Feet have many sweat glands, and when sweat gets trapped in shoes, especially those that do not allow air flow, bacteria can and will grow. As the bacteria break down sweat, an unpleasant smell develops.

Shoe odour is common, but it can sometimes point to a larger issue, such as excessive sweating, fungal infections, or footwear that is not providing enough ventilation.

Ways to Deodorize Shoes and Reduce Odour

If your shoes smell bad, there are many ways to reduce the odour and make your footwear feel fresher. These include:

• Let shoes air out after wearing them
• Rotate between different pairs of shoes
• Remove insoles to allow them to dry fully
• Clean removable insoles when possible
• Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight
• Use foot powders or sprays to reduce moisture
• Wear moisture-wicking socks instead of pure cotton socks
• Choose shoes made with breathable materials

It is also important to make sure your feet stay as dry as possible throughout the day.

Some signs that moisture may be causing the problem include:

• Damp socks at the end of the day
• Sweaty feet during exercise or work
• Shoes that stay wet for long periods
• White, peeling, or itchy skin between the toes
• Persistent odour even after cleaning shoes

If the smell continues despite cleaning your shoes, there may be an underlying foot condition contributing to the problem.

How to Remove Smell from Shoes and Feet

Sometimes treating the shoes alone is not enough. It is also important to address what is happening with the feet. Some common causes of foot odour include:

• Excessive sweating
• Athlete’s foot
• Bacteria on the skin
• Thickened skin or calluses that trap moisture
• Wearing the same shoes every day
• Poor foot hygiene

There are several treatment options that may help:

• Wash feet daily with soap and water
• Dry carefully between the toes
• Change socks during the day if needed
• Use antifungal creams or sprays if recommended
• Wear properly fitted shoes with good ventilation
• Replace old shoes that continue to hold odours

A professional assessment can help identify the cause of the smell and recommend the right treatment plan.

How the BioPed Clinical Team Can Help

Different foot care professionals can help depending on the cause of the odour. A Certified Pedorthist can:

• Assess your footwear and fit
• Recommend more breathable shoes
• Suggest moisture-wicking socks or insoles
• Identify footwear issues that may trap heat and sweat

A Registered Chiropodist can:

• Identify & treat infections, such as Athlete’s foot
• Treat skin and nail concerns
• Recommend medical treatments for excessive sweating
• Address calluses or other skin conditions

A Medical Foot Care Nurse can:

• Provide skin/nail foot care and hygiene
• Monitor skin health
• Offer support for people with mobility concerns
• Identify early signs of skin breakdown or infection

Tips to Help Prevent Shoe Odour

Once the smell improves, a few simple habits can help keep it from coming back.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Alternate between shoes each day
• Replace socks daily
• Avoid wearing damp shoes
• Choose breathable footwear when possible
• Use foot powder if your feet sweat heavily
• Clean insoles and socks regularly
• Treat fungal infections early
• Replace shoes that no longer dry properly

Shoe odour is common, but it does not have to become an ongoing problem. Addressing moisture, improving footwear, and treating any underlying foot conditions can make a big difference. With the right care, it is possible to keep both your feet and your shoes feeling fresher.

The post Why Do My Shoes Smell So Bad? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

We get to know you!

Our foot care team made up of Pedorthists, Care Coordinators, and other staff will warmly welcome you on arrival. You may have already filled out the necessary forms in advance, but if not, you will be given time to complete any information we need to process your appointment. We look forward to learning more about what brought you in and your goals with the assessment and treatment plan.

Assessment

Once ready, your Pedorthist will bring you to a treatment room for your assessment and discuss your primary complaint or reason for referral, so we can learn more about you in person – this includes your lifestyle, hobbies, work, medical history and how we can help you to do more of what you need. We actively listen to ensure we have every detail.

