COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
HIS FEET, HER FEET
FEET AND SHOES
MATURE FEET
GROWING FEET
ABOUT SCHERING PLOUGH
COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS
- How can I get rid of the thick, hardened skin on the heel of my foot?
- Thick, hard growths on the soles of the feet (commonly know as calluses) often start out as blisters which then harden. One way to prevent calluses is to wear properly-fitted shoes. Moisturizing and exfoliating the skin on feet regularly can also prevent the buildup of rough, dry skin. If calluses do occur, use Dr. Scholl's® Cushlin® UltraSlim Callus Removers, which are clinically proven to provide immediate, all-day relief from calluses. The medicated disks provide safe, effective removal of calluses.
- What is athlete's foot and how can I treat it?
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a condition caused by a contagious foot fungus that most often affects skin between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet. Symptoms such as itching, burning, red, dry, cracked, blistered and oozing skin are signs of athlete's foot. If you're prone to athlete's foot, wash and dry feet thoroughly on a daily basis and apply a foot spray such as Dr. Scholl's® Foot Spray Powder to absorb perspiration. In addition, be sure to wear clean socks and avoid walking barefoot in public places.
- Is it true that you can get athlete's foot from a shower floor?
- Yes. Athlete's foot is a condition caused by a contagious foot fungus which is commonly contracted by walking barefoot on floors where the fungus is present. In addition to shower floors, locker rooms and pools are high-risk areas.
- What is a bunion?
- A bunion is a bone deformity in which a re-angulated or enlarged big toe joint causes the big toe to angle toward the other toes. It can be caused by genetics, foot injury or loose joint movement and is often aggravated by shoes that force the side of the toe inward.
- What are corns?
- Corns are hard layers of dead skin that appear as round, yellow corn kernel-like growths on the top of or between the toes. They can be caused by friction between a tight or poor-fitting shoe and the foot, forming a bump over time.
- How does a blister form?
- Blisters are formed by the rubbing pressure from tight- or poor-fitting shoes. Dr. Scholl's® Cushlin® UltraSlim® Blister Treatment helps heal blisters on feet and hands. It also protects sensitive areas from friction to prevent blisters from forming.
- What is an ingrown toenail?
- Ingrown nails, a common toenail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness and swelling. Frequently caused by improperly trimmed nails, the best way to avoid ingrown nails is to cut nails straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe.
- What is overpronation and how can it be prevented?
- Overpronation is a condition that occurs when improperly supported arches flatten, causing the feet to become unstable and roll inward and downward more than normal when walking or running. It can pull the lower body out of alignment and result in painful stress, strain and fatigue of the lower extremities. "A proper fitting shoe is vital when participating in any sort of physical activity," says Russel Lang, physiotherapist, sports injury specialist and founding member of The Scholl Institute™. "A strong arch support insert is also a good idea and will ensure that the foot is positioned correctly while walking or running."
To help prevent overpronation, try Dr. Scholl's® DynaStep® Inserts. The advanced U-shaped design works to help prevent overpronation by cupping the heel for added stability, supporting the arch to stop inward rolling and cradling the foot to guide movement.
- How do I know when I should see a podiatrist?
- Often, common foot conditions are easily remedied by over-the-counter products that can ease foot pain or cure conditions like athlete's foot. However, there are circumstances that require medical care. The makers of Dr. Scholl's® products recommend that you consult a podiatrist if you have constant foot pain; chronic conditions such as bunions or heel spurs; a general concern about the wellbeing of your feet; or if you have diabetes.
HIS FEET, HER FEET
- Who is more prone to foot conditions, men or women?
- Women experience approximately four times as many foot conditions as men.
- Can wearing high heels cause foot conditions in women?
- Yes. High heels may contribute to knee and back conditions, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles and an unnatural, awkward gait. In addition, in time, high heels may even cause enough changes in the feet to impair their proper function.
- Is foot odour more common among men or women?
- Men's sweat glands are more active than women's. As a result, they are twice as likely to suffer from foot odour than women. In fact, 18 per cent of men* have the problem while 10 per cent of women* do.
- Do women's feet change with pregnancy?
- Yes. Women's feet can grow by as much as one size due to the pressure of supporting extra weight during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women usually experience more swelling than normal in their feet and ankles, which can aggravate existing foot conditions.
FEET AND SHOES
- I recently purchased a pair of shoes that seemed to fit in the store, only to find they were too tight a few days later. How can I ensure a proper fit when shoe shopping?
- Shopping for shoes is best done in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell during the day, and it's best to buy shoes that fit then. Also, be sure to have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you're standing. Finally, when you try on shoes, try them on both feet. Everyone has one larger foot and it's best to fit shoes to the larger foot.
- How long does it take to "break-in" shoes?
- The makers of Dr. Scholl's products recommend avoiding shoes that require a break-in period — only purchase shoes that feel comfortable right away.
- I can't give up my high heels — are my feet doomed?
- Podiatrists and chiropodists do not recommend wearing high heels. However, for women who simply cannot give them up, there are ways to limit the abusive effects. Alternate high heels with good quality sport shoes or flats for part of the day; opt for "walking" or "performance" pumps; purchase high heels that are wider in the toe and finally, be sure to buy shoes in a variety of heel heights.
MATURE FEET
- Do feet change as you grow older?
- It is not uncommon for feet to become larger and wider with age after years of bearing the body's weight. In addition, the natural fat pads that cushion the bottom of feet tend to wear with age, leaving older people vulnerable to many common foot conditions.
- At what age do feet begin to change?
- Women's feet generally begin to change in their 30s, while men begin to notice changes in their feet in their 40s.
- Why do people over 60 often suffer from chronic fungal infections?
- People over 60 often suffer because their bodies have lower resistance to infection.
- Why do seniors often suffer from heel pain?
- Heel pain is common in older people because the natural fat padding on the bottom of the foot wears with age, causing the ball and heel of the feet to take the brunt of pressure when walking on hard surfaces.
GROWING FEET
- Is it necessary for a baby to wear shoes?
- Although shoes are not absolutely necessary, some type of covering (booties, socks or soft shoes) is recommended to provide protection against various elements including the sun, cold weather, insect bites, etc. It is important that children under 18 months of age begin to build the muscle tone in their feet," says Tracy Andrews, chiropodist and founding member of The Scholl Institute™. "Walking barefoot, with socks or loose booties for protection, will allow them to build this muscle tone that a shoe supports."
- Is special care required for a baby's feet?
- Unless the baby has a foot disability or infection, normal foot grooming is all that is necessary. Be sure to wash the child's feet regularly (paying particular attention to the areas between the toes) and dry feet well. Moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Always cut toenails straight across, but not too short; cutting too short can lead to ingrown nails. Finally, dusting feet with powder will help keep them dry.
- Are athletic shoes bad for a youngster's feet?
- No. Most types of athletic shoes are pliable, well-cushioned and offer sufficient support for a youngster's feet.
- Should I be concerned if my child has flat feet or a high arch?
- Until the age of five or seven, children's feet tend to be flatter than an adult's. After that age, if feet are still severely flattened, consult a podiatrist or an orthopedist.
- How do I know if my child has a blister?
- Blisters are usually the result of friction due to improperly fitted shoes. Parents should examine children's feet for red, irritated spots that signal a developing blister. If the child has a blister, protect the tender area around the blister with Dr. Scholl's® Molefoam® Padding to prevent further friction.
ABOUT SCHERING PLOUGH
- Corporate Information
- Dr. Scholl's® is a member product of the Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Canada family of products. Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Canada is a division of Schering Canada Inc.
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