Alaa Hamdy

Author name: Alaa Hamdy

Man wearing winter slippers lifting his feet on a table to improve circulation in legs representing footcare

Tips to improve circulation to legs

People, particularly diabetics, are more interested in tips to improve circulation to the legs to combat the vascular disease which causes slow healing. It’s true that eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising all contribute to the prevention of recurring sores. In addition to taking care of your feet, drinking adequate water, and maintaining your skin in excellent condition all play an important role in wound healing. But you should look after your feet and improve circulation in your legs by doing the following: Raising feet Try to raise your legs when sitting at least at the same level as your hips, because it helps improve blood flow returning from the feet to the heart, which prevents its accumulation in the feet. Put pillows on a footrest or place pillows under your legs when lying on the couch, as it helps distribute the weight so that all the weight is not on the heels. Avoid sleeping on a chair all night, because this may cause poor blood circulation and increase swelling. Quit Smoking Smoking causes damage to the circulatory system; which increases the risk of developing leg ulcers, and smoking can make it difficult for wounds to heal. Exercising Exercising is important since it helps improve circulation and helps enhance your overall health. For example, when you walk, the muscles in your legs help blood flow! So even if you are unable to walk, you should do some exercise to get the same benefit. Here are some simple exercises you can try every day: Move your toes forward and backward five times. Sit on a chair and then raise the heels up with the fingers on the floor. Try to make exercise a part of your daily routine as much as possible. Doctor consultation You will need to ask your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: There are wounds on the skin that do not get better Any changes in your foot color and/or temperature You feel pain or tightness in the leg at night Suffering from excessive itching Swollen legs Also, do not neglect any change in your feet, such as feeling numb in particular or affecting your sense of external factors, then consult your doctor, especially if you have diabetes. You can find more information about foot care from here.

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Woman on a coach holding her big toe and experiencing pain in her big toe due to hallux rigidus

Hallux Rigidus: do your feet hurt when walking!

The toes, especially the big toe, help us move and maintain balance, so pain, no matter how little, affects our mobility, making the hallux rigidus a source of severe discomfort due to the pain and joint stiffness it causes as a result of the erosion of the joint surfaces. Sometimes only the upper part of the joint is affected and the rest of the joint is intact, while other times it causes the entire joint to erode. Causes of Hallux Rigidus When walking, the major joint of the big toe is subjected to enormous stress; with each step, it bears a force equal to double the body’s weight! Hallux rigidus might also be the result of a previous injury or another medical condition, such as gout. Symptoms Pain in the big toe when walking or even while at rest. Stiffness and loss of the ability to turn the big toe upwards, sometimes so hard that it cannot be laid flat on the floor. A bony protrusion (bone growth) that may appear above the joint to rub against the shoe. Pain in the ball of the foot or in its outer edges as a result of walking on the side of the foot to avoid the pain of the big toe. Deformation of the toes. Treatment The severity of the case determines treatment. For example, simple treatment methods will help ease the symptoms in the early cases, such as: Wear suitable shoes with a wide toe room and a harder sole to minimize friction across the joint. Use medical insoles which can help improve foot function and reduce pain. Take pain relievers such as Paracetamol. Weight loss If you are overweight, this will reduce the pressure on the foot. A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Other treatment methods may include: Treatment by injection (steroid) into the joint to help reduce pain and inflammation Surgery- if other treatments fail. After Hallux Rigidus surgery? The surgery normally takes approximately an hour, and you should avoid moving it as much as possible for two weeks. If you feel pain, the doctor will prescribe some painkillers for you To avoid foot swelling, rest with your foot lifted on a chair or the end of a sofa at first. About two weeks after the surgery, you will return to the clinic to remove the stitches. Your doctor may ask you to wear a surgical shoe so that the bones can heal safely You will frequently require rehabilitation treatment before returning to your favorite activities.