Planning

After hearing your concerns and evaluating your lower extremity mechanics, we formulate a plan of attack to start addressing your main concerns. Whether this is foot pain that stops you from your weekend activities, knee pain that makes it hard to work, or swelling that impacts your day-to-day schedule, we dive in to explain the specifics of why a solution like custom foot orthotics, footwear, bracing or compression can help.

Our Commitment

Although the carefully crafted treatment plan may make plenty of sense to us, we expand further to make sure it is easy to understand and answer any questions you may have. We explain the timeline of what to expect, from our appointment to receiving the care and products, and estimated timelines to recovery as well. We provide honest advice, cost/fee disclosure up front and work closely with insurance providers.

Follow Up

Even when all is said and done, and we have addressed the concern that brought you in – your Pedorthist will continue their care, even when you are not there! We schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your solutions stay working, and ensure your goals and satisfaction are being continually achieved. We provide updates and return referral letters to practitioners such as your family physician or nurse practitioner.

In Conclusion…

The first time for anything can always be scary, but that is why we take pride in offering a caring, honest and trustworthy experience! Our Canadian Certified Pedorthists are highly trained specialists of the lower extremity and provide effective solutions to help you do more. If you are still in the midst of considering BioPed for your appointment, please allow us to demonstrate our world class client experience and book your next session with one of our Pedorthists today.

The post First visit jitters? Here’s what to expect! appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

When do you see a Chiropodist or a Footcare Nurse?

Footcare Nurses perform many of the treatments that Chiropodists do regarding skin and toenails. This will include the trimming of calluses, corns, amd thick or ingrown nails. They also treat warts.

As mentioned, between the two professions, only a Chiropodist can perform biomechanical exams. They will be required when you need orthotics. They can provide a prescription for the orthotics or for antibiotics. Thus, you’ll want to see a Chiropodist is you have an active infection, an open wound, or have a need for numbing with anesthesia.  They also can perform a surgical procedure where necessary.

Below, we will discuss the specific conditions where these clinicians can help you!

Ingrown Toenails

A painful condition where the nail grows into the soft tissue, by the border or edge.

Having the nail pierce or puncture the skin can be considerably painful, and occurs when the nails are curved or spiked. This can usually be prevented with proper nail-trimming technique, appropriate footwear, and education. But sometimes genetics is an unavoidable risk factor.

Both Chiropodists and Footcare nurses can use the Onyfix technology to manage ingrown toenails. This treatment is non-invasive, safe, and long lasting. It works as a brace to alleviate pressure and helps the nails grow straighter. In dire measures, Chiropodists can perform nail surgery as well.

Fungal Toenails

An infection by fungus, causing the nail to be either thick, discoloured, crumbly, smelly, or all of the above.

Fungal toenails need intervention to be fully treated and cannot be resolved on their own. Treatment can include medication, light therapy, and debridement. BioPed clinicians are trained in ToeFX treatment, which is a novel light therapy treatment that has been shown to be very effective against tricky fungal toenails. BioPed nurses offer over-the-counter medication effective against nail fungus and Chiropodists can prescribe a pharmaceutical.

If a topical medicine is used, the nail must be thin enough for the treatments to penetrate through. Chiropodists and Footcare nurses can debride the toenails and allow the treatment to be successful.

Corns and Calluses

Thick skin that can appear anywhere on the foot – bottom, top, or even in between the toes.

Caused by high pressure or friction, the skin builds up in a local area as a defense mechanism at first, but it can quickly become pathological. This build up can be painful and change the way we walk, leading to other issues up the leg.

The medical footcare team can easily care for calluses and corns, and can offer solutions on how to prevent them from coming back. Moisturizing, offloading the pressure with orthotics and quality orthopedic footwear are all excellent solutions to do so.

Plantar Warts

A viral infection. Warts are found on the bottom of the foot and are contagious.

Warts will look different than a corn or callus with a blooming or cauliflower-like appearance, along with black dotting and pain along the sides of the lesion. The virus of interest is the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can take time to fully resolve.

