Feet

18/07/2023

7 Habits That Wreck Your Feet

Here's how to fix these common mistakes you may be making

If you wore a pedometer from the day you started walking, you'd have logged in more than 70,000 miles by the time you hit age 50. When you walk a good portion of those miles in improperly-fitting shoes or otherwise neglect your feet, it's little wonder why they hurt.

The 38 muscles in your feet make up approximately 25 percent of the muscles in your body and absorb 1,000 pounds of force each day. Bad foot health habits can quickly add up to major problems. Below, experts discuss the most common bad habits, the consequences and ways to fix your feet so they carry you through your next 50 years

1. You follow the barefoot running fad. The recent trend toward minimalist running shoes or barefoot running can be problematic for those who've been running in supportive shoes for many years. Since most people don't train to strengthen their feet, I find many have very weak muscles and tendons. And it's not a good idea if you have biomechanically-challenged feet (e.g. flat feet) or neuropathy. It is recommended wearing supportive shoes or, if you're hooked on the idea of barefoot running, train to strengthen your feet where they may tolerate a minimal shoe.

2. You skip socks. Sticking your bare feet into a pair of shoes creates a field day for fungus. Shoes such as Uggs made the news recently when the dark, cozy boot interior was found to trigger fungal infections in people who wore them sans socks.
Fungus thrives in dark and moist environment. Since the bug can survive long periods of time in your shoes, you also risk re-infecting yourself even if you initially clear up the problem. Avoid the risk altogether and always wear socks.

3. You're a woman and love high heels. Wearing heels for special occasions won't do much harm as long as you don't wear them all day long at work every day. Then it's not a good idea, especially if they're pointy toe shoes.
The downward pressure on top of the scrunched toe box can cause bunions and often surgery is needed to realign the to. Heredity is also a factor for bunions. They can also recur if you continue wearing pointy toe shoes after surgery.

4. You can't remember the last time you replaced your running shoes. Your worn out, comfy running shoes may be like old friends, but old shoes lose shock absorption and support over time. Running in them can contribute to injury (e.g. plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot). But there's no good metric to figure out when it's time to replace your shoes

General rules include replacing shoes every 300 miles, or approximately every four months, but recommends using common sense as your guide. Ask yourself, how do my shoes look and feel?

5. You do too much too soon. Overdoing a high-impact sport, like running, can cause injuries, such as Achilles problems. Often it's a problem of too much too soon. This typically happens to new runners or runners returning to the sport after an injury.

Runners who refuse to crosstrain (alternate biking or other non-impact sport along with running) are at high risk. It's not a good idea to only want to run. If you become injured. If you recognize problems early and then working with your foot specialust or trainer to develop a plan to get you back on track, which may include extra stretching and a step-by-step program to get you back in the game safely.

6. You wear flip flops everywhere. Although they've become practically the official shoe of summer, flip flops offer little support and can put you at risk for a number of foot injuries. Gripping the shoe with your toes to make sure they don't slide out when you walk can throw off your gait and increase your risk of tripping and falling.

In addition, muscle strains can result from rolling and twisting yourself off the shoe, since they do not contain an ankle strap for support. An athletic shoe or a flip flop with an orthotic foot bed make better options.

7. You're a woman who lives in ballet flats. Many of the same problems found in flip flops pertain to ballet flats, as they offer no arch support. They have no cushioning or support, which can lead to heel pain, plantar fasciitis and pain under the ball of the foot.
Those without foot problems or pain may be able to wear them, but otherwise choose sandals with a contoured arch and a heel cup.

25/05/2023

Healthy and Sandal-Ready Feet for Summer –

10 Simple Steps

Healthy and Sandal-Ready Feet for SummerIt’s finally summer! Or at least I am hoping it will be soon!

