As footwear is the usual perpetrator in exacerbating calluses and corns on feet, the winter footwear makes our feet take a turn for the worse. Calluses and corns are hardened areas of skin that develop when we put too much pressure on them. When this occurs on the feet, they usually get worse because we are always standing on them and give them little room for rest. For people that are especially active, this can be painful to deal with.

Some other factors to consider in callus/corn development:

• Occupation and activities – such as sport or taking care of the kids
• The footwear used during such occupation and activities – safety boots, cleats, etc.
• The natural shape and bone structure of your foot
• Gait patterns and walking cycles
• Daily seated and resting positions
• Underlying biological factors

Foot Corn Treatment

The immediate solution for foot corn treatment is removal. As this is just skin, it is an easy and non-invasive task to perform. However, the causative factor is the pressure. If calluses and corns on feet are removed, they often come back, as their initial purpose was to try and protect the area underneath.

The long-term solution is always going to be offloading the foot. Sometimes it is as easy as paying attention to where you are putting pressure or the way you walk. Other times, it means changing the things you use to help take the weight off. A proper shoe can help guide your foot in the right direction, but if there is significant build up under the big toe, we may need a supportive insole to take the pressure off at that very spot instead.

When to See a BioPed Clinician

Although people may try to perform their own foot corn treatment through their own removal, this can be tricky, painful, and even dangerous. Our trained Medical Footcare clinicians can easily remove the offending callus and provide relief.

Post-care, Canadian Certified Pedorthists and trained staff can identify the biomechanical factors that contribute to calluses and corns on feet, and recommend footwear, supportive devices, or even create custom foot orthoses and insoles to redirect pressure.

If this sounds like something you are struggling with, book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!

The post Festive Footwear Taking a Toll? What to Do About Corns and Calluses 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.

Ingrown Toenail – What is it?

An ingrown toenail is a common condition of the foot where the toenail is digging into the nearby skin, making the area irritated and inflamed. In severe cases, the nail can pierce the skin and cause infection.

The most common type of ingrown nail that we see is an involuted toenail, which takes on a curved shape. The curvature creates a distinct pressure point at the edges and can be very painful and difficult to manage.

Ingrown Toenails and Causes

• Genetics – Naturally Occuring
• Cutting your nails too short
• Sports and Injuries
• Fungal Infections
• Tight and poor-fitting shoes

Signs and Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

• Pain at the sides or tip of your toe
• Pain occurring with pressure, walking, or other activity
• Redness, swelling, tingling
• Hard, thick skin building up at the corners – otherwise known as callus
• Infection – blood, pus, or moisture is present

Onyfix Nail Bracing – Is it right for me?

At BioPed Footcare locations, our practitioners are trained and certified in the application of this non-invasive procedure. The nail is first prepared for application. The resin then is molded specifically for your ingrown toenail, ensuring that it accurately pulls the offending nail away from the skin. An LED blue light is used to cure and harden the brace, keeping it lasting a long time. As the nail grows, the brace continues to hold the nail and keep the curvature away from the skin.

Often, one application is sufficient to improve the condition, but complex nails may require 2-3 times. This is still a cost-effective and painless treatment that should be strongly considered for those with painful ingrown toenails.

How do I get this for my Ingrown Toenail?

After booking an appointment, your footcare nurse or chiropodist will perform an assessment to see what treatment options are best for your condition. There are several different methods, such as conservative care, cotton packing, and the invasive surgical options – but should the Onyfix nail bracing be appropriate, your practitioner could apply it the same day.

If your ingrown toenails have been paining you, do not hesitate – and book your appointment with your nearest BioPed location today! Our teams will be ecstatic to assist you and help you keep walking on without discomfort and pain.

The post Toenail Bracing – A Non-Invasive Solution for Pesky Ingrown Toenails! appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

If you believe this may be what you have, continue along as we explore the causes, symptoms, management, and treatment for toenail fungus.

What exactly are Fungal Toenails?

An infection of the nail occurs due to a group of fungi called dermatophytes, with a variety of species causing different presentations in the nail. Fungi enjoy the warm, moist, and often dark environment of the foot and nail and can often affect the skin as well. The major difference with fungal toenails is that the fungus will live under the nail, often making it difficult to treat.

