Your Feet and Diabetes

About half of all people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage. Nerves in your feet and legs are most often affected. Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. Some people with nerve damage have numbness, tingling, or pain. Others have no symptoms. Nerve damage can also lower your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. Pain is the body’s way of telling you something’s wrong so you can take care of yourself. If you don’t feel pain in your feet, you may not notice a cut, blister, sore, or other problem. Small problems can become serious if they aren’t treated early.

Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage, but these factors increase your risk:

• Blood sugar levels that are hard to manage.
• Having diabetes for a long time, especially if your blood sugar is often higher than your target levels.
• Having overweight.
• Being older than 40 years.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having high cholesterol.

Nerve damage and poor blood flow—another diabetes complication—put you at risk for developing a foot ulcer (a sore or wound). With diabetes, a foot ulcer could get infected and not heal well. If an infection doesn't get better with treatment, your toe, foot, or leg may need to be amputated (removed by surgery). This is done to prevent the infection from spreading and to save your life.

Check your feet daily

When you check your feet every day, you can catch problems early and get them treated right away. Early treatment greatly lowers your risk of amputation.

Prevent or delay nerve damage

Keep your blood sugar in your target range as much as possible. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent nerve damage or stop it from getting worse. Other good diabetes management habits can help, too:

• Don't smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the feet.
• Follow a healthy eating plan.
• Get physically active—10 to 20 minutes a day is better than an hour once a week. And both are better than none!
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

If you have any of these symptoms, don't wait for your next appointment. See your regular doctor or foot doctor right away:

• Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
• Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
• Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well.
• A change in the shape of your feet over time.
• Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
• Dry, cracked skin on your feet.
• A change in the color and temperature of your feet.
• Thickened, yellow toenails.
• Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes.
• A blister, sore, ulcer, infected corn, or ingrown toenail.

Most people with diabetes can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctor's appointments are your best bet. Doing both will help you prevent foot problems (and stop small problems from becoming serious ones). Source

Mothers Day Specials

 

This Mother's Day, treat the special women in your life to the gift of relaxation and self-care with gift cards from UpKept Nail Spa! Show your appreciation by offering them a chance to indulge in the Sole Soothe Pedicure, tailored to pamper and rejuvenate their feet.

With the convenience of purchasing online at StayUpkept.com, you can provide a thoughtful and meaningful gift that allows your loved ones to enjoy a personalized experience in a clean and serene environment. Give the gift of self-love and quality time this Mother's Day—because every mom deserves a little pampering!

Don't wait! This weekend will be here before you know it. Book an appointment for the special lady in your life or get her a gift of self care in the form of a gift card to pamper herself.

Top 5 Signs Your Shoes Are Contributing to Foot Pain

Wearing the wrong shoes doesn’t just cause short-term discomfort—it can lead to long-term foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and joint stress. If you’re experiencing consistent soreness or tightness after walking or standing, your shoes may be part of the problem.

Let’s explore five warning signs that your shoes may be contributing to foot pain and what to do about it.

1. Persistent Foot Pain or Discomfort

If you consistently feel pain in your feet after wearing certain shoes, it might be time to question whether they're the right fit for you. Common symptoms of shoe-induced foot pain include:

• Heel pain: This is often linked to plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed.
• Toe pain: Tight shoes that squeeze the front of your feet can cause pain across your toes and even lead to problems like bunions or hammertoes.
• Arch pain or strain: Shoes lacking proper arch support can exacerbate flat feet or strain the ligaments in this area.

Foot discomfort particularly after extended periods of wear, is an important signal. While occasional soreness is normal after long activity, chronic pain may indicate a significant issue with your footwear.

2. Visible Changes in Foot Structure

Improper footwear doesn’t just cause pain; over time, it can physically alter the structure of your feet. Some key examples include:

• Bunions: Tight shoes push the big toe inward, creating this painful bony bump.
• Hammertoes: Shoes without a wide toe box force toes to crowd, causing them to curl or deform.
• Heel spurs: Shoes lacking cushioning or support can lead to bony growths at the bottom of your heel.

A shoe that doesn’t fit properly can also affect how you walk, which in turn can put stress on other joints, such as your ankles, knees, or hips.

3. Unusual Wear Patterns on Your Shoes

Take a look at old pairs of shoes. If the soles are unevenly worn, it could point to gait issues caused by a lack of foot support. Shoes for foot pain, particularly for those with flat feet or chronic plantar fasciitis, should provide adequate cushioning and promote proper alignment. Running or athletic shoes specifically designed for foot conditions are a great way to prevent improper wear patterns.