Summer can be hard on your feet. The combination of heat, sun, and sand can take a toll on your tootsies. But it doesn’t have to. These simple steps to fabulous summer feet will keep your feet healthy and looking their best during warm weather. So, before you slip into those new sandals or holiday flip flops, you may want to do something about those dry, cracked heels and tired looking feet that have been hiding away all winter. Are you ready?
Avoid walking barefoot. Going outdoors without shoes in the summer increases the risk of injury to your feet. It also increases the odds that you will develop warts on the soles of your feet (verrucas), ringworm (fungus), and other infections.

Wear the right socks. Acrylic and synthetic blend socks work best to wick away perspiration that can lead to fungal infections. Dark, hot and moist is the perfect environment for a fungus to grow.
Protect your feet from blisters. Sandals often cause blisters on the feet when they rub against bare skin. If you feel a blister coming on, use padding such as moleskin or a blister plaster to reduce friction. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water on summer days will minimize foot swelling due to the heat.
Use sunscreen. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on exposed parts of your feet in the summer. Be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating heavily, even if the sunscreen is “waterproof”. Use sunscreen with 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher to guard against skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin on your feet.
Evaluate your flip-flop wear. Flip-flops can result in sore feet and ankles. But some flip-flops are better than others. Choose styles with good arch and heel support. Avoiid walking in them for long distances. Add cushioning to summer shoes. Summer slides and flimsy sandals often have thin soles and little cushioning and foot support. Use cushioned inserts to help provide added support. Inserts are available at chemist stores and more functional ones at the clinic.
Get your hard skin treated. For pretty summer feet, give yourself an at-home treatment or indulge in a professional one. Besides making your toenails look attractive, during a Standard Footcare Treatment, can also remove hard and dry skin, offer management advice on cracked heels and help you maintain the health of your feet.
Moisturise. Did you know that the skin on our feet is up to ten times thicker than the rest of our body skin? It therefore requires a much more intensive moisturising routine. Invest in a rich foot cream to give your feet the moisturisation they need and deserve. Ideally, they should be moisturised after every shower, but if you don’t have time in the morning, give them some TLC before you hop into bed at night”.
And finally, make them look pretty! Get creative and have fun experimenting with nail polish colours this summer. Invest in toe separators and don’t be afraid to reach for those hot pinks and gorgeous coral shades! But remember! Take off your polish periodically to give the nail bed some air.
By keeping your feet in tip-top shape during the summer, not only they will look beautiful, but you can also be assured that your feet are in good health and you’re minimising the risk of developing any infections.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, give me a call on 086 361 2578 or 0909623430 Deirdre Moran Happy Feet Foot Care

10/03/2023

Chili pepper is good for you: you can add it in your food, make a sauce with it... or put it in your socks! If you have troubles with falling asleep and ofte...

10/03/2023

Why We Should Sometimes Put Chili Peppers in Our Socks

Experts believe that the feet are very connected to the rest of your body, with 72,000 nerve endings in each foot corresponding to different areas. As we age, the circulation in our feet is not as good as it once was and we may need some help keeping them cozy. A simple way to do this is by using pepper. When we eat hot chili peppers, it warms our entire body, including our feet.

Here at Bright Side we found this trick very useful during cold winter nights, and would like to share it with you.

Chili peppers can warm up your feet.
Why We Should Sometimes Put Chili Peppers in Our Socks

All peppers contain a component called capsaicin. When you eat something that contains this ingredient, it increases the circulation in your body. Also, when this ingredient comes in contact with the skin, it causes the blood vessels to dilate, promoting extra blood flow and providing warmth to the area. For some people, the warming sensation can happen immediately. For others, the heat gradually increases over time.

This trick is especially effective during extreme cold.
If you live in a cold climate, this trick can come in handy. It has actually been shown that sleep quality can improve just by manipulating the foot temperature during sleep. If you have tried a lot of things to help keep your feet warm during winter but none of them have worked, this might be worth a shot.

The easiest way to do it

The simplest way to use chili pepper powder to warm your feet is to sprinkle a little bit on your foot or into your socks and get it evenly spread across the feet and toes. However, you do need to be careful to not use too much, or it might get a little too hot.

