2022

2022

Close up of woman legs shoes new sneakers, trying new shoe before buying a shoe concept

Buying shoes? Here is your checklist

Are you considering purchasing new shoes? That should be awesome, but wait 5 minutes only! Do you know that ill-fitting shoes can cause many foot problems such as pain, deformities of the feet, and even falls?! Unfortunately, it’s true. So, buying shoes should no longer be dependent just on fashion, but there are other factors to consider before making a decision and purchasing a new shoe. You will find a great solution in this blog post. Checklist before buying shoes You should ensure that the shoes meet these standards before purchasing them. The heel is less than 2.5 cm. The shoe has laces and stays firmly on your foot. There is about 1 cm between your longest toe and the shoe when you stand. The shoes have a well-cushioned sole. Made from a breathable material. Protects your feet from injury & keeps your feet safe from harm. It has the same shape as your foot. The heel provides the required protection. Don’t forget to check through the previous conditions and make sure that all of them are fulfilled in the new shoes, because if they aren’t, the shoes won’t provide the necessary protection and support for your feet. But why all this long list? Because choosing proper fitting shoe aid in the maintenance of its health & minimizing foot discomfort. Each criterion has a purpose, for example High-heeled shoes may cause sores and calluses due to increased pressure on the ball of the foot. The higher the heel, the greater the stress and damage. If the shoe does not provide the necessary support for your feet, your toes will twist to stabilize it. This can cause the upper part of the shoe to rub against your toes. This can cause corns and calluses and affect the muscles in the feet. Friction between your toes and the end of the shoe can cause toe damage and toenail pain. Shoes with a cushioned, supportive sole absorb any shock and reduce pressure under the feet. The material from which the shoe is made is very important, for example, those that do not allow the passage of air may cause fungal infections. Protecting the feet from entering foreign bodies that can hurt the feet is the main function of shoes. It is necessary for diabetics to wear closed shoes. You can consult a podiatrist at a Health and Style Medical Center to see if you are wearing the right shoes for you and to discuss more information if necessary.

Buying shoes? Here is your checklist Read More »

Young fitness man holding his sports leg injury. Muscle pain after exercising concept

Muscle pain after exercising?! But why?

Life taught us that everything has a price, and certainly muscle pain after exercising is the price of exercising. Whatever your fitness level, you may have muscle pain after beginning a new activity or pushing yourself harder than usual. Why do you feel muscle pain after exercising? Contrary to popular belief, lactic acid accumulation is not the reason! Muscle pain after physical activity, known as “delayed muscle soreness,” usually happens after starting a new exercise program, changing your exercise routine, or increasing the duration or intensity of regular exercise. It is typically caused by the muscles functioning more or in a different way than they are used to. When will you feel better? It usually lasts 3 to 5 days. The pain, which can range from mild to severe, usually develops a day or two after exercising. You should not confuse this type of pain with any other type of pain you may encounter while activity, such as sharp and sudden pain that occurs as a result of an injury, such as muscle strains or sprains. Who can have muscle pain after sports? Muscle pain after exercise can affect anybody, including individuals who have been active in sports for a long time, such as professional athletes, who are familiar with it. Pain is a normal part of the muscular adaptation process to develop endurance and strength while the muscles recover and strengthen. The good news is that pain reduces as you exercise and your muscles adjust to the new kind and amount of activity. Treatment tips These tips may help relieve symptoms: Rest Ice packs Take painkillers when needed. Massage the affected area. You should see a doctor, if your pain becomes unbearable, you have severe swelling, or your urine turns dark. Prevention One of the best ways to prevent muscle pain after any physical activity is to start a new activity gently and gradually to help the muscles adjust to the new movements to reduce the pain. Also, warming up will reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance.

