Still wearing your Uggs? Your feet aren’t thanking you.

The persistently trendy boots are the subject of a new wave of criticism by health experts in the United Kingdom, who say that the furry footwear – and its many cheap knockoffs – are “harming the feet of a generation of young women,” according to the Mirror.

“Because these boots are warm and soft, young girls think they are giving their feet a break. In fact, they are literally breaking their feet,” Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, told the paper.

“Their feet are sliding around inside. With each step, the force falls towards the inside of the foot and the feet splay,” Drysdale  explained. “This flattens the arch and makes it drop. The result can be significant problems with the foot, the ankle, and, ultimately, the hip.”

The original Uggs, made by Ugg Australia, were a cult favorite of surfers. The shearling-lined boots became a fashion craze in the mid- 2000s,  thanks to celebrity fans  such as Cameron Diaz, Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Years later, Uggs are still popular – and while the slipperlike boots seem best suited for loafing around the house, many women wear their Uggs all day, every day.  And therein lies the problem, says Dr. Robin Ross, podiatrist and incoming president of the New York State Podiatric Association.

“If someone plans on going on a long hike or standing on their feet all day, [Uggs] are not good, whether it’s the brand or an imitation,” Ross said. “People tend to get pain on the outside of the ankle, the arches start to hurt, and they tend to get foot fatigue.”

Ugg Australia has said their boots are “comfort” not “performance footwear, ” and said buyers should beware knock-offs, which lack the reinforced heels or insoles of their boots, according to the Mirror.

But just because the brand name boot is better constructed doesn’t mean it will hold up during your daily commute, Ross warns.

“All of these types of boots do not offer the control, cushion or support that is necessary for long-term standing or walking,” she said. “We tend to walk on concrete, asphalt or industial flooring – very unforgiving surfaces.”

To give your feet a break while wearing Uggs, Ross recommends you have a podiatrist make you an orthotic – a custom-made foot mold that will fit in the shoe.

“I have a pair of Uggs,  and I always put my orthotics in them,” Ross said. “It holds the foot in a corrective position as I stand or walk. A podiatrist or foot specialist can fabricate them for you.”

And don’t forget to air out your boots after a long day of walking, Ross says, or you’ll have more than just achy feet to worry about.

“A lot of people will wear [Uggs] without socks,” Ross notes. “Once a week or so, if you wear them a lot, spray with Lysol and let them air out overnight. That will help to kill any fungus or bacteria.”

Complete Foot and Ankle of North Texas helps understand Taking Care of your Feet and Ankles in SENIOR Magazine

Denton SENIOR Magazine

Taking Care of your Feet and Ankles

Article courtesy of: Complete Foot and Ankle of North Texas

A North Texas foot and ankle surgeon advises athletes: Don’t play with foot pain and that athletes and parents should monitor seemingly ‘normal’ foot and ankle pain.

As the Fall/Winter sports season reached its conclusion, many adult, adolescent, and child athletes were playing with seemingly normal but persistent foot pain that could be a sign of a more serious injury, according to Damien M Dauphinée, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

“Playing with pain often is viewed as a badge of honor among athletes, but they must be aware that the persistent pain they dismiss as normal exercise-related stress could be something far more serious,” said Dr Dauphinée who advises athletes of all ages to consult with visit their podiatric surgeon regarding any foot pain. The pain may be due to overuse injuries from repetitive loading of the foot and ankle during running and aerobics. “When athletes overdo their workouts, it may be normal to experience some temporary discomfort,” says Dr Dauphinée. “But if pain continues longer than a few days with continued redness, warmth or swelling, the athlete should see a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and advice on treatment options.”

Athletes who ignore persistent foot pain and inflammation, and continue to train, risk potential complications that could sideline them for months. Among possible injuries associated with persistent foot and ankle pain are stress fractures, muscle strains, tendinitis and subtle fractures after inversion ankle sprains. “Stress fractures sometimes aren’t debilitating and some athletes might continue their normal training despite the injury,” according to Dr Dauphinée. “But continual rigorous activity can worsen the problem. An examination and diagnosis by a foot and ankle specialist can determine whether the pain is from overuse or subtle trauma, requiring only a few days of rest, or something that may require surgical intervention.”

Heel pain in children often is caused by injuries to the growth plate and secondary growth centers in which tendons pull at the top and bottom of the growth plate of the heel. Boys and girls, ages 8 to 14, are susceptible to this problem, and its major symptom is pain on either side of the heel. Dr Dauphinee explains that “Growth-plate trauma is common in soccer and other sports that involve a lot of running. Parents should make sure that their children stretch before playing and apply ice to the back of the heel after the game or practice. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs and shoe inserts (orthotics) or lifts are recommended, but the potential for recurrent injury exists until the growth plate closes.”.

Foot and ankle surgeons provide many forms of treatment to keep children pain free and participating in athletic activities. When treating athletes of any age, several factors will be evaluated that could be the underlying cause of foot pain. Included is consideration of the running or playing surfaces because athletes who train on asphalt or cement are more prone to stress injuries than those who run on cushioned tracks or natural grass fields.