Symptoms of Fungal Toenails

Due to the variations in how fungal toenails present, it can be tricky to determine their presence. However, there are 3 primary factors we use when diagnosing them:

• Colour – The nail may become discoloured, and the pattern of the colour can be irregular and deep as well. This colour can be white, similar to the nail edge we are used to, or even yellow, and potentially brown/black too, depending on the infection.
• Texture – At the early stages, we may see a normal, smooth nail texture. However, if prolonged, we will begin to see changes such as thickening, brittleness, and potentially crumbling of the nail as the fungus eats away at it. This pattern can appear striated in the nail, or as diffuse crumbling.
• Smell – Perhaps the most distinctive factor of nail fungus is its smell. It gives off an unpleasant odour as it progresses. In advanced fungal toenails, the fungus eats away at bacterial disulphide bonds to release sulfur, imitating a smell similar to rotting eggs, creating a unique olfactory profile.

Differentiating Fungal Toenails from Damaged Nails

 When we see changes in colour or texture, we often assume fungal toenails, but we want to be careful to rule out other possibilities, such as nails that were damaged due to physical trauma, rather than a biological infection. Using the same factors, we can consider other causes:

• Colour – Although a fungal nail is likely to be yellow, that does not mean every yellow nail is fungal. Discoloration could be due to vitamin deficiencies, smoking, thyroid conditions, and potentially a bacterial infection instead. Some nail polishes can even leave a residue that is similar!
• Texture – Similarly, although fungal nails become thick, not all thick nails are fungal. The most common cause of a thick nail is actually from physical trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping an object on it. Long-term standing and walking can build up stress over time to thicken the nail too. However, crumbling and eaten-away patterns are strong indicators for the presence of fungus.
• Smell – As the most distinctive factor, smell can be useful to tell whether or not fungus is present. A nail that simply has physical damage will have no odour barring other factors, while fungal toenails will definitely produce a smell over time.

In the end, the most accurate way to assess for fungal nails is to inquire with your family physician for a lab test and sample. A BioPed Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse can coordinate this with your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as well. 

Treatment for Toe Fungus

Once we have determined nail fungus exists – how do we get rid of it? There are several methods that can be used, and sometimes all at once. The treatment options are:

Prescription Medication

 Due to the nature of the fungus living under the toenail, it is more difficult to get rid of than fungus on the exposed skin. A stronger medication is often required:

• Jublia – applied topically, one of the more effective treatments available today.
• Ciclopirox – a topical alternative, if others are not available.
• Terbinafine – taken orally, when topical treatments fail.

Over-the-Counter and Home Remedies

 Due to health restrictions or preferences, we may want to go a more holistic route. Some options include:

• Footlogix Nail Tincture – Uses an effective seaweed extract to target microbes.
• Tea Tree Oil – A natural essential oil with antifungal effects, applied topically.
• Vinegar Soak – Dipping the feet into a diluted vinegar bath can be a good home remedy.

Medical Foot Care 

Although we can apply products to the nail as listed above, they are simply unable to penetrate the thickness of the nail to get to the fungus underneath. To combat this, the nail will have to be cut short in length and more importantly, depth. A Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse is able to safely do this and clean the fungal nail to allow for any products to work their action.

Preventing Toe Fungus from Returning

Once we have eradicated the fungus, or if we want to be cautious of receiving a fungal infection, there are several techniques to avoid it from occurring:

 Proper Foot Hygiene

This may sound as simple as regularly washing the foot and keeping it dry to prevent moisture from building up, but there are several more aspects to this.

• Changing socks regularly – this will help keep feet dry.
• Avoid sharing personal items – e.g. towels, clippers, socks & shoes.
• Use footwear in public spaces – e.g. slippers in showers, pools, or saunas.

Changes to Footwear

The main reason we have microbes and moisture build up on our feet is because of how they are trapped in footwear for most of the day. We can improve this with:

• Breathable footwear – allow more airflow towards the feet.
• Alternating shoes – have several in rotation throughout the week to allow them to dry in between wear.
• Properly fitting footwear – tight shoes creates a cramped/damp environment for toes.

 Preventative Products

Should we choose to implement products in keeping our feet dry, some examples are:

• Powder – any powder that absorbs water and creates a dry area, such as baby powder.
• Antiperspirant – if excessive sweating is present, this can be used to reduce moisture.
• Antifungal Sprays/Ointments – tea tree oil on healthy nails.

When to see a Medical Practitioner, such as a Chiropodist, Footcare Nurse, Physician or Nurse Practitioner

Fungal Toenails are more difficult to acquire, but in turn are more difficult to get rid of once infected. Due to this challenge, we recommend seeing someone at any point it is suspected. Although many may be uncomfortable with others seeing their feet, it is imperative to address it quickly to prevent permanent damage to the nail. At BioPed Footcare, fungal toenails are one of the many conditions we treat. Book your appointment today to get the care your feet deserve!