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A podiatrist (feet doctor) wearing a green scrub and treating a foot ulcer on the patient's leg in a clinic room

Foot ulcer! What you need to know

Foot ulcers may take several weeks or months to heal and can occur for simple reasons such as walking barefoot, poor foot hygiene, or severe dry skin, but the ulcer can deteriorate and become infected and in rare cases can lead to gangrene or amputation! Foot ulcer symptoms Symptoms often include leg swelling, burning, or itching, as well as a rash, redness, brown discoloration, or dry, scaly skin. Foot ulcer treatment Before the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment for you, he will need to do a complete examination, including asking about your medical history, examining the blood circulation and nerve supply to your feet, and according to the condition of the ulcer, the duration of your infection, and its cause. The doctor may remove hard skin or dead tissue to help heal the ulcer, know its size, reduce pressure on the ulcer, and can also rid you of any infection. Then he will cover the sore with an appropriate bandage. Also, antibiotics will be prescribed in case of infection based on the severity of the infection. Ulcer care at home Keeping the wound clean and dry Change the bandage according to the doctor’s instructions Drink plenty of fluids Eat a healthy diet Wearing the right shoes Advice for the patients Gently wash your legs and feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry your skin and feet, especially between the toes. Check your legs, the top and bottom of your feet, and between your toes for blisters daily. Apply a moisturizing cream to prevent the skin from drying out and cracking, but avoid applying it between your toes or on areas. Trim your nails regularly. Keep your feet comfortable and healthy. People with diabetes should visit the doctor periodically and control their blood glucose levels. Quit Smoking. Keep foot bandages dry. Visit the podiatrist when there is any problem. Avoid staying in the same pose for a long time. Complete your antibiotic course. Consult your doctor before stopping any medication. Prevention Taking the following steps can help prevent the condition from getting worse: Quitting Smoking Controlling blood pressure Maintaining blood cholesterol and triglyceride in healthy levels Reducing the amount of salt in your diet Maintaining a normal level of the blood glucose Playing sports Losing weight if you are overweight You can also learn more about foot care tips from here.

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Sporty male suffering from muscle ache in calf while running and playing sports and holding his injured leg sports injuries concept

Sports injuries… treatment & prevention tips

There is no doubt that exercising is useful and helps us get healthy, but nothing is perfect! And sports injuries are the dark side. However, most sports injuries are preventable and they usually occur due to excessive exercise or the application of more force than the body can handle. Knowing the causes and home remedies tips can make a big difference, so let’s take a quick look at it: Causes of sports injuries Sports injuries can occur for various reasons such as: an accident such as a fall Not warming up properly before exercise Using inappropriate equipment Exercising a lot Improper training or play Wearing poorly fitting shoes Most common sports injuries Despite that, any part of the body can be affected, but the ankles and knees are more susceptible. The most common injuries include: Ankle sprain Ankle strain Knee Injuries Achilles tendon Bone fractures Treatment If you are injured or experience pain when exercising, stop immediately since continuing to play or exercise will result in more damage. Then follow the RICE method which will help prevent further damage: Rest Avoid using the affected area for 2-3 days. Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 2-3 days. Compression bandage over the area that hurts. Elevate the affected area above the level of the heart at all times and as much as you can. Also, consult a doctor as soon as possible, and do not expose the injured area to heat. Sometimes you may need to take analgesic medications for pain relief, rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery! Before you begin exercising again, be sure you are completely recovered. Start gradually and avoid overburdening the injured area. Prevention You can reduce your risk of injury by: Warming up properly and for enough time before exercising Stretching after exercise Using the appropriate tools for the sport you practice, for example wearing running shoes for running, and shin guards for football Following the correct techniques Tell us if you’ve ever had a sports injury.

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close up of feet of senior man on the tale to avoid swollen feet at home

