Sweaty feet – we’ve all got them! The human foot has the capacity to produce at least ½ a cup of perspiration per day. But some of us produce much more than others. That is what we call Plantar Hyperhydrosis. There is help for excessively sweaty feet? While there is no cure, there are number of what the International Hyperhidrosis Society calls “everyday” solutions that work well. Also, there are treatments that a doctor can provide.
– Look for cotton or other absorbent linings in closed shoes. Avoid nylon, as they can create odors.
– When wearing sandals and open shoes, don’t pick shoes with insoles made of synthetics or plastics.
– Use absorbent shoe liners. These are specificly made for closed and open shoes.
– Check with your podiatrist or dermatologist about prescription antiperspirants. While over the counter antiperspirants may help, your doctor offers prescription products that can really help reduce issues and cure sweaty feet.
Treatments a podiatrist or dermatologist may offer:
– Iontophoresis. Use if machines that use a high voltage short-term electrical current that drives positive and negative ions into sweaty feet tissue to reduce sweating.
– Prescription antiperspirants that can be sprayed onto feet and toes that reduce the amount of perspiration.
– Other medical procedures created just for excessively perspiring feet.
Hyperhidrosis versus Sweaty Feet. How do I know the difference? Ask your self the following:
1. How many times per day do I think or worry about sweaty feet?
2. How many times per day do I change mt socks or shoes?
3. Have I used or do I carry “supplies” (such as extra socks and shoes, napkins, powders, antiperspirants, or towels) to help manage my feet sweat?
4. How often do I have to purchase new clothing or shoes?
5. Do I make such purchases more frequently than other people?
Many more questions like these can be found on the Hyperhidrosis Society’s webpage titled Diagnosing Hyperhidrosis. International Hyperhidrosis Society
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Originally worn by the Romans, sandals are growing in popularity, as much as 20% in the last 2 years. Along with the growing popularity of men’s sandals come more aches and pains for male feet. Doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) say the wrong sandal could cause problems including heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, pain in the big toe and even breaks and stress fractures in some of the foot’s 26 bones.
Common sense tells us to discontinue wearing sandals if any unusual foot pain persists more than a day.
See your podiatrists as soon as possible, wearing, of course, comfortable, supportive shoes.
The surgeons group (ACFAS) recommends men shop for a sturdy, cushioned, supportive sole and padded straps. Men with diabetes should consult their foot and ankle surgeon before wearing sandals. Despite what many men may tell themselves, foot pain is not normal.
From: FootPhysicians.com
During winter, try to keep your feet as warm and dry as as possible, especially if you are diabetic (poor circulation) or getting on in years (long in the tooth). Your extremities get the least amount of blood when the body is exposed to the cold, so be extra careful. Frost-bite is a constant worry. Use your head about your feet!
Make sure you wear clean and dry socks at all times.
Have you ever had itchy, burning feet and had the darnest time getting rid of it? You probably had (or have) athlete’s feet (a fungus that is more apt to affect the skin between the toes) or it could also be eczema or dermatitis, which usually affects the sole of the feet.
There are over the counter medications that treat any of these conditions. Should they fail to relieve your itch, see a physician for prescription medication that is sure to eradicate your problem.
Tips to prevent Itchy Feet:
Keep your feet dry and clean at all times.
Wear sandals in communal shower rooms and baths.
Be extra careful if you have cuts or cracks in the skin of your feet, regarding potential exposure to fungus or infection.
Treat any potential itch immediately, before it gets worse, whether it be with over the counter medications or a prescription.
If you are diabetic, it is imperative that you check your feet regularly for problems of the skin.
Plantar Fasciitis is more than just a pair of “tired dogs”.
If you have aching or painful arches you may have plantar fasciitis. The most common symptom would be painful feet when first getting out of bed until you “walk it off”. This comes from the muscles tightening on you as you sleep. It could be from aging, from an injury or from poorly fitted shoes, among other things. See a podiatrist to at least obtain a clear diagnosis. He/she will provide you with many options. Here are some of them:
Your first option would be to stretch your calf and feet muscles a few times a day, don’t overdo activities that aggravate your feet and apply ice after exercise. There are devices that you can attach to your feet that apply a gentle stretch as you sleep. They are called “night splints”. Though some people find it hard to fall asleep while wearing them.
A second option would be to buy a better pair of shoes. Buy shoes with good arches and stable support. Ladies, it’s time to give up those high heels that probably caused the problem in the first place. It would be no fun to wear that great pair of Farragamo’s if you’re sitting in a wheelchair. There are plenty of comfortable, fashionable and supportive shoes available these days, especially the ones from Europe where they believe in health and style.
