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Many people enjoy the ease of wearing flip flops. They have become a popular shoe to wear in the warmer months, and are available in bright colors. As attractive as they may seem to frequently wear, research has indicated there may be injuries that can happen to the feet due to their use. The feet may become tired and achy as a result of the toes grasping the shoe so it can remain on the foot.  Many flip flops are designed without having a built in arch, which may cause the feet to roll inward. It can be beneficial to choose flip flops that have a strap in the back, in addition to wearing more supportive shoes every other day. If you would like additional information about how flip flops may affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is known as ingrown toenails can produce severe pain and discomfort. It is defined as the outer edges of the nail growing into the surrounding skin, and typically affects the big toe. It can occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from improperly trimming the toenails. Additional reasons why this may happen can include excessively sweaty feet, also referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis, as well as genetic factors, or from a toe injury. Mild relief may be found when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, followed by using a piece of cotton to gently separate the nail from the skin. For more severe cases, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A type of inflammatory arthritis is referred to as gout. This can be a painful and debilitating foot condition that commonly affects the big toe. It may occur as a result of elevated uric acid levels in the blood, and can develop due to genetic factors, or from certain foods that are eaten. These types of foods often include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Some of the symptoms that are associated with gout can include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and it is often difficult to walk. If you have frequent gout attacks, it may be beneficial to consider eating healthier foods, and drinking plenty of water. For patients who are experiencing symptoms of this condition, it is strongly suggested that you seek a consultation with a podiatrist for professional care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The body’s natural response is to protect itself, which is why the skin may develop a hardened layer of skin in the form of a corn. Corns will typically develop due to an increased level of friction. While this protective layer may be to help the skin of the foot, it can also be very painful and sensitive. To help avoid this, it’s important to wear shoes that put little to no pressure on the feet. If you find your corn to be uncomfortable, some patients have said that soaking the feet in warm water, followed by filing the corn with a pumice stone, can be an effective way to alleviate the pain. If you would like more information on how to best treat your corn, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors of Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.