Athlete’s Foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fairly common condition of the feet.  It is a fungal infection of the top layer of skin, most commonly caused by the fungus Trychophyton.  The condition is characterized by itching, flaking, and scaling of the affected area of skin.  Additionally, blistered or cracked skin may lead to raw, painful skin, or a secondary infection due to an opening in the skin.   

The feet are the most commonly affected area of the body, usually on the bottoms of the feet or in between the toes.  In particular, the area between the fourth and fifth toe is especially susceptible.  The condition can also be spread to other areas of the body, such as the groin.

            Diagnosis of athlete’s foot is generally done by a podiatrist or a general practitioner.  This involves ruling out other possible causes, such as bacterial infection or other conditions.  Fungal infections of the toenails are commonly associated with the condition as well.

            Athlete’s foot is transmitted from person to person in moist areas, such as public bathrooms and showers, pool decks, or locker rooms.  Prevention of tinea pedis is considered the best treatment.  Methods of prevention include wearing flip-flops or shower sandals in wet or moist areas where lots of people are walking.  This will prevent the fungus spores from getting on your skin.  Also, be sure to wash and dry your feet thoroughly.  Fungus thrives in moist, dark areas, like a pair of damp socks.  Pools and locker room staff will frequently disinfect the floors with an anti-fungal soap to prevent transmission. 

            Another good method of prevention is to change you socks frequently, especially after exercise.  Avoid sharing socks or shoes with people, as this can be a very easy way for the fungus to spread. 

            If you have athlete’s foot, there are some treatment options.  Topical treatments are common, such as sprays and creams.  These treatments will reduce the itch of athlete’s foot, but will generally not cure it on their own.  Oral anti-fungal medications have proven effective, but can often take six months to a year to show complete clear up. 

            There are some less conventional methods of treating athlete’s foot, some of which have shown to be effective, and some of which are simply myths.  The use of onion and garlic extracts has been shown to help fight a fungal infection, as well as vinegar or baking soda (But NOT together!).  Hairdryers have been used to dry the feet especially, the spaces in between the feet.  In theory, this would help against fungal growth, but watch out for burning your toes.  It has been rumored that urinating on your feet will clear up and prevent athletes foot.  There is no evidence for this method to be effective.

            The bottom line is that prevention is much more effective than treatment.  If you suspect you may have athlete’s foot, or are having problems with your feet, contact your podiatrist or general doctor.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Heely Craze

Heelys – they’re everywhere.  You can see them in shopping malls, schools, and playgrounds across the country.  They’re all the rage with kids, and over 4.5 million pairs have been sold globally since their introduction to the market in late 2000.  So what exactly are Heelys?

            Heelys, manufactured by Heeling Sports, Ltd in Carrolton, Texas, are a popular shoe with one or two wheels embedded in the sole.  The wheels are positioned in a way to allow the user to either walk normally, or to shift their weight to the back of the shoe and roll as if they were wearing a roller skate.  But how normal do they actually let you walk?

            A recent study conducted by researchers at the Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine investigated this very question.  The study looked at how a person wearing Heelys changes the way that they walk while wearing the shoes.  The research project was a case study, meaning that there was one subject that tested the Heelys. 

            The study found that the biomechanics of the individual wearing the Heelys was altered significantly.  The pressure that the individual was applying to the front of their foot was much greater than when wearing a normal athletic shoe.  This leads to a greater amount of stress put on the front of the foot, which may lead to biomechanical problems or injuries related to chronic-use of Heelys.  The shoes cause the wearer’s balance to change, which may explain the number of injuries reported by kids falling backwards while wearing the Heelys. 

            The research paper’s findings point out that the wheel in the shoe causes the individual wearing Heelys to shift their weight, causing the increased pressure on the front of the foot.  This has a great effect on the gait cycle, or normal walking pattern, of the individual, even with the wheel tucked inside the shoe.  This change in gait pattern may possibly lead to further gait abnormalities, as well as foot deformities associated with long-term use.  The study suggests that the shoes may be a fun and exciting recreational activity, but should not be used as an everyday athletic shoe.  This study was published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA), volume 99, number 3.

