Suffering From Diabetes? 5 Foot Care Tips For Healthy Summer Feet

Do you know you might be at increased risk for foot problems and infections during the summer if you are diabetic? Well, for patients diagnosed with diabetes, even simple activities like wearing sandals or going barefoot on the beach during summer can be dangerous. Wondering how to enjoy the summer months even with diabetes? Fear not! All you need is summer foot care.

Foot Care Treatment

Diabetes has taken over the world like an epidemic. People with diabetes suffer from abnormal blood sugar levels. And, with the summer heat being rife with dangers which are specific to diabetic patients, experts say that steps need to be taken to maintain proper blood sugar level. This is because high blood sugar levels may cause nerve damage and infections leading to diabetic foot. If not treated properly, this can be double trouble since it can lead to foot amputation.

Here’re some suggestions you must follow for ensuring healthy feet during the summer months.

Useful Summer Foot Care Tips For People With Diabetes

Maintain Proper Blood Sugar Levels

Patients suffering from diabetes need to keep a proper blood sugar level of 80 to 130 mg/dL before food and not more than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after having food. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and taking proper medication as prescribed by the doctor can help in ensuring proper glucose levels.

Inspect Your Feet Regularly

When was the last time you took a careful look at your feet? For patients suffering from diabetes, it’s important to inspect their feet daily. Podiatrists suggest people with diabetes to check their feet both before putting shoes on and after taking them off. You need to check on your toes, between your toes as well as in your shoe for any kind of debris.

Visit A Chiropodist

Scheduling appointments with the best chiropodist on a regular basis is important for patients suffering from diabetes. During the hot summer months, your feet are at increased risk for fungal infections due to excess moisture and heat. So, visiting your chiropodist regularly during the summer months can help in ensuring healthy feet as much as possible.

Avoid Walking Barefoot

Taking a barefoot walk through the sand can indeed be very tempting. But ocean debris, broken glass, and seashells can affect the skin of your feet, causing infection. Even sidewalks or hot sand can cause burns on your feet. So, it is always advisable to wear shoes whenever you go outside.

Moisturise Your Feet

Using lotion is important for diabetic patients, especially during the hot summer months since it is easy for the skin on their feet to dry out. Experts advise you to apply a thin coat of the lotion on the bottom as well as top of your feet. However, you should avoid putting the lotion in between the toes. This is because; excess moisture often leads to fungal infections.

Time to schedule an appointment with a leading podiatrist!

6 Common Foot Conditions People Often Mistake For A Bunion

So, you developed a lump on your feet near the big toe. Waking up to terrible foot pain lately? Are you assuming it to be a bunion? Making an appointment with a renowned podiatrist can be the ideal way to identify the actual cause of your foot pain and get the right treatment. Wondering why? Well, there are numerous foot problems which look like bunions but are not.

Bunions are lumps of bony tissues which form on the outside of the joint between the big toe and the rest of your foot. Caused by the metatarsal bone in your feet and the misalignment of your toe, bumps cause excess friction on the side of your foot, leading to corns and calluses. However, you need to know that not every foot condition which causes lumps on your feet is a bunion.

Read on to check out the foot problems which look like a bunion but aren’t.

Foot Care Treatment

From The Best Podiatrist: Foot Problems Which Resemble Bunions But Aren’t

Big Toe Joint Arthritis

One of the most common bunion look-alike foot conditions is arthritis of the big toe joint. Big toe joint arthritis causes swelling which resembles bunion on the side of your foot. It even causes foot pain when putting pressure on your foot or walking.

One of the hallmarks of this foot condition is Hallux rigidus which causes bone spurs to develop in the joint. This deformity leads to inflammation and irritation of the skin, making the bump resemble more like a bunion. While the bony prominence is on the side in bunions, bone spurs with arthritis tend to occur above the big toe joint.

Gout

Gout is a particular kind of arthritis, which develops when high levels of uric acid develop internal crystals in the joints. This is a common problem which affects the toes and feet, causing the area to become red and swollen, which leads to it being mistaken for bunions. The sharp internal crystal of gout causes intense pain and decreases mobility. Chiropodists can treat gout with medication to lessen the pain and inflammation.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous tumors which form around the big toe joint. These cysts are firm fluid-filled sacs which occur all over the body and are often confused with bunions. Ganglion cysts are correlated to joint trauma and often cause pain when the affected joint is moved. Ganglions can be differentiated from bunions by feel since ganglions are softer to touch in comparison to bunions.

