What you put in your mouth has an effect on your entire body, including your feet. Did you know that your feet appreciate a healthy diet as much as the rest of your body? Here are some simple ways to keep your feet feeling great with food.

Strong Bones, Happy Feet

Bones need plenty of calcium and vitamin D to be at their best, and your feet are no exception. In fact, each foot has 26 bones in it that help you move and go about your daily activities, all while handling impact and supporting your body.

To keep your foot bones feeling great, try these foods that are rich in calcium:

• Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Oranges and calcium-fortified orange juice
• Almonds

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. But it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Fortified dairy products, eggs, and some types of fish contain vitamin D, but this may not be enough to meet the recommended daily allowance of 600 – 800 IU for adults. For this reason, ask your doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement may be right for you.

Diabetes, Food, and Feet

If you have diabetes, you may already know that you need to take special care of your feet. By keeping your blood sugar levels under control, you can help minimize the risk of problems like neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy often affects the feet, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and sometimes irreversible nerve damage. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of a limb.

Work with your doctor on a healthy diet for your individual needs, and keep your feet feeling great for years to come.

Whole Foods for Whole Foot Health

All the muscles, nerves, and systems in your body benefit from a healthy diet. Your feet have an amazing system of tendons, muscles, and joints that will be at their best if you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Try to minimize processed food and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with meals and snacks.

Drink Up for Healthy Feet

Hydration is important for your energy levels, focus and concentration, and yes – your feet! Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid foot swelling, sore muscles, and cramping. Most experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water per day, but if you exercise or sweat a lot, you’ll likely need more. Water is usually best, but sports drinks can be helpful for extremely active athletes who need to replenish electrolytes. Avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks whenever possible.

Your feet work hard to take you places every day. Give them the care they deserve with a healthy, balanced diet. If you have foot pain or questions about the health of your feet, contact the office of Dr. Jeffery LaMour to schedule your appointment!

Summertime means fun in the sun, and all that sun tends to make people sweat. If your feet are trapped in a pair of shoes all day, they’re bound to feel – and smell – less than pleasant by the end of the day.

When attending an important personal or professional event, you don’t want to worry about your feet. Take these tips into consideration before your next outing.

Let Your Feet Breathe

Wearing plastic, non-breathable, or too-tight shoes and socks won’t allow your feet to cool, resulting in more sweat and odor. Whenever possible, choose moisture-wicking socks and canvas or leather shoes. Many outdoors and sports stores sell footwear made of wicking, and natural materials. These are better than cotton for keeping your feet dry.

Switch Up Your Shoes

Even if you have a favorite pair of shoes, you should alternate the days you wear them. Shoes may need up to 24 hours to completely dry out, and putting your feet into damp shoes invites more sweating and odor. Plan ahead for important events by setting your favorite pair aside a few days before the big day so they’ll be clean and fresh.

Dressing Up and Dry Feet

Women may wish to try no-show socks for dress shoes to help absorb wetness and odor. Many of these can be worn with dress shoes comfortably without anyone knowing. Going to a wedding? Consider wearing a dressy pair for the ceremony, and bringing a more comfortable (and dry!) pair to change into at the reception.

Keep Shoes Clean

If foot sweat is a problem or you want to freshen up your shoes, plain rubbing alcohol is safe for the insides of most footwear. This will kill bacteria and may decrease your risk of foot odor and fungal infections.

A Secret Weapon for Foot Odor and Sweat

Underarm antiperspirant and deodorant can be used on your feet too! It can help reduce sweating and keep them smelling great. Just lightly apply to the soles of your feet and a little on top if needed. Don’t get heavy-handed or you could end up with white streaks.

Ask Your Podiatrist About Solutions

If these tips aren’t working for you or you’re concerned about excessive foot sweating, your podiatrist can help! Excessive foot sweating may be a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Your podiatrist can talk with you about your symptoms and recommend a variety of treatments that may help.

Do you have a question about your summer foot health? Dr. Jeffery LaMour wants to help. Contact his caring, professional team today to schedule your appointment!

When sandal season arrives, many people treat themselves to a pedicure to get beautiful feet they can show off. And though a pedicure can be relaxing and enjoyable, proper precautions must be taken in order to keep your feet healthy. Many nail salons can be hot spots for dangerous infections and illnesses if proper cleaning precautions are not taken.

The best thing you can do is inquire about sanitation and cleaning processes before you make your appointment. If you plan to get a pedicure, these are the basics about health and safety that you should know before you step into the salon.

Be Cautious With Medical Conditions

If you have diabetes or a foot condition, consult with your podiatrist before getting a pedicure. Often, you can still get a pedicure, but may need a modified or gentler version in order to be safe.

Foot Bath Safety

Shared pedicure equipment can lead to serious infections and cross contamination if it’s not properly sanitized. Foot baths, especially, can be germ magnets if they’re not properly maintained. You can end up with warts, athlete’s foot, or other infections. Ask the salon staff if they clean and filter the foot bath after every customer. The jets in whirlpool foot baths harbor bacteria and can’t easily be cleaned, so look for pipeless foot baths and/or the use of disposable liners used for each client.

Proper Sterilization of Tools

Any metal tools should be completely sterilized between each client. Many salons use a blue liquid disinfectant that is very effective. Autoclaves are also a great way to sanitize metal tools. If you’re extra cautious, consider bringing your own tools with you each time.

The Rule for Non-Metal Tools

Emery boards, wood and rubber manicure sticks, and any non-metal tools cannot be sterilized, so they should never be shared. Ensure they throw them away after each client. Never allow the use of a “used” non-metal tool of any kind.

