CHECK, PLEASE

Early detection is critical when it comes to melanoma of the foot. This type of cancer is easy to overlook but can have deadly consequences if allowed to go untreated.
When checking for any signs of this disease, be sure to notice the soles, the area in between the toes, and the skin around or under the toenails for any freckles or spots that have changed over time. Any alteration in the border, color, diameter, or elevation of a freckle or spot should be immediately reported to your podiatrist since those are the main indicators of melanoma of the foot.
Routine self-exams are the keys to ensure early identification of this potential deadly disease.

For additional questions please contact our FAMILY FOOT CARE at 704-786-4482 or visit at

http://www.familyfootcare.info/

HINT: Even areas of the body that are rarely exposed to the sun can develop melanoma.

Golf and Your Feet

A large part of the attraction of golf is the time spent outdoors. During an 18-hole round of golf, the typical player walks four-to-five miles over the course of three-to-five hours. That's a lot of time spent on your feet. At the same time, the biomechanics of golf make your feet as important to the success of your swing as any other part of the body. Getting and keeping your feet in the right position to help carry the force of the swing through properly can be impacted by the shoes you wear.

Common foot injuries and problems associated with golf are related to overdoing it, particularly if an underlying structural problem exists in your feet. This includes tendonitis, capsulitis, and ligament sprains and pulls, which can keep a golf enthusiast off the green. Improper shoes can bring on blisters, neuromas, and other pain in the feet. Podiatrists see these problems daily and can treat them conservatively to allow for a quick return to the sport.

Golf Shoes

Remember that you'll spend a lot of time on your feet standing and walking during golf, so look for shoes that are comfortable. Golf shoes come in a variety of types, from the traditional oxford-style to sandals and even boots. Whichever style you choose, look for shoes that are lightweight, well-cushioned in the soles and heels, made from a breathable material, water resistant and offer traction. The middle of the shoe should feel a little tighter than your everyday shoes to support your swing. Be sure to try on golf shoes with the socks you will normally wear to make sure to get the right fit.

More serious golfers may be interested in purchasing spikes. Just give yourself time to adjust to walking wearing spikes and make sure you know the policy for wearing them on each golf course. Spikes give added traction and help stabilize the foot during play. Spikes are made from different materials. Soft, polyurethane spikes that are less damaging to the green and lightweight, but don't offer as much traction as a heavier material. Carbide or ceramic spikes are for serious golfers who spend a lot of time on the greens. They are made of durable materials that often outlast the shoe's upper. Metal spikes often last the life of the shoe, are very durable, give good traction but must be carefully maintained to prevent rust.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.

Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercising, stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Corn and Callus

What is the difference between a corn and a callus?

A corn and a callus both are an area of thickened, dead skin corresponding to areas of pressure on the foot. While they are composed of the same material, they are indeed two different things.

A callus is found on the bottom of the foot. It is generally superficial and doesn't often cause pain. It occurs from the twisting, shear forces of the foot on the ground. The skin thickens with callus to add protection to these forces. You may feel some numbness in the area of the callus. Occasionally a callus is painful, feeling like there are pebbles embedded in it. This happens if callus tissue fills up pores and sweat glands on the sole of the foot.

A corn is caused by a more direct source of pressure. It is smaller in breadth but often goes deeper, which causes a corn to be particularly painful. Corns are often found on top of the toes. They also can occur between the toes, where they're known as soft corns. A corn can also be found beneath the foot, usually in instances where the natural fat pad has worn away. This is quite painful and should be taken care of by a podiatrist

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your feet at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Foot Odor and Smelly Feet Prevention

Smelly feet generally can be controlled with a few preventive measures:

• Always wear socks with closed shoes.
• Avoid wearing nylon socks or plastic shoes. Instead, wear shoes made of leather, canvas, mesh or other materials that let your feet breathe.
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water, using a mild soap. Dry thoroughly.
• Change your socks and shoes at least once a day.
• Check for fungal infections between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. If you spot redness or dry, patchy skin, get treatment right away.
• Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. If you frequently wear athletic shoes, alternate pairs so that the shoes can dry out. Give your shoes at least 24 hours to air out between wearing; if the odor doesn't go away, discard the shoes.
• Dust your feet frequently with a non-medicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help.
• Practice good foot hygiene to keep bacteria levels at a minimum.
• Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. Cotton and other absorbent materials are best.

These preventive measures also can help prevent Athlete's foot which can flourish in the same environment as sweaty feet. However, Athlete's foot won't respond to an antibacterial agent because it's caused by a fungus infection. Use an anti-fungal powder and good foot hygiene to treat Athlete's foot.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Children's Feet

Children with strong, healthy feet avoid many kinds of lower extremity problems later in life. That's why it is important to inspect your children's feet periodically.

Infants

The size and shape of your baby's feet change quickly during their first year. Because a baby's feet are flexible, too much pressure or strain can affect the shape of their feet. It's important to allow baby to kick and stretch their feet freely. Also, make sure shoes and socks do not squeeze the toes.

Toddlers

Do not to force a toddler to walk before s/he is ready. Once walking begins, watch the toddler's gait. Many toddlers have a pigeon-toe gait, which is normal. Some initially learn to walk landing on their toes instead of their heels. Most children outgrow both these problems. But other conditions detected early can be treated more easily.

When Foot Care Is Needed

To help with flatfeet, special shoes or orthotics may be prescribed. To correct mild in-toeing or out-toeing, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV. If your child's feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed.

The foot's bone structure is well-formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8, but if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor's care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

Remember to check your child's shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe and that the shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely. Don't let your child wear hand-me-down shoes.

If you have any questions regarding your child's feet, please contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Getting a Proper Fit

Everything from serious foot disorders to more common foot and ankle conditions can be exacerbated by one, avoidable cause: inappropriate, poor quality, and/or ill-fitting shoes. Any podiatrist will tell you that a quality, properly fitted shoe pays big dividends for your feet—now and in the future.

The most important quality to look for in shoes is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable. Shoes that do not fit properly can cause bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes and other disabling foot disorders.

The Fitting
Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems when shopping for shoes:

• Don't force your feet into a pair of shoes in order to conform to the shape of the shoe. The shoe needs to conform to the shape of your foot.
• Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.
• Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes. Foot size increases as you get older.
• If the shoes feel too tight, don't buy them. There is no such thing as a "break-in period."
• Many high-heeled shoes have a pointed or narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box. Limit heel height to two inches or less to protect your feet.
• Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes.
• Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot, not by the marked size.
• There should be a half-inch of space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.
• Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell and become larger after standing or sitting during the day, which makes for a better fit.
• Be sure to try on both shoes. Walk around the shoe store in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
• When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.

If you have a hard time to find shoes that fit properly, our Family Foot Care will be glad to help. Contact us at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.