There are some possible side effects, though. Chili powder can cause white socks to turn pink and your feet to turn red. Plus, they will kind of smell like chili. Also, be careful to not use too much at first, or you may find that it warms your feet more than expected. Gradually increasing until you find the right amount for you is recommended.

Did you know chili peppers could be used for this? Have you ever tried this trick?

10/03/2023

28/02/2023

What Does Stress Do to Your Feet?

Stress is described as a negative emotional state brought on by an unpleasant experience. We all feel stress as a result of events in our life. Stress can be short-term or long-term. In any case, it’s critical to pinpoint the root of your anxiety.

Stress affects not only your mental condition but also your physical health. It may result in high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, insomnia, clenched or constricted muscles, and decreased flexibility.

Stress Hormones

When you stress, it causes the blood to circulate away from your feet. Stress produces hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which alter the function of your circulation and respiratory systems, muscles, and immunological function.

Stiffness and Tingling Sensation in Feet

This produces stiffness and/or tingling in your feet. The lack of flexibility in the lower extremities produces tightened muscles and weak flexibility that can contribute to the development of issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Untreated stress may exacerbate the symptoms of any of these pre-existing conditions and may also prolong the healing process.

Foot Pain

If you’re having problems keeping automatic abilities due to foot discomfort, it may be because your stress causes you to focus on manually controlling your movements. Manually controlled movements are common under stress. Breathing is the most common example. Those who are distressed tend to breathe mechanically rather than organically, which might increase their anxiety. The same holds true for your feet. People who are stressed may feel as if their walking or natural movement is strange, therefore they begin to walk improperly to alleviate this sensation. However, because your feet are intended to function in a specific manner, it frequently results in foot pain.

Cold Feet

Cold feet aren’t only an expression of doubt. It’s a commonly experienced symptom of stress. Poor blood circulation to your feet and ankles can trigger the effects of the “fight or flight” response, also known as hyperarousal or acute stress response. Increased sweat secretion plays another role in the development of cold feet. Sweat production is biologically primed to keep your body cool, and the feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands that require more hydration than other parts of your body.

28/02/2023

TOE NAIL FUNGUS

Do you believe you may have toe nail fungus? The signs of toe nail fungus are yellow, thickened nails that may eventually crumble or split. Toe nail fungus is caused by a fungal infection, and along with discoloration, your affected nail may become brittle and be unevenly shaped. If you have been affected by an infection of your toe nail or if you are wondering about prevention, examine your daily habits.

Here are a few factors that might be contributing to a fungal infection of the toe nails and how you can prevent the issue in the first place.

1. Having Repeated Pedicures at the Salon

Going for an occasional pedicure from a reliable salon may not be an issue or cause you any problems, but you might want to limit your pedicures if you have ever experienced a nail infection. While nail polish does not actually cause the infection, applying polish to the toe nails will lock in moisture. Fungus thrives in moist environments, so repeated applications may put you at risk.

Unless your salon uses a special type of medicated nail polish, you might want to give yourself a treatment at home. Ask your stylist if they use anti-fungal nail polishes. If not, look for an anti-fungal polish at your pharmacy. If you do decide to use a salon treatment, be sure the facility uses sterilized equipment after each use.

2. Wearing Workout Shoes That Have Not Been Aired Out

If you wear the same pair of workout shoes day after day, you may be contributing to your toe nail fungus. After exercise, your shoes may become damp. Damp shoes will create the perfect environment for fungus to multiply. If your shoes become damp after a workout, give them a chance to air out before wearing them again, which will allow them to thoroughly dry between each use.

3. Going Barefoot in the Locker Room or Any Public Place

If you plan on being around public showers or swimming pools, protect your feet from infection. Wear sandals or shower shoes rather than walking around barefoot. Shoes may help you avoid contracting athlete's foot which can spread to your toe nail and cause infection.

4. Failing to Disinfect Your Home Bathtub or Shower

Public pools and shower rooms are not the only places that harbor germs and fungi. If you haven’t been to a public locker room or pool, consider your own bathroom as the culprit, especially if you haven’t recently disinfected.

