The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Our feet do so much for us, lets make sure we take care of them properly. This blog will allow for teaching for foot care conditions, and methods for caring for our feet.

Ingrown and Involuted Toenails

What is an ingrown toenail?

An Ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin. This is most common on the great toe. Symptoms are pain at the sight, redness, inflammation and possibly infection. When we have these symptoms without the nail piercing the skin this is known as an involuted (curved) nail. When the nail is curved the toe can no longer adequately shed the excess skin and debris which usually comes off naturally. This will also cause pressure and discomfort.

Why do ingrown and involuted nails occur?

The most common reasons are genetics and poorly fitting shoes. Other possible causes are aging, medications, fungal infections, and toenails trimmed incorrectly.

How can I prevent them from occurring?

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by making some lifestyle changes.

§  Seek treatment and education on the way your nails grow.

§  When trimming your own nails, cut them straight across and use a nail file to round the corners.

§  Avoid cutting toenails too short.

§  Avoid wearing snug fitting shoes.

Treatment options:

1.     Non-aggressive removal of the ingrown portion of the toenail.

If the pain and discomfort is a new development, the treatment can be as simple as removing the sharp edge to relieve the discomfort.

Once the nail is removed, follow up appointments must be made to ensure the nail grows out correctly, and no longer follows the ingrown pattern.

2.      Onyfix nail correction system – for chronic ingrown or involuted nails, or constant pain.

a.     A composite is placed on the nail at the proximal end (near the cuticle). This band stays intact while the nail grows, allowing for a new pattern of growth.

b.     Follow up appointment will be made to monitor and maintain treatment.

c.      This treatment is a pain-free option.

3.     Partial/Full avulsion of the nail – This is for ingrown or involuted nails that have not responded well to the treatments above.

a.     This treatment is performed by a Chiropodist (out of pocket payment), or surgeon (covered by OHIP).

b.     The toe will be frozen, and the nail will be fully or partially removed.

c.      Recovery time can be anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks.

Diabetic Neuropathy

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels over time. It primarily affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms but can also impact other parts of the body. It’s a common complication of diabetes, especially in people who have had the condition for many years or struggle with blood sugar control.Types of Diabetic Neuropathy       

1.      Peripheral Neuropathy (Most Common)       

•       Affects feet, legs, hands, and arms.       

•       Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning pain, loss of sensation, and weakness.        •       Increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.       

2.      Autonomic Neuropathy       

•       Affects internal organs like the heart, stomach, and bladder.       

•       Symptoms: Dizziness, digestive issues (gastroparesis), bladder problems, and abnormal sweating.       

3.      Proximal Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)       

•       Affects hips, thighs, and buttocks.       

•       Symptoms: Severe pain, muscle weakness, difficulty standing or moving.       

4.      Focal Neuropathy       

•       Affects specific nerves, often in the head, torso, or legs.       

•       Symptoms: Sudden pain, weakness, or paralysis in a single area.

 Causes and Risk Factors       

•       High blood sugar (damages nerves over time).       

•       Poor blood circulation (reduces oxygen supply to nerves).       

•       Inflammation (caused by diabetes-related metabolic changes).       

•       Smoking and alcohol use (worsen nerve damage).       

•       Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins).Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy       

•       Feet & Legs: Numbness, tingling, burning pain, loss of balance.       

•       Hands & Arms: Weakness, difficulty holding objects, pain.       

•       Skin & Sweat Glands: Dry skin, excessive or reduced sweating.       

•       Muscles & Joints: Weakness, cramps, difficulty walking.       

•       Digestive System: Nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.       

•       Heart & Blood Vessels: Dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat.

Complications of Diabetic Neuropathy       

•       Foot ulcers and infections (due to numbness and poor healing).       

•       Amputations (if infections are severe).       

•       Balance problems and falls (due to muscle weakness and loss of sensation).       

•       Digestive and bladder issues (from autonomic neuropathy).

Treatment and Management

There is no cure, but proper management can slow progression and relieve symptoms:

1. Blood Sugar Control       

•       Keep blood sugar levels in the target range (as advised by a doctor).       

•       Monitor glucose regularly.

2. Medications for Nerve Pain       

•       Prescription Medications:       

•       Anticonvulsants (Gabapentin, Pregabalin).       

•       Antidepressants (Duloxetine, Amitriptyline).       

•       Pain relievers (in severe cases, doctors may prescribe opioids).       

•       Topical Treatments: Capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches.

3. Lifestyle Changes       

•       Foot Care:       

•       Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, and infections.       

•       Moisturize dry skin.       

•       Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.       

•       Healthy Diet:       

•       Eat nutrient-rich foods (fiber, lean proteins, healthy fats).       

•       Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.       

•       Exercise:       

•       Helps improve circulation and nerve function.       

•       Walking, swimming, or low-impact activities are best.       

•       Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol:       

•       Smoking reduces blood flow.       

•       Alcohol can worsen nerve damage.

4. Supplements and Alternative Treatments       

•       Magnesium – May help with muscle cramps and nerve pain.       

•       Alpha-Lipoic Acid – Antioxidant that may reduce symptoms.       

•       Vitamin B12 – Deficiency can worsen neuropathy.       

•       Acupuncture – Some people find pain relief.