Category: Frequently asked questions

High heeled shoes and foot problems

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - Frequently asked questions, H

High heeled shoes are a common cause of foot problems because they alter the natural position of the foot and place increased pressure on certain areas. Some of the foot problems that can result from wearing high heels include:

  1. Achilles Tendinitis: The elevated heel of high-heeled shoes places additional strain on the Achilles tendon, which can result in inflammation and pain.
  2. Ball of Foot Pain: Wearing high heels can increase pressure on the ball of the foot, causing pain and discomfort.
  3. Hammertoes: High heels can cause the toes to be forced into an unnatural position, which can lead to the development of hammertoes.
  4. Bunions: High heels can exacerbate the development of bunions by placing pressure on the big toe joint.
  5. Morton’s Neuroma: This condition occurs when the nerves in the foot become compressed, causing pain and discomfort. High heels can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
  6. Plantar Fasciitis: Wearing high heels can increase tension on the plantar fascia, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
  7. Ankle Sprains: High heels can cause instability in the ankle, making it more likely that you will twist or sprain your ankle.

To prevent foot problems from high heeled shoes, it is recommended to wear them in moderation and choose shoes with a lower heel or a wider base for stability. Stretching and exercising the feet and ankles can also help prevent pain and discomfort from high heels. Additionally, using custom orthotics or shoe inserts may provide additional support and cushioning to help alleviate foot problems caused by high heels.

Foot hygiene advice

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - F, Frequently asked questions

Taking care of your feet is an important part of overall hygiene and can help prevent foot problems and infections. Here are some foot hygiene tips:

  1. Keep your feet clean: Wash your feet daily with warm water and soap. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes, to help prevent fungal infections.
  2. Moisturise your feet: Apply a moisturiser to your feet regularly to keep the skin soft and prevent cracking.
  3. Trim your toenails: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to help prevent ingrown toenails.
  4. Wear clean socks: Wear clean socks every day and choose socks made of breathable materials to help keep your feet dry.
  5. Choose the right shoes: Wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, as they can cause blisters and other foot problems.
  6. Change your shoes regularly: Rotate your shoes to allow them to air out and reduce the risk of infections.
  7. Protect your feet in public places: Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pools to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
  8. Check your feet regularly: Look for any signs of foot problems, such as blisters, redness, or swelling, and seek medical attention if necessary.

By following these foot hygiene tips, you can keep your feet healthy and prevent foot problems and infections.

How did the human foot evolve?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - E, Frequently asked questions

The human foot has evolved over millions of years, adapting to the demands of upright walking and running. Here are some key milestones in the evolution of the human foot:

  1. The earliest known hominids, such as Ardipithecus ramidus and Australopithecus afarensis, had feet that were adapted for climbing trees, with flexible toes and a grasping big toe that could grip branches.
  2. As early hominids began to walk upright on two legs, their feet gradually evolved to support this new mode of locomotion. The arches of the foot developed to absorb shock and provide stability, while the toes became shorter and less flexible.
  3. By the time of Homo erectus, around 2 million years ago, the foot had become more modern in appearance, with a longitudinal arch and a non-grasping big toe that was aligned with the other toes. This allowed for more efficient walking and running.
  4. The evolution of the foot continued with the appearance of Homo sapiens around 300,000 years ago. The arches of the foot became more pronounced, providing greater shock absorption and helping to distribute weight more evenly across the foot.
  5. In the last few thousand years, the human foot has undergone further changes due to cultural factors such as footwear. Shoes have altered the shape of the foot, leading to a higher incidence of foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.

Overall, the human foot has evolved to support upright walking and running, with adaptations such as the arches of the foot and the alignment of the toes helping to distribute weight and absorb shock. However, cultural factors such as footwear can also impact the health and function of the foot.

Do’s and Don’ts of ingrown toenails

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - D, Dermatology & nail pathology, Frequently asked questions

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help manage ingrown toenails:

Do’s:

  1. Soak the affected toe in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to prevent pressure on the toes.
  3. Cut toenails straight across to prevent them from growing into the skin.
  4. Use sterile instruments to trim toenails.
  5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and discomfort.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t cut toenails too short or round the edges, as this can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
  2. Avoid tight-fitting shoes or high heels, which can put pressure on the toes and exacerbate ingrown toenails.
  3. Don’t try to dig out the ingrown toenail yourself, as this can lead to infection.
  4. Don’t ignore signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, and pus drainage.
  5. Don’t wait too long to seek medical attention if home remedies are not effective in managing symptoms.

It is important to seek medical attention if the ingrown toenail becomes infected, or if symptoms do not improve with home remedies. A healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics or surgery to remove the ingrown toenail and prevent further complications.

How do I use my crutches?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions

Using crutches properly can help you maintain mobility and avoid further injury. Here are the basic steps for using crutches:

  1. Adjust the crutches to your height: The top of the crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits, and the handgrips should be at hip level.
  2. Position the crutches: Place the crutches about one foot in front of you, with the tips pointing forward.
  3. Support your weight on your hands: Lean forward slightly and place both crutches under your arms, making sure to grip the handgrips.
  4. Move the crutches and affected leg forward: Step forward with your good foot, then move the crutches and the affected leg forward, making sure to keep the crutches steady and the affected foot elevated off the ground.
  5. Shift your weight onto the crutches: Once the affected foot is firmly on the ground, shift your weight onto the crutches.
  6. Repeat the process: Continue to move the crutches and affected leg forward, shifting your weight onto the crutches as you go.
  7. Practice safe crutch use: Make sure to avoid uneven surfaces and keep your crutches at a safe distance from other objects.

Remember to always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to use crutches and seek medical attention if you experience any pain or discomfort while using them.

Cortisone injections: what are the benefits and risks?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions, Medicines, Pain, Rheumatology, Sports

Cortisone injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are commonly used to relieve inflammation and pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions. Here are some benefits, risks, complications, and side effects associated with cortisone injections:

Benefits:

  • Rapid pain relief: Cortisone injections can provide rapid pain relief by reducing inflammation and swelling in the affected area.
  • Convenience: Cortisone injections are a simple outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office, and patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the injection.
  • Non-surgical: Cortisone injections can help avoid the need for more invasive treatments, such as surgery.
  • Targeted treatment: Cortisone injections can be administered directly into the affected joint or tissue, providing more targeted treatment.

Risks and Complications:

  • Pain and discomfort: Pain and discomfort at the injection site are common after a cortisone injection and can last for a few days.
  • Infection: There is a risk of infection at the injection site, although this is rare.
  • Tissue damage: Repeated cortisone injections can damage the surrounding tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Temporary flare-up: In some cases, the injection can cause a temporary flare-up of symptoms.
  • Skin discoloration: The injection may cause skin discoloration at the site of the injection.

Side Effects:

  • Elevated blood sugar levels: Cortisone can elevate blood sugar levels, so patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely after receiving a cortisone injection.
  • Weakening of bones: Repeated cortisone injections can weaken bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
  • Weight gain: Cortisone can cause weight gain by increasing appetite and fluid retention.
  • Mood changes: Cortisone can affect mood and cause anxiety, depression, and irritability.

It is important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, complications, and side effects of cortisone injections with a healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. Cortisone injections should not be used as a long-term treatment and should only be administered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Common causes of foot pain in children

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions, Paediatrics

There are several common causes of foot pain in children, including:

  1. Flat feet: Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is flattened, leading to pain and discomfort in the feet, legs, and lower back.
  2. Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in children and occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed.
  3. Sever’s disease: Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in children, particularly in those who are active. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed.
  4. Ingrown toenails: Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
  5. Warts: Warts are caused by a viral infection and can appear on the feet, causing pain and discomfort.
  6. Fractures: Fractures in the foot can occur due to trauma or repetitive stress, causing pain and swelling in the affected area.
  7. Overuse injuries: Children who are active in sports or other physical activities may experience overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, shin splints, or tendonitis.

If your child is experiencing foot pain, it is important to have them evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Why do I have cold feet?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions

There could be various reasons why your feet feel cold. Some common causes include:

  1. Poor circulation: If blood flow to your feet is restricted, it can cause your feet to feel cold. This can be due to a medical condition such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), Raynaud’s disease, or even sitting in one position for too long.
  2. Hypothyroidism: An under-active thyroid can cause a drop in body temperature and result in cold feet.
  3. Anemia: If you have an iron deficiency, it can cause poor circulation, resulting in cold feet.
  4. Nerve damage: Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause your feet to feel cold or numb.
  5. Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and restrict blood flow, leading to cold feet.
  6. Cold weather: Naturally, exposure to cold temperatures can make your feet feel cold.
  7. Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or some antidepressants, can restrict blood flow to the feet, making them feel cold.

If you’re experiencing persistent cold feet, it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Can I drive after my cortisone injection?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Frequently asked questions, Medicines, Rheumatology

Whilst there is not consensus and advice will vary between practitioners, It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after a cortisone injection in the foot before driving or operating heavy machinery. This is because the injection site may be sore and there may be some temporary numbness or weakness in the foot, which can affect your ability to control the pedals.

Additionally, cortisone is a steroid medication that can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision, which can also impair your ability to drive safely. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about driving after your cortisone injection with your doctor, who can provide you with specific guidance based on your individual situation.

Can I drive after breaking my foot?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Fractures, Frequently asked questions

It depends on the severity of the foot fracture and the specific instructions given by your doctor. In general, it is not recommended to drive immediately after breaking your foot because of the pain, swelling, and reduced mobility that may affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

If you have a cast, splint, or boot on your foot, it may also make it difficult to press the pedals properly. You should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding weight-bearing restrictions, activity level, and pain management, and wait until your foot has healed before attempting to drive.

In most cases, it is safe to resume driving once you can comfortably and safely operate the pedals, have adequate control over the vehicle, and are no longer taking medications that impair your ability to drive. Your doctor can provide you with specific guidance on when it is safe for you to drive again based on the nature of your fracture and your individual recovery timeline.