Disinfecting your shower or bathtub with a bleach-based cleanser that kills fungi may prevent fungal infections. Read the labels on such disinfectants to learn which organisms it will destroy.

5. Not Checking Your Blood Sugar Regularly

When you think of nail infections, blood sugar levels might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, did you know that high blood sugar may be connected to toe nail fungus? If you have toe nail infections, you might want to check your blood sugar or be tested for diabetes. Experts believe people with diabetes have a higher risk of fungal nail infections because their blood sugar levels alter their immunity.

Although several factors such as those mentioned above may contribute to your toe nail fungus, you still need treatment to clear up the infection. If you experience repeated infections that do not respond to self-care, you should see a foot specialist.

Yeast in the stomach most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds can also cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black. Fungal infection of the foot (athlete's foot) can spread to the nail, and a fungal infection of the nail can spread to the foot. Eating foods that are very high in sugar has been associated with yeast infections.

03/02/2023

Is it athlete’s foot or psoriasis?

Rashes and red scaly skin are quite common skin conditions that affect many people. But when they affect your feet, they can severely impact your life.

The most common cause of irritated skin on the feet is psoriasis and it’s something we see a lot of.
Read on to learn more about psoriasis, its causes, and how we can help.

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically causes a red, scaly rash. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet. It is linked to other health conditions including inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (especially Crohn’s disease), uveitis (eye inflammation), and celiac disease (an autoimmune disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten). People with severe psoriasis also have an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

There are several types of psoriasis but the most common is called plaque psoriasis, which affects 85 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Psoriasis that appears on the feet is called plantar psoriasis. When it appears on both hands and feet, it’s known as palmoplantar psoriasis.

SYMPTOMS OF FOOT PSORIASIS

The symptoms of psoriasis on the feet can differ from person to person. The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis are:

raised, red, inflamed patches of skin
silvery scales (plaques) on the red patches
dry, bleeding cracked skin
pain around the red patches
itching or burning around the patches
thick, pitted nails
painful, swollen joints (psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, but not everyone who has psoriatic arthritis has the skin condition)
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the feet, including the soles of your feet.

WHAT CAUSES PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are replaced too quickly. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it’s believed that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means that the immune system attacks healthy tissues (e.g. skin) by mistake.

There is also a genetic predisposition to psoriasis with the condition often running in families.

Some people may notice that certain things can trigger or worsen symptoms. These include:

STRESS
WEATHER. changes in the weather, especially if it causes skin to dry

INFECTION
being sick or having an infection

INJURY
a recent injury to the skin such as cut, insect bite or sunburn.

30/01/2023

Chilblains

Chilblains are small, itchy patches that can appear on your skin after you've been in the cold. They usually clear up on their own. You may need to see a GP if they do not go away.

Check if you have chilblains

Chilblains usually appear a few hours after you've been in the cold.

You mostly get them on your fingers and toes. But you can also get them on your face and legs.

Close-up of chilblains on the toes of a person with white skin. The tips of the toes are swollen and red.
If you have chilblains, your skin can feel itchy or like it's burning.
Chilblains on the toes of a person with dark brown skin. The tips of the toes are swollen and slightly red and purple.
Your fingers or toes may become red, purple or swollen. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

What you can do about chilblains
Chilblains usually go away on their own in 2 to 3 weeks.

There are some things you can try to get rid of them yourself and stop them coming back.

Do
try to avoid being outside when it's cold or damp – if you do go out, wear warm, waterproof clothing, gloves and thick socks. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain

Don’t
do not put your feet or hands on a radiator or under hot water to warm them up

do not smoke or have drinks that have caffeine in them – this can affect the flow of blood in your fingers and toes

do not scratch or pick at your skin

A pharmacist can help with chilblains
You can ask a pharmacist about:
The best painkiller to take
creams that can help to soothe the itching.

