Items filtered by date: September 2017

Pedicures can be fun and relaxing when proper caution is taken. While it may not seem obvious at first, a nail salon can be covered with fungi and bacteria that could infect your feet and toenails. Consider the following tips to help prevent infections. Before going, check online to see what others have said about the salon. Once at the salon, look to see if it is clean,giving extra attention to the nail tools; these should be cleaned and disinfected after each customer. It's not a bad idea to avoid shaving before you go, as shaving can cause tiny cuts on the skin through which bacteria can enter. If you are having your nails painted or the polish removed, inquire if there are any harsh chemicals, like acetone, in the paint or polish remover. Harsh chemicals can damage nails and make infections more likely. Ultimately, having a pedicure can be very safe; just be aware of  your surroundings and what is going on.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right pair of shoes is essential for children. This is due to the fact that children’s feet are still developing, so shoes that aren’t of good quality or fit can potentially create foot problems. When shopping for shoes for your children, make sure they fit properly and that they are durable as well. Rubber soles are recommended to provide good grip and prevent falls. Ensure that the toe-box provides enough wiggle room for their toes and that shoes are made of breathable materials like leather or mesh. Shoes should be stiff where the sole thickens, but flexible where the toes are. It may be tempting to buy shoes that are bigger so that their feet will grow into them, but this could lead to tripping and potential injury. Every child is different, so taking your child to get properly fitted is always recommended.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

While most people spend a good amount of time making sure a new pair of shoes fits, many don’t bother trying to find a good pair of socks. There are many different types of socks, with newer, extravagant types such as synthetic socks being an excellent choice. Of course, selecting the right pair of socks depends on  the activity you’ll be doing as well. Cotton socks are fine for everyday use, while synthetic or nylon socks are good for intense activities where your feet will be sweating. Wool socks are a good choice for winter hiking. Socks should be about a half-inch longer and quarter-inch wider than your foot. Be wary of the material of the sock because some materials can shrink when washed. Finally, never wear dirty socks, as this can increase the likelihood of foot fungi infecting the foot. Quality socks can prevent blister and fungi and provide comfort. When it comes to picking new socks, take your time and make sure they are right for you.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right running shoes for you can mean the difference between comfort and potential injury. Not all running shoes are built the same. They vary not just in foot size and style but also in the surfaces they were designed for. If you run on trails, a trail running shoe is a better choice than a running shoe designed for roads or the track. The shoe should have enough space so your feet aren’t cramped but should still be snug. Knowing whether your foot rolls in too much (overpronation), rolls out too much (underpronation), or stays where it is (neutral) when you step can also determine what shoe is right for you. However it is advised to not worry too much about foot roll. The most important part is comfort. You should be able to wear the shoes for long periods without feeling pain or discomfort.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.