Winter Tips for Cold Feet

Brrr! Winter is in full force here in the valley and that means it’s COLD. During this time of the year we often pile on layers to protect our core but tend to forget about our extremities. If you’re looking for tips on how to keep your feet warm this winter, Shenandoah Podiatry can help.
Socks made from natural fibers – like wool – should be worn because they have moisture-wicking properties. This helps to prevent fungus which grows best in warm, damp places. Leather shoes can also keep your feet warm because leather has natural insulating properties. If you choose to wear insulated boots, be sure that they aren’t too tight as this can cause ingrown toenails. Avoid electric socks and other heated inserts because they can be dangerous especially if there’s an underlying reason for your cold feet.

Aside from winter weather, cold feet can be caused by a number of serious ailments that should be addressed right away. If our feet are cold year-round, we might be especially quick to write it off as normal during the winter. Unfortunately, cold feet can be indicative of a more serious problem and should never be ignored.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or poor circulation is a common culprit. Blood helps to keep us warm and without proper circulation our bodies direct heat to our core and away from out feet. If you smoke or have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing PVD which can make it harder for small cuts and ulcers to heal properly. This is why it’s so important to see a podiatrist right away if one of these sores develops.
Diabetes can also put you at risk for chilbains or ulcers of the toes and feet after cold exposure. If you experience redness and swelling in your toes after being outside and it doesn’t go away once they’ve warmed, make an appointment to see us right away.
We hope that you’ll follow these tips and be on the lookout for these possible conditions. If you do, you’ll find it easier to keep your feet warm this winter which is important because warm, dry, pain free feet are healthy feet.

5 warning signs of foot problems in children

Foot pain in children is not something to be taken lightly or ignore. Sometimes it is hard for children to tell their parents when they are having foot troubles. Perhaps the child was born with a foot abnormality so their gait, though abnormal, seems normal to them. Or, a child may feel embarrassed about how their feet appear so they don’t want to bring it up. So, it is very important for parents to keep an eye on children's feet to keep them just as healthy as the rest of their body. Remember these feet have lots of miles ahead of them!!

Here are five things to look out for that might indicate your child is having foot pain or problems.

1. If your child is having trouble keeping up with other children~ If your child frequently lags behind other children in sports or other physical activities this could be due to flat feet causing the leg muscles to tire more easily. The muscles and feet become tired easier because the feet are not functioning as efficiently as they could be.

2. If your child suddenly stops wanting to participate in activities they enjoy~ If your child is suddenly not participating in their favorite activities this could be due to heel pain that is common in children ages 8-14. Heel pain can be caused by repetitive stress that occurs while playing sports. Too much strain can lead to pain and inflammation in the growth plate at the back of your child’s heel.

3. If your child is reluctant to show you their feet~ If a child notices a change in their feet they might be embarrassed or nervous that the change could lead to a trip to the doctors office. Start making it a habit early to check your children's feet for discoloration of the skin or nails, growths, calluses, redness, swelling or ingrown nails. Seek podiatric help for any of these signs of a problem.

4. If your child trips or falls often~ Although children are often clumsy while they are getting used to their body, repeated clumsiness can be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems or neuromuscular conditions.

5. If your child tells you they have foot pain~ Sometimes we get lucky and our children will tell us that their feet hurt. If this happens be thankful and take them to see a podiatrist right away. It is never normal for children to have foot pain and since they are growing all the time foot pain should not go overlooked. If injuries cause pain or swelling for more than a few days see a podiatrist asap.

Even if no symptoms are present and your children don’t complain of foot pain it is a good idea to get a yearly check up to make sure that the feet are growing properly.

Pregnancy And Your Feet

Being pregnant is usually a wonderful experience, but it can make life a little uncomfortable at times. Many women suffer from foot and leg problems during pregnancy but the good news is there are things you can do to prevent or relieve them. The two most common foot problems during pregnancy are over-pronation (flat feet) and edema (swelling). Leg cramps are also a common experience during the second trimester.