Never try to remove or pop a cyst on your own. Experts recommend making an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis.

Foot Care

Bursitis

Bursitis is a common cause of swelling and redness which occurs over joints, usually from direct external pressure. The big toe joint is prone to bursitis since it tolerates the entire weight of the body when you walk and can cause irritation from shoes. The bursa is a trapped inflammatory fluid between your underlying bone and skin. The condition is very painful and can often lead to the formation of calcium deposits in the joint, amplifying in the pain.

Bony Prominence

One of the greatest misconceptions with foot problems is that bunions are consequences of bone, which can be easily shaved off. Though bunions are different from bone growths, the underlying bone may often be prominent and enlarged, giving the resemblance of a bunion. While it’s common for bony enlargements to occur with bunions, they even occur when the bunion is absent.

Misalignment In The Ankle Or Foot

Misalignment anywhere in the body can lead to intense pain. For instance, if your ankle is misaligned, the small muscles and tendons in your foot will be affected. Not only will this pull the other bones out of proper alignment, but also lead to irritation and pain in your toes, up through your legs, knees and hips. Misalignment can even cause inflammation in the arch of your foot. Consulting an experienced podiatrist can be the best way to keep your foot properly aligned.

Now that you are aware of the common foot problems, what are you still here for? Quickly schedule an appointment with a chiropodist and seek his advice on good foot care. Time to ensure healthy feet and ankle!

Learn To Handle Ingrown Nails Like Chiropodists In Surrey

Whatever the reason for which you have groomed your feet a bit aggressively; there are high chances that ingrown nails will soon become an unsightly issue. Though fixing them looks quite easy, it is actually not without the aid of an experienced chiropodist or podiatrist. Trying the DIY route is a strict no-no if you are suffering from any sort of vascular diseases or diabetes. But if you think that the issue is a minor one, just get in touch with a reliable doctor and they will assess the condition of your ingrown toes before suggesting how to get rid of it with some at-home solutions.

Willing To Get Rid Of Ingrown Nails? 3 Easy Steps To Follow

  • Soak

Soaking your feet in lukewarm water is the first thing you need to do if you are suffering from ingrown nails. Just put some warm water in a large bowl or tub before adding a tablespoon of Epsom salts. Though you can add some more Epsom salt according to the recommendation of your podiatrist or add a pinch of table salt. Let your foot soak in that lukewarm water for around 20 minutes. Not only will it help to draw out fluids from below the nails but also helps in soothing the area if you are suffering from any sort of infection.

  • Massage

The area around the ingrown nails becomes quite pliable or workable after you soak your feet in the water as the skin becomes tender. This is the best time to massage the skin gently using your fingers. Massage it in such a way so that the skin moves away from the nail and there is adequate space for the nails to grow over the skin. Neglecting the issue is more dangerous than you think as the issue can complicate and you might have to choose foot surgery.

  • Lift The Nail

The easiest way to lift the ingrown nail is by taking a small piece of cotton and sticking it below the nail. Don’t forget to make the cotton firm by rolling it up before putting it below the nail which is growing into the skin. Every experienced chiropodist in Surrey will suggest you leave a bit of cotton outside the nail so that you can change or remove it whenever you feel like. If you feel that the area around the nail has become warm or red, don’t forget to put some antibiotic ointment on the cotton as it helps in preventing nail infection.

What To Do If Its Condition Isn’t Improving?

Though following the steps stated above will help you to get rid of ingrown nails if the issue is a minor one, get in touch with a reliable chiropodist or podiatrist at www.advancedfootcaregroup.co.uk if the condition isn’t improving. A majority of them have years of experience in taking care of ingrown nails. They know how to exactly remove a sliver of the nail which helps in handling infection by preventing it to reach the bones.

Considering Bunion Treatment? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide!

Have you been suffering from a bump on the outer edge of your big toe? Do you think your big toe is moving and pointing in towards your second toe? Experienced foot doctors consider this physical deformity at the base of your big toe as a bunion.

Bunions are structural problems where the joint of your big toe becomes subluxed and drifts towards the smaller toes. It is an enlargement of tissue or bone around the big toe joint. Women seeking medical advice about bunions is more than ten times higher than men and it is thought this is down to footwear choices such as high heels.

