Everyone generally agrees that things are much more pleasant when they’re running smoothly. Abrasiveness is a hard thing to endure for a long time, and we only need to look to the current election cycle for evidence. You’re likely not running for office, but you are running around town. If you want to avoid corns and calluses, then you want to avoid the friction against your feet that can cause them.
As you might expect, footwear is an extremely important consideration in reducing friction stress on the feet. Make sure your shoes fit properly (especially when your feet are biggest toward the end of the day) and the fronts of them allow for comfortable movement of your toes. If a shoe doesn’t fit well, don’t try to get it stretched or “broken in.” This just doesn’t work.
If for some reason you do have to endure time in shoes that rub against problem areas of your feet, try a moleskin pad or an adhesive bandage to provide a cushion of protection. If the problem is between your toes, there are separators you can buy. Lamb’s wool can even work.
Really, though, you should limit your time in these shoes as much as possible. For example, consider going in to work with well-fitting sneakers before having to change into heels or stiff work shoes.
There may some additional factors to keep in mind when it comes to preventing corns and calluses, such as hammertoes or excessive sweating. For conditions such as these, and for any other help or advice with corns and calluses, the office of Dr. Kevin Powers can help you find the best configurations to keep your feet smooth and happy. Call our Bloomington, IN office at (812) 333-4422 to get in touch with us.
We get it. Sometimes life happens and well-made plans fall through. You might have been getting well into a regular running routine, but then new responsibilities came up or an injury sidelined you for some time. Now you’re committed to getting back to business, but trying to dive back in at the same rate you left off can be disappointing at best and harmful at worst.
The best route for getting back into running after an absence—especially if you recovered from an injury—is to temper your expectations and start things off slowly. Your body needs to recondition itself back toward the performance levels you last left off at. Push too hard right off the gate and you risk injuring or re-injuring yourself.
The “10 Percent Rule” is a good one to abide by when it comes to raising your intensity. Start off easy, with comfortable running on flat, simple terrain, to start rebuilding strength and endurance. Every week, make things a bit more difficult and increase your workout by no more than 10 percent to give your body time to adjust. Don’t be afraid to add walk breaks within your runs while starting out, either.
If you need help getting motivated again, habits are key. Try setting your runs for the same time or at least having the same pre-run routine before starting, to let your body know it’s time to go.
Dr. Kevin Powers helps athletes recover from foot and ankle injuries and safely back to doing what they love. If you need help, look no further than our Bloomington office. Call us at (812) 333-4422 and we’ll be happy to set up an appointment with you.
It pays to be prepared. You’ll be all the better for breaking in a new pair of hiking boots before trekking out around Monroe Lake, or for having a pocket full of antacid at any chili cook-off. When visiting us here at the office of Dr. Kevin Powers, we want you to have the smoothest and most helpful first visit possible. We will do all we can on our end to ensure this, but there are ways you can prepare as well.
If you’re visiting us for the first time, there will be some paperwork that needs to be taken care of first. If you wish, this is something you can do at home beforehand. We offer our New Patient Form online to download, print out, and complete at your own convenience.
Whether you pre-complete your patient form or not, we still recommend showing up about 15 minutes prior to your appointment, if you can. This is just to make sure we have everything we need, and to address any additional questions or matters. Please bring a copy of your insurance cards and a list of medications, as well.
Preparation doesn’t end at the front desk, though. Once in for your exam, there is more information you can bring to help both the doctor and yourself understand what foot and ankle problems you might be having. Please don’t hesitate to bring a list of whatever questions you may have. Writing them down is better than suddenly remembering something you meant to ask on the drive home! It can also help to bring along any pertinent medical records or test results, as well as a well-used pair of shoes so the doctor can gauge your walking patterns.
Can we help you before your appointment? Our Bloomington office is here for you! Please give us a call at (812) 333-4422.
When considering the tools humanity has mastered over its existence, those made of stone rank among the first we likely mastered. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some things we can learn about using them, especially when it comes to a special type like pumice. It might not have the superb bashing and bonking properties of a fine piece of granite, but a pumice stone can be a fine tool for taking care of corns—if you use it correctly.
The composition of a pumice stone makes it a worthy tool for removing dead skin off a corn. The key word here is “dead.” You are not going to get rid of it by grating at your foot like it was a block of parmesan cheese. Do this and eventually you’re going to hit skin that’s still alive, causing pain and potentially opening up a wound that could bleed and get infected. In fact, because of this risk, we do not recommend that patients who have diabetes or poor circulation use pumice—at least not without consulting us first.
