Houston Foot Doctor

1 Cut Down On Blisters
A new pair of sandals often comes at the steep price of painful blisters.

The sores form from chafing that happens when a shoe rubs up against the skin until it balloons out, filling with fluid to cushion and protect the deeper layers of skin underneath.
The first step for prevention, is to buy shoes that are comfortable when you buy them and don't need to be "broken in." Look for soft fabrics or leathers, and then take them for a test drive at home for an hour or so to make sure you stay pain-free before you wear them outside. You can also try lining any painful spots with moleskin to prevent the friction that ultimately causes blisters.

2 Rethink Your Flip Flops
Over-wearing this summertime staple can cause stress fractures, heel pain and tendonitis, and can exacerbate hammertoes.These are not shoes that we should be wearing from 8 in the morning to 8 at night. That's not really what these shoes are made for.

That said, they're hard to resist. And there are ways you can make flip flops a safer footwear choice.
Look for a pair with a thicker sole with arch support and the more straps the better, as that can reduce the stress placed on the toes from gripping the flip flop so it doesn't fly off your foot.

3 Proceed Barefoot With Caution
Walking barefoot might be one of the great joys of summer, but it can also put you at an increased risk of contracting viruses like warts, fungus such as athlete's foot, or bacteria that can cause a skin infection. These things tend to thrive in warm, moist environments, like a public pool.

Going shoeless also raises the risk of picking up foreign bodies, like stepping on glass or splinters.

4 Ease Sweaty Feet
For some people, hot temps mean sweaty feet, and all that moisture can increase the risk picking up an infection. wearing socks that wick excess moisture away, and changing out of damp socks as soon as possible. If you can't shower, at least rinse your feet off. Keep a nice, cool environment for your feet.

5 Get A Safe Pedicure
For many, polished toenails are a summertime necessity -- but serious health risks might be lurking in the pedicure chair.
Everything from the tools to the relaxing whirlpool soak can transmit nail fungus, wart viruses and sometimes serious bacterial infections.
To stay safe, consider bringing your own tool set.

6 Sidestep Those Germs
One study show found that a single pair of flip flops can harbor a whopping 18,000 bacteria, including the dangerous superbug Staphylococcus aureus.

Walking the streets in open shoes can mean kicking up all sorts of debris, including human vomit, feces, bird droppings and a whole host of other unappetizing things.

A few simple precautions can keep you safe: removing your shoes before entering the house and avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting when possible, as it can harbor germs.

7 Prevent And Treat Dry, Cracked Heels
Wearing open-backed shoes can spread the fat pad of the heel, causing the skin to crack. If you have any deep cracks where you can see dried blood, treat the heel with an antibiotic oil and cover with a band aid.
Dry, cracked heels can also be a sign of a fungus, psoriasis, thyroid issues and diabetes. If you're concerned, visit a podiatrist or dermatologist to get the all clear.

Source: huffingtonpost

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Houston Foot Doctor.

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