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It’s an embarrassing problem. Smelly feet can make you feel self-conscious. You can’t get comfortable or take your shoes off without worrying that everyone will notice your stinky feet. Have you ever wondered what might be going on to cause this problem in the first place? While some people are more prone to smelly feet than others, your podiatrist can provide you with some tips to get rid of offensive-smelling foot odors.Did you know that there are about 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet? Sweat glands are more heavily concentrated in the feet than any other part of the body so it’s not too surprising that you may deal with smelly feet at some point. Common causes for stinky feet include:
Poor ventilation: If you wear shoes all day, or you choose shoes made from non-breathable materials, then you may find yourself dealing with some pretty offensive feet at the end of the day. Give your feet some time to breathe or look for shoes made from more breathable fabrics.
Bacteria: Just like the rest of your body, there are bacteria on your feet that also thrive off sweat. Unfortunately, when the bacteria feed off sweat they also produce acid, which is responsible for that unpleasant odor.
Fungus: Unfortunately, our feet are also a popular place for fungus because they are warm, moist, and prone to sweat. Even if bacteria aren’t to blame, it could be a fungus. If you are dealing with a red, itchy rash on your feet, you could have Athlete’s foot, which can also cause smelly feet.
Hormones: Sometimes hormones can play a role. That’s why teens and pregnant women are more likely to deal with this problem.
How to Treat Smelly Feet
If you are dealing with smelly feet, some simple remedies help. Some of these home remedies include,
- Wash feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
- Make sure to dry feet as soon as possible after dealing with sweaty or perspiring feet.
- Choose socks made from materials that wick away sweat and improve ventilation.
- Apply deodorizing sprays or powders in shoes every day after wear, and make sure to wait 24 hours before wearing the same shoes again.
If you’ve tried the at-home options above and you’re still dealing with smelly feet, then it’s worth turning to your podiatrist for more effective solutions. Some prescription-strength medications and sprays can help target bacteria and fungus, and also reduce perspiration.
Those dealing with hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, may find electrical stimulation to be an effective way to reduce severe and heavy sweating caused by this condition.
We know that even though bromodosis isn’t dangerous, that it can still be embarrassing. If you are having trouble getting your smelly feet under control, your podiatrist can help.
Dry, flaky feet are incredibly common, particularly during the cold, winter months; however, if you find yourself dealing with dry or cracked feet throughout the year, especially around the heels, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Instead of just waiting until your feet become dry and flaky, your podiatrist can provide you with some easy skin care tips to keep your feet supple and free from dry skin all year long.Wear Appropriate, Supportive Footwear
Certain shoes can leave you prone to cracked heels and dry skin due to friction from wearing loose-fitted shoes. People who wear sandals and other open-heeled shoes are more at risk for developing cracked heels. Instead, opt for closed-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide support.
Lose Excess Weight
If you are overweight, you may be surprised to discover that this could be contributing to your dry, cracked heels. This is because your feet take on all of your weight while standing, walking, and running. By safely dropping that excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise you can alleviate some of the pressure placed on your heels to reduce the risk of cracking.
Avoid Hot Showers
While we know just how luxurious it feels to stand in a steaming hot shower, especially during the winter months, this could be contributing to dry skin on your feet and cracked heels. If this is something you deal with regularly you may look at your current bathing or showering ritual to see if that could be the culprit. Simply use warm and not hot water, which can strip the skin of the oils it needs to stay moist.
Apply a Moisturizer
You should moisturize your feet every day to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place. Moisturizers that contain lactic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly can help to lock in moisture in your feet. Moisturize every time you get out of the shower and throughout the day, especially before going to bed. If you are prone to very dry, cracked feet, you may wish to moisturize and then wear socks to bed.
If these simple home measures don’t work, then you’ll want to consult your podiatrist to see if they can recommend a prescription-strength moisturizer or cream to reduce dryness and inflammation. Since dry, cracked feet can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health problem like diabetes, it’s a good idea to see your doctor if you’re dealing with this problem regularly.
While dry skin isn’t usually a concern for healthy individuals, if you have diabetes, you’ll need to be extra careful when it comes to treating even minor problems like dry, cracked, or flaky skin. To be on the safe side, it’s best to speak with a qualified podiatrist to find out how to treat cracked skin to prevent infection. Call your foot doctor today.
Thinking you have a bunion? It could be. These foot deformities start small but often expand into larger problems that impact gait, comfort, and appearance. At Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA, our podiatrists successfully treat bunions. Dr. Steven Vetter or Dr. Jugal Dharia can help your feet, too.
A progressive problem
A bunion is a prominent, bony bump on the side of your foot. It forms at the base of the big toe, and over time, angles that toe toward or even over additional toes. Pain, friction, corns, calluses, and impaired walking result. Some people even get ingrown toenails, reports Harvard Health.
How do bunions form?
