Eczema on Feet

The summer heat can trigger eczema on the feet. Eczema can be itchy, painful and bothersome, so it is best to take special care of your feet in order to prevent dryness. Here are a few tips how:

Socks may be the cause of your dry itchy feet. Stick to natural fiber cotton socks to get the most breath-ability. Synthetic fibers, wool and spandex can irritate the skin. If your feet tend to sweat, switch out your socks when they become damp. The wetness can worsen eczema.

Try to avoid long hot showers, as hard as that may be. They are not the best for your skin. Taking short, lukewarm showers can prevent dry skin. Use a mild moisturizing soap on feet.

If you have cracks on your feet, you can soak them in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, pat dry, slather petroleum jelly and cover them with cotton socks. Wear them for at least 30 minutes.

Itchiness of the feet can also be due to athlete’s foot or other infections. It is best to seek the opinion of your podiatrist so your ailment can be treated correctly.

Image by Miss Messie. Blue Plastic Shoes. (2010). Flickr.

Fun Historical Shoe Facts

• The earliest known shoes are sandals that date back to between 7,000 and 8,000 BC.
• The first shoes were made from animal skins and leather cord.
• Thong sandals date back to 4,000 BC and were made from papyrus leaves, rawhide, wood, rice straw, etc.
• The ancient Romans were the first to construct distinct left and right shoes. Before that, shoes could be worn on either foot.
• Shoe sizes were devised in England by King Edward II who declared in 1324 that the diameter of one barely corn (a third of an inch) would represent one full shoe size. This is still true today.
• The record for the world’s largest feet belongs to Matthew McGrory who wears US size 28 1/2 shoes.

Image by Pedro Ribeiro Simoes. Roman Sandal. (2010). Flickr.

The Basics on Foot Arches

An easy way to figure out your foot type is to get your foot wet and step on a surface that will leave your mark; concrete or a paper bag work well. Seeing half your arch means a neutral arch, seeing your entire foot means flat feet and seeing a thin line between the ball of the foot and heel means high arches.

You should choose your shoes based on your arch type.

Neutral Arches

If you have a normal arch, you can wear any shoe that feels comfortable. It is a good idea to choose something with built in support, cushioning and a rigid heel.

Flat Feet

You should wear spacious shoes with good arch support and padding in the heel. A podiatrist may recommend getting fitted for custom inserts. They balance the foot in a neutral position.

High Arches 

High arches can require extra cushioning, a softer platform and a slightly raised heel.

It is important to find shoes with the proper arch support if you have flat feet or high arches because you are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, pain in your feet and legs ,and/or bunions and hammertoes.

Image by christsna.ch. Shoes. (2013). Flickr.

Nail Diseases and Disorders

Nail diseases and disorders can come in many different forms; discoloration, thickening, splitting, brittleness, etc. Here are a just a few nail disorders that will require medical attention:

Onychorrhexis

Brittle nails that can split vertically and peel. This can be hereditary or due to using strong solvents, such as cleaning solutions.

Onychauxis

Over-thickening of the nail. This can be due to an internal disorder.

Beau’s Lines

Horizontal lines on the nail. This is due to any interruption in the protein formation of the nail plate, such as trauma, illness or malnutrition.

Koilonychia

Concave nails with raised ridges. This can be due to iron deficiency.

Pterygium

Skin growth over the nail plate. This can be the result of a surgical procedure or a deep cut to the nail plate.

Melanonychia

Vertical pigmented bands. This can be due to melanoma or a lesion.

If you notice any of these symptoms on your toenails, it is best to see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis and a plan of treatment. 

Image by Jorge in Brazil. Toes. (2013). Flickr.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a common condition in athletes. It can affect ballerinas, gymnasts, football players, or anyone that is repeatedly pushing off their big toe. This constant jamming of the toe can cause the ligaments around the big toe to sprain - which is known as turf toe.

This type of injury is usually sudden. Some elements that can lead to turf toe are playing on artificial surfaces/grass surfaces or playing with flexible shoes that cause the foot to bend. Wearing shoes with proper support for the activity you are participating in can help to prevent turf toe.

When spraining the ligaments of the big toe, pain and swelling usually occur and a popping sensation can be felt.  If you experience these symptoms, seek the advice of a physician. He will examine your foot for swelling and may order diagnostic imaging to get a better picture of the injury. Rest, ice, compression and elevation usually do the trick to treat turf toe. It may take two to three weeks for the pain to subside. 

Image by COD Newsroom. Football 2013 Home Opener 32. (2013). Flickr.

Changes in Feet

It is common for feet to change as you age. Some normal changes are listed below:

• Feet can spread out and widen causing your shoe size to change. Be sure to try on shoes before purchasing “your size” to make sure they fit properly.
• The bottoms of feet can lose the fatty pads that provide cushioning to the feet. The heel pad is most typically affected.
• Skin tends to thin out and lose elasticity. This makes injuries and infections easier to come by.
• Ligaments and tendons lose their stretch-ability. 
• Nails can thicken and get brittle.

Other medical conditions that can be associated with aging, such as arthritis and poor circulation, can increase the risk of foot problems. Seeing a foot specialist regularly will help to monitor changes in the foot, which will help to take care of problems early on.

Image by Ale Art. Feet. (2013). Flickr.

Hallux Rigidus

The big toe may seem like a small part of your body, but it carries a big responsibility. The big toe is used whenever moving or standing, so having a problem with it can be a big deal. One problem that afflicts the big toe is hallux rigidus. It is a disorder that affects the joint at the base of the toe and causes pain and restricted movement. It is a progressive condition that starts as limited movement and ends in stiffness of the toe.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of hallux ridigus:

• Pain and stiffness in the big toe
• Difficulty with normal activity
• Swelling and inflammation at the base of the toe
• Changes in the way you walk

Early treatment is the key with this disorder. Treatment when diagnosed early may include:

• Orthotics
• Medications
• Injections
• Physical therapy

If the condition progresses, surgery may be necessary. It is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional if you have any of these symptoms.

Image by Sean Winters. Foot. (2007). Flickr.