Shoes that flatten quickly or develop noticeable creases in the arch area may not be giving you enough support.

4. Difficulty Finding Comfort With Everyday Footwear

Sometimes, no matter how many pairs of shoes you try, your feet hurt after a short period. This may indicate your feet require specialized support. Symptoms linked to tight shoes include aching across the ball of the foot, pinched toes, or red marks around the edges. Shoes that are too narrow can compress the foot, while overly loose shoes don't provide the proper support you need.

If you frequently face discomfort, custom orthotics can be a helpful solution. These support inserts address specific issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or heel pain while enabling you to wear supportive shoes comfortably.

5. Your Shoes Are Worn Out or Ill-Fitting

Shoes don’t last forever. Over time, even high-quality footwear wears out and loses the support that protects your foot health. Here are signs it’s time to replace them:

• Loss of cushioning: Thinning insoles or flattened midsoles no longer absorb shock, leading to increased strain.
• Outsole damage: A smooth or unevenly worn outsole means your shoes aren’t properly helping your feet align.
• Limited room in the toe box: Tight-fitting shoes restrict natural movement, which can lead to ongoing pain or injury.

Wearing old, overused athletic shoes or inappropriate shoes without the right support can worsen existing foot conditions.

Foot-Friendly Recommendations

To minimize the risk of pain from shoes, it’s essential to find options that fit well and support your feet. Here are some features to look for:

• Wide toe box: This allows your toes to spread naturally without restriction.
• Arch support: Essential for maintaining healthy foot alignment and reducing pressure on the arches.
• Cushioned insoles: Look for properly padded shoes to ease pain and provide a softer landing with every step.
• Heel stability: A firm heel counter helps prevent your foot from sliding and adds needed stability during activity.

When looking for running shoes or other athletic shoes, consider styles designed to protect against conditions like chronic plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Brands offering comfortable shoes often highlight these features. Source

DONT FORGET ABOUT OUR GIFT CARDS!

MOTHERS DAY is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate all the amazing caregivers in our lives!  This year, let’s treat them to some well-deserved pampering! 

Visit StayUpKept.com, and grab the perfect gift card instantly. Give them the power to choose their favorite indulgences. Whether it’s the deep clean of the Sole Soothe Pedicure, the blissful Soleful Escape 30-Minute Foot & Leg Massage, or the refreshing Essential Manicure—why not let them enjoy all three?  Let’s make this Mother’s Day a joyful celebration of love and appreciation!  Gift cards are a great way to gift give because it takes the pressure away from choosing the perfect item and in this situation gives them an experience or "getaway" even.

Gift card purchase and Online booking found conveniently at StayUpKept.com

Do Not Ignore Discolored Toenails

When it comes to foot health, toenails can often serve as a critical indicator of underlying issues. Fungal infections in the feet are a widespread problem, affecting millions of people each year. While both skin and nail fungus are caused by fungi, they vary in several aspects, including their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Nail fungus is most commonly caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, though yeasts and molds can also lead to the infection. Risk factors for developing nail fungus include aging, diabetes, wearing tight shoes, and trauma to the nail plate.

To effectively evaluate a client's feet, it's essential to not only be familiar with potential foot conditions and their symptoms but also to recognize what healthy feet and nails look like. A healthy nail should be fully attached to the nail bed, slightly pink, translucent, and free of any spots or discoloration. Ignoring signs of indications of discolored toenails could lead to further complications, and here’s why it’s essential to address the issue promptly.

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that impacts the nails on both the hands and feet. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, causing more significant discoloration, nail brittleness, and even pain. A fungal infection can spread to other nails or surrounding skin, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot. The treatment for toenail fungus and skin fungus varies depending on the severity of the infection and where on the foot the infection is. 

Athlete’s foot type skin fungus can often be treated with over-the-counter products such as the Footlogix® Peeling Skin Formula and dry, sandpaper like skin type of fungus infection can be resolved with the Footlogix® Rough Skin Formula. Mild cases of skin fungus can resolve in a few days/weeks whereas more severe cases can take time to fully resolve.   

Addressing toenail discoloration early on is key to stopping the infection in its tracks. Footlogix® Nail Tincture is a highly effective product designed to target unsightly, yellowed toenails that are prone to fungal infection. The spray applicator allows for easy use and the formula contains superior ingredients that help restore nail health. It’s a must-have in your foot care routine if you notice your nails starting to look discolored or damaged.