Another option would be to use a high quality insole found in high-end shoe stores or outdoor stores. Better yet, a podiatrist can fit you for custom-made insoles. Expensive, yes, but so are motorized scooters. You need not purchase orthopedic shoes. The insoles are designed to fit into a variety of shoes from dress shoes to hiking boots.
The best thing you can do is to not walk barefoot even if you are at the beach. It just makes matters worse. So find a good pair of water shoes with built-in arch supports, not just a pair of flip-flops.
An option that makes me cringe would be foot surgery. Please make this your last option. It comes with many risks, which should be clearly discussed with your doctor.
Don’t ignore your feet, because if you do, the condition will worsen.
I never liked walking. It’s just not my thing. When visiting the Grand Canyon, I drove as close to the overlook as possible, got out of the car and strolled to the edge to take a look. Then, hopped in the car for a short trip to the next overlook. I never understood the joy in hiking down to the canyon floor, which only makes one thirsty, sweaty and tired. Is it a form of self-abuse? If you’re lucky enough not to cross paths with a snake or scorpion, your feet will surely feel like they’d been snake-bit. That said, I do love shoes. All types, all styles. I’ll buy a pair of hiking boots with absolutely no intention of leaving the city. Motorcycle boots look cool, no bike needed. High-top sneakers are great for casual dining excursions. Wingtips are not made for only CEO’s. My closet holds them in both black and brown. A very useful pair of driving shoes allows me to hop into my Toyota Tercel with ease. And those handmade, snakeskin cowboy boots will never see a horse, but are sure to impress the ladies. The list goes on. My feet are quite wide, and that perfect pair does exist. When I find a comfortable fit, I’m off and running. Actually, I prefer to drive.
The cause of cold feet may be more easily identified if other symptoms exist. Further searches on these combination of symptoms will give you more information:
* Cold feet and Toe paresthesia
* Cold feet and Back paralysis
* Cold feet and Cravings
* Cold feet and Ophthalmoplegia
* Cold feet and Chin paresthesia/ tingling
* Cold feet and Head symptoms
* Cold feet and Brain symptoms
* Cold feet and Knuckle itch
* Cold feet and Respiratory symptoms
* Cold feet and Raynaud’s syndrome
* Cold feet and Breath odor
* Cold feet and Buttock blueness
* Cold feet and Calf itch
* Cold feet and Forearm paresthesia/ tingling
* Cold feet and Flushing
* Cold feet and Polyuria
* Cold feet and Ear burning sensation
* Cold feet and Sole swelling
* Cold feet and Wrist itch
* Cold feet and Excessive hunger
Athlete’s foot is a very common skin condition, in fact many people will develop it at least once. However it is uncommon in women and children.
Moisture, sweating and lack of proper ventilation of the feet is the perfect environment for the fungus of athlete’s foot to grow. Athlete’s foot should not be ignored–it can be easily treated, but it also can be very resistant to treatment. Not all fungus conditions are athlete’s foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot affects people in different ways. Itching, scaling, peeling and cracking of the skin between the toes, and redness, scaling and even blisters on the soles and along the sides of the feet are common symptoms. Additionally, toenail infections sometimes go along with athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot can spread to the soles of the feet and toother parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete’s foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.
The fungi that causes athlete’s foot grows in moist, damp places. Sweaty feet, not drying feet well after swimming or bathing, tight shoes and socks, and a warm climate all contribute to the development of athlete’s foot.
The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. To diagnose athlete’s foot, your doctor will examine your feet and might include scraping some skin off your feet. Then the doctor examines the skin under a microscope to look for growth of the fungus. If the fungus is found, your doctor will prescribe medication for you.
Tips to avoid getting athlete’s foot:
* Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
* Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder.
* Wear light and airy shoes.
* Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
We’ve all heard the term “Over Pronation,” but what does it mean?
It seems it is a much more common problem than most realize. Over pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward while taking a step, thus turning the lower leg inward. This action can put stress on the back, the hip and the knee.
One answer to the problem is “Orthotics.” This is a device that is made to slip into your footwear, to counter act the forces of your foot, caused by over pronation. Orthotics are sold in many shoe and sporting stores and can also be made to fit your foot exactly, by a podiatrist.
If you feel you over pronate, take steps to counter-act the forces that can create even more problems. Do it today!
A question that always gets asked is how does my shoe size compare to shoe sizes in Europe, Britain, and Japan? This is very helpful if you are traveling out of the country and want to buy a pair of shoes. This chart will help you decide what shoe size you need for British, European, American and Japanese sizes for Ladies, Men’s, Girls and Boys shoe sizes.