Muscle pain after exercising?! But why? Read More »

Close-up of muscular man showing his bicep while standing against grey background. Healthy bones concept

8 Habits to maintain healthy bones

We should pay more attention to our bones’ health as we get older since the risk of osteoporosis rises and fracture healing gets more difficult! Maintain healthy bones and do not wait until a fracture occurs to start caring for your bones and protecting them. It’s better to start strengthening your bones as soon as possible, preferably throughout the first two decades of life. However, starting late is better than never, especially since healthy habits may be followed at any time to create strong bones and improve their health. Healthy habits to maintain healthy bones Many habits can help you like: 1.     Eat calcium-rich foods Calcium is a necessary nutrient for strong, healthy bones. Most people need at least three servings of calcium-rich foods each day, such as dairy products. A serving size is a glass of milk (250 mL) or eating a slice of cheese (40 g). However, if you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, your doctor may advise you to take a calcium supplement. 2.     Get adequate amounts of vitamin D Vitamin D controls calcium levels in the body, which aids in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. We can get Vitamin D from food such as fatty fish, liver, and egg yolk. As well as the body can produce vitamin D when exposed to direct sunshine. But the quantity of sun exposure needed is determined by your skin type, the time of year, and other environmental factors. Prolonged sun exposure, on the other hand, can cause considerable damage to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. 3.     Eat a balanced diet Your meals should contain protein from meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice. 4.     Pay more attention to your drinks Alcohol, tea, coffee, cola, and other soft drinks reduce the amount of calcium you absorb and weaken your bones! Therefore, try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and replace caffeinated drinks with water. 5.     Reduce the amount of salt in food Try to limit the amount of salt you eat daily as there are beliefs that salt accelerates the body’s loss of calcium! Adults are advised to consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, which equates to less than a teaspoon of salt. You can replace the salt with some herbs or lemon juice. Don’t forget to read nutrition labels and look for foods with 120 mg of sodium or less per 100 grams. 6.     Maintain a healthy weight Can you believe that being underweight puts you at risk for osteoporosis and that losing a lot of weight on a strict diet too rapidly might raise the risk of osteoporosis? Being underweight in women can affect the amount of estrogen in your body, which can harm your bones and cause women to stop having monthly periods. 7.     Be physically active When bones are used, they become stronger. One of the greatest methods to strengthen bones is to engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, dancing, and tennis. 8.     Quit smoking Smoking decreases bone mass and raises your risk of osteoporosis! You should try to quit smoking, and you can get aid from your doctor to do so.

8 Habits to maintain healthy bones Read More »

Man hands giving foot massage to yourself after a long walk, suffering from pain in heel spur and plantar fasciitis

What’s Heel Spur? Advice on how to avoid

Heel spur affect around 15% of the world’s population! They are bony growths that emerge from the bottom of the heel bone inside the foot as a result of strain on the foot ligaments. Is it a heel spur or plantar fasciitis? It is true that heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are related problems, but they are not the same. Because: Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is overly torn or stretched, resulting in severe heel pain that comes and goes throughout the day. It differs in that it eases while walking, then returns when sitting, and then increases to move for a longer time. As for the heel spur, it occurs as a response to plantar fasciitis for a long time, so that the body builds additional bone tissue that turns into a spur in the heel! Heel spur treatment A heel spur is treated in the same way as plantar fasciitis is. Because plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that indicates a heel spur. So, treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis aids in the relief of the associated pain. Treatment includes: Resting your heels after running. Using cold compresses or ice. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, if needed. Stretching before activity Wearing shoes or using shoe inserts that protect the plantar fascia. Your doctor will help you choose what is right for you. A few cases may need surgery to remove the heel spur as part of plantar fasciitis surgery. Tips you can take to prevent There are several factors that increase the risk of infection. Fortunately, some factors can be changed, but some factors cannot be changed. The following tips can help you: Choose soft surfaces such as grass and paths over hard surfaces when running. Wear shoes that fit and support your foot. Do not walk barefoot on any hardwood or tile floors. Walk properly to alleviate strain on your heels. You may get advice from Health and Style Medical Center and have a walking gait assessment. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your heels. Change your daily routine to avoid standing on your feet for long periods as much as possible. Non-modifiable factors Age; some natural changes occur as we get older such as: The plantar fascia becomes less flexible and more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Lose the natural fat pads under your feet gradually. You have high arches.