In some cases, discolored toenails can be a sign of more serious health conditions. Yellow or thickened nails may indicate diabetes or circulation issues, while dark streaks or spots under the toenail could suggest trauma or even a rare form of skin cancer called melanoma.

While discolored nails are not always a direct indication of these conditions, it’s important to be vigilant. If discoloration is accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, or if the nail doesn’t improve with treatment, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

By addressing discoloration early with proper care and treatments like Footlogix® Nail Tincture, you can prevent the nail from becoming permanently damaged. The ingredients work together to restore the nail to its natural state and promote healthy regrowth.

Regular use of products like Footlogix® Nail Tincture can help maintain the health of your toenails. Its lightweight formula benefits damaged nails, helping to protect them as they grow out. Your feet carry you through life—give them the care they deserve.

Foot care professionals can confidently recommend Footlogix® home-care solutions to anyone, as they are safe for all individuals, including those with diabetes, seniors, and immune-compromised clients. Source

Ask us today about the Footlogix products we use and recommend in our spa...

How to Thin Nail Polish

Is your nail polish clumpy and do you need to know how to thin nail polish? We’ve all been there. It’s incredibly disappointing to open the nail polish bottle to discover that it’s a clumpy mess. There’s no way that you can use polish like that. But what if there was a solution to this? The good news is, there are multiple solutions and we’ve provided them all. Thinning out thick nail polish isn’t all that difficult. Sure, you’ll need to add an extra ingredient to the polish, but that’s about it. 

Thinning Out Slightly Thick Nail Polish;

Use Hot Water

Hot water works great if your nail polish hasn’t thickened too much yet. Grab a bowl and fill it with hot water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot before placing the nail polish in the bowl. If it’s too hot, the glass nail polish bottle might crack. Leave the polish in the water for about 2-minutes before removing it. Remember that the bottle will have heated up from the water so be careful not to burn yourself. Once the bottle is cool enough to touch, you’ll need to mix the polish. Yes, we know that shaking the bottle seems the obvious choice. Unfortunately, shaking the nail polish causes air bubbles. This leads to easily chipped nail polish. Instead, turn the bottle upside down and roll it between your palms. Using hot water is only a temporary solution and might not work if the polish is very thick. On the plus side, it’s a great way to open a stuck nail polish bottle. The heat from the water will make it easier to twist open. 

Thinning Out Clumpy Nail Polish;

Get a Nail Polish Thinner

This might seem obvious, but get yourself a nail polish thinner. As the name states, this product is specifically created to thin out clumpy nail polish. You’ll need to add about 2 drops into your nail polish bottle (or as directed on the thinner). Mix the polish as we explained above, by rolling it between your palms.Check the polish to see if it’s thinned out and add another drop of thinner if needed. Be careful thinning your nail polish. Too much nail polish thinner will make the polish unable to stick to your nails. 

Use Acetone or Nail Polish Remover

Acetone and nail polish remover can be used for more than cleaning your nails. As with the thinner above, a little goes a long way. Use an eyedropper and add a single drop of acetone or remover to the nail polish. Swirl the polish to ensure it mixes through and then check the consistency. Add another drop if needed and mix again. Keep in mind that acetone and nail polish remover are for breaking down nail polish. The nail polish won’t last long on your nails and will likely degrade in the bottle as well. Acetone also tends to dry the nails and skin. Adding it to your nail polish means it will be in constant contact with your nails. This can turn your nails brittle and weak. They’ll be more prone to breakage and splitting, and no one wants that. 

Use Alcohol

Using alcohol too thin nail polish is likely the most viable solution. But you obviously can’t use just any alcohol you have around the house. Isopropyl alcohol acts like ethyl acetate, which is the solvent used in most polishes. This means that you can use it as a replacement solvent if your polish becomes clumpy.If you were wondering how to make nail polish last longer in the bottle, this is how. Use an eyedropper and add 2 drops of isopropyl alcohol to the nail polish. Mix the polish and then check the consistency. Add another drop if needed and repeat the process. All the polish to settle for about 20-minutes before applying it to your nails. 

Source

Happy Easter

 

Happy Easter To You From UpKept Nail Spa!

Phone: 707.208.7646

Email: info@stayupkept.com

Address: 536 Main Street

Vacaville, CA 95688

(Inside Jon Edwards Salon & Spa)