Similarly to corns and calluses and fungus, they need to be debrided so that medication can penetrate and cure the infection. Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can apply topical medications such as silver nitrate or Cantharidin. For surgical procedures, Chiropodists can perform an excision or needling procedure.

Diabetes and Foot Health

A systemic disease, associated with high blood sugar, that affects the whole body with a slew of complications, especially in the foot.

Due to these complications, people with diabetes are more likely to have cold feet, infection, and even loss of nerve sensation, known as neuropathy. 70% of non-traumatic foot amputations are a result of poorly controlled diabetes.

To maintain and ensure continued foot health, BioPed Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses will monitor feet with routine care and diabetic assessments. The education provided is invaluable to keep the feet healthy through life.

Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Pain

Found in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, clawed digits, and gait abnormalities.

Being on your feet is a natural part of life, but can also cause damage to them over them. Physically, the stress can amount to findings of deformity and pain.

When dealing with a deformity like crowded digits or clawed toes, the medical footcare team can create custom toe props or use silicone sleeves to offload pressure.

With other painful conditions, Chiropodists are able to assess the gait to address the abnormality, and proceed with surgical intervention, such as injections where necessary,

How do I book an appointment?

BioPed Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses can help improve your foot health, alleviate foot pain, and get you back to doing more of what you love in life.

Contact your local BioPed and schedule an appointment to find out how a Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse can help you today!

The post How Can a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse Improve Your Foot Health? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Common Foot Conditions Linked to Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating can lead to several foot-related problems, including:

• Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): A fungal infection that thrives in moist environments, causing itching, burning, and cracked skin, particularly between the toes.
• Blisters: Constant moisture weakens the skin, making it more prone to friction and blisters.
• Peeling Skin: Prolonged moisture can cause the skin to become soft and eventually peel, making your feet more vulnerable to infection.
• Foot Odour: Bacteria thrive in the moist environment created by excessive sweating, leading to unpleasant foot odour.

Medical Solutions to Manage Sweaty Feet

If home remedies aren’t enough, there are specialized medical products that can provide effective relief.

Footlogix Pediceuticals: Specialty Products for Sweaty Feet

Footlogix Sweaty Feet Formula

• Designed to address excessive sweating by reducing moisture and preventing bacterial growth.
• Contains Dermal Infusion Technology®, which delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.
• Helps maintain a healthy moisture balance while preventing foot odour.
• Lightweight mousse formula that is easy to apply and dries quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Explore Footlogix Sweaty Feet Formula Here

Footlogix Peeling Skin Formula

• Targets peeling, irritated skin caused by fungal infections or excessive moisture.
• Spiraleen®, a proprietary antimicrobial ingredient, protects against infections while promoting healthy skin regeneration.
• Ideal for treating skin compromised by excessive sweating.
• Non-greasy, fast-absorbing mousse formula.

Learn More About Footlogix Peeling Skin Formula

Home Remedies and Preventative Tips

To keep sweaty feet under control and prevent associated foot problems, consider these simple yet effective steps:

• Wash Feet Daily: Use an antibacterial soap and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Apply Antiperspirant: Special foot antiperspirants can reduce sweating when applied regularly.
• Wear Breathable Socks and Shoes: Opt for moisture-wicking socks and ventilated shoes to minimize sweat buildup.
• Foot Powders: Talcum or antifungal powders can help absorb moisture and prevent infections.
• Rotate Footwear: Avoid wearing the same shoes daily to allow them to dry completely.
• Soak Feet in Tea or Vinegar: Soaking feet in black tea or apple cider vinegar can temporarily reduce sweating and bacteria.

Why You Should See a Registered Chiropodist or Foot Care Nurse

If excessive sweating persists despite home treatments, it’s best to consult a Registered Chiropodist or Foot Care Nurse. They can:

• Properly diagnose the severity of your condition.
• Recommend personalized treatment plans or prescribe stronger medical solutions.
• Provide professional care for any secondary issues, such as infections or peeling skin.

