All articles tagged with #podiatry
Podiatrists share common foot-care pitfalls to avoid—such as wearing Crocs for long periods, living in high heels, walking barefoot in public spaces, running in non-running shoes, and neglecting foot hygiene or diabetic foot care—and offer safer practices like wearing supportive walking shoes, inspecting feet daily, avoiding unsterilized salons, and using activity-appropriate footwear to prevent injuries and infections.
Bunions, bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, can be a cosmetic challenge and cause discomfort. A bunion support group on Facebook reveals the struggles and despair faced by those with bunions, with many discouraging surgery. Celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Oprah have also been affected by bunions. While surgery is an option, non-operative treatments can often alleviate discomfort and help avoid surgery. Bunions typically grow slowly, giving individuals time to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery.
Trimming toenails can become challenging as you age, but it's important to take care of them to avoid problems like ingrown toenails and damage to too-long toenails. Soaking your feet in warm water before cutting your toenails can make them easier to cut. If you can't cut your own toenails, a podiatrist can provide foot and toenail care. Thick or discolored toenails should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist or podiatrist, as they may signal potential health issues.
Podiatrist Matt Francis has opened Atlantic Podiatry in Bermuda, with a focus on diabetic foot care. He offers diabetic screenings, blood flow and pulse checks, and works with local diabetes clinics to maintain foot health and catch issues before they become serious. Francis is also working on a master's in wound care and tissue viability. He offers a discounted rate for diabetic patients on HIP and does home visits for housebound clients. Francis believes podiatrists are an underutilised resource on the island and could play a much bigger role in preventive care, especially for diabetics.
Your feet can reveal a lot about your health, from pesky cracked heels and calluses to more serious problems such as swelling, which can indicate heart problems or lymphatic drainage issues. Retracted toes or claw toes could be a sign of ill-fitting footwear or neurological changes. Thick yellow toenails could be a sign of a fungal infection, while dark vertical bands on the toenail or dark spots under the nail could indicate pigment deposits, trauma or skin cancer. Cold feet can be a sign of poor circulation, while cracked heels could be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Slow healing wounds or cuts on the foot could be a sign of diabetes.