The Pain of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful disorder that is a nerve condition and can result in pain, loss of sensation, and potentially an inability to control muscles. Peripheral neuropathy may be  present in the arms, hands, legs and feet, but neuropathy normally starts first in the feet. 

Even though the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy are diverse, the overall symptoms and actions of the disorder are similar. Peripheral neuropathy is defined as a polyneuropathy. It is a disorder that occurs when many of the peripheral nerves malfunction at the same time ultimately resulting in loss of sensation and self-awareness.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:

• Tingling 

• Numbness 

• Loss of sensation in arms and legs

• Burning sensation 

• Pain 

• Sense of ants walking on arms and legs

Diabetes, alcoholism, nutrition deficiencies, trauma, AIDs, infections diseases and syndromes such as Rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain Barre can all cause neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is most common and chronic form of peripheral neuropathy resulting from poor control of blood sugar. Guillain-Barre syndrome is less common cause of peripheral neuropathy, but can be one of the more serious causes because it is an autoimmune disease that can lead to paralysis. 

Peripheral neuropathy is a determinate disease. Individuals with neuropathy lose their self-awareness. They are unable to sense temperature and pain. Commonly diabetics develop sores and ulcers from prolong pressure and suffer burn and other injuries from lack of body awareness. If you think you suffer from a peripheral neuropathy you should see your doctor. 

Finding the Right Back-to-School Shoes

Preparing for a new school year means back-to-school shopping for the usual supplies, clothes and shoes. Shoes should be one of the most important items on any back-to-school shopping list. While many youngsters many want to find the latest and greatest or coolest shoes, parents should consider some important factors on shopping for the right shoes. The American Podiatric Medical Association put together these tips on shoe shopping. 

1. Children’s feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as a child’s feet grow.
2. Shoes that don’t fit properly can aggravate the feet. Always measure a child’s feet before buying shoes, and watch for signs of irritation.
3. Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe size fits one child comfortably doesn’t mean it will fit another the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
4. Examine the heels. Children may wear through the heels of shoes quicker than outgrowing shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by a podiatrist.
5. Take your child shoe shopping. Every shoe fits differently. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road.
6. Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.
7. Buy shoes that do not need a “break-in” period. Shoes should be comfortable immediately. Also make sure to have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that’s how they’ll be worn.

Not only is finding the right shoe size important, the overall structure of a shoe is critical. A good shoe should have a stiff heel that cannot be easily squeezed or bent. The toe box of the shoe should bend flexibly when your child walks. And the shoe should have a solid midsole that should never twist in the middle. 


Properly fitting and structured shoes can help children avoid years of pain and future ailments. Click here for a list of children’s shoes that have been awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. 

Dry Skin In feet

While dry skin is viewed as mostly bothersome and unattractive, chronic dry skin can lead to fissures and painful infections. Dry skin is caused by a variety of factors However, simple changes in lifestyle can solve most dry skin problems. 

Reason behind dry skin:

The water content in the epidermal layer, natural oils, and fatty substance are the major factors that determine dry skin or xerosis. The epidermal layer holds large amounts of water, which is key to keeping moisture in the skin. The skin also has a thin layer of natural oils and fatty substances that aid in skin hydration and protection from external drying forces. The absences of these factors lead to the common problems and symptoms of dry skin: scaling, redness, itchiness, and chapping.

Most common causes of dry skin:

1. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to dry skin for some reason or another.
2. Soaps: The use of harsh soaps tends to strip away the protective oily fatty layer causing dry skin. Such as antibacterial and deodorant soaps.
3. Frequent, long, hot showers: Extend exposure to hot water strips the skin's protective layer and showers do not give skin an opportunity to re-hydrate.
4. Improper application of moisturizers: Moisturizers need to be applied when the skin is damp and not completely dry.
5. Medication and Drugs: Diuretics for high blood pressure and antihistamines for allergies can cause dry skin
6. Underlining medical conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition can all lead to dry skin.  

Treatment:

Treatment of most dry skin is relatively simple. Small changes in a person’s daily habits and routines is all that is required to conquer dry skin.

• Do not shower excessively and take short showers in lukewarm water
• Occasionally take a bath in lukewarm water no longer than five minutes to re-hydrate the skin Use mild and fragrance free soaps
•  Use thick and greasy moisturizers. Stay away from oil based moisturizers and apply moisturizer when skin is still damp.

Dry skin can be prevented and is often easy to treat. However, people with chronic dry skin should consult a doctor.

Fungal nail infection

Many people suffer from discolored and distorted toenails. While all too common, there are many causes behind the changes to toenails; fungal or chronic bacteria infections, eczema, psoriasis, and even trauma to the toenail cause distortion of the nail.

Fungal infections are the most common cause of yellowed, thickened and/or deformed toenails and can affect one to all toenails, but cannot spread in the body via the blood stream. Fungal nail infections are slow developing infections that normally go unnoticed, but over time the infection can cause the nail to become distorted, thickened, and brittle in appearance. 

Fungal infections are the result of walking barefoot in public areas and showers with a moist environment that allows fungus to thrive. Sweaty and moist shoes that do not dry out can cause a person to contract an infection. Dermatophytes, the same organisms responsible for athlete’s foot, are can also infect toenails and skin. However, people with diabetes and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to contract these types of infections. 

Fungal infections are easy to diagnose, but can be difficult to treat. Early detection is key to lessening the length of treatment and can increase the chances of having a normal looking nail. Acute infections can be treated with over the counter medication; however, chronic infections can almost always be treated with prescription medications. Laser treatment is also an option in both types of infections. But, chronic infections normally allow little chance for a normal looking nail again even after clearing infection. If you noticed changes in your nail appearance see a podiatrist.