Footwear should be appropriate for the sport and match the biomechanics of the individual’s foot. For example, those who engage in one sport more than three times a week should wear athletic shoes designed for the sport, and shoe technology has advanced to allow for variances in foot characteristics that require stability or cushioning or even a combination of the two.

Injuries often result when athletes fail to train to build up to a desired goal. Accordingly, a runner shouldn’t set a goal of 20 miles a week without gradually progressing to that goal. In children, overuse injuries sometimes occur from excessive parental pressure to achieve in sports making behavioral factors a consideration. And nutrition is important for stress fractures can occur in athletes with poor nutritional habits.

Sleeping problems and resultant irritability and fatigue are common among some athletes who exercise aggressively, or over-train. And there are physical characteristics such as variations in bone structure and muscle development evidenced in individuals who are bowlegged or have mal-alignment problems.

More information on foot conditions affecting athletes and children can be found at www.completefootandanklcare.com

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Why Are Wool Socks Better?
By Helen Kosanovic

When purchasing socks, most people opt to go with cotton. Why? Cotton is cheap and useful for day-to-day functions. For many people, those are the only socks. The more savvy person however, knows very well, that there are other options, in fact, even better options, than cotton.

They are probably well aware of the advantages and perhaps even superiority of the wool sock. In this article we will discuss them, what makes them so good.

1. Wool Socks Prevent Foot Odor: Yes, that is correct, they do help to prevent foot odor. Foot odor is caused by the growth of microorganisms that sharply increase because of the humidity and heat your feet experience when you have on shoes. Wool socks help to prevent this because they keep your foot temperature steady and there is no spike in temperature. Instead, because the temperature is regulated, you do not experience an overgrowth of microorganisms and hence your feet don’t smell.

2. Wool Socks Keep Your Temperature Steady: Wool socks will help to keep your feet cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months.

3. Wool Socks Absorbs Moisture: Wool breathes, so it is able to successfully regulate moisture. This means that they will help keep your feet dry.

Wool socks are also great for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors and who enjoy winter activities. They are generally thicker then cotton socks, so they help keep feet warm, they also protect feet from blister and abrasions. If you love to hike, wool socks also come in handy. They will help in protecting your feet absorb some of shock from hiking, especially if you are hiking difficult trails.

It is important to note, that wool socks will cost you quite a bit more than your run- of-the-mill cotton socks. You can expect to pay anywhere between $15-$25 dollars for a good pair. However, depending on your lifestyle and how much you value comfort and functionality, it might be well worth the investment. Wool socks help to eliminate foot or sock odor, they help to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, they also help to absorb moisture, which helps keep your feet comfortable at all temperatures.

They are truly an investment, not an expense because they are more durable than the cotton ones. If you are a person who loves the outdoors and winter sports, then purchasing a pair will be a no brainer, you more then likely already have a few pairs in your sock drawer. If so, then you can probably attest to the comfort and care.

Want to find out about top quality wool socks? Check out my Amazon online Store

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Kosanovic

As I have been gathering more information on feet I found that sometimes the best thing to do is to take care of your skin so check out this product and let me know what you think from Skin CareRX

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Augusta, GA—For diabetics, caring for your feet may be almost as important as watching what you eat.

When you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for developing chronic wounds and infections in your feet due to two related conditions: neuropathy and narrowing of the arteries. Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves of your feet that reduces your sensation of pain; narrowing of the arteries reduces blood flow, making it harder for cuts and sores to heal. When these two conditions are combined, even a minor abrasion or blister can easily develop into a bigger problem: a chronic wound or infection that can take months to heal, and—as a last resort—require amputation.

Prevention Tips
Diabetics can help prevent foot problems by staying vigilant and committing to taking the following precautions:

Inspect feet daily. Check for blisters, cuts, cracks or sores, both on the bottom of the feet and around toes. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, ask a family member to help, or use a mirror.

Pamper your feet. Wash feet daily with warm water, and use lotion to help prevent dryness, cracking and chafing. Don’t soak your feet. Trim toenails carefully (be cautious of clipping too closely, especially at the sides of the toenails where skin can then overlap the nail, leading to an “ingrown” nail), and never file or use clippers on calluses, warts, bunions or other problems. Instead, ask your medical provider for treatments for these common foot problems.

Wear the right equipment. Shoes should fit well; tight or ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters. Wear clean, dry socks that wick away moisture, and make sure socks aren’t too tight-fitting or too bulky. And never go barefoot, even indoors.

If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, stop. Nicotine use narrows the arteries, further reducing blood flow to the feet. A single cigarette causes arterial contraction that can last for 12 hours.

Get regular checkups. Visit your medical professional regularly for checkups.

Get treatment for diabetic foot lesions early. Most of these infections can be treated and resolved if therapy begins early. So if you see a worrisome spot, don’t wait. Check with your doctor and if treatment is needed, make sure to complete all necessary visits until the wound is healed. Amputations are only needed in a small number of patients who get early treatment.

Manage your diabetes. Keeping blood sugar under control will help reduce your risk of developing foot complications.

