It is becoming more evident that foot and lower limb function holds one of the keys to a proper golf swing. To transfer weight and produce an efficient swing, proper biomechanical balance of the foot is essential.

Acute foot injuries in golf are not that common, however walking the course , pre-exisiting foot injuries complicated by repetetive weight transference during swing, and improprerly fitting shoes can contribute to foot complaints during golf play.

Other factors such as tight achilles tendons and calves, feet rolling inwards and high arched feet, combined with uneven terrain & uphill lies can cause excessive stretch and torque of tendons contributing to tendinitis. Plantar fasciitis (heel Pain) is one of the most common over use injuries in sport, particularly with golfers who walk the course as opposed to buggy riding.

Golfers who walk undulating fairways or attempt to swing from uneven or uphill lies (sand traps) or who excessively turn the ankle outwards in the follow through swing may suffer an acute ankle sprain. Tight fitting golf shoes can cause nerve entrapment in the foot which results in stabbing pain when walking.

Other problems golfer’s can suffer from are blisters, corns, hammer toes, Athlete’s foot  infections, sweaty feet, dryness of the skin, and heel fissuring and fungal nails.

The golf shoes act as a base of support for the golf swing by reducing foot slippage and offering stability.

There are 3 basic types of golf shoe

1.Welted shoes, the classic shoe with leather upper and stitched leather sole

2.Athletic style shoe

3.Comfort classic shoe which is lighter and more cushioned.

For full biomechanical and gait analysis see your podiatrist, you may need special insoles for your golf shoes, or basic chiropody care. Healthy feet will go towards creating a perfect golf swing!

During pregnancy feet can be problematic and challenging, just reaching your feet in the later stages of pregnancy is not easy! Add to that swelling, cramps, aching, itchiness and varicose veins, feet and pregnancy don’t seem that appealing!

 But foot pain need not be an inevitable part of pregnancy.

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Obviously, what do you want to achieve?

Is it weight loss, general fitness and wellbeing or do you want to join a running club and or just enter races

From my experience Its better to find a running partner or club to start with as this keeps you motivated and once your hooked Its easy to run alone!!

However It dosn’t matter what your goal is the steps are the same.

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Excessive amounts of sweat (hyperhidrosis) are secreted by glands in your feet, and when this happens it effects the skins mechanical strength.

This means for example that your skin between the toes will become waterlogged and white and the skin will tear. The soles of the feet and heels can become waterlogged as well and appear pitted, white,rubbery and painful.

When the skin breaks this can then increase the risk of bacterial infection, which in turn causes the characteristic smelly feet odour. A sweat rash can then develop which consits of tiny blisters which can then block the sweat gland ducts. This results in damage to the tissues and inflammation.

Why do I produce excess sweat in my feet?

Excess sweating may be caused by several factors :

• Wearing non absorbent footwear i.e non-leather shoes
• Wearing nylon socks
• Abnormal foot shape can lead to foot strain which can cause excessive sweating
• It may indicate a medical disorder e.g. an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

How do I stop my feet from sweating and smelling?

• Try sweat absorbing insoles
• Changing and airing footwear frequently
• Wear cotton socks and change twice daily
• Apply astringents e.g. surgical spirit or potassium permanganate footbaths (only use 2-3 crystals)
• Antiperspirants e.g. aluminium chloride
• Deodorants
• Treatment of any foot disorder e.g. flat feet
• Treat any bacterial or fungal infections
• In severe case botox injections can help (injections of botulinum toxin)
• See your podiatrist for a consultation, who can provide stronger treatments
• Iontophoresis is a simple device used to treat excessive sweating of the hands and feet which patients can buy to use at home. Iontophoresis uses water to conduct a mild electric current through the skins surface. It is thought the electric current and mineral particles in the water work together to block the flow of sweat to the skins surface. www.iontophoresis.info

Why do diabetics need to look after their feet?

Diabetes may affect your feet in a number of ways and in some cases may lead to serious complications.

One of the early changes may be loss of sensation in your feet starting in your toes. This is called peripheral neuropathy. It can be gradual, and go unnoticed which is why it is important that you have a diabetic foot assessment annually by a podiatrist.  At Howlett & Dickinson we provide all our diabetic clients with a free anuual diabetic foot assessment.

Occasionally there may be pain or a burning sensation accompanying loss of feeling, this is called painful neuropathy.

When your nerves in your feet are affected other changes may follow e.g. clawing of the toes and the bones in your feet may be more susceptible to fracture.

At your annual foot review any early signs of neuropathy will be detected, and you will receive both advice and explanation of these changes.

Another change that may occur is reduced blood flow to the feet. Diabetes may also affect your ability to heal and reduce your bodies natural ability to fight bacteria, therefore you should take care of any cuts, scratches or blisters on your feet.

If you are a low risk diabetic one check up per year is adequate. However if you are at increased risk of complications these inspections should be done more regularly.

At Howlett & Dickinson we check the pulses of the feet to check circulation and check for loss of sensation in the feet.

We also look for any foot deformity or signs of excessive pressure that may warrant foot care advice. We remove hard skin and corns and sometimes the provision of corrective or protective insoles is necessary.

Can I prevent or slow down any changes to my feet?

It is possible to prevent or delay changes if you follow medical advice and keep blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar levels within the target range set by your doctor. Your chances of doing this will be greatly improved if you do not smoke.

Consult your podiatrist immediately if you see any of the following in your feet:

1.A break in the skin or discharge

2.The skin changes colour, becoming redder, bluer, paler or blacker, over part or all of the foot.

3. New swelling in your feet

4. Seek urgent advice from your doctor or podiatrist if you normally have little or no feeling in your feet but suddenly experience an unexplained pain or discomfort, especially if the surrounding skin is a little warmer to the touch, compared to a similar spot on the other foot.

8 Top Tips for healthy diabetic feet

1. Always check your feet everyday for cuts, colour change and wounds that are not healing.

2.Clean and dress any cuts, scratches or wounds with a sterile dressing before consulting your podiatrist or GP surgery.

3. Always wear footwear especially if you have lost the feeling in your feet.

4. Always wear shoes that fit properly.

5. Never sit with your feet too close to the fire

6. If you have corns and callouses visit a podiatrist regularly for there removal as they are caused by pressure from shoes.

7. Do not attempt to use corn plasters, as they can cause damage if you have loss of sensation or poor circulation and can cause serious consequences.

8. Nail cutting – if able cut your nails straight across and file any sharp edges with an emery board. Any difficulties in cutting your nails you should consult a podiatrist.

How do I seek a private consultation with a podiatrist?

You can search for a podiatrist at www.feetforlife.org

What is a chilblain?

This is a seasonal, sudden constriction of a blood vessel affecting the young and old. This cold injury, when resolving may be mistaken for unusual hard skin or old blisters. There may be an underlying medical condition complicating the problem.

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