Ingrown Toenail (Photo credit: *bri*)

How can you tell if your child has an ingrown toenail? Usually the nail on the big toe will be affected, with redness, swelling and the edge of the nail turned down into the skin. Their toe will be very tender and possibly painful when rubbed by their shoe.

So how should you treat the ingrown toenail? Below are a few ways to help, which include:

• Soak your child’s foot in warm, soapy water for about ten minutes a few times a day. Afterward, apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream on the problem area.
• You might try to gently file the nail away from the skin. If possible, use your nails to gently lift the ingrown toenail and insert a small amount of cotton or gauze between the nail and skin.
• Have your child wear loose-fitting shoes, or go barefoot as much as possible, until the toenail has been healed. If these steps don’t heal the toenail within a week, contact our office to have Tony Abbott treat the ingrown nail.

How can you prevent painful ingrown toenails from affecting your child? We recommend incorporating these general foot care tips to keep your child’s feet protected. They include:

• Make sure your child’s shoes fit properly. This is the best tip to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Make sure to measure your child’s feet regularly as children’s feet are constantly growing. You want to make sure the shoes they are wearing are not too tight.
• Trim your child’s toenails regularly. Use a nail clipper and cut their toenails straight across instead of rounded, which can create an ingrown toenail more easily.

Don’t let ingrown toenails create pain in your child’s feet! Follow these guidelines and you can keep their feet protected and healthy!

Resources:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_ingrown-toenail_66005.bc?page=2

http://www.foothealthfacts.org/Content.aspx?id=1626

Related articles

• Quality Paediatric Foot Care at Kids ‘n Motion Podiatry(yourfeet.co.nz)

  ---

Foot typeand top rated running shoes include:

A picture of a New Balance shoe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have flat feet - extra arch support in your running shoe is what you should be looking for. The added support will help reduce effects of flat-footed running.  When you have flat feet your arches collapse toward the ground and absorb the impact unevenly, which can cause pain and possible injury.

• New Balance MR993
• Adidas Supernova Sequence 4 Running Shoe
• ASICS GEL-Neo33 Running Shoe

If you have high arches – extra cushioning and support is needed for runners with high arches. Extra support is needed so your feet don’t tire out quickly from absorbing too much shock and stress through the feet and knees.  Many runners with high arches often suffer from feet that tire out too quickly.

• Mizuno Wave Rider 15 Running Shoe
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Running Shoe
• Saucony Powergrid Cortana Running Shoe

If you are a barefoot runner - the concept of barefoot running has become hugely popular.  The reasons include a greater connection with the body and running mechanism, focus on running effort and fewer injury occurrences as it allows natural movement. However, with bad weather or roadway conditions, running shoes are needed. There are shoes that mimic barefoot running as closely as possible while providing foot protection.

• Merrell Barefoot Train Embark Glove Gore-Tex Shoe
• New Balance MR10 Minimus Road Running Shoe
• Vivo Barefoot Dharma Shoe
• Vibram Five Fingers Flow

Whether you have flat feet, high arches, or prefer to run naturally with as little shoe as possible, wearing the properly fitted running shoe is worth the investment!  You want to achieve the most out of your running experience so why not buy shoes that will help give you that?

What running shoes have proven to be beneficial for your feet? Please share by commenting below!

Resources:

http://www.bestcovery.com/best-barefoot-running-shoe

http://www.abbottfootclinic.ca/runners/

Image via Wikipedia

At the Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic many of our patients are diabetic. We’re always looking for ways to create awareness about diabetes and reduce the risk of potential foot problems in diabetics. Today over 9 million Canadians are living with Diabetes or pre-diabetes. One way to help reduce the chance of people getting Type 2 diabetes is by creating awareness and educating the public about the disease.
 

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “prediabetes” – blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The good news is that people with prediabetes can delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and by increasing their level of physical activity. It is currently estimated that 6 million Canadians have prediabetes.
 

The Abbott Foot and Ankle Clinic has teamed up with the Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT) to do a presentation to the students at Connaught Public School. On March 27th we will be speaking to children ages 4 – 12 about what diabetes is as a disease and what each of us can do to help prevent getting type 2 diabetes.
 

Each child will learn the importance of exercise on a daily basis. Some new fun and easy exercises will also be introduced to the children to incorporate into their daily routines. A variety of vegetables will be available to try. The students will learn how vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet and giving them the nutrients to have strong and healthy bodies.
 

We believe that learning how to lead an active healthy life style will help us all live long and healthy lives. It is our hope that every bit of information we can provide about diabetes prevention and healthy living is beneficial to our youth and community.
 

For more information about diabetes, please visit http://www.diabetes.ca/home/main/
 

For more information on foot care and the diabetic foot, please visit http://www.abbottfootclinic.ca/
 

Resources
http://www.diabetes.ca/research/prevention/

Image via Wikipedia

from the dreary winter months, but it can also change your running routine as well. If you’re headed down south for a vacation, beach running can be very beneficial not only for a great cardio work out, but for a great ocean side view.