The post Fungal Toenails – How Do I get Rid of This? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Psoriatic plaques form due to a faster than normal turnover of skin cells. Under normal circumstances, new skin cells rise to the surface of the skin once a month.  Then, the old skin cells die and slough off, allowing the new skin cells to emerge. In people who have psoriasis, the new skin cells move to the surface so rapidly that the dead cells are unable to shed in time, resulting in plaques.

Who’s at Risk for Developing Psoriasis?

Research suggests psoriasis is caused by genetics and environmental factors.  It is also affected by the immune system, which means if your immune system is weakened, you may be more susceptible.  For those living with psoriasis, there are certain triggers that may cause worsening of symptoms, including stress, illness and injury to the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious or spread from person to person.

How Does Psoriasis Affect Your Feet?

Psoriasis & Skin

Psoriatic plaques often develop on the soles of the feet which can make walking uncomfortable. If plaques are left untreated, the skin could crack and bleed, increasing risk for infection.  Pain when walking may change how you walk, placing more pressure and weight on nearby joints as you attempt to avoid painful areas on the feet.

Psoriasis & Nails

Psoriasis can also affect your toenails by changing the way they look and feel. Toenails tend to be thin, weak, and more brittle, and may have indentations called “pitting.”  They can also become discoloured, appearing yellow or brown.

Psoriasis & Joints

Psoriasis can also cause joint inflammation.  This is referred to as psoriatic arthritis (PsA).  Typically, the smaller foot joints in the feet are targeted, such as those in the toes. Inflammation of these joints causes toes to swell resulting in “sausage toes”, known as dactylitis.  A prompt diagnosis is crucial as undiagnosed PsA can lead to joint destruction, weak bones and damage to organs in the body.

How to Approach Psoriasis & Treatment?

• Several conditions and some medications can cause dry, itchy skin on the feet. It’s important to understand why you’re experiencing skin discomfort or irritation. If you are at risk for or suspect that you have psoriasis, please consult your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to determine if psoriasis is the issue at hand.
• Routine medical footcare appointments can help skin and nail issues associated with psoriasis. BioPed’s Medical Footcare clinicians are trained to assess and treat nail and skin issues on the feet.
• If psoriatic arthritis is causing you to suffer with joint pain, call your local BioPed today to book an assessment with one of our Canadian Certified Pedorthists or Registered Chiropodists, to determine your best treatment options!

Psoriasis: Experience the BioPed Difference

Our team of lower limb clinicians can offer relief by modifying shoes to offer more comfort and/or recommending orthotics to help with offloading painful joints, with the goal of slowing down the progression of joint complications. At BioPed Footcare, we create personalized solutions for you, to help you get wherever you want to go!

The post Is Psoriasis affecting your Feet appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Toenail fungus is evident in the toenail itself, but the infection resides in the nail bed underneath the nail plate. The nail matrix or cells from which the nail grows is the part of the toenail that becomes infected with fungus. If toenails are injured or if a person’s immune system is not working as well as it should, there is a greater risk for a fungal infection developing.

Fungal Toenails & Important Things to Remember

Fungal toenails can be hard to eradicate. The challenge with treatment is penetration of the medication, as it must get through the nail plate down to the nail bed where the fungus lives. The thinner the nail plate, the better a topical treatment will work! Before starting any anti-fungal treatment, it is recommended to know if your toenails are in fact caused by a fungus. Not all thick and discoloured toenails are fungal and not all fungal toenails are thick and discoloured!  BioPed Medical Footcare Clinicians can work with your Primary Care Provider to help determine the answer and the best next steps.

Fungal toenails can be treated with topical medications applied directly to the nail and/or oral medications, which are prescribed by a Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or a Chiropodist. These oral medications are quite powerful and can have undesirable side effects and interactions with other medications.

Treatment Options for Onychomycosis

BioPed Footcare clinics offer an array of treatments for toenail fungus. We offer topical treatments such as paint on anti-fungal medication and Photodynamic light therapy (PDT).

At-home treatments may be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Jublia is a well-known prescription treatment. Over-the-counter options include Footlogix Nail Tincture and Formula 3. Formula 3 contains the active medicinal ingredient, tolnaftate. Tolnaftate has been used in products for over 50 years to treat fungal infections, such as ring worm and athlete’s foot. Formula 3 uses jojoba oil as the base or the vehicle that delivers the tolnaftate, creating an in-solution, NOT a suspension. This prevents separation of the ingredients and allows immediate absorption of the oil with the tolnaftate right alongside! Both options are available at BioPed and can be used to treat and/or promote healthy nail growth.