Take Control of Your Foot Health 

By managing sweaty feet effectively, you can avoid discomfort and prevent complications. Whether using high-quality products like Footlogix or seeking advice from a foot care professional, taking proactive steps can make a world of difference.

The post Managing Sweaty Feet: Effective Treatments and Preventative Tips appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Understanding Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenail infections typically begin as a small white or yellow spot beneath the nail but can quickly progress if left untreated. With our feet exposed more in the warmer months, we are at greater risk for acquiring or simply noticing the infection. The fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty socks, damp shoes, and public areas like swimming pools. Fungal toenails are often mistaken for other nail disorders, so recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in successful treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenails can present in various ways, but the most common symptoms include:

• Discoloration – The nail may turn white, yellow, brown, or even black, often starting at the tip and spreading towards the nail bed.
• Thickened Nails – As the infection progresses, the nail may become noticeably thicker, making it difficult to trim.
• Brittleness and Crumbling – The nail may become fragile, breaking or crumbling at the edges.
• Foul Odor – Advanced cases may emit an unpleasant smell due to the breakdown of keratin in the nail.
• Nail Separation – In severe cases, the nail may begin to lift away from the nail bed, leading to discomfort or even pain.

Because fungal toenails share symptoms with other nail disorders, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis with a healthcare professional.

Differentiating Fungal Toenails from other conditions

Not every thick or discolored nail is due to a fungal infection. Physical trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping an object on it, can also cause nail thickening and discoloration. Here’s how you can distinguish between the two:

• Fungal Toenails – Typically yellow, white, or brown with an irregular pattern. The nail may have a rough texture and emit a foul odor.
• Damaged Nails from Trauma – May appear dark red or black due to blood accumulation under the nail, with no accompanying odor.
• Underlying Health Conditions – Conditions like psoriasis, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies can also lead to nail discoloration or changes in texture.

If you’re unsure whether you have fungal toenails or nail trauma, or an underlying condition, a Physician, Nurse Practitioner or most BioPed locations with medical footcare services can assess your toenails.

Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Once diagnosed, treating fungal toenails requires patience, as the infection can be persistent. Fortunately, several effective treatments exist, ranging from prescription medications to home remedies.

1. Medical Foot Care

Often, simply applying medication to the nail isn’t enough, as thickened nails may prevent medication from penetrating. Professional foot care services, such as those offered by a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurses, can help by trimming and debriding the affected nail, allowing antifungal treatments to work more effectively, and at times entirely removing the infected tissue.

Photo disinfection light therapy can be quite effective at killing the fungal agent within the toenail.  Ask your BioPed clinic if they offer this solution.

2. Over-the-Counter and Home Remedies

For those seeking a more natural or accessible approach, several over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies may help:

• Formula 3 by Tetra – One of the most potent OTC medications on the market and available at select BioPed locations.
• Footlogix Nail Tincture – An easy to use spray, utilizing Spiraleen® that is widely available at all BioPed locations.
• Tea Tree Oil – Known for its antifungal properties, tea tree oil can be applied directly to the nail daily.

3. Prescription Medications

• Since fungal infections live beneath the nail, stronger antifungal treatments are sometimes necessary. Prescriptions can be obtained by a BioPed Chiropodist or your primary care provider.

Preventing Fungal Toenails from Returning

Once you’ve successfully treated a fungal toenail infection, preventing a recurrence is crucial. Here are some essential prevention strategies:

1. Proper Foot Hygiene

• Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between the toes.
• Change socks regularly, particularly if your feet sweat excessively.
• Avoid sharing personal hygiene items like nail clippers, towels, and shoes.

2. Choosing the Right Footwear

• Wear breathable shoes made from materials that allow airflow.
• Rotate your shoes, allowing them time to dry out between wears.
• Avoid tight-fitting shoes that create a damp, crowded environment for your toes.