However, since running on sand may be different territory than what your normal running routine looks like; there are simple tips to take into consideration in order to keep your feet safe when you hit the beach.

• Check the tide. Low tide is the most ideal for beach running as it creates a level surface with hard, compacted sand yet has a soft feel underfoot. Try to run at the lowest tide of the day. Running at high tide can be more of a challenging work out as it leaves you with dry and soft sand where you may run the risk of ankle sprains or foot fractures due to the uneven surface.
• Slow your pace. Beach running isn’t the same as your typical treadmill or pavement, so don’t expect your running pace to be the same. Keep yourself at a safe pace as overdoing it can cause foot pain, foot fractures, and other foot problems to occur.
• Wear proper footwear. If you plan on doing a lot of beach running, consider running shoes that have tight mesh. The closed mesh will help prevent your shoes from filling up with sand while you’re running. Since a little bit of sand is inevitable to prevent getting inside your shoe, be sure to wear socks that can help prevent blisters from occurring such as synthetic options.

Taking a daily run on the beach can be a very beneficial work out to incorporate into your relaxing vacation. Follow these helpful tips to keep your feet safe and you won’t regret running with an incredible view.

Do you have a beach workout routine while on vacation? Do you have tips that you use to ensure safety? Please share by commenting below; we would love to hear from you!

Resources:

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/article/0,8029,s6-238-511-0-13296-0,00.html

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Brochures/Sports-Medicine/Running-and-.aspx

Related articles

• Cruising and Exercising (kristinastanley.net)

Image via Wikipedia

There are many things you should and shouldn’t do if you suffer with diabetes. Exercise and eating well are main components of keeping your sugar levels stable. However, your feet are just as important to keep healthy if you have any type of diabetes, since there is less blood flow circulation that reaches them. Here are some manageable tips to make sure your feet stay in the best shape:

1. Wear shoes as much as possible!
   When you have diabetes, there are many things that can go unnoticed when it comes to your feet such as stepping on tiny pieces on the floor that can be dangerous or painful. To avoid this, wear shoes and socks around the house – never go barefoot.
2. Don’t wear anything tight around your legs.
   The slightest pinch or sense of tightness from either a pair of socks or tights can cause lack of blood flow to your feet. Avoid wearing knee high socks or any type of legwear that has tight elastic.
3. Don’t expose your feet to extreme warm or cool weather conditions.
   Because of the lack of nerves in the diabetic foot, deciphering hot or cool temperatures becomes difficult. This lack of feeling can cause major foot damage. Be careful to not walk on very hot pavement or apply ice to your feet.
4. Don’t cut callouses yourself!
   You put yourself in extreme danger for infection if you cut your foot callouses yourself. If you have callous that is causing you pain or discomfort, please call our office to schedule an appointment to have it safely and professionally removed.
5. Don’t use non-prescribed foot supports.
   You may run the risk of foot pain when wearing over the counter shoe inserts that aren’t properly shaped to your foot. Call our office for more information on medically proven over the counter insoles options or custom orthotics.
6. Quit smoking!
   Smoking causes an even greater lack of circulation to your feet. Not smoking will help prevent this from happening.
7. Don’t over drink!
   If you drink excessively, it causes more nerve damage to your feet making it more difficult to sense injury or other problems.
8. Avoid crossing your legs.
   When crossing your legs while sitting or lying down, this decreases the blood flow throughout your legs and feet.

These are just a few tips that can help you care for your feet. For more information, please contact our office.

Resource:

http://prashanthkr.hubpages.com/hub/diabetic-peripheral-neurotherapy

Related articles

• Diabetes Complications: Be aware to avoid them

These days, fashion and function aren’t necessarily separate when it comes to winter footwear, so fashionistas, remove all hesitation! Once you begin your search, you’ll be plenty surprised at the plethora of boot options available that cater to both your practical and your particular side.

Where to begin? First in line is the decision between snow boots and winter boots. Winter boots are designed to keep your feet warm, but snow boots are meant to keep you both warm and dry. Winter boots will boast more in the way of fashion, while snow boots will cater to the function side of the equation. If you plan to spend a lot of time standing in snow, snow boots are your friend. Don’t hold back—aim for warm, dry happy toes all winter long.

When shopping for boots, there are a few things to consider. How high is the boot (ie. how much coverage does it offer your feet, ankles and legs)? What do the soles and uppers consist of? Snow boot soles should always be made of a waterproof material like rubber, in order to truly keep your feet dry. Another bonus of a waterproof sole is that it’s quite easy to clean—just take a hose to the bottom and you’re good as new. Snow boot uppers should be made of nylon or leather, and may also have a fleece cuff or drawstring at the top to provide extra warmth and protection.