The Right Way to Trim

Toenails should always be cut straight across to avoid painful ingrown nails.

Say No to Razors

Never allow a salon to use a foot razor on your feet, which can invite bacteria and fungus into your body and can damage the skin. Instead, a pumice stone can be used to gently smooth rough patches. In addition, don’t shave your legs right before your appointment, because tiny nicks and cuts could allow bacteria into your skin.

Be Gentle

There’s no need to use sharp instruments to clean under the nails or remove cuticles. Instead, a wooden or rubber manicure stick can be used to remove debris under the nails, and cuticles can be gently pushed back with an orange stick – never cut. Your cuticles are there to protect your nails from infection, so treat them kindly!

You can have beautiful and healthy feet if you take these precautions before your next pedicure. These small steps are well worth the time to ensure you don’t pick up any unpleasant or potentially dangerous infections.

The skilled team at Family Foot and Ankle Clinic can help you keep your feet feeling great throughout your life. If you have a foot problem, contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

When summer comes, you’re probably thinking about vacations, barbecues, beaches, and more. But when you’re having your fun in the sun, don’t neglect your feet – or you may pay for it with pain, injuries, and other foot problems. Keep these simple and easy tips in mind as you enjoy the summer months.

Save Bare Feet for Swimming

Use Flip Flops Safely

Flip flops are extremely popular summer footwear. Although they shouldn’t be your everyday go-to footwear, you don’t have to avoid them completely. Here’s how to wear them and be kind to your feet:

• Use them only for short jaunts or poolside days
• Find a pair with proper arch support and quality materials
• Don’t wear them if the soles are worn out, they cause sores or blisters, or they make your feet hurt
• Skip them if you have diabetes, bunions, hammertoes, or other foot conditions

Protect Your Feet from the Sun

If any of the skin on your feet is exposed to the sun, it needs sunscreen – just like the rest of your body. In fact, the tops of the feet are a very common area where people get sunburned. Apply an SPF of at least 30 anytime you go outside, and reapply at least every two hours – or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

Stay Hydrated for Healthy Feet

Your body needs plenty of water each day, and this is especially true if you’ve been out in the sun and sweating. Make sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages, especially water, throughout the day. This will keep your feet from swelling and your muscles well hydrated for fewer cramps.

Let Your Shoes Dry

If you put on a pair of wet shoes, you’re inviting bacteria and fungus to grow. This can lead to foot odor, toenail fungus, and other problems. If you plan on getting your shoes wet, have a dry pair on hand to wear while the others dry out.

Healthy Foot Care is Always in Season

Your feet will take you to all your fun summer outings – so be kind to them. Give them the support and protection they need so you can enjoy the summer without foot pain, fungus, or other problems.

Foot pain, infections, and other issues can be addressed by a qualified podiatrist. Contact the office of Dr. Jeffery LaMour to get your feet in their best possible condition!

Feet have a pretty tough job to do. But just because feet are tough, doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Yet, many people will ignore persistent foot pain or changes in the foot’s appearance and function for too long. Ignoring early warning signs of foot problems can leave you at risk for more serious foot conditions. Here are several foot symptoms that could spell the start of a more serious problem.

Toenail discoloration

Discoloration of your toenails could be a sign of a fungal nail infection, which often begins as a yellow or dark spot under the nail. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding toes. If you have diabetes, an unchecked fungal nail infection could become extreme enough to lead to foot amputation.

Skin discoloration

Many conditions can cause discoloration of the feet. One, known as Raynaud’s disease, is characterized by a sequence of color changes in the skin as a response to cold or stress. 

Heel Pain

Heel pain caused by stepping on a hard object like a rock will usually go away on its own with a bit of rest. But when heel pain doesn’t subside, it could be a sign of a more serious foot condition like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Left untreated, heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking that may ultimately require complicated, lengthy, or costly therapy. Read our guide on what to do at the first sign of heel pain. 

Cold feet

Chronically cold feet and toes could be a sign of poor blood circulation. Smoking and smoking-related conditions like COPD can often affect the circulation of blood throughout the body. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and many forms of heart disease can restrict arteries and reduce blood flow as well. Bodily extremities like the feet are particularly susceptible to poor circulation, which may make feet feel cold or numb. 

Itchy feet

The most common culprit of itchy feet is a fungal infection like athlete’s foot. In some cases, itchy feet may result from an allergic reaction to skin creams or from an immune condition like psoriasis. 

Big toe pain

Pain focused around the tip and corner of your toenail, could be a sign of an ingrown toenail. Sudden, severe pain in the big toe joint (especially at night) could be caused by a form of arthritis called gout. Rheumatoid arthritis could be another explanation for toe pain, as early symptoms tend to affect toe and finger joints. 

Foot swelling

Often, foot swelling comes from standing for an extended period of time, wearing restrictive footwear or a minor injury like a sprained ankle. However, foot swelling that lasts for more than a couple of days could be caused by fluid buildup due to heart failure or kidney disease. Swelling may also result from inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 

Burning sensation

Tired, overworked feet can cause short-term burning or tingling. More severe burning or tingling in the feet could be a sign of diabetic nerve damage or a circulatory condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

If you ignore what your feet are trying to tell you, you could up facing some pretty serious consequences. In addition to paying close attention to your feet, you should schedule regular visits to your podiatrist for a thorough foot health evaluation. If you’re in the Austin area, contact us for an appointment at our North Austin location today!