What’s Heel Spur? Advice on how to avoid Read More »

Close up on Woman feet on scale to measure her weight. Obesity and foot problems concept

Can obesity cause foot problems?!

Our feet do a lot of tasks in our daily lives such as supporting our bodies and carrying our body weight. Therefore, being overweight or obese causes pain in the feet, because it means increased load and pressure on the joints! So, yes, obesity cause foot problems! Given that the prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world, resulting in an increased incidence of foot problems, increased joint pain, and damages from being overweight in recent years. Does weight cause foot problems? Indeed, studies have proven that the higher the weight of the individual, the greater the pressure on his feet and the greater the chance of getting foot problems. Obesity and foot problems Being overweight or obese may cause a lot of foot problems, for example: Feet pain due to increased pressure on the joints People who are overweight are more likely to develop flat feet. Obesity and overweight increase the risk of nerve damage and diabetic foot in people with diabetes, and increase the risk of diabetes itself! Obesity and being overweight are among the factors that increase the incidence of gout. Overweight increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Although the causes of osteoarthritis are unknown, obesity increases the risk of it due to the extra pressure it places on your joints, especially the knees. Overweight and obesity? Being overweight or obese occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that results in an abnormal or excessive buildup of fat. BMI is a cheap technique to determine a person’s weight category, whether they are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. You can calculate it yourself by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his height in meters squared. If a person’s BMI is more than 25, he or she is considered overweight. Weight loss tips Do not miss breakfast Eat foods rich in fiber and increase fruits and vegetables. Keep healthy food on hand. For example, keep a bowl of fruit on the counter and prepackaged vegetables in the fridge. So, when you feel hungry, you will have a healthy snack. Reduce your temptations If you can’t control yourself in front of sweets, don’t keep stocks at home. Be more active and exercise. In addition to its role in overall health, it helps in weight loss or maintenance. Always avoid eating all of the dishes directly from the bowl or bag because it causes overeating.

Can obesity cause foot problems?! Read More »

Full length shot of healthy young man wearing yellow sweat shirt running on the promenade in the morning.

Why Running could be the best option?

Regular physical activity, at least once or twice a week, lowers the risk of developing heart disease or stroke. You are aware of this fact but confused about which exercise to start with. What about a simple and cost-free exercise? Then running is the answer. Why running is the best option to start with? Running is free to do anywhere and helps burn more calories than any other regular exercise. Regular running reduces the risk of long-term diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can improve your mood Helps you maintain a healthy weight No special equipment is required Planning first Here you have decided to run to stay active, but first, you have to plan well and know what you need about each step for each step, for example Before you start Consult your doctor if you feel that you are not in good shape, recovering from a recent injury, or have any medical conditions to make sure that your activity and intensity are fit with your fitness and health. You will also need to pay attention to new details such as: Choosing a good pair of shoes that fit your feet to provide comfort for your feet. Paying attention to the distance you are running with this shoe and purchase a new one every 482 to 644 km because the shoe structure weakens over time Planning your running route and the time you will run. For women, they should consider using a sports bra because it is sturdier than a regular bra and provides additional support. It’s time to run It is important to rest, start with small distances, run slowly, and gradually increase the speed and distance during several walks to help you avoid injury and enjoy the experience. You also have to: Warm up for at least 5 minutes before each run, including brisk walking, knee lifts, and climbing stairs. Beginning to walk for a while makes you feel comfortable. The first time you try to alternate between running and walking, then the next time, make the running periods longer. Rest a few minutes after you finish and do some stretching. Make sure to run regularly at least twice a week for beginners to help your body adapt. Regularity is important and it is better to run 2 days a week than to run 6 times a week and then stop running for 3 weeks. Tips will help you run and get regular Setting a goal that suits your physical fitness and health condition motivates you to keep going. Write down the goals you achieved each day such as distance, time, and how you feel after completion, and read them when you feel the need to back out. Run with family or a friend to keep yourself motivated. Make running more enjoyable by changing your running route, time, and distance regularly.

