Toe and Foot Stress: It’s the month of June and we are now halfway through the year

Summer is here again and we have some top tips at the end about lurking verrucae and how to avoid them.

Of late it has become more apparent and we have noted an increased prevalence in people telling us that they over stretching their toes through stress sometimes to the extent where bruising can be observed at the nail plates, toe sprains and even causing holes to appear at the toe box of shoes.

We have started to liken it to the: muscles in the jaw – that create jaw clenching/grinding and as a result we have started to call this increased foot presentation coming to us as ‘toe grinding’.

Just becoming cognizant of this condition can alleviate our exaggerated toe movements – recommendations such as massage of the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature will go along way and manual acupuncture as well as a shoe / sock assessment for possible toe grinding will be beneficial.

Another condition that sometimes surreptitiously appears are metatarsal stress fractures from overuse injuries such as running and wearing the barefoot style trainers which do not provide enough support for the loading mechanism.

Excessive physical activity can put too much pressure on a bone, it doesn’t have enough time to recover and we may even unwittingly have reduced bone density that makes us more suspectible.

Here are some common causes and tips to help alleviate stress in the feet and toes:

• Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or do not provide enough support can lead to foot and toe stress. Choose well-fitting shoes with proper arch support and cushioning.
• Overuse or repetitive activities: Engaging in activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, running, or jumping can put excessive stress on the feet and toes. Take breaks, use proper techniques, and gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse injuries.
• High-impact sports: Sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis can place significant stress on the feet and toes. Ensure you have proper footwear and consider using orthotic inserts with a podiatrist’s advice or padding for additional support and shock absorption.
• Toe deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes can result to stress and discomfort in the toes. Consult to a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options, which may include orthotics, toe splints, or, in severe cases, surgery.

As to the verrucae… Verrucae can be so annoying most especially when we are having our vacation trips… Now let us learn more about this condition.

What is a verrucae?

Verrucae, also known as warts, are caused by a viral infection known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).  They are found usually over certain areas of the feet such as the heel and the balls of the feet that typically bear pressure.  Verrucas are commonly spread by person-to-person contact.  Common modes of spread are sharing communal showers where other people with verrucas have also bathed.  Infections usually occur if the skin of the feet are damaged or cut or ulcerated in any manner.

How to prevent verrucae?

To prevent verrucae this summer, you can follow these preventive measures:

1. Keep your feet clean and dry. Regularly wash your feet with soap and water, particularly after swimming or going barefoot in public.  Dry your feet completely, paying specific attention to the space in between your toes because moisture encourages verrucae growth.
2. Wear protective footwear. Wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re in public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, or shared showers to lower your risk of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes verrucae.
3. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Verrucae are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact.  Avoid going barefoot on areas like gym floors, pool decks as well as public restrooms.
4. Don’t share personal items. Towels, socks, shoes, and any other things that come in contact with your feet shouldn’t be shared.  Sharing such items can increase the risk of transmitting the virus.
5. Keep your feet moisturized. The virus can spread more easily if you have dry, cracked skin.  To maintain the skin on your feet healthy and also less prone to developing verrucae, moisturize them frequently.
6. Check your feet regularly. Check your feet frequently for any indications of verrucae or other irregularities.  Consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you detect any changes or suspicious growths.
7. Avoid picking or scratching. Avoid plucking, itching, or attempting to remove a verruca yourself if you have one.  This may result in complications or the propagation of the infection.  Hence, it is better to have it check by a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to verrucae.  By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition.