Amidst daily routines, it is easy to overlook the important role that foot hygiene plays in your overall well-being. Your feet bear the weight of the body, enduring countless steps each day, and proper hygiene is paramount for maintaining their health. Regular washing and thorough drying of the feet not only eliminate accumulated dirt and bacteria but also prevent fungal infections. Trimming toenails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails, fostering comfort and preventing potential complications. Moisturizing dry skin on the feet helps prevent painful cracks and discomfort. Choosing breathable footwear and rotating shoe pairs can minimize the risk of bacterial and fungal growth. Practicing foot hygiene is not just about aesthetics, it is a fundamental aspect of self-care. By dedicating a few moments to foot hygiene each day, you invest in the well-being of an often-neglected part of your body, promoting comfort, health, and overall vitality. If you would like more information about essential everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings about numerous changes in a woman's body. While most expectant mothers are well aware of the more obvious alterations, such as weight gain and a growing belly, the potential impact on foot size is a less commonly discussed topic. Many women wonder if their feet will permanently change in size during pregnancy. The answer, in most cases, is possibly. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly the release of relaxin, can affect the ligaments in the body, including those in the feet. This increased flexibility may lead to a temporary, and sometimes permanent, increase in foot size. Additionally, as pregnancy progresses, fluid retention and swelling, known as edema, can cause the feet to become temporarily larger. While swelling typically subsides after childbirth, some women may find that their feet remain slightly larger than they were before pregnancy. Overall, it is important for expectant mothers to be prepared for these potential changes, and consider investing in comfortable, supportive footwear during and after pregnancy to ensure proper foot health and comfort. If you would like more information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS from Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungal infections, medically known as onychomycosis, can lead to brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails, and even separation of the nail from the nail bed. While completely curing toenail fungus can be challenging, there are effective treatments available to manage the condition. Toenail tissue is harder and thicker, which prevents antifungal creams from penetrating effectively. Even antifungal drugs taken in pill form have limited success, because toenails grow slowly and have low metabolic activity. Prescription topical products, in the form of clear lacquers, applied directly to the toenails may take up to a year to produce noticeable results, even if applied daily.  For more severe infections, oral medications taken daily in pill form for approximately three months may have a higher rate of success, potentially about 80 percent. However, they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Laser treatments, a relatively new approach to combating toenail fungus, penetrate the nail tissue to break down the fungus. Some studies have reported success rates ranging from 60 percent to 75 percent. For advice with toenail fungal infections, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Joe Mathew George DPM, FACFAS of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Channahon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.