet, which is essential to your overall health. 

The condition of your feet can serve as a warning sign for more serious health issues, such as heart disease or arthritis. If your foot pain, swelling, or discomfort remains persistent consult a podiatrist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.  

Comfortable and Supportive Footwear 

Daily routine is key to increasing overall comfort and well-being, but footwear is just as important. Proper footwear might be what you are missing. Mobility, balance, and comfort can all come down to the type of shoe on your foot. 

Consider the quality and type of shoe you are wearing when addressing pain and discomfort. Arch support, proper fit, and cushioning are key to the quality of your footwear. Shoes that are too small, worn down, or too tight can cause blisters and bunions. Seniors should also avoid wearing high heels, and opt for a shoe with good arch support. 

Consult with a podiatrist to help find the best supportive shoes tailored to your needs. Supportive footwear is essential for seniors with pre-existing foot conditions and should be worn to prevent foot pain and promote overall foot health. 

Protect Your Feet

Foot care is not just about pampering yourself, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining health and mobility. Foot hygiene and foot care are essential to seniors as they help to prevent pain and discomfort, and increase mobility. 

If you have questions about supportive footwear, or foot hygiene, or have any concerns regarding senior foot care please contact one of our offices. We are located in various cities throughout South Carolina and Georgia, and our expert podiatrists are happy to answer any questions regarding senior foot care.