If you’re still on board and willing to be patient, here’s a good routine to use:
Careful use of pumice will help keep corns at bay and prevent discomfort from their rubbing up against shoes. If you need additional help with corns or any other skin conditions, please give Dr. Kevin Powers a call at (812) 333-4422. Our Bloomington office staff is ready to schedule an appointment with you.
Time for a quick English lesson—wait, don’t go! It’ll be fun! You might have heard people say not to “get callous” over something. Does that mean not to grow a nasty, thick patch of skin? Not quite. That’s a callus. See the difference?
“Callous”—with an “o”—is a related word to “callus,” but it doesn’t have anything to do physically with thickened skin. It’s more of a figurative thick-skinned, as in “unfeeling.” So if you grow callous over your calluses, it means you don’t really care about them anymore. That would just be sad.
The source of a callus is really quite simple: friction. When something is rubbing up against and irritating the skin, it will begin to build up hardened layers in an effort to protect itself. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.
Getting rid of a callus on the foot is most often a matter of finding and eliminating the source of the friction. In many cases, this is an ill-fitting shoe that compresses and repeatedly rubs against the area. Other times, it may be a misalignment in the foot structure that is adding too much stress to the spot.
Dr. Kevin Powers and our helpful staff can help you find the causes of friction in your feet and relieve them. This may mean a change of footwear, the use of custom-made inserts, or in some rare cases, surgery. We can also trim away some of the excess buildup, if needed (something you should never try yourself at home!).
If it’s time to care for your calluses, our Bloomington office is here to help. Give us a call at (812) 333-4422 to schedule an appointment.
It’s not always easy to know what will make a big impact on your loved one for Valentine’s Day. Flowers? A stuffed animal? A five-course dinner at Feast Market & Cellar? Well here’s a suggestion: have you considered a night in that includes a deluxe foot massage?
While gifts are sweet, an act like a massage represents a giving of oneself to the one they love. It’s a thoughtful and sensual way to show your appreciation. It’s also practically free, but that’s just a side benefit.
Follow some of the tips below and your recipient might also think that you spent some time searching techniques to give them the best massage. Brownie points!
Warm-Up: Don’t just start slapping on lotion and rubbing about like you’re seasoning a rack of ribs. Start with a footbath of warm water and some aromatic salts or oils. If you’d like, you could add half a lime to the water instead, using the other have to gently scrub the bottoms of the feet. The acid in the lime will act as a mild softener and exfoliating agent.
Once satisfied with the soak, gently hold each foot and slowly rotate the ankles in one direction, then the other. Give each toe the same treatment.
Going In: This tends to work best with a foot resting in your lap. A pillow covered by a towel adds a nice support. Place a bit of moisturizer on each of your thumbs, then use them to rub along the center of the arch in circles about the size of silver dollars. Move one thumb clockwise, the other counter-clockwise, for about 30 seconds.
Next, move up to the ball of the foot, continuing to make circles, and move down. Add a little more pressure as you near the heel, then gently squeeze the hollow area below the ankle.
This is a basic setup. Play the rest of the massage—and the night—by ear; just remember to listen to what your loved one likes. That’s the most important part. If you’re having problems with your feet and ankles, that’s what we’re good at listening to. Give the office of Dr. Kevin Powers a call at (812) 333-4422 to schedule an appointment today.
When it came to learning the ways of the world, socks were one of the things most of us got the hang of early. Pull them on all the way so they don’t flop around and make sure to avoid holes (or at least not wear them when company comes). Beyond the basics, though, do you know the best socks for your needs? There are more types than you might think.
First, there are three main materials when it comes to socks: cotton, acrylic, and wool. The natural fiber of cotton is a nice choice for people who want softness on days they’re not very active. Cotton does not make the best socks for sports or heavy activity, as it doesn’t wick moisture away from the skin. This leads to a heightened chance of blisters, athlete’s foot, and foot odor if the feet sweat a lot.
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that is a better fit for sports. Although it doesn’t tend to absorb sweat as well as cotton, it wicks moisture away better to help prevent blisters and other problems. Acrylic is also a good choice for people with poor circulation or diabetes, as it can cause less irritation that might lead to sores.
Wool is a fine choice for outdoor use, as its insulating properties can help regulate the temperature of the feet regardless of the thermometer reading. This goes out the window when a wool sock becomes fully saturated, but they can take a good amount of moisture before doing so. They are excellent at wicking moisture away from the foot and tend to stay fresher in the face of foot odor issues.
