For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet. Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound. Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet. During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. Any sore that doesn’t heal must be attended to by a professional.

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet. Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise. A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much, which can contribute to making one’s feet and ankles swell.

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer. When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal creams more appropriate to use.

Tortured by new shoes, squashed in boots or neglected soles – your feet need your attention!  Cold weather can take its toll on your feet, so ensure they are the center of your attention this fall and winter season.  When you think about how much time we spend on our feet, it is hardly surprising that winter and a night out can leave them feeling tired, bruised and battered. In cold climactic conditions, the body moves the blood away from the feet and toes, which can cause numbness.

Most of us are guilty of neglecting our feet and often gaze in dismay when we take off our socks.  With a little extra care, your feet can look and feel fabulous from now until spring. 

Winter Foot Care for Diabetics

For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet.  Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.  An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound.  Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet.  During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. 

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet.  Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise.  A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much.  When sitting around your home, it will make your feet and ankles swell a bit more. 

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer.  When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal crème more appropriate, on the advice of your podiatrist.  And remember, if a sore on your foot does not begin to heal after a day or more, be sure to tell us. 

 

A broken bone, also referred to as a “fracture,” can occur in any bone and at any age. Stress fractures are the least serious and occur when there is a crack in the outer shell of the bone. Most fractures are more serious and occur when the bone completely breaks into two pieces. Comminuted fractures are the most severe – the bone is shattered into several fragments. Many people mistake the fracture for a sprain or strain because of their ability to continue walking or if symptoms are minimal. If you are experience pain, swelling or bruising, you should seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications, even if you are able to walk. Here, at Affiliated Podiatrists, our doctors’ diagnostic skills have been enhanced through the use of digital x-rays taken right here on our premises. Digital x-rays allow us to magnify images and tweak contrast to help in our reading of images and therefore, speed your healing.

Did you know Babe Ruth intentionally ran the bases pigeon-toed because he believed it helped him run faster? Did you know Paris Hilton has mastered a pigeon toed photo stance to hide her size 11 feet? The term pigeon toed (medically known as in-toeing) is used to describe when a person points their toes inward while standing or walking.

Symptoms of Pigeon Toe

• Feet point inward, as if the toes are touching
• Stumbling (severe cases)
• Clumsiness

Alternate Names

In-toeing; false clubfoot; in-toe gait; metatarsus adductus; metatarsus varus;

What Causes Pigeon Toe?

Pigeon toe is caused by one of three conditions: Metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion, or femoral anteversion. Each condition is based on its location: the foot, the knee or the hip.

Can Pigeon Toe Be Treated?

In most cases, the infant or child will grow out of the condition and no treatment is necessary. Still it  should be evaluated. The doctors of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd can offer diagnosis, assessment and initiate treatment if necessary.

Smelly feet are the result of sweat mixed with bacteria. Sweat by itself does not stink. But when bacteria are introduced to the socks and shoes, it sticks to them. Eventually the smelly sweat sticks to the skin on the feet, causing a foul odor.

The two ways to cure and prevent smelly feet are to reduce the bacteria and reduce sweat.

We at Affiliated Podiatrists recommend:

• Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap and warm water.
• Always wear fresh synthetic socks.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use a disinfecting spray in your shoes or use an electric shoe sanitizer.  (ie:SteriShoe ^TM)
• Keep your feet as dry as possible.
• Change your footwear to ensure the material allows your feet to breathe.
• Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to kill bacteria.
• Odor eaters and powder to your feet.
• If your shoes stink, don’t wear them.