In-clinic treatments such as PDT are highly effective treatment options for fungal toenail infections. At BioPed, we use the ClearToe Therapy Light specifically, which is a class 2 photodisinfection device approved by Health Canada for the clearance of fungal nail infection. ToeFx® has a proprietary non-toxic, ClearToe Serum which when applied to toenails, binds to fungus and becomes concentrated with the light. Toenails are exposed to the light therapy for 15 minutes each session. Sessions are biweekly for 4-5 months. Studies out of McMaster University, revealed this ClearToe Light Therapy system resulted in complete or substantial clearance of toenail fungus in 76% of patients after 8-10 sessions.

Give BioPed Footcare a call today to book a Medical Footcare consultation with one of our Footcare Nurses or Chiropodists and inquire if you need treatment for toenail fungus!

The post Fungal Toenails? There are treatments that help! appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Our feet have over 250,000 sweat glands and on average, they perspire the equivalent of one cup of sweat per day. This moisture builds up, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms. In turn, these microorganisms, most commonly bacteria and fungi, consume dead skin cells, leading to waste production and resultant shoe odour. Odour can also be caused by components of our sweat.

Sweating is a natural process in the body that helps regulate temperature. Wearing socks and shoes all day can exacerbate sweating and could lead to foot odour. Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis) and may cause social anxiety and embarrassment. If you notice your feet and shoes are smelly, you may have developed bromhidrosis (brohm-hi-DROE-sis), a complication of hyperhidrosis caused by the presence of bacteria.

We have a solution that will help you and your gear smell fresher longer! With proper use, Clean Sweep® spray eliminates 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria and fungi.

How Does Clean Sweep® Work?

Clean Sweep® utilizes a nanosilver formula to safely and effectively kill the bacteria causing shoe odour. It neutralizes odour and contains no toxic ingredients, fragrances or carcinogens.

Directions on use:

• Shake well before using
• Spray directly and thoroughly into footwear on a regular basis until odour-free
• Allow to dry overnight before wearing
• Repeat as necessary

It is important to allow the shoes to dry completely to prevent the socks from absorbing the Clean Sweep® coating, which could reduce the effectiveness. Clean Sweep® reactivates with perspiration and therefore remains effective long after the shoe is sprayed!

How can you treat and prevent sweaty feet at home?

1. Change socks daily and throughout the day if needed. Choose socks comprised of breathable and moisture wicking materials.  Polyester, nylon, and wool are most effective at keeping the moisture level more balanced and skin on the feet healthier.
2. Always try to wear shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or mesh.
3. Wash your feet daily to keep the surface of the skin clean which will reduce the risk for bacterial and fungal infections. If an odour is present, using an anti-bacterial soap to wash feet can help.
4. Applying rubbing alcohol or using a foot powder can help to wick away moisture on the skin. Rubbing alcohol is an astringent, which dries the skin and an antiseptic, which cleans the skin.  Some foot powders are formulated with antimicrobials to lessen the presence of fungus and bacteria.  Powder can also cool and soothe irritated skin.
5. As discussed above, always remember to treat your shoes, braces, and orthotics with Clean Sweep^® spray!

If you think you could have an infection, contact your Primary Care Provider or your BioPed Medical Footcare Clinician to be assessed. For more information about smelly feet or to pick up a bottle of Clean Sweep^® spray, come visit us at BioPed today!

The post Clean Sweep – an antimicrobial foot spray for the toughest of smells appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and they are contagious, meaning they can be spread from person to person. They can develop anywhere on the body including the sole of the foot. Plantar warts are referred to as verruca plantaris in the medical world.  They can be annoying and hard to eradicate, and children and teenagers tend to be more susceptible to contracting these foot lesions.

BioPed’s Medical Footcare Clinicians are trained and equipped to treat warts.  They do however, commonly find their clients mistake warts for corns. It is imperative to know what type of lesion you have before starting any treatment.

What causes warts?

Walking barefoot on surfaces where HPV may be lurking will increase your risk for exposure. HPV thrives in moist, warm environments, such as pool decks, locker room floors and showers. There are over a hundred different strains of this virus, but only a few are linked to warts on the feet. Not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop a wart. A weak immune system or a break in the exposed skin can increase a person’s risk for developing a wart.

If left untreated, warts can grow and become quite large, and they can also spread into clusters of several warts which are called mosaic warts. Although rare, warts can become cancerous if left untreated, making diagnosis and treatment even more important. Warts and corns can be confused with each other as they often have a similar appearance. A corn is caused by friction and pressure and is related to the way we walk and the types of footwear we choose. They develop over time and typically do not spontaneously disappear.