During pregnancy hormones can do some interesting things to prepare your body for birth. One of the things they do is relax ligaments to help the body during birth. Unfortunately it is not only pelvic structures that can become more relaxed, but also your feet. The other main reason that you may become prone to flat feet during pregnancy is due to the natural weight gain that occurs. Not only do you gain weight, but your body’s center of gravity changes quite dramatically forcing a change in gait.

While there is not a lot you can do to prevent this condition occurring, apart from keeping up gentle exercise and not over eating,there are things you can do to prevent any further pain or damage. Make sure your shoes are not too tight, you may even need to wear a half or even full size larger shoe than you normally would. Your feet will need extra support and shock absorption too. You can purchase specially designed orthotic insoles or shoes that will provide this extra support.

Edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, is very common particularly towards the end of pregnancy. This is caused by increasing pressure from the growing uterus that can lead to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Fortunately there are things you can do to help prevent edema and to relieve it.

Drink plenty of water as this actually helps the body to release the fluids and avoid retention. Cut down on salt in your diet,including soda drinks as salt encourages water retention. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid socks that have seams or tight bands. While it is important to exercise you also need to rest and elevate your feet frequently. If you do need to stand keep moving.

Swimming is great exercise during pregnancy and the support of the water will also help with swollen feet. Soak your feet in cool water too to ease pain and disperse fluid build up. Get in the habit of sleeping on your left side as this reduces pressure on your veins. Avoid crossing your legs or ankles when you are sitting. If you have to work at a desk remember to take plenty of breaks and walk around and if you can keep a footstool under your desk so you can raise your ankles.

Some women who suffer from severe edema also find that wearing compression stockings can also be helpful. Treat your self to a few reflexology treatments too. This can be great not only for foot problems but any other pregnancy issues as well.

If you develop swelling around your face see your doctor immediately as this can be a sign of something more serious. Feet can be a bit of a pain in pregnancy but it is usually controllable and any problems will dissipate after birth.

Golfing Feet

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus says the feet lead the way in golf, playing a critical role in timing, balance, distance, and direction. Lively feet, says Nicklaus, are the key to a great golf score. To improve your golf game and prevent injury, start by wearing proper golf shoes that will be comfortable over the four or five miles of a typical round. Stretch your feet and legs before golfing. For maximum results, maintain proper foot alignment during your swing. During the back swing, keep weight evenly distributed on the back foot while rolling the front foot in. A good downswing requires a quick weight shift from back to front, with the back foot rolling in and the front foot rolling out.
For those who participate in sports activities of all kinds, professional attention and guidance can help reduce the potential for discomfort and injury. Since all difficulties with your feet can adversely affect you comfort and lifestyle, SHENANDOAH PODIATRY invites your call for an appointment to maximize your health and well-being. We can’t promise you a better golf score but we can promise you comprehensive foot care geared to your personal needs. We can often accommodate same-day appointments.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

Pregnancy And Your Feet

Two common foot ailments associated with pregnancy are arch pain and swelling.

The weight gain naturally occurs during pregnancy completely shifts a woman’s center of gravity and places extra stress on the knees and feet. The arch may flatten out, or overpronate, and feet may roll in when walking. The plantar fascia often becomes strained or inflamed as a result, leading to pain in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot. Edema, or swelling of the legs and feet, occurs when the growing uterus pressures surrounding blood vessels and slows circulation. Blood pools in the lower extremities and causes swelling and discoloration. Varicose veins and leg cramping are also common during pregnancy because of weight gain.

Just as you put prenatal care in the hands of a specialist, so should you entrust your hard-working feet to a specialist— a highly trained, specially skilled podiatrist. It’s time to pay attention to what your feet are trying to tell you when each step is more painful than the one before. Don’t ignore foot problems, whether caused by pregnancy, injuries, diseases, or inherited conditions. Call us instead at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Resting frequently with their feet up is good advice for pregnant women.

For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com