Swollen feet know the causes then treat it

Painless swelling of the lower extremities, such as swollen feet, ankle, calves, and thighs, is a common problem, especially among the elderly. It usually occurs as a result of fluid buildup in them. It can also affect both legs, affecting the calf muscles or even the thighs. Common causes of swollen feet Swollen feet often occur due to: Standing or sitting for long periods. This is caused by gravity, which naturally pulls water into your legs and feet. Weak valves in the veins in the legs (venous insufficiency) that make it difficult for blood to return to the heart and lead to fluid buildup in the legs. Having some diseases such as congestive heart failure, lung diseases, liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Taking some medications such as medications that some blood pressure medications or birth control pills or antidepressants or stimulants. Pregnancy Because your body retains more fluid during pregnancy, hormonal changes also play a role. Eating a lot of salty foods. Overweight Ankle sprain or strain Insect bite or sting As you have noticed, the reasons range from simple reasons that can be overcome with some changes in your life system to major problems that need to consult a doctor immediately, so you will need to visit the hospital if you have leg swelling with any of the following signs or symptoms: Chest pain Breathing difficulties Shortness of breath with exertion or lying-in bed Fainting or dizziness Coughing up blood or if the swelling It occurred unexpectedly and for no apparent cause Caused by a bodily injury such as a fall, a sports injury, or a motor vehicle accident Occurs in one leg and is painful or accompanied by cold and pale skin Tips Placing a pillow under your legs when lying down may reduce swelling associated with fluid buildup. Walking or doing light exercises to improve blood circulation. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes Foot care Avoid standing or sitting for long periods If you need to stand or sit for long periods, give yourself frequent breaks and move around unless movement causes pain. Reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Wear elastic compression stockings, but avoid tights around the top. Take medicines prescribed by the doctor and do not stop them without talking to him even if you suspect that they will cause swelling. Consult a pharmacist to prescribe an analgesic for the pain associated with the swelling. Additional tips for pregnant women Sleeping on the left side because this reduces pressure on the veins that return blood to your heart. Wearing compression stockings, but after consulting your physician. Standing or walking in the pool, some researches indicate the role of water pressure in obtaining temporary relief from swelling during pregnancy. Wear loose-fitting clothing because tight clothing can restrict blood flow. Treatment After making certain lifestyle changes, such as reducing weight or eating a low-salt diet, the swelling will often go away on its own. But you may need to see a doctor if the condition does not improve within a few days.

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Foot care concept by putting green clay mask on feet on white brick wall

18 Foot care tips & for your feet health

Foot care is important for your general health since taking care of your feet and treating common foot problems may help prevent the condition from worsening or leaving you unable to stand on your feet, putting you at danger of falling. If you have poor circulation or diabetes, you should check your feet every day. Foot care tips Foot care routine Gently use a foot file or a pumice stone to scrape off the hard skin, but don’t overdo it because it may cause the skin to grow back stronger than before. Apply a moisturizing cream to keep the skin soft, but avoid putting the cream between your toes because the skin here is already soft enough. Be sure to walk and take a walk, even if it’s only around the home for a picnic. This will help stimulate blood circulation and keep your joints moving. Elevate your feet when sitting because it helps reduce swelling in the ankles. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Wash your feet daily with warm water. Use a gentle soap. Avoid soaking the feet because it may cause dryness of the skin. Dry your feet well and gently, and be sure to dry between the toes well to avoid catching a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot. When using public places such as gym pools or swimming pools, wear flip flops or pool shoes to avoid getting athlete’s foot. Cut your nails straight. Do not cut it from the sides as this may result in an ingrown toenail. Change your socks every day. Choose cotton or wool socks. Consult a podiatrist if you suffer from foot pain. Shoes Use appropriate shoe inserts to help reduce pressure on protruding joints. Wear shoes that fit your foot shape. Limit the time wearing high heels, wear high heels and pointed shoes only for special occasions. Don’t wear sandals or open shoes all the time, as they do not provide support for your feet and can cause foot pain if you wear them a lot. How do you start? There are a lot of tips and methods that may confuse you, but don’t worry, you should start with: Knowing the positive habits, you are already doing and continuing to do them. Decide what changes you can make Develop a plan to start implementing these changes

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Young woman suffering from Raynaud's disease wearing grey tights and cozy socks sitting on her bed with a book and coffee

Raynaud’s disease and cold feet!