What do warts look like? 

Plantar warts are usually flat on the surface and may have a cauliflower-like texture. Squeezing or applying pressure at the sides can elicit pain. Plantar warts often contain tiny black dots in the centre. These dots indicate bleeding from the smallest blood vessels in our body and are a common feature of warts. Warts need a supply of blood to feed the virus and keep it alive.

How are warts treated?

If you suspect you have a wart, it is always best to have it assessed to figure out if it is in fact a wart. At-home treatments are available, but they need to be used with caution. Salicylic acid is a treatment that can be bought over-the-counter and is applied to the wart as a solution or a cream and is then covered with tape or a bandage.

If at-home treatment is not working for you, BioPed Registered Chiropodists and Advanced Footcare Nurses use a variety of treatment options that are not available at drugstores and often, not through primary care providers.  To find a BioPed Registered Chiropodist or Advanced Footcare Nurse, visit www.bioped.com/locations today!

The post What are foot warts and how do you treat them? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.

Third-Party Insurance Coverage

Government Assistance Programs

Referral and Prescription Requirements:

Addressing Financial Constraints:

Come See Us!

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What causes smelly feet and shoes?

Infection – Our feet are exposed to microorganisms, such as fungus and bacteria, constantly!  Walking barefoot around public pools, showers, or gym spaces, increases the likelihood for infection.  Athlete’s foot and onychomycosis (fungal toenails) can be malodorous and uncomfortable.  Erythrasma and pitted keratolysis are bacterial infections that can also be quite unpleasant.  Our socks and shoes are warm, dark, and moist, the ideal environment for microorganisms!

Peeling or dry looking skin, redness, white or itchy skin on the bottom of the foot or in between the toes could signify a fungal or bacterial infection. Fungal toenails typically appear discoloured yellow, brown, or white and may become thick or crumbly.  If you notice an odour in your shoes or coming from your feet, it’s best to seek medical advice.  You could have an infection that requires treatment with an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medication.

Sweating – Sweating is a natural process in the body that helps regulate temperature.  Wearing socks and shoes all day can exacerbate sweating and could lead to foot odour.  Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis) and may cause social anxiety and embarrassment.  If you notice your feet are smelly, you may have developed bromhidrosis (brohm-hi-DROE-sis), a complication of hyperhidrosis caused by the presence of bacteria. There are treatment options for excessive sweating such as astringents or anti-perspirants to help dry the skin, achieving improved moisture balance.

Lack of air flow – Wearing shoes can trap moisture inside and against the skin for hours at a time.  Socks help to absorb moisture and are frequently laundered, whereas bare feet inside shoes can lead to odour.  Taking shoes off at the end of a long day and immediately putting them away into a closet, enclosed area, or an athletic bag, doesn’t give them the opportunity to properly air out.  This could result in a smelly shoe!  At the end of a long day, allow your feet and shoes to air out.

Tips on how you can treat and prevent sweaty feet?

1. Change socks daily and throughout the day if needed. Choose socks comprised of breathable and moisture wicking materials.  Polyester, nylon, and wool are most effective at keeping the moisture level more balanced and skin on the feet healthier.
2. Always try to wear shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or mesh. Rubber boots and Gore-Tex shoes are water-resistant and useful in wet weather, but this means they are inherently less breathable.
3. Wash your feet daily to keep the surface of the skin clean which will reduce the risk for fungal and bacterial infections. If an odour is present, using an anti-bacterial soap to wash feet can help.
4. Applying rubbing alcohol or using a foot powder can help to wick away moisture on the skin. Rubbing alcohol is an astringent which dries the skin and an antiseptic which cleans the skin.  Some foot powders are formulated with antimicrobials to lessen the presence of fungus and bacteria.  Powder can also cool and soothe irritated skin.
5. It’s also important to treat your shoes, braces, and orthotics! Clean Sweep^® is an antimicrobial spray fortified with nanosilver which is formulated to reduce the growth of bacteria, fungus and mold in shoes and devices that are in contact with feet.  Amazingly, these treated items, are reactivated by perspiration.  Clean Sweep^® is available at BioPed Footcare and is an effective way to control smell emanating from your shoes.

Come See Us!

If you think you could have an infection, contact your Primary Care Provider or your BioPed Medical Footcare Clinician now to be assessed.  For more information about smelly feet, give your local BioPed a call today to book an appointment.  See you soon!

The post What is that smell coming from my shoes? appeared first on Relieve Foot Pain & Leg Pain.