            With over 40 different pairs of Heelys to choose from, there are plenty of styles to choose from.  The website offers tips on how to wear them, how to ride on the wheels, and even how to do some tricks.  It’s easy to see why Heelys have become so popular, especially with young kids.  They may not be the best shoes for everyday use, but they sure are a fun way to get around.  For more information on Heelys, you can visit their website at www.heelys.com.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Picking the Right Shoes for You! (Part 2)

Shop Late in the Day.  As we walk around all day, our feet swell a bit.  The same things happens when we run or walk for a distance.  It is for this reason that you’ll want to shop later in the day, when your feet have increased a bit in size.

Allow For Wiggle Room.  A proper-fitting running or walking shoe has about 3/8-1/2 inch of space between your longest toe and the edge of the shoe.  This amount of space is about the width of a thumb, so you can use your thumb to measure this space very easily.  You should be able to freely wiggle your toes inside of the shoe, but the heel should be somewhat snug.  Avoid getting a shoe that slips on your heel – this will cause blisters and will make you less stable while walking or running. 

Wear Socks.  Wear the socks that you plan on running or walking in.  Different socks have different weights and thicknesses, and this should be taken into consideration when trying on shoes. 

The most expensive shoe on the wall is not necessarily the best.  Shoes come in so many varieties because there are so many varieties of feet.  Understand what makes a shoe expensive, and what makes a shoe cheap.  There are many materials that shoe companies put in their product, like high-end gel inserts in the heel, or seamless interiors.  The best shoe for you will be the one that fits you the best.  If the ultra-cheap, $15 shoes don’t feel right, don’t sacrifice your comfort for economics.  Those $15 shoes, if they don’t fit you properly, could cost you a lot more when you’re suffering from pain.  On the same note, don’t go for the super-expensive, $200 pair with lots of bells and whistles that you may not need.  If this shoe doesn’t fit as well, it’s not as good of a shoe for you. 

Breaking in is Bad News.  Both running shoes and walking shoes should be ready to go, without breaking them in.  Don’t get a shoe if it’s not comfortable out of the box, and don’t let anyone talk you into breaking them in. 

Replace As Necessary.  Running shoes and walking shoes typically last for around 350-400 miles.  This number may vary, depending on the terrain you run through, your body size, and the frequency that you run or walk.  If the soles are worn out, or they don’t feel as supportive as they used to, it’s probably time to replace them.  

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Picking the Right Shoes for You! (Part 1)

Running and walking are some of the best and easiest forms of exercise around.  They let us walk out of our front doors and begin exercising immediately.  At their very core, they are simple activities – perhaps herein lies their appeal. 

            But with so many different types of walking and running shoes out there, how do we know which one is right?  Here are a few tips to picking out the right pair of athletic shoes for you.

Walking shoes are for walking; Running shoes are for running.  It’s as simple as that.  When you have a shoe that you use for both activities, you open yourself up to problems with biomechanics, which can lead to pain or injury.  A walking shoe typically has a wider base than a running shoe, and a running shoe will be angled up at the front to allow for a faster stride.

Know your foot type.  In other words, know the shape of your foot.  A really simple way to measure this is with something known as the wet test.  With a wet foot, step on a towel, piece of paper, or anything that will allow you to see your footprint.  What does your foot look like? 

·         If you have an outline of your entire foot with little or no curve on the inside edge, you have low arches.  You may also notice on an old pair of shoes that you have worn out the inside of the sole of the shoe much more than the outside.  You are probably over-pronating, which is the body’s natural way of distributing the forces of walking and running evenly.  Look for a shoe with lots of support and motion control.  This will give your feet the optimum position while walking or running. 

·         If you have an outline of your foot that shows a lot of the forefoot and the heel, with a little thin strip connecting the two, you have a high arch.  You may also notice on an older pair of shoes that you are wearing the outside of the sole of the sole much more than the inside.  In this case, you are under-pronating, or suppinating.  You’ll want a shoe with lots of cushioning, as you tend to put more weight on the outside of your foot.   

·         If you’ve done the wet test and you have a nice curve on the inside of your foot, you have a neutral arch.  Look for a shoe with the right mix of cushioning and support, sometimes referred to as a “stability” shoe.

Size Matters.  More specifically, a change in size matters most.  Our feet, even as an adult, change size.  Have your feet measured, at least once a year.  Also keep in mind that size may differ from one brand to the other.  A size 8 in one brand may not be a size 8 in another brand.  Go with what fits, not the number on the box.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center
101 6th St Nw
Winter Haven, Fl 33881
Phone: (863) 299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com