23/01/2023

Type 1 diabetes symptoms

Know the symptoms of type 1 diabetes – we call these the 4Ts. If you spot any of these signs, see a doctor for a test immediately.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Toilet – going for a wee more often, especially at night.

Thirsty – being constantly thirsty and not being able to quench it.

Tired – being incredibly tired and having no energy.

Thinner – losing weight without trying to, or looking thinner than usual.

The 4Ts are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes but there are other signs to look out for too. They could include ge***al itching or thrush, cuts and wounds that take longer to heal, and blurry eyesight. These can all be signs of type 2 diabetes too. Watch our symptoms of diabetes video to find out more.

If type 1 diabetes is left undiagnosed, it can make you really ill, really quickly. It can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – which you can die from.

Symptoms of type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in adults
Although the majority of people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed as children or as young adults, the symptoms are similar at any age. But adults with type 1 diabetes may not recognise diabetes symptoms as quickly as we might spot them in children, which could mean a delay in getting diagnosed and the right treatment.

In older adults for example, one symptom of type 1 diabetes may be needing to go for a wee what feels like every hour and getting up in the night to go when you didn’t before. Carers may also notice helping people to the toilet or needing to change pads more often. In children, this could mean wetting the bed more or having heavier nappies.

It’s important to know that type 1 diabetes can affect anyone, at any age, so remember the 4Ts and know what to do if you spot them.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in young people or children

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are similar at any age, but you may notice certain things in your child that aren’t normal for them.

Spotting symptoms in your child:
Toilet – your baby might have heavier nappies, or a child who is usually dry at night might start wetting the bed.

Thirsty – your child may ask for a drink more often, finish drinks very quickly or you may notice they generally drink more.

Tired – your child’s teacher may let you know they’re having trouble staying awake in school, or your baby might start napping more or for longer.

Thinner – your child may feel or look thinner when you’re getting them dressed or their clothes may feel looser.

When should you see a doctor?
If you or a family member is showing any of these symptoms, contact your GP surgery straight away

The doctor or nurse will do some blood or urine tests. If you notice symptoms in your child, ask the doctor or nurse for a quick and simple finger prick blood test – it only takes a few seconds.

When does type 1 diabetes usually start?

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but more people are diagnosed as children or young adults.

Can you suddenly get type 1 diabetes?

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on quickly – over just a few days or weeks. This is especially true in children. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs.

17/01/2023

THYROID DISEASE AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUR FEET

The thyroid gland releases and regulates hormones and is responsible for everything from heart rate to peripheral nervous system functions. So, you may be surprised to discover that this same disorder that may make you feel tired and brain foggy can also cause changes in your feet. In fact, your feet may be trying to alert you that something might be wrong with your thyroid.

You have dry, cracked feet

While we know that there are a lot of reasons why someone might have dry, cracked feet including being on your feet all day, long-distance running or winter weather, your thyroid might also be playing a role. Many people with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, complain of dry, cracked skin on the soles of their feet, particularly the heels. You may also notice that you get deep, painful fissures or that your skin seems almost leathery in thickness and appearance. This could be a sign to have your thyroid checked.

Your feet (and hands) always seem cold
Since your thyroid is responsible for your metabolism it’s not too surprising that an underactive thyroid slows the metabolism, which in turn causes the body’s temperature to drop. This is why you notice that your feet and hands always seem to be cold to the touch. You may notice that this problem is made worse during cold weather. Some people with hypothyroidism deal with a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which the feet and hands are so cold that they go numb and turn blue or white.

Your feet are swollen

Again, there are a lot of things that can lead to swollen feet; however, if you notice swelling in your feet and ankles rather regularly then you may want to have your thyroid checked. Since people with hypothyroidism are also prone to developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated, you must have a foot specialist you can turn to for regular care if you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.

If you notice any changes in your feet and you’d like to take a closer look, your foot specialust will be the best specialist to turn to. Should they suspect that a thyroid disease might be at play you can also speak with a primary care doctor for blood work.