What If Amputation is Necessary?
If a foot problem becomes a deep-seated wound and infection that requires amputation, patients will benefit from care at an inpatient rehabilitation facility after surgery. There, specialists can teach techniques to help an individual live successfully with an amputation, as well as fit a patient with a prosthesis or other equipment. After discharge, lifelong care is important to ensure the continued health of the limb. Continued physical therapy can help patients regain maximum use of their leg in conjunction with a prosthesis.

Dr. Peter Rissing is a fellowship-trained infectious disease physician and medical director of the Walton Wound Care and Infusion Center.

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Acute lower body pain can sometimes indicate need for surgery. Despite the fact that this may be in extreme cases the best course of action, there are methods that can be used to evade surgery if performed promptly. Early intervention is essential when it comes to treating painful foot and leg conditions like plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and shin splints. Though some of these methods may seem eccentric, or even unsophisticated, they are quite helpful when dealing with the beginning stages of problems that can arise in the feet.

Massage Can Help Treat Painful Feet

One helpful treatment option is massage . When tight footwear is worn, feet can get calluses, blisters, corns, and bunions. Help your feet by ditching narrow, tight shoes if they hurt on day one If you must keep wearing them, massaging the feet will help bring circulation to the muscles of the foot and will help them recuperate. Tenderness and aggravation can be caused by nerve compression, insufficient blood flow, and inflammation. A good massage to the affected area with a soft touch is the best way to alleviate sore feet. A soak in warm Epsom salts is also the perfect technique to alleviate tight muscles and inflammation. Using a foot cream that contains cooling action is a great means to provide the foot with a refreshing boost.

The Mechanics of Foot Pronation

Foot pronation is the tendency of the foot to move either outward or inward during walking or running motions. When the degree of inward or outward roll is harsh, it can cause arch support issues, and also shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Acupuncture is a valid treatment for foot issues and lower leg injuries. The thinking behind the needle and the specific places they stimulate is to encourage electric and blood flow to the affected parts. Thus, the body is able to recover by itself, and the pain is alleviated. Amedical study conducted in 1996 showed that blood flow was returned to areas that were treated with electrical stimulation from acupuncture.

Flat Feet Can Cause Big Problems for Feet

Wearing orthotic inserts is a good way to provide the feet with preventive care, and also to treat lesser foot pain due to deficient arch support. When the arch does not support itself during walking and running, the arch flattens and cannot properly support the weight or the body. The full force of the impact can cause the foot to become inflamed, have pinched nerves, and for bones to malform, just to name a few. By using orthotics, the arch is appropriately supported, and the whole lower body begins to function appropriately with respect to shock absorption. This ordinary addition to your shoes can improve comfort during physical activity as well as eliminate foot pain.

For those who suffer from foot pain and conditions of the lower leg, just walking can be practically unbearable. However, with appropriate preventive care and prompt treatment performed in advance, the feet can heal properly and be prevented from being re-injured.

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Plantar faciitis and heel pain causes are related to several possible reasons. Plantar faciitis is the tearing and subsequent inflammation of the plantar fascia ligaments on the bottom of the foot, which in turn causes foot pain. Or when repeated stress and strain occur on the heel bone and surrounding soft tissue, the body tries to protect itself by forming a bone spur.

Plantar faciitis pain is often felt at the front part of the heel on the bottom of the foot. The pain spreads along the bottom of the foot towards the toes. If the ligaments of the foot bottom have tightened up overnight due to inflammation, putting your weight on your foot to walk as you get out of bed in the morning becomes painful. The foot area that is tight is stretched as you put your weight on your foot, which causes a ‘hot’ pain that runs along the heel toward the toes. Or you may find that heel pain is only a problem after being stationary for a while, or late in the day or while doing certain kinds of activity.

Here are common plantar faciitis and heel pain causes and related conditions:

1. Physical Injury to the Foot, Arch or Heel – running, jogging or walking can result in injury to the foot which in turn becomes inflammed.

2. Excessive Walking, Standing or Exercise – once a plantar faciitis problem begins, being on your feet more leads to additional tearing in the fascia. And tearing in the fascia area leads to inflammation and pain.

3. Obesity – you may have even gained weight since your heel pain began because of less activity. Excess weight transmits more stress to the plantar fascia area, causing plantar faciitis pain.

4. Poorly Fitting, Hard-Soled Uncomfortable Shoes – leather shoes may look great but can be uncomfortable for your feet. Well-made, good-fitting rubber-heeled shoes will better cushion the impact of the heel striking the surface and can help reduce heel pain.

5. Calcium Deposits – abnormal calcium deposits can form on the bottom of the foot resulting in foot pain.

Persons suffering from muscle inflammation, gout, lupus, alkalosis, arthritis or tendonitis seem to have a tendency for plantar faciitis problems and heel pain.

Plantar faciitis pain can be somewhat annoying or it can become serious enough to be disabling. If you have experienced this type of heel pain, you know how debilitating it can be. However, understanding heel pain causes can help you know how to find relief. Foot surgery should always be considered the very last resort. There are proven ways you can treat plantar faciitis and reduce heel pain.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com