There’s even more to consider than just material, and we haven’t even talked about blends! If you’d like help determining the right socks for your situation, give the office of Dr. Kevin Powers a call at (812) 333-4422. Serving Bloomington, Ellettsville, and surrounding areas, we’re always happy to lend our expertise for the best in your foot care.
Are you ready to go eagle spotting? The annual Eagle Watch Weekend is upon us, held at Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina from Jan. 29th-31st. Head out to some “hot spots” and search for an elusive bald eagle. If a solution for your foot pain has been eluding you, head over to Dr. Kevin Powers to see if a pair of custom orthotics can help!
Since every foot is different, the most effective treatment from a weight- and force-redistributing orthotic comes from one that is sculpted especially for that foot. How does that happen, though? It’s about making a good impression, and some teamwork from a reputable lab.
First, we have to perform a full examination of your feet to determine the source of your problems or discomfort, and whether an orthotic device is actually likely to have a positive effect on the condition. Once we confirm a certain type of orthotic for you, we will then make an impression of your foot in a specialized foam. This foam cast impression is then sent to Icon Lab in Florida, along with our prescription for your device. It’s a little bit like a pair of eyeglasses that way.
The whole process takes 2-3 weeks to complete, upon which your custom-made orthotics are sent back to us. The lab is often very reliable, but we will still make sure things fit perfectly before sending you on your way. These devices are durable and should last several years.
If you suffer from persistent heel or arch pain, an orthotic could be just the thing you need. Bloomington podiatrist Dr. Kevin Powers is here to help you find the best solutions for your foot and ankle problems, whatever they may be. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (812) 333-4422 or contact us online.
You’ve probably come across them more than once: the “as seen on TV” products that make sweeping claims of marvelous feats—as long as they’re within the confines of that small legal text in the corner of the screen. Custom-made orthotics aren’t going to make Julienne fries, but we’ve seen people who have a misunderstanding of what they are and how they are used. Let’s start to set the record straight.
An orthotic is a device or insert that is specially made to correct or provide support around a problem that causes an abnormal gait or balance of weight. They can absorb shock, relieve pressure from painful areas, and improve one’s stability. Having them made specifically for your feet is the key, as this provides the most effective treatment. Buying inserts at a store will very likely not provide the same effect.
Some people think orthotics are mostly for athletes and active people. The truth is that many different lifestyles can benefit from them. This includes people who might work standing up all day, as well as people with special conditions such as diabetes that make their feet especially vulnerable to damage.
Will orthotics actually “fix” someone’s feet? No. Issues such as fallen arches will not disappear over time with the use of custom devices. However, their use can alleviate the symptoms associated with these types of conditions and prevent them from becoming worse. This makes them an often good alternative to surgery.
But wait, there’s more! If you suffer from chronic aches, pains or other problems in your feet and ankles, orthotics might be an effective option for finding relief. Dr. Kevin Powers and his staff can help you determine the best routes to take for your situation. Schedule an appointment with our office in Bloomington by calling (812) 333-4422. Our receptionist is standing by!
Our office takes your foot care seriously, but that doesn’t mean we won’t take the opportunity to have some educational fun now and then. Some extra know-how when it comes to the feet of you and your family might just go a long way toward making good, healthy choices! Take a stab at the following questions, answering true or false below:
Answer: True! We are all born with flat feet, but our arches develop over time as we grow and begin to walk. Noticing that your child has flat feet is usually not a cause for concern unless your child is experiencing pain. Your child’s feet should still be periodically examined by a podiatrist to make sure the arches are developing properly, however.
Answer: False! Feet tend to be their largest toward the evening, due to the forces of gravity acting upon them throughout the day. This is the best time to try on new shoes for a comfortable fit.
Answer: False! Moisturizing dry feet is a good idea, but having extra moisture in the crevasses of the toes can provide a breeding ground for fungal infections. This can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes.
Answer: False! When you trim, you should avoid cutting the toenails too short and make sure to trim so it’s curved in the corner of the nail. This will prevent toenails from becoming ingrown.
Answer: True! Lower heels will provide a more natural foot position and reduce stress on the bones in the front of the foot. Even these heels, however, should not be worn constantly.
Hope you had fun! If you have a foot or ankle problem that’s puzzling you, don’t hesitate to contact our Bloomington office at (812) 333-4422 or use our online form. Dr. Kevin Powers and our friendly staff will be more than happy to help.