3. Using Preventative Products

• Apply antifungal sprays or powders to your shoes and feet regularly. Clean Sweep by Tetra is a safe and effective spray with silver nanoparticles that is available in BioPed clinics.
• Antiperspirants can control excessive foot sweating.
• Consider using foot powders such as baby powder or talcum to absorb moisture and reduce fungal risk.

When to See a Footcare Practitioner

If you suspect you have fungal toenails, it’s best to seek medical advice early. While over-the-counter and home remedies may help in mild cases, severe or persistent infections require professional intervention for treatment of toe fungus. Our Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can assess the severity of the infection and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

At BioPed Footcare, we assess and treat fungal toenails. Don’t let toenail fungus impact your confidence and foot health—book an appointment today!

The post Catch some Sunrays this spring & summer, not fungus! appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Chiropodists

Chiropodists are practitioners who specialize in the care of the foot and ankle, which can range in treatments from surgical nail interventions, orthotic therapy, and amongst many others. The majority of Chiropodists in Ontario obtain their education and credential of Diploma of Chiropody (D.Ch.) from the Michener Institute of Applied Sciences in Toronto.

The more familiar term may be a “Podiatrist” or Podiatry” – popularized through the American usage, their practitioners often hold a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) acquired from schools internationally. However, as of 1993, from the Chiropody Act of 1991 Ontario Legislation, all incoming members are to be formally known as Chiropodists. As of 2024, the College of Chiropodists of Ontario has 806 active Chiropodists registered.

At BioPed, your Chiropodist can attend to needs such as prescribing custom foot orthoses, wart removal, or even simple routine foot care and nail care, such as ingrown toenail, corn or callus trimming.

Canadian Certified Pedorthists

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist, to which this article will refer to as a Pedorthist, carries the designation of C. Ped (C). The only pedorthic program in Canada that confers a Diploma of Pedorthics is at Western University in Ontario. Their speciality is in the biomechanical examination of the lower extremity, studying gait abnormalities, and addressing them with custom foot orthoses (orthotics), bracing and footwear. Pedorthists are especially skilled in the fabrication of orthotics, and often make them just as so, custom and by hand.

From the College of Pedorthics of Canada, they approximate ~600 members across Canada, with about ~400 in Ontario. Nationally, we employ 148 pedorthists who network and educate each other to ensure that we offer best-in-class client care.

Foot Care Nurses

A foot care nurse often holds the title of a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), and will often take additional certification to train and specialize in the foot.

They are skilled removing corns, ingrown toenails, and even attending to warts as part of their all encompassing foot care. For most general case purposes, the Foot Care Nurse is the person to see.

How We Work Together

Foot Pain, or Knee Pain?

When addressing foot pain or knee pain, it is more often than not, musculoskeletal in nature. This means there is likely an imbalance of pressure, stress, and physical exertion upon the structures in your foot and leg.

While measures such as physiotherapy, stretching, and exercise can alleviate the pain, it can be helpful to address the root cause of the pain with a supportive device. This is where your Chiropodist or Pedorthist can come in, assess your biomechanical deficiencies, and correct them with an orthotic or brace.

While a Chiropodist is able to prescribe an orthotic, they will work in coordination with Pedorthists to create them and ensure the device treats your needs. Either can perform the assessment and fitting!

Skin or Toenail Care?

Sometimes, the problems we encounter on our feet are related to the skin and dermatological lesions. Our nails make up a large source of problems, through fungus, ingrown nails, or plain thick nails that need professional work performed to restore them to a healthy state. Thick skin and callus/corns are a sore for many. The most common association we see this with are for patients with diabetes, where the feet become at risk. Regular foot care and maintenance will prevent this and keep the feet in good shape.

Foot Care Nurses and Chiropodists can both see these foot check ups, and lesions such as warts, while a Chiropodist can see to any high risk surgical intervention.

Come See Us!

If you’re going on a long hike and want some advice, or are experiencing lower limb pain, please book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, whether it’s bracing, shoes, or orthotics, we are here for you. With our on-site lab there is nothing we can’t do! Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how to keep your feet and lower limbs healthy!

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