Though bunions may start of as a minor issue at first, over time, they can develop into a severe foot deformity. Seeking the assistance of a certified foot doctor is a great way to cure this painful foot condition, despite its severity. While some patients begin their treatment with the smallest bunion, we see lots of clients who have waited until problem has become severe.

Here’s all you need to know about Bunions.

What Causes Bunions?

It is believed that a distortion of the bone is caused by various genetic factors which can lead to the development of bunions.

Other factors which can lead to bunion include-

  • Previous foot injury
  • Loose ligaments
  • Arthritis
  • Abnormal development of your foot
Symptoms You Need Bunion Treatment

Bunions may or may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms include-

  • Joint stiffness or pain
  • Joint redness
  • Enlargement or swelling at the base of the big toe
  • Displacement of the big toe
  • Bony bump which feels tender to touch
  • Skin irritation over the enlarged area
When To Call A Foot Doctor?

Consider calling in an experienced foot doctor if-

  • Your big toe is beginning to overlap your second toe
  • You suffer from severe big toe pain
  • Foot pain interferes with your daily or walking activities
  • Pain in the big toe does not get better after 2-3 weeks rest
Treatment For Bunions

There are treatments you can buy ver the counter to help treat a bunion at home, however, it is always wise to consult a skilled foot specialist for advanced bunion treatment. At first, your doctor will check why you have got bunions. This cause will affect the treatment you need. Your doctor may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever and medicines to relieve pain and swelling.

Some other treatment options for bunions include custom-made orthotics, arch supports and custom-made footwear. Each of these may change the way muscles, bones and ligaments of the foot work together. Though these will not cure the bunion, they will definitely help in relieving some structural problems.

Can A Bunion Be Prevented?

Bunions, when identified early can be slowed or stopped during their development. Delaying the progression of bunions and preventing the symptoms rely on wearing proper footwear. In case you have bunions, you may relieve foot pain and prevent the progression of your condition by wearing proper shoes which are customised to fit your feet and accommodate your condition.

So what’s still holding you back? Visit a renowned podiatric clinic and fix your appointment with a leading podiatrist!

How to Take Care of Your Feet on a Regular Basis



On the feet throughout the day? Being on the go ensures your feet take pounding almost every day. But how often you take care of your achy and tired feet? Actually not only you, most of us tend to avoid our part of foot care. Rather it is very common to ask a family member or friend for a back rub instead of something to pamper and soothe the toes. This is important to let you know that having achy, tired and sore feet can be anything more than just a nuisance, getting in the way of actual foot function and throwing off the natural way of running, walking and even standing.

Foot Pain

Thus you need to spend a little time to indulge your feet. Here are some effective and soothing ways for showing them a little care and love.

Soaking feet in lukewarm water with Epsom salt

Epsom salt contains sulfate and magnesium. It helps reducing aches, soreness and Foot Pain. It also helps to reduce inflammation, improves blood circulation and deodorizes the feet. Take a basin of warm water. Add half cup Epsom salt in it. Now soak the feet inside the water and relax for 15 to 20 minutes. Both sulfate and magnesium can be absorbed by the skin and that helps to soothe the muscles and reduces swelling. Start with a session of 8 to 12 minutes until it turns into a relaxing habit that you don’t want to skip.

Doing some stretching

Stretching the feet for a few minutes would work significantly to strengthen the bones and muscles. It can be done in two ways:

  • Remove shoes and just move the feet around to stretch. Flex the feet and point toes in different directions to make a good effort to extend them quite deeply. To stretch the ankle and heel, lean against wall with one foot back and then push down through ankle and calf. The same stretch can be done by supporting the forefoot on a stair while letting the heel to stretch back toward ground.
  • Roll your foot on a tennis ball. It is a fantastic way to stretch bones and muscles of the feet. Place the ball on the floor and roll the arches of feet on it to lessen tension. Now press the foot down as hard as possible sans causing any pain to get the most of it. You can do it anytime like when you watch TV, relax in the lawn or even in the office (not publicly).

Wearing right footwear

If you have to be on your feet all through the day, you must wear comfortable shoes. You should choose a pair of shoes that provides support to the arches of the feet. Make sure your shoes don’t hurt any part of the feet and allows sufficient space in the toe box. In case of high arches, shoes with straps, buckles and laces will be good. Shoes that can support the arch would keep the feet in good shape.

These are just a few ways to keep your feet healthy.