The medical term used when referring to excessively sweaty feet is plantar hyperhidrosis. Approximately five percent of the population is affected by this condition. Foot conditions like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus can accompany plantar hyperhidrosis in addition to an odor emanating from the feet. Hyperhidrosis results from the overproduction of sweat glands in the feet and may cause discomfort and embarrassment. Research suggests that it may be beneficial to keep a journal of sweating episodes to help pinpoint triggers, such as eating certain foods or emotions that may cause anxiety. It is best to avoid wearing socks that are made from nylon materials, unlike cotton socks which may help to ensure proper ventilation. Additionally, staying hydrated may lessen the intensity of sweaty feet. Please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform tests to determine if your feet are excessively sweaty as well as the treatment method that is best for you.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Each foot, on average, has about 250,000 eccrine sweat glands that produce half a pint of sweat each day. Sweating is a natural and important bodily function. It regulates the body’s temperature by cooling the skin so that it does not overheat. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, the sympathetic nervous system works in "overdrive", producing far more sweat than what is required. People with plantar hyperhidrosis experience an excess amount of sweat on their feet. It is estimated that 2% to 3% of all Americans suffer from some form of hyperhidrosis. This condition is often caused by neurologic, endocrine, infectious, and other systemic disease. Other factors that may trigger the condition are heat and emotions.
People with hyperhidrosis may notice an overabundance of sweat on their feet, along with a strong odor. The feet may also have a wet appearance coupled with infections such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. The sweat may even appear in low temperatures, such as during the winter months. People with plantar hyperhidrosis often need to change their socks several times throughout the day.
The specific cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, and many believe it may be caused by over-activity. However, others believe the condition is genetic. Caffeine and nicotine are known to cause excitement and nervousness which are two emotions that may make the condition worse.
If you are looking to treat your hyperhidrosis the most important thing you should do is wash your feet every day. You may even need to wash your feet twice a day, if necessary. You should also make sure you are wearing the right socks. Wool and cotton socks are both known to be good for ventilation, meaning they allow the feet to breathe. You should avoid socks made from nylon which trap moisture and lead to sogginess. Other common treatment options are over-the-counter antiperspirants that contain a low dose of metal salt. In some cases, prescription strength antiperspirants that contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate may be necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Untreated hyperhidrosis can easily lead to complications. Some complications that may arise from the disorder include nail infections, warts, and bacterial infections. Consequently, it is important that you seek treatment from your podiatrist if you suspect that you may have plantar hyperhidrosis.
Toddlers are usually flat-footed when they start to walk, and their feet may turn inward known as in-toeing. Flat feet should resolve as bones develop and the feet become stronger. In-toeing should also improve with age. Toddlers should go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes to promote balance, posture, and coordination. Children receive important sensory information from the soles of their feet touching the ground and they develop muscle strength this way. When children have been walking confidently for some time, they can begin to wear firmer-soled shoes. Footwear can help protect their feet from injury and temperature. Their feet should be professionally measured for length and width. Kids' feet grow quickly, and their shoe size may change every few months. Shoes that are too tight can negatively affect a child’s walking pattern and cause other problems like ingrown toenails. Instead, children’s shoes should be comfortable, with plenty of room in the toe box. They should have a flexible, flat sole that can bend near the toe. The front of the shoe should be wider than the heel, to match the foot's natural shape. The shoes need to be secured with laces or straps that prevent the foot from moving or slipping. See a podiatrist if your child is experiencing foot pain or if you are concerned with how they walk.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
Podiatrists are familiar with the fact that there are a number of rare foot conditions that can impact the health of someone’s feet. Maffucci syndrome is one such rare foot condition. This condition typically impacts the hands and the feet. It is so rare that less than 200 cases have been reported since its discovery in 1881. If an individual has Maffucci syndrome, they may experience the development of benign growths on the bones of the feet. These growths are especially located at the end of the bones. This condition is potentially serious because although the growths are initially benign, it is possible that they may become malignant (meaning cancerous). Interestingly, Maffucci syndrome is not an inherited condition, and those living with the syndrome can be smaller in stature. If you want to learn more about Maffucci syndrome or other rare foot conditions, contact a podiatrist today.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A podiatrist will be able to address a variety of rare foot conditions, particularly the ones that affect children. The most common are Kohler’s disease, Maffucci syndrome, and Freiberg’s disease. They can be properly diagnosed by having an X-ray taken, but in more serious cases an MRI may be needed. Kohler’s disease generally affects younger boys and bone deterioration may result from an interruption of blood supply. Children who have Kohler’s disease may find relief when the affected foot is rested, and a special boot is worn. Benign growths in the long bones of a child’s foot may lead to the development of bone lesions, and this is known as Maffucci syndrome. People who have this condition find mild relief when custom-made orthotics are worn. Freiberg’s disease targets the ball of the foot and can typically affect pre-teen and teenage girls. The metatarsal bone becomes deteriorated and flattened, and common symptoms include swelling and stiffness. A cast is often necessary to wear with this disease as it can help to reduce existing pain. Erythromelalgia is a rare foot condition, and its cause is unknown. Symptoms of this disease can include intense burning pain and the feet may appear red or feel warm. Relief may be found when the affected foot is immersed in ice water. It can also be beneficial to elevate the foot frequently. If your child complains of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat rare foot conditions.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
It is no secret that high heels are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Although beauty is pain, you should not sacrifice the health of your feet for a stylish heel. Wearing high heels can potentially cause many different foot conditions that may be avoided by wearing proper footwear.
The structure of high heels forces weight of your body to get shifted forward toward the ball of the foot. The higher the heel you wear, the more weight and pressure get shifted forward. The pressure that your toes may experience from wearing heels may lead to hammer toes, bunions, and ingrown toenails. Extra weight and pressure resulting from wearing heels may cause stress fractures. Furthermore, heels may cause pinched nerves which may result in Morton’s neuroma.
High heels are even more dangerous for people who are clumsy. Falling or tripping while wearing heels can cause an ankle sprain or twist.
What many people don’t know is that heels can also cause back and knee problems. In order for your body to stay balanced on heels, your spine has to sway unnaturally, which adds stress to your spine muscles. This may cause you to experience a sore lower back.
If you decide to wear high heels regardless of the risks associated with them, there are ways you can minimize their harmful effects. One way to reduce injury is to massage and stretch your legs at the end of the day. Stretching can prevent the Achilles tendons and calf muscles from becoming too tight. If you are simply looking for more height, wedges and platforms provide a better surface area to distribute the body weight across compared to thinner heels.
If you experience pain from wearing high heels, it is important to see a podiatrist before any of your symptoms become worse.
Research has shown that the shoes women wear, specifically high heels and sandals, are major contributors to heel and ankle pain. The best way to avoid a future of painful feet is to avoid these types of shoes early in life. Opting instead for sneakers or athletic footwear that provide the proper cushioning and support for the feet, heels and ankles is recommended. With every step you take, a significant amount of force is transmitted to the ankles, heels, and feet. Without the proper support or protection, these areas are put at risk for injury. Improper footwear can also contribute to toe problems, including bunions, calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Choosing comfort over style is suggested as a way to avoid painful problems later in life. Other recommendations are to wear shoes that conform to the shape of your foot, avoid shoes with pointed or tapered toes, and buy shoes that fit well – regardless of the size on the box. For more information on the risks of wearing high heels, or for help with any painful foot and ankle conditions you may have, please visit a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
