Month: May 2020

Foot Help for Healthcare Workers

Posted by drjills on in Heel0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we salute the many doctors, nurses and first responders who have been working long hours on the front lines during the COVID 19 pandemic. Being on your feet for extended periods of time without a break can cause foot pain and exacerbate several common disorders such as bunions, flat feet, corns, calluses, blisters and plantar fasciitis. Constantly being on the move can lead to sweaty feet which increases your risk for fungal infections. Below are some ways that healthcare workers and others whose jobs require them to stand or walk for significant periods can find relief and decrease the potential for foot and ankle discomfort.

  • Wear good shoes. The right shoes are a healthcare worker’s good friend. Shoes that fit properly and have sturdy arch support are key. A cushioned insole and padded heel cup will increase comfort. No slip soles are also essential for preventing slips and falls. You can make your shoes more comfortable by adding Gel Heel Cups or Memory Foam Insoles.
  • Keep an emergency supply kit handy. Pack a pair or two of extra socks and change when you notice your feet feel damp. This will limit the amount of time your feet spend in a moist environment and hopefully help you head off a case of athlete’s foot. Foot powder will also be helpful. It’s also a good idea to have some Gel Moleskin to apply to sore spots and prevent painful blisters from forming.
  • Take breaks. Even on busy days if you can find a few minutes to sit down and take the weight of your feet, you’ll fare better in the long run. Put feet up if possible.
  • Rotate tasks. If your workplace and the work you have to complete allows it, try to alternate tasks with co-workers. Not only will this help keep you mentally fresh, changing your physical position and movements will help prevent fatigue and repetitive pressure in one part of the body.

Thank your healthcare workers for all that they have bravely offered to your patients during this trying time.

For all workers with tired and achy feet, check out our complete selection of helpful foot products on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723) if you need assistance.

Getting Back in the Game with Walking or Running

Posted by drjills on in arch, plantar fasciitis0 Comment

As many parts of the country are starting to re-open and we’re seeing more days of nice weather, we at Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads know that many people will be looking to increase their exercise, especially if COVID 19 disrupted your normal fitness routine. One good way to do this is by starting a walking or running program. There are several pros to these forms of exercise:

  • It allows you to workout and maintain a safe social distance
  • It’s free
  • You can do it practically anywhere—even indoors if you have a treadmill

As with any sound exercise program, however, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:

Start Slowly—doing too much too soon is a surefire way to incur injuries. The best plans are those that begin with a low level of intensity of activity for a relatively short period of time and then build up gradually to more strenuous, longer walks/runs.

Take Care of Your Feet—of course, a pair of good quality running or walking shoes is a prerequisite for this type of exercise. If you currently have shoes, inspect them to make sure there are no signs of wear. Be sure that your footwear addresses any chronic foot problems that you have. If plantar fasciitis or flatfeet are a concern, for example, you’ll want to make sure your shoes have excellent arch support. We offer several products that can help, including: our Plantar Fasciitis Arch Sleeve and Arch Steppers. Our Full-Length Orthotics can help correct foot imbalances and promote the proper alignment of feet for decreased pressure on painful areas of the foot and ankle and improved biomechanical function. If you suffer with heel pain, you might appreciate our Gel Heel Cup which provides comfortable cushioning with every step.

Deal with Pain Promptly—if your new walking or running plan results in new or increased foot or ankle pain, contact your Podiatrist to schedule a telemedicine or in-person visit to evaluate the source the of your discomfort. Some problems, such as “runner’s toe,” where your toe gets bruised from the repeated pounding up against the front of your shoe, are not harmful and can be relieved with a product like our All Gel Toe Cap. Your foot doctor will be able to prescribe the correct treatment for your foot problem.

We have many products that can increase comfort when walking or running. See all of our products on our online catalog. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).

Diabetic Patients Need to Offload Pressure

Posted by drjills on in arch, Bunion, Callus, Corns, Hammer Toe0 Comment

At Dr. Jill’s Foot Pads, we know that many patients have been reluctant during the COVID crisis to get the care they need for medical conditions. Diabetic patients, however, cannot put off seeking treatment for developing or worsening wounds or ulcers. Regularly inspecting your feet for signs of potential problems such as:

is essential. You should report any unusual or concerning symptoms to your Podiatrist promptly.

Preventing Sores

One important way to protect your feet if you have diabetes is to not allow consistent pressure on one part of your foot. Many patients with this disease experience abnormal levels of oils in the skin of their feet which can make it more vulnerable to breaking down. If you notice a sore spot, consider Gel Callus Cushions, or Gel Dancer’s Pad (Sesamoid Pads). Both of these feature a cut-out area that can surround a sensitive spot and redistribute weight around the affected area.

Avoiding friction from footwear is another way to avoid blisters and sores on your skin. Flip flops, although helpful for preventing fungal infections at the pool, can cause irritation between the toes. Our Gel Sandal Toe Thong Cushion solves the problem, surrounding the thong part of the shoe and eliminating uncomfortable rubbing. You can also use our Gel Moleskin or Moleskin Sheets, both of which can be custom cut and placed anywhere on your foot that is rubbing against your shoes.

In some cases, toe deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, may become the source of secondary issues such as corns and calluses. Products like the Slip-On Felt Bunion Pad and One Toe Gel Crest Pad can help offload pressure and prevent wounds from forming.

View all of our helpful products on our online catalog to find out what we offer. All items are easily ordered online, and we are offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Contact us by calling: (866) FOOT-PAD (366-8723).