Winter is approaching, and with it, cold extremities. Most of us suffer from cold feet in the winter, and some of us hate winter because of it! However, you may stop blaming the winter and begin blaming Raynaud’s disease, since it may cause freezing feet! Let’s find out more about this disease… What is Raynaud’s disease? Normally, our bodies respond to cold weather by constricting blood vessels to keep the body warm. Similarly, in response to high temperatures, it dilates the blood vessels, enabling blood to flow more easily to the skin and ridding it of heat. Raynaud’s disease affects the blood circulation to certain regions of the body and appears as an excessive reaction to cold conditions, so the blood capillaries constrict more than usual to keep the body and internal organs warm, which results in reducing blood flow to extremities leading to turning cold feet blue and finally white. Raynaud’s symptoms might persist from a few minutes to many hours. Symptoms Change in skin color Pain Numbness Tingling feeling Difficulty moving the affected area Treatment You can usually treat Raynaud’s disease by following a few tips, although sometimes medication may be necessary. Tips for patients Keeping the house warm Wearing warm clothes in cold weather Wear gloves and warm socks Exercising regularly to improve blood circulation Practicing yoga to help you relax Eat a healthy and balanced diet stop smoking Reduce drinks that contain a lot of caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola In case that you experience an attack and the symptoms arise, go to a warm room and move around and move your fingers and toes to increase blood flow. It can also help to put your hands under warm water, but pay attention to water temperature because numbness can make it difficult to assess water temperature. Medication Most often, your doctor will prescribe calcium channel blockers because they dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow and relieve symptoms. Depending on the pattern of symptoms and how well you respond to treatment, you may be asked to take the medication every day, or you may only need to take it during a sudden cold snap. When do you consult a doctor? If your symptoms are getting worse Symptoms affecting your daily activities Symptoms appear on only one side of the body You suffer from joint pain, rash, or muscle weakness Your symptoms first appeared after the age of thirty If your child is younger than 12 and has symptoms of Raynaud’s disease

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Flowers around beautiful female feet that don't have nail problems with the French pedicure focusing on feet nail

Common causes of nail problems and how to care for your nails

Nail problems, such as brittle and loose nails that may change color or shape, are usually caused by nothing serious. It’s normal for your nails to change shape over time, such as: It gets thicker or becomes brittle and breaks easily with age It becomes firmer, softer, or more brittle during pregnancy, but should be healthier within 6 months after delivery. Discoloration and fall off after injury, often growing back within 6 months, however, toenails can take up to 18 months. Tips for taking care of your nails Wear rubber gloves if your hands are often in water or if you use cleaning products regularly Clean your nails with a soft nail brush Apply hand cream regularly to your nails and fingertips Trim your nails regularly, it is best to cut them after showering Cut the infected nails to the site of the injury, as this helps them grow naturally Clip your nails straight to avoid the appearance of an ingrown nail Do not use sharp tools to clean under the nails. Choose the right shoes, here are 15 tips that will help you Stop biting nails or the skin around them Take extra care for fungal infections on your skin, such as athlete’s foot. Causes of nail problems Most nail problems are caused by: Injuries or biting nails Dyeing nails, whether due to smoking or a lot of nail polish Cut nails at an angle or not trim them regularly fungal infection Also, sometimes nail problems can be a symptom of another health problem, such as: nail psoriasis Anemia due to iron deficiency Underactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism diabetic Heart, lung, and liver disease Check your nails regularly You should constantly check your nails because their health can be a sign of your general health. For example, diabetes, lung disease, and liver disease can cause nail discoloration and changes in the growth rate, while nails are usually healthy and smooth. Also, some nail problems must be treated so as not to worsen, such as: Bacterial and fungal infections Ingrown nail Warts When do you visit the doctor? It is true that not all nail conditions are normal, but you will need to consult a doctor if you notice: Changes in nail color, such as a change in the color of the entire nail or the appearance of a dark line under the nail Changes in the shape of the nails Thinning or thickening of nails Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin Bleeding around the nails Swelling or pain around the nails

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patient with Diabetic neuropathy hands giving foot massage to himself after a long walk, suffering from pain in heel

Keep an eye out for Diabetic Neuropathy!