Why Running could be the best option? Read More »

Woman suffering from dry and cracked heels and using foot file to on a white background

9 Tips to treat dry and cracked heels

Dry, cracked heels are caused by a lack of skin moisture, which can be worsened by wearing open-back shoes such as sandals. Dry and cracked heels should not be ignored because they can cause pain if left unattended and can cause deeper cracks over time, increasing the risk of infection. Causes of dry heels First and before knowing the ways to care for the heels and treat their dryness, we must know the causes of dry heels, which include: Dry or cold air Hot and dry air Air conditioners that cool the air but remove moisture Taking long, hot showers or taking a lot of showers frequently Washing the heels frequently Some types of soaps and detergents Certain skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema Getting older because the skin becomes thinner and produces less natural oil Tips to treat and prevent dry heels Treatment begins with paying more attention to your feet to include Moisturize the feet at least twice daily. It is best to use a moisturizer after showering because it helps lock in moisture in the skin. Use emollients such as Eucerin or Cetaphil Putting moisturizers that contain substances that help remove dead skin and soften the skin, such as urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid. But use it with caution as it may cause skin irritation. Use a foot file once or twice a week to remove hard skin. Wear socks and closed shoes from the back, even in hot weather, if you notice dry skin or cracks in the skin. Avoid using products that contain alcohol, perfumes, dyes, or other chemicals. Take a short shower with warm water. Drink plenty of water. Continue to apply the cream daily even after the skin has recovered to prevent its recurrence. Night care routine Give your heels more attention before going to bed by following these steps: Soak your feet for 10 minutes in plain, soapy water. Gently rub your heels with a loofah or foot scrubber to help remove dead skin. Apply a thick cream containing Vaseline, Aquaphor…etc. Wear a pair of thin cotton socks at bedtime to help moisturizer work more effectively.

9 Tips to treat dry and cracked heels Read More »

Arabian bearded man Exercising at Home and doing stretching in living room interior, on floor, looking at laptop with bottle of water on floor.

Exercising at home… The tips or tricks

Exercising regularly will help you maintain your health, fitness, and a healthy weight, as well as lower your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but with the increase in the number of people infected with corona, going to the gym has become a difficult or almost impossible decision. As a result, exercising at home is your final and best choice, which, thankfully, does not need any particular equipment. Tricks to exercise at home Use household items such as full water bottles for strength training if you do not have weights at home. Walk or run up and downstairs while maintaining social distancing. Take advantage of the time watching TV and do some exercise such as jumping during commercials, moving along with your favorite character in the movie, or even walking or running in the place. Dance to your favorite music and move with different beats. You only need eight songs to exercise for 30 minutes, so make sure you pick your best music to improve your mood and spirit. Allocate time for family games such as hide-and-seek and jump together, as it is a suitable way to activate all family members and strengthen family bonds. Sweep and clean the house and other household chores and count them as your physical activity. Stick to the basics Exercising at home is not much different from exercising in gyms, for example, you will need to Warm up properly before starting to prevent injury and to make the exercises more effective. The warm-up routine takes approximately 6 minutes. Stretching and calming exercises after exercise to relax, improve flexibility, and slow the heart rate. It usually takes about 5 minutes. Drink fluids when doing any activity. How much exercise do you need? The time required varies depending on the state of your health, but you should aim to exercise 150 minutes every week. You can spread your activity throughout the week, for example, 30 minutes for 5 days a week would be ideal. You can also split them up over the same day.