Foot structure has something to do with this common podiatric problem. In other words, if your mom has bunions, you may develop them, too.
However, other issues contribute to bunion formation:
- Narrow, high-heeled shoes with poor arch support
- Age (middle years and up)
- Obesity
- Gait issues, such as overpronation
- Arthritis or other degenerative diseases, such a polio
Getting treatment
The first step is an examination at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA. Your podiatrist will look at your feet and at how you walk. He may take X-rays, too.
Your treatment plan may include several simple interventions. Bunionectomy, or removal of the bump and re-alignment of the big toe, happens only if conservative measures fail to improve comfort and ability to walk properly.
Your care plan may involve:
- Shoe padding to reduce friction and irritation
- Corn and callus removal by your podiatrist
- Strapping to align the toe at night
- Custom-crafted shoe orthotics to cushion and accommodate the bump
- Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Non-prescription analgesics, such as ibuprofen
- Massage with a moisturizing oil or lotion
- Heat or ice packs (don't put them directly on your skin, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- Stretching exercises
- Keeping a proper body weight
- Wearing shoes with low heels, adequate arch and heel support, and adequate room in the toe boxes
Come see us
At Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA, your podiatrists, Dr. Steven Vetter and Dr. Jugal Dharia, would like to help your feet look and feel their best. After all, they are indispensable!. Call for bunion treatment at (703) 352-8888.
Whether you took a bad tumble or your child had a rough collision while playing sports, it’s important that you do not just recognize the signs of a broken foot but that you also seek immediate medical attention. Of course, we know that it isn’t always easy to differentiate a break from a sprain. Here are some signs that your foot is broken and need to be seen by a qualified podiatrist,- Pain that occurs immediately after an injury or accident
- Pain that is directly above a bone
- Pain that is worse with movement
- Bruising and severe swelling
- A cracking sound at the moment of injury
- A visible deformity or bump
- Can’t put weight on the injured foot
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of a fractured foot or ankle they must turn to a podiatrist for care. We can diagnose, set, and treat all types of fractures; however, if the bone is dislocated or looks severely broken (a visible bump or deformity appears on the foot) it’s a good idea to head to your local ER.
How can I tell the difference between a break and a sprain?
The symptoms of a sprain are far less severe. You can often put weight on the injured foot with a sprain; however, you may notice some slight pain and stiffness. You may also have heard a popping sound at the moment of the injury with a sprain, while a broken bone often produces a cracking sound. The pain associated with a sprain will also be above soft tissue rather than bone. A podiatrist will perform an X-ray to be able to determine if you are dealing with a break or a sprain.
How is a broken bone in the foot treated?
Rest is key to allowing an injury, particularly a fracture, to heal properly. Along with rest, your doctor may also recommend either an over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain reliever, depending on the severity of your fracture. Those with more moderate to severe fractures may require a special boot, brace, or splint. Those with more severe fractures may need to wear a cast and use crutches, so they can avoid putting any weight on the foot.
If you are on the fence about whether or not to see a podiatrist about your injury, why not simply give us a call? We can discuss your symptoms on the phone to determine whether we can take a wait-and-see approach or whether you need to come in right away for care.
Everything from wearing shoes that are a little too loose to increasing the number of miles you run can leave you dealing with painful blisters on your feet. Blisters can be quite a nuisance, making it difficult to move around, especially when wearing shoes. If you deal with blisters rather regularly here are some simple ways to treat the problem.Keep the Blister Intact
If possible, try to keep the blister intact. Do not try to pop or drain a blister that hasn’t popped on its own. It’s important not to put pressure on the blister, so avoid any shoes that may be too tight. If you’re going to put on shoes, make sure to apply a bandage (some band-aids are designed specifically for covering blisters) to the area first.
Keep Popped Blisters Clean
If the blister popped on its own, clean it with warm water soap (do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the blister). Once the area is clean, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the area and apply a bandage over the blister. These simple steps can prevent an infection from occurring.
Drain the Blister Yourself
You should only drain a blister if it’s very large, painful, or affects your ability to move. In this case, you should sterilize a needle with alcohol and then make a small hole in the blister to let it drain. You may need to carefully squeeze the blister to help it drain fully. Once the blister has drained, rinse out the area with soap and warm water before applying antibiotic cream to the area and placing a bandage over it.
Replace Bandages Daily
You mustn’t keep the same bandage on your blister day in and day out. You should check the blister every day to make sure it isn’t infected. You should clean the area daily with soap and water and then reapply another bandage.
Of course, if you have diabetes or nerve damage in your feet, you mustn't try to drain or treat the blister yourself. Even something as small as a blister could become infected or lead to serious complications. You should see your podiatrist right away for any blisters that develop on your feet.
If you develop signs of infection such as pus, increased redness, or swelling of the blister, you must see your podiatrist right away for treatment. While blisters aren’t usually a cause for concern in most healthy individuals, it’s also important that you practice good foot care to prevent blisters from happening.
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