Blog Archives
Feet ready for summer? | The Podiatrist and yourfeetnz
One perk of a beach-bound holiday is knowing that instead of closed in shoes with socks or stockings and having your feet feeling toasty in sweaty Uggs, you can lounge happily with your toes dangling in the warm weather, shoe-free with the sand at your feet. But alas, the dream does come with its own set of tootsie troubles. Even if you are just lying still on your back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable. You can seriously sunburn your feet and no matter how upscale your hotel, athlete’s foot can lurk in all public pool areas.
- Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, 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. Drinking water will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
- Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches.
- Some activities at the beach, lake, or river may require different types of footwear to be worn, 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 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 or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home. Use our Find a Podiatrist tool to get treatment wherever your travels take you!
- In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:
- Flip flops—for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
- Sterile bandages—for covering minor cuts and scrapes
- Antibiotic cream—to treat any skin injury
- Emollient-enriched cream—to hydrate feet
- Blister pads or moleskin—to protect against blisters
- Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory)—to ease tired, swollen feet
- Toenail clippers—to keep toenails trimmed
- Emery board—to smooth rough edges or broken nails
- Pumice stone—to soften callused skin
- Sunscreen—to protect against the scorching sun
- Aloe vera or Silvadene cream—to relieve sunburns
We have an extensive range of foot creams to help with those dry and cracked heels. Come and have a look.
For all your foot care needs- see The Podiatrist
http://www.thepodiatrist.co.nz
Southern Cross Easy-Claims| The Podiatrist and yourfeetnz
Easy-claim
Southern Cross Health Society Easy-claim (“Easy-claim”) is a convenient way for Southern Cross members to claim for eligible healthcare services at the time of purchase, without completing a claim form.
How to use Easy-claim
You can use Easy-claim at The Podiatrist. Simply present your Member card or your app at the counter when you are purchasing eligible healthcare products and services.
If your plan covers the product or service and it qualifies, we’ll reimburse the provider directly and you’ll only pay any remaining contribution you’re responsible for, so you don’t have to worry about filling out claim forms or waiting for a refund.*
For all your foot problems- call The Podiatrist
http://www.thepodiatrist.co.nz
Tel: (09) 550 6325
Morton’s Neuroma: Treatment options for foot pain | The Podiatrist and yourfeetnz
Did you know you have 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles in your foot? With such a complex structure, it’s no wonder foot pain is so common.
Morton’s Neuroma is caused by a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that leads out to your toes. It usually happens between the third and fourth toes, and can sometimes feel like a pebble stuck in your sock.
Risk factors for the condition include:
• Having foot abnormalities like bunions, hammertoes or arch problems
• Wearing high heels, which can put extra pressure on your toes
• Participating in high-impact sports like running, which can cause repetitive trauma to your feet
Treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma depend on the severity of your symptoms, but here are some options your doctor may suggest:
• Wearing shoes with wider toe boxes
• Physical therapy
• custom-made orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications taken orally or injected into the area
• Nerve-blocking injections
• Decompression surgery that relieves pressure by cutting nearby strictures
• Surgery to remove the nerve causing pain
Talk to The Podiatrist to decide on the best treatment option for you.
Do you have a health question for The Podiatrist? Please send it to caron@thepodiatrist.co.nz
Tips For Patients With Toenail Fungus | The Podiatrist and yourfeetnz
Now that summer is here, many people begin to lose sight of the appearance of their toes. While people will begin to bring out their open- toed shoes and sandals, it is important to continue to maintain healthy, happy toes during the summer.
Toenail fungus is a fungal condition that develops when fungus enters and grows beneath the toenail. Although it can also affect fingernails, toenail fungus is more likely to occur in feet rather than hands. Patients can develop toenail fungus from an array of different sources. In many cases, it can be hard to diagnose the exact cause of toenail fungus, which makes it harder to prevent reoccurrence. The fungus that is responsible for the infection tends to thrive best in warm and wet environments, such as the shower or locker room.
By following basic foot care guidelines patients can head off most common foot fungus problems. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, damp places. For this reason, The Podiatrist urges patients to take extra precautions in pools and locker rooms. Patients should also wear dry cotton socks-changing them two or three times a day if needed.
It is also important to remember not to share shoes or socks with anyone, as this fungus can easily spread through sharing of shoes or socks. This is the same for nail clippers or nail files-don’t share. By taking extra precautions you can ensure the health of your toes and fee.
For all your foot problems, see The Podiatrist
http://www.thepodiatrist.co.nz