It’s in your best interest to invest in a boot that works well for you. If you purchase the inexpensive pair this year, you’ll likely find yourself back in the boot aisle when next year’s Winter rolls around. You’ll never be sorry for investing in the comfort of your feet, but you certainly may be sorry if you don’t. Take good care of your toes this Winter and cover them up in a pair  of boots that’s warm and waterproof!

Related articles

• There’s a time, look and boot for everything (cbsnews.com)

Wondering what causes such a persistent problem? Are you on your feet all day for work, or have your recently increased your exercise significantly? Prolonged periods of standing can cause morning foot pain, and your new workout regimen could also be to blame—but we’re not suggesting your drop your new habit like yesterday’s news. Instead, orthotic inserts might provide some extra support for your feet, which will lead to relief. You can talk with your podiatrist about the right type of orthotic for your foot, or try tennis shoes with increased stability and support. An orthotic will help you to achieve a more natural position for your foot, which will relieve pain.

Other causes for Plantar Fasciitis and/or morning heel pain my include wearing shoes that lack the right level of support for your foot, significant weight gain, a sedentary lifestyle, playing sports, running and golfing.

If you’re already experiencing pain on a daily basis when you get out of bed, imagine its intensity and duration increasing over time. It is worth the risk? No one likes to be limited by a physical pain or discomfort—and you shouldn’t have to be! Call our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation, or for any questions you might have regarding orthotics, supportive shoes or morning foot pain.

So what can be done to reduce and/or eliminate foot pain in our lives? For starters, the shoes we wear obviously play a huge role. If you live your life in flip flops, you’ll likely be flip flopping your way to our office at some point—thin, itty bitty sandals just don’t provide the support or safety that your foot needs long term. Lacking arch support, a flip-flop can cause your muscles to work overtime in a challenging way. If you’re a high heel regular, you might want to consider at least mixing your footwear options to give your feet (and heels!) a much needed break every few days. High heels put a lot more weighed pressure on your heels and the balls of your feet than a flat-footed shoe with good arch support will.

Next up? How about a self-pedicure? You can tend to your nails, cuticles and problem spots with a good foot soak, followed by a toenail trim, attention to any blisters or calluses, removal of dry/dead skin with a pumice stone, a nail-friendly polish (ladiesJ) and a moisturizing mini-massage. Apply lotion to your feet liberally if they’re dry—especially in warmer months when your feet are most likely to be exposed to outside air.

With just a little extra TLC, You can have soft, healthy, happy feet all year round. It’s important to make them a priority, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day—especially because they carry you everywhere you go!

Parents, begin to talk to your dancers about injury prevention while they’re young! Young dancers have the opportunity to train themselves on injury prevention and treatment from the start, setting the tone for a positive future. How a dancer approaches rehabilitation can make or break his or her training and career.

Dance requires repetitive motions and techniques that, over time, commonly lead to overuse injuries. Approximately 50% of these are foot and ankle related! To avoid injury in the first place, proper nutrition, strengthening and footwear are essential. Careful planning around a rigorous rehearsal/training schedule will ensure that a dancer is eating frequently and well enough to sustain the demand on his or her body. Dancers should be fit by a professional when purchasing new shoes, as poorly fitting dance shoes can lead to problems including blisters, callouses, trauma to toenails, bunions and hammertoes.

There are many foot injuries that commonly plague serious dancers, including stress fractures, dancers fractures, joint and ligament issues, shin pain, tendonitis, metatarsalgia, and neuroma. If you have questions or concerns about the condition of your feet or ankles as a result of dance and/or dance training, we can help!

Trimming your baby’s nails is important, and being comfortable with the process is an acquired skill. Because babies have so little control over their hands at an early age, jagged, sharp or long nails can lead to scratches on the face and arms, as well as on mom or dad. Longer nails also leave extra room for germs to reside, so it’s best to make sure that fingernails are kept at a short length. In order to do this, baby should be asleep or kept occupied by a caregiver while another caretaker trims nails with a pair of infant nail clippers. When trimming, hold the skin of baby’s finger down away from the nail with one hand, while clipping with the other. Doing this after bath time can make the process easier, when baby’s nails are at their softest. Keep fingernails rounded on the top to avoid sharp edges that can scratch as nails grow longer, and consider an emory board or baby nail file to smooth out any spots that feel uneven.

Your baby’s toenails will require less frequent trimming but the same type of care. Toenails grow much slower than fingernails, so you may find you’re only filing or cutting them once every few weeks. Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails on your little one. You can still file nails that feel sharp, as long as you’re maintaining a straight edge.

If you accidentally cut baby’s skin when trimming either hands or feet, apply pressure with a tissue or gauze for a few minutes. Never put a band aid on your baby’s finger, as it poses a choking hazard if he or she puts the cut finger in their mouth. Remember, you’re in no hurry to trim your little one’s finger and toenails, so it doesn’t hurt to take your time or to wait until you have help. You’ll make it easier on yourself, and ultimately, better for your baby. Good luck, and congratulations!