Mitchell J. Wachtel Podiatry Blog: Is My Child's High Arch Normal?

RE-BLOGGED: Mitchell J. Wachtel Podiatry Blog: Is My Child's High Arch Normal?: "Children who are born with a high arch foot face many challenges. Cavus or high arch foot tends to have a c shaped foot. Over time cavus f..."

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)

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Keeping Feet Fit! Are Your Feet Ready for Spring?

It's no secret that most of us don't find it necessary to pay attention to our feet, until they hurt. If you want to prepare your feet for the outdoor activities that the spring and summer months hold and avoid likely injuries to your feet, you must "Get to know your feet."

Common injuries that pop up around this time every year are:

Achilles Tendonitis (Running, Walking, Jogging)

Plantar Fasciitis (Commonly caused by running in improper footwear)

Another injury to protect against are infections of the foot. Lacerations, punctures, or insect bites from walking outside can open up doors to foot fungus problems, such as:

Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Fungal Nails

Remember to protect your feet this spring by wearing proper foot wear and slowly easing yourself into your spring/summer workout routines.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)

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Orthotics

Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refers to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over-the-counter orthotic are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure. 

Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.


Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may improve or eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.

Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made up of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are also made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.


Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.

For more information orthotics and how they can help you, please give us a call at: 780 488 4844

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Loosen up my Bunions Babe (Podiatry Humour)

Got bunions? Well you're not the only one. This group has an interesting way of combating the common foot problem.

3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.

There are numerous changes women must make to their lifestyles once they have become pregnant, such as what to eat, specific exercises, what to wear, etc. Did you know that this includes changing the types of shoes worn? Here are three types of shoes to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Slippers.

Slippers with the non-slip sole function can lead to numerous injuries such as: twisted feet/ankles, fall down, and so on, seriously endangering the health of pregnant women, and can even lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, and other problems. Another health risk associated with slippers is dermatitis. During pregnancy women become, on average, 15 kg heavier, this quick increase of pressure on the feet can lead to increased activity by the woman's sweat glands. Once the plastic of rubber slippers have become sweaty feet may be become red and itchy, these are symptoms of Dermatitis.

2. Sports Shoes.

Sports and leisure shoes that are constructed from "non-airtight" materials, such as nylon and synthetic leather, will only increase the swelling of the feet. Pregnant women should also avoid wearing flat-shoes. These shoes are not able to able maintain the arch of the foot to absorb the shock and they can also lead to fatigue and muscle and ligament damage.

3. Leather Shoes.

Leather shoes have very poor ventilation, and with the increased activity of the sweat glands caused by pregnancy, the feet will become even more sweaty. These shoes are a good environment for reproduction and growth of anaerobic bacteria and mold.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Read More On Our Website3 Types of Shoes That Should NOT Be Worn During Pregnancy.

Your Toe Nails Shouldn't Be Green...Even If It's St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day podiatrists, patients, and other online readers. Everyone who has forgotten to wear green today is making an effort to avoid getting pinched by our little leprechaun friends, but green toe nails just don't count!

Here are some tips to avoiding fungal nails:

Keeping the fungus under control will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other tips:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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Keeping Your Feet Dry During Winter/Spring Sports

Everyone knows that having numb feet isn't much fun, so here are some steps to keeping your feet dry during the wet, cold conditions of outdoor winter/spring sports.

Supplies: 3 pairs of socks (two pairs over the calf), 2 plastic bags, and a roll of duct tape.

Step #1: Wear two pairs of socks. The second pair going on top, should be longer (to the calf or knee).

Step #2: Grab two plastic bags (grocery bags are perfect) and a roll of duct tape. Place each foot in a bag and secure the bags to your legs using the duct tape. IMPORTANT: Do not tape on your skin, tape it to the sock. Also, be sure not to tape the bags too tight. If you legs feel tingly, it's TOO TIGHT.

Step #3: Put your final pair of socks over the bags on each foot and make sure they are pulled up to your calf (or knee if longer).

Things to keep in mind: This will keep your socks dry, but only if combined with the proper winter/spring footwear. (eg. Snow boots, rubber boots, soccer shoes, etc)

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844
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How To Tell If You Have Raynaud's Disease.

Raynaud's Disease is a disorder that affects the hands and feet. It is caused by contraction of the smooth muscles controlling the small arteries supplying circulation into the hands and feet. This contraction, called a vasospasm, makes the arteries so small that they restrict blood flow. Exposure to cold temperature can often bring on a vasospasm.

Raynaud's Disease has no known cause and is most common in young women. Staying warm and regular exercise to maintain healthy blood circulation throughout the body can help offset the disease.

You may have Raynaud's Disease:

1. If you notice that your hands or feet turn white or blue when you are either cold or under stress.

2. If you experience pain or tingling in your fingers or toes.

If you suspect you have Raynud's Disease, contact your doctor immediately. (The Foot and Ankle Wellness Center) 

To reduce the severity of Raynaulds - try to avoid the events that trigger the attacks. Wear loose fitting gloves and socks to reduce exposure to cold and to prevent restriction of the blood vessels. Wear gloves when retrieving food from the refrigerator. Try to reduce your stress levels, do not smoke, and try to reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.

During the illness's active periods:

• Try to reduce the amount of physical stress on your extremities.
• Soak feet in warm salt water.
• Sit with your feet elevated.
• Put gloves on to warm your hands.
• Place your hands under your arms or in a bowl of warm water to warm them quickly.

Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844
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