Diabetic neuropathy is the result of nerve damage caused by diabetes. Diabetes is also a major cause of neuropathy that affects half of all diabetics! Diabetic neuropathy most commonly affects the nerves in the feet and hands. High blood glucose levels and level of lipids in the blood can lead to nerve damage over time. Most patients with diabetic neuropathy are unaware they have nerve damage until the doctor notice it during a regular examination or when complications arise. Types of diabetic neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and usually affects the feet and legs, but can also affect the arms. Autonomic neuropathy damages the nerves that control your internal organs, causing problems with your blood pressure, digestive system, etc. Focal neuropathies characterized by the injury of a single nerve, most commonly affecting the hand, head, trunk, or leg. Proximal neuropathy is a rare type of nerve damage in the hip, buttock or thigh. The damage usually affects one side of the body. Symptoms depend on the type of diabetic neuropathy you have. Peripheral neuropathy About one third to one half of diabetics have peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms vary from person to person! But the most common symptoms are numbness, tingling, and discomfort. Symptoms may develop on both feet at the same time. Furthermore, almost half of the patients experience significant foot pain and increased sensitivity to pain! Neuropathic pain is frequently greater at night resulting in disrupting sleep patterns, and these symptoms can have a significant impact on health and wellness for the following reasons: Weakness causes foot abnormalities such as hammer toes and bunions. Damage to the foot may go unnoticed due to numbness. They can all contribute to the formation of a foot ulcer. Causes of diabetic neuropathy High blood levels of glucose and lipids are one of the main causes of neuropathy. Studies have shown that controlling blood glucose level in people with type 1 diabetes can reduce neuropathy by 60%, while this percentage decreases in people with diabetes from Type 2, but controlling lipid levels may reduce the incidence of nerve damage in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy treatment Unfortunately, damaged nerves cannot be repaired, but your doctor may prescribe pain relievers. However, the risk of further foot problems can also be minimized by: Checking the feet regularly for any early signs such as cracks in the skin, signs of infection or deformity. See a podiatrist as soon as you notice a problem, because treating foot ulcers early increases your chances of healing. Maintaining healthy feet and nails Choosing the right socks and shoes for your feet Avoiding activities that may injure the feet Ensuring that your shoes are free of stones, sticks and other foreign objects before wearing them Prevention of diabetic neuropathy Maintain the blood sugar levels within your target range Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight.  Quit smoking. Maintaining blood pressure and blood lipids at a healthy level by changing the diet and adhering to the medications prescribed by the doctor. Consult a podiatrist immediately when any symptoms appear such as pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Examination of the feet at least once a year by a podiatrist at Health and Style Medical Center.

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Man assessing a bunions and hammertoes or bone growth at the base of the big toe on a woman patient in a close up on her foot on red background

What is Bunion? And what are the treatment options?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the foot at the big toe, which causes the big toe to point toward the rest of the toes. The only way to get rid of it is through surgery, however, there are certain things you can do to relieve any pain it may be causing. When doing various tasks, the big toe joint bears and distributes weight, and a bunion in this crucial location can severely affect the operation of the foot, as well as cause harm to the other toes! Calluses might also occur on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms The appearance of a bump on the outside of the big toe Swelling or redness around the joint Persistent pain or intermittent pain Decreased movement of the big toe Causes The causes are not yet clear, but several factors may increase the rate of its formation, such as: Inherited Foot stress Foot deformities such as flat feet Risk factors Bunions are more common among those who work in jobs that require standing and walking for long periods, such as teaching and nursing. The same applies to ballerinas because their feet suffer from severe repetitive stress. Due to hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments and flatten the feet, women might develop foot issues like bunions during pregnancy. Many theories suggest that shoes may cause bunions, especially narrow or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to become stuck. Bunions may also accompany arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment Podiatrist at Health and style medical center will recommend the most appropriate treatment options depending on the severity of the condition and the degree of pain you are experiencing. Treatment options include: Non-surgical treatment Changing shoes, it is preferable to wear wide and comfortable shoes that provide enough room for your toes. Using footpads because it may help relieve pain. Medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain. Shoe inserts can help in distributing the pressure evenly when moving your feet; This reduces symptoms and prevents the bunion from getting worse. Over-the-counter foot inserts may provide relief for some people. Orthotic devices may be recommended by your podiatrist. Applying ice, especially after standing for a long time, but if you have problems with blood circulation in your feet, consult a doctor before using ice. Surgery Your doctor will most likely recommend surgery if the above methods do not relieve your pain effectively, especially since surgery is not recommended unless you have frequent pain or it interferes with your everyday activities. There are many surgical procedures for bunions, including: Removing of swollen tissue around the big toe joint Adjust finger position by correcting its position Correction of the odd angle in the big toe Permanent joining of bones You will often be able to walk immediately after the surgery, but it will take a longer time, up to months, to fully recover. To avoid recurrence of the injury, the doctor will also advise you to choose and wear the right shoes after recovery. Choose broad shoes with enough room between your longest toes and the shoe. During the recovery period: Do not drive for 6 to 8 weeks Take 6 to 12 weeks off work if possible. Avoid sports for up to 6 months After bunion surgery: Your toes may not be completely straight Your feet may still be a little wide. Bunions may return after surgery. Complications Bursitis Hammer Toe Metatarsalgia

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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.

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