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  • Writer's pictureShante Shanelle

Happy Feet (Part 2)

Welcome back to the part 2 of Happy Feet!! In this part of the series I will discuss runners feet which is a common foot injury in runners, and also discuss athletes's foot which as common foot disorder.

Disclaimer: I am not a physician nor do I want you as my readers to start self diagnosing from the information that I provide. If you feel you may suffer from any  infection/injury or have symptoms discussed in this blog PLEASE speak to a physician.

📷RUNNER'S FEET

Runner's Feet is a very painful but common injury that runners and some fitness enthusiasts face. Runner's Feet takes place on the toe's nail bed which is located under the nail plate. The nail bed is being traumatized during running and jumping. The tissue under the nail is rich in blood vessels, while running/jumping a lot pressure is place on those blood vessels causing them to burst. Blisters also form do to the friction that is made on the skin as you plant and jump off your foot as you run/jump.

Sneakers that are improperly sized or improperly proportioned to the way your foot is naturally built can put pressure on the front of the foot. Another factor could be the socks that you wear. I remember having issues with certain types of socks when I ran. Some of them caused my feet to slide around in my sneaker. I hated that feeling so I ran without socks on. Running downhill can cause pressure to the foot because the feet are sliding forward most of time hitting the front of your sneaker.

These factors can traumatize the nail that protects that bed. As a result, the nail bed bleeds, making the toenail appear black. The buildup of blood also creates pressure that can push up the nail. The nail can then detach from the nail matrix, which is the area at the base of the nail from which new nails grow. Running can actually permanently damage the matrix to the extent where the nail never grows back.

If you happen to suffer/have suffered from runner's feet there are a few of ways to avoid runner's feet in the future.

  • Keep your toe nails at a short length. (Clip or File as often as needed)

  • Buy the proper foot gear (Sneakers AND Socks)

  • Try not to run downhill. Walk down hill

  • DO NOT KEEP RUNNING IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SORE TOENAILS. Rest your feet.

  • See a physician for extreme cases of Runners's Feet

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"]📷 Example: of runners feet[/caption]

FOOT FUNGI & ATHLETE'S FOOT

The feet are very important parts of the body on both humans and land walking animals. The health of the feet is something that should not be taken lightly.  Regular washing and groom such as trimming of the toes are necessary for good foot health.  As with any other part of the body the feet MUST be cleaned everyday. When taking a shower wash the feet with soap and water. Make sure to completely dry the feet especially getting in between those toes because missing the step has the potential to breed fungi. Pedicures provide great benefits to the feet if they are provided properly. Now lets talk about some common foot disorders.

We are all aware that we can get fungus on our finger nails right?  We are all also aware that acrylic overlay or acrylic tips alone DO NOT cause fungi on the hands and nails right? If for any reason there is anyone that is not familiar or does not know this information I urge you to read 5 Misconceptions of Nail Care.

In the nail industry fungi is a huge concern this is because fungi is contagious, and can be transmitted through contaminated implements. Clients are more likely to have fungi on their feet as oppose to the hands because fungi grows and multiples in dark, warm, and moist places. Client's that have fungi commonly have the nail infection on one to two toes. The bottom of the foot can also show signs of fungi as well.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="455"]📷 Example: Fungi  on the toe nail[/caption][caption id="" align="alignnone" width="341"]📷 Example: Foot Fungi on the bottom of the foot[/caption]

Nail techs are required to refuse services on clients that have fungi and MUST refer clients to a physician. Please be responsible do not allow services to be done if you know you have foot fungi. This also applies any other contagious disorder such as warts. I had an instructor who received a wart on her finger from a client who she gave pedicure services to. The wart was removed of course but from that point on she wore gloves when providing  ALL services. I would also advise you the to check out your nail tech hands as well. You wouldn't want to receive anything that is contagious either.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="317"]📷 Example: Severe case of Athlete's foot[/caption]

Lets turn our focus now to Athlete's foot medically termed as Tinea Pedis. It is a contagious skin fungal infection of the foot. Athlete's foot  very common is often contracted by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are so tight that air cannot move around your feet. There are 3 types of foot fungus: Interdigital /toe web infection, Moccasin, and Vesicular.

Interdigital/Toe Web Infection: Usually occurs between the two smallest toes and has the potential to spread to the sole of the foot. It causes itching, burning, and scaling of the infected area.

Moccasin- Usually effects the entire sole of the foot and extends to the sides of the foot. This infection type can begin with minor irritation, dryness, itching or scaly skin.

Vesicular: It not very common but involves a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are usually on the bottom of the foot. But they can appear anywhere on your foot. You also can get a bacterial infection with this type of athlete's foot.

There are many over the counter medications and medicines out there to treatment and cure Athlete's foot BUT I would strongly suggest that you speak to your doctor FIRST.

📷

Please take care of your feet... you only get to have two.

Until Next time Have a Blingstatic Day!

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