Tips on preventing fungal nail infections:

1.    Change socks frequently if your feet sweat a lot

2.    Bleach socks when washing

3.    Be cautious when walking barefoot, especially in public setting

Orthotics can solve lower back pain

Back pain can be a reoccurring problem. It is a nuisance that often jeopardizes a person’s quality of life and can be debilitating. While many people may suffer from lower back pain, they may not realize that the cause of their pain may be directly related to their feet and how they walk. Using an Orthotics in your shoes can alleviate back and foot pain as well as prevent future injuries.

What is an Orthotic?

Orthotics are custom prosthetic fabricated foot device. They are devices that are worn under the heel and arch of the foot. Orthotics are used to correct abnormal or irregular walking patterns. They improve foot function and reduce excessive stress and strain on the foot as well as other areas of the body. Orthotics provide stability, correct body and joint alignment, and allow for optimal foot biomechanics throughout a person’s walking or running pattern.

How does an Orthotic help with back pain?

Chronic back pain is typically due to a musculoskeletal weakness or bone misalignment. These abnormalities lead to improper compensation of body, which causes excessive stress and strain on the body. Some chronic pain is the end result of improper biomechanics. Most biomechanical abnormalities that are found in the knees, ankles, and back begin in the feet. The feet are the postural foundation of the body and need a device to absorb shock during ambulation. Having the proper support and function in the foot can solve back pain and symptoms such as radiculopathy.

How does an orthotic work?

Orthotics are devices, which are manufactured out of a variety of different material and function biomechanically with a person’s foot. While everyone’s foot is different, it is best to seek the advice and expertise of a podiatrist to determine whether or not an orthotic would be best to reduce lower back pain by absorbing shock.

Something so simple can solve back pain. For more information on orthotics and other foot related issues, please refer to out website.   

Toning Shoes: Are they worth the hype or do they need a caution label?

You may have seen the ads and have even been tempted to buy the latest advertised shoes, but heed our warning before opening your wallet. Several different companies, including Sketchers, Reebok and New Balance, have been marketing new type of fitness shoe that claims to tone or allow you to work out just by walking. Shoes that tone your body may sound great, but it may be too good to be true.

An article in today’s USAToday, A revolutionary sneaker, or overhyped gimmick? highlights the popularity of toning sneakers.

“The makers of ‘toning shoes’ say the shoes can help give wearers more shapely butts, legs and abs, often without the need for gym workouts. That's partly why toning shoes — which often have a rounded sole like a rocking chair, to stretch the wearer's leg muscles with each stride — represent the fastest-growing segment of the $17 billion-a-year athletic footwear industry.”

While the sneakers may be popular and promise an easy workout, they may have adverse effects and may end up causing more problems. Several podiatrists pointed out the shoes’ possible dangers.

"David Davidson, national president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, says the shoes basically make adults learn to walk, or run, all over again by changing their gait. That's a ‘scary’ prospect for someone with a "borderline problem" they might not know about.

Davidson says he's suspicious of any shoes that come with an instructional booklet and DVD.

‘Nothing about these shoes has any redeeming value to me,’ he says. ‘Sorry, I don't see it.’

Bryan Markinson, chief of podiatric medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, says some of his patients who are "not in the greatest of shape" have inflamed their Achilles tendons while wearing toning shoes. People thinking of buying them, he says, should begin an "active stretching program" or else risk injury.

Jonathan Deland, chief of foot and ankle service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, warns the shoes can be ‘dangerous’ for people with balance problems."

Another blogger and certified pedorthist Janet Dixon also noted in a recent post the flaws and potential dangers of the shoes.

As always, consult with your podiatrist before trying any new shoe or workout routine. Everyone’s feet and walking style are different, so it is essential to work with your podiatrist to find out what is best for you. 

How to Battle Bad Foot Odor

Bad foot odor can be embarrassing and are often caused by a combination of sweat or moisture and normal bacteria found on feet. A little effort and minor lifestyle changes can solve foot odors issues easily.

Our feet are one of the sweatiest parts of our body. In fact, our feet can sweat up to a pint a day. When sweat and bacteria on our feet mix they produce isovaleric acid, which can cause unwanted foot odors. The medical term for smelly feet is bromhidrosis. The number one remedy and most effective cure for foot odor is simple. Keeping your feet dry and cleaning your feet daily is the most effective way to cure and prevent foot odors.

Ways to Keep feet dry:

• Wear socks that have proper ventilation
• Shoes that allow your feet to breath
• Deodorizing foot powder
• Ensuring feet are dry before putting on soaks and shoes
• Changing socks daily
• In addition, some people have smelly feet due to excessive sweating and unable to keep their feet dry. A small percent of the population suffer from hyperhidrosis, which can cause a person to sweat beyond their physical needs. Those individuals may have foot odors because they are unable to keep their feet dry.

Tips for battling excessively sweaty feet:

• Using antiperspirant deodorant spray
• Soak feet in salt solution. Mix a half a cup of kosher salt in a moderate filled basin of water. Soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then do not rinse the salt off of your feet, but just pat them dry with a towel. The salt will soak up excess sweat.
• Reduce stress. Excessive stress can lead to excessive sweating.
• Changing socks more than once a day.

Additional tips to prevent bad foot odors:
Allowing shoe gear to adequately dry after every use
Spray shoe gear with Lysol or other antibacterial solutions
For more information on foot odors check out our website.