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Posts for: February, 2021
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.- 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.
Proper treatment is the key to avoiding chronic pain and complications after an ankle sprain. Fortunately, your Chandler, AZ, podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Care offer the care you need to get back on your feet.
What causes ankle sprains?
The bones in your ankle joint are held together by bands of tough tissue called ligaments. Sprains occur if you stretch or tear the ligaments by twisting or rolling your ankle. Foot doctors divide sprains into three categories. Grade 1 sprains are caused by stretched ligaments and tend to heal fairly quickly. Grade 2 and 3 sprains are more serious injuries that happen when the ligament tears.
You'll probably experience pain the moment you sprain your ankle. Soon after, the ankle may swell and begin to bruise. If the sprain is severe, you may not be able to put any weight on the ankle.
How can I treat my sprained ankle at home?
The RICE method can help you recover from your sprain. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Staying off your ankle as much as possible will enhance healing and prevent the worsening of your injury. Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can ease pain and swelling. Wrapping the ankle with a compression bandage for the first 24 to 48 hours after your injury and elevating your foot will also reduce swelling.
When should I call my Chandler foot doctor?
In many cases, sprained ankles start to feel better within a week or two. If your ankle doesn't get better, is very painful, or you can't put any pressure on the ankle, it's a good idea to pay a visit to your podiatrist.
Your foot doctor may recommend that you wear a walking boot and use crutches for a while. These devices decrease pressure on your ankle, which can improve healing. You may also benefit from physical therapy. Therapy strengthens the muscles that support your ankle, improves balance and range of motion, and reduces the likelihood that you'll reinjure your ankle. If your ankle is unstable and other treatments aren't helpful, surgery may be needed to repair the ligaments.
Are you suffering from pain or other ankle sprain symptoms? Call (480) 732-0033 to schedule an appointment with your podiatrists in Chandler, AZ, at Family Foot & Ankle Care.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.