Exercising at home… The tips or tricks Read More »

Closeup back view of sportsman with muscle strain and pain touching his leg

Muscle strain… learn the basics

Muscle strain is a common injury that can be treated most of the time at home and often affects the knees, feet, legs, or back. Do I have muscle strain? You probably have muscle strain if you can’t put weight on the injury or even use the injured area normally and you feel: Pain Muscle weakness and inability to use the injured area. Swelling or bruising of the affected area muscle spasms What should I do if I have muscle strain? For the first two days, follow these steps to reduce swelling and support injury: Rest and stop doing any exercise, but be sure to move the affected area constantly. The physiotherapist may put you on a program of some light exercises appropriate for your condition. Avoid putting any weight on the injury, but try to walk as naturally as possible. Apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel on the injury for 20 minutes and repeat this step every 2 to 3 hours. Wrap a bandage around the injury to support it. Elevate the place of injury on the pillow as much as possible. Also, avoid hot baths or exposing the affected area to heat, alcohol, and massage for the first two days to help prevent swelling. How long does it take to recover? You may gradually return to normal life if the pain settles. Some severe cases take months to recover again, while most cases improve after two weeks. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks to avoid the risk of further damage. It is best to refer to the doctor to determine when you can return to sports based on the speed of your recovery, not in days or weeks because the recovery rate varies from person to person. Often you will be able to exercise again when the injured area regains its strength compared to the uninjured area, such as: Flex the injury site without pain. Jogging without limping. Jump on the affected area without feeling any pain. Factors affecting healing Recovery usually takes six to eight weeks. However, you may experience discomfort and swelling for a longer time. Following these tips will give your ankle a better chance of healing: Use meditation and deep breathing techniques to relieve stress. Sleep from 6 to 9 hours Ensure that you have a balanced diet and take vitamin D, as it helps reduce joint pain. Quit smoking because it causes musculoskeletal pain and delayed recovery.

Muscle strain… learn the basics Read More »

Young woman holding a pair of smelly and stinky shoes at home. Smelly feet concept

10 tips to get rid of Smelly Feet

Smelly feet are a common problem all year that can cause embarrassment and reduce your self-esteem. Sweaty feet are often the cause of smelly feet; therefore, the first piece of advice is to avoid sweating!   Why do feet sweat? Before knowing how to overcome this problem and treat it, we need to know the causes which may be due to: Hormonal changes that cause excessive sweating, which mostly affect teens and pregnant women. Standing all day. Wear shoes that are too tight. Having a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Wear the shoes after washing them and before they dry well. Treatment Although you may not be able to get rid of the bad smell completely, you can reduce it by following these steps: Wash your feet every day, soak them in water and rub them, but do not forget to dry them well, especially between the toes. You can also use antibacterial soap once a day. Wear cotton, wool, or athletic socks, and change them every day and also when you get wet. Choose shoes with care and ensure that they fit properly, since tight shoes may cause your feet to sweat more than usual. Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row and try to let them dry in a well-ventilated place before wearing them again. Wash shoes or insoles if they are washable, but be sure to dry them thoroughly and completely before putting them on. Avoid shoes made of plastic. Some plastics materials do not allow your feet to breathe. Take off your shoes as soon as you get home and let your feet breathe a little, but don’t walk barefoot a lot. Do not share shoes or towels. Keep your nails short and clean and remove any tough skin with a foot file. Follow a routine for taking care of your feet. But if you sweat a lot, you might want to try: Spray deodorant or antiperspirant on your feet. Medical insoles that have a deodorizing effect. Foot powder to absorb sweat. Special anti-bacterial socks Leather or cloth shoes because they allow your feet to breathe unlike plastic shoes When do you see a doctor? Although smelly feet is a harmless problem, sometimes it can be a sign of a medical condition! Therefore, you will need to consult a podiatrist to prescribe the appropriate treatment for you if the previous advice did not help, or if you feel that the rate of sweating is abnormally high.

10 tips to get rid of Smelly Feet Read More »

Health and style medical centre logo (HSMC)

About us

The Abu Dhabi Podiatry heel pain Clinic  at Health and style Medical Center renders services to frequent patients per year. In Abu Dhabi Podiatry Clinic Diabetic foot care and general preventative care services are emphasized in the clinic while special procedures including nail and skin reconstruction are also available.

Contact info

Clinic Timing: