From advice for diabetics, to treatment of contagious plantar warts to compression stockings for those suffering from various conditions including diabetes, venous ulcers, poor circulation, athletes, or varicose veins.
FOOT CARE TIPS FROM YOUR LOCAL GUELPH CHIROPODIST
Foot care tips including diabetic care, plantar warts and compression stockings from your chiropody team at Guelph Rehab Centre.
DIABETIC FOOT CARE
Ensure, if you are able to safely cut your own toenails, that you cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting into the corners. File any sharp edges so that your nails grow out smoothly and you can prevent ingrown toenails!
Moisturize your skin daily (be mindful of keeping in between your toe dry as the moisture can result in infection). Avoid foot soaks as this can dry out your skin excessively.
Check your feet thoroughly for cuts, cracks, blisters etc., and have them managed immediately…if you are unable to check your own feet, have someone help you or use a mirror for the bottoms of your feet.
Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes and AVOID walking barefoot especially if the sensation in your feet is diminished.
Wear fresh, clean white socks-this will make it easier to detect drainage from a cut or a sore.
Book an appointment with our Chiropodist to have a Diabetic foot assessment and have your feet treated routinely!
PLANTAR WARTS
Many of us have suffered from plantar warts at some point in our lives, or at least know someone who has…and we can understand that they can sometimes be tricky to treat!!!
Warts are a strain of the Human Papilloma Virus that thrive on the surface layer of your skin. As a result, it makes it difficult for your immune system to attack and get rid of the virus. There are many different treatment options available for all ages, depending on how many warts there are, the sizes of the warts and how long they have been present.
Some tips to remember to prevent the spread of the infection are:
The virus is contagious!!! Try not to walk barefoot if you suspect you have a plantar wart to ensure others do not contract the virus.
Do not pick at the wart with your fingers as the virus can spread to your hands and underneath your fingernails.
Warts thrive in warm, moist environments making swimming pools and change-rooms excellent targets for the viruses to harvest…ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear in these public locations!
Sterilize your footwear routinely using products than can kills viruses that may remain inside your shoes.
If you suspect you have a plantar wart, have it checked by our Chiropodist to help make it better before is gets worse!
COMPRESSION STOCKINGS
Venous insufficiency occurs when the venous system is unable to effectively pump blood back up to the heart due to reduced muscle pump action of your calf muscles and/or diminished function of the veins in the lower limbs. Some signs and symptoms may include muscle fatigue and cramping, swelling or the lower limbs, spider veins, varicose veins etc.
Compression stockings can be medically prescribed devices providing an external graduated pressure, which helps the venous system pump the blood back to the heart. The greatest compression occurs at the ankles, gradually decreases as it makes its way up the lower limb.
Compression stockings may be beneficial during pregnancy, post-surgery, performance for athletes, air travel, or if you suffer from Diabetes, venous ulcers, lymphedema, poor circulation or varicose veins.
