Why It's Important to Wear the Right Shoe Size

According to a 2018 study, only about 28 to 37% of people are actually wearing shoes of the right length and width.

Several studies have now demonstrated how ill-fitting shoes can have a negative effect on health and why well-fitting shoes are so important.

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful and usually irreversible condition with symptoms of pins and needles in the feet and a decreased ability to feel where the feet are in space.

A 2017 study found that, among older adults with a history of foot lesions, such as corns and calluses, only 14% were wearing the right size shoes. Thirty seven percent of the population reported evidence of neuropathy; tight-fitting shoes can worsen the symptoms of neuropathy by putting pressure on the nerves and potentially causing wounds and ulcers due to a lack of sensation from friction and pressure.

Foot Pain and Deformities

A 2018 scientific review of 18 studies looking at shoes and foot problems found that poorly-fitting shoes were associated with foot pain and foot conditions, such as lesser toe deformity (hammer toe), corns, and calluses. Notably, people with diabetes tended to wear shoes that were too narrow.

It's not just shoes that are too tight that can lead to pain and deformity. In some cases, the shape of the shoe may not be a good fit to contour to the shape of your foot. If you already have a foot deformity of some kind, for example, shoes with a smooth shape that causes pressure on the irregularly-shaped bony areas of your foot can make it worse.

Ingrown Toenails

If your shoes are too narrow or short, the extra pressure placed on your toe can lead to the edge of a toenail growing into your skin. Ingrown toenails can cause pain and the skin around your nail to become red or infected.

Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe, but can also occur on other toes. To avoid this issue, ensure that you have properly fitting shoes and are not cutting your nails too short or rounded at the edges.

Decreased Quality of Life

If your shoes are constantly hurting your feet, the rest of your life is bound to suffer for it. According to one study, women in particular noted that foot symptoms negatively affected their quality of life.4 This is likely because women's shoes are often not designed to be as functional or comfortable as men's shoes.

In addition, foot pain and foot conditions related to poor-fitting shoes can lead to falls, reduced mobility, and related loss of independence in older adults.

Shoe Size Changes

Many often think of foot size as being static; once you reach age 18, or at least when you stop growing, your feet no longer change in size. But your feet change in many ways over the course of a lifetime:

• As you age, tendons relax and your feet can naturally widen.
• Certain medical conditions and medications cause water retention, which can cause foot swelling (and, therefore, size difference).
• During pregnancy, feet are affected by hormones that often result in an increase in shoe size.
• Even in younger people, feet swell slightly by the end of the day. They also swell when engaging in an upright activity such as walking, running, or playing sports.

While your shoes may fit right in the morning or before your workout, they may be too tight later in the day. Even people who wear "sensible" shoes can experience problems with fit. For this reason, it's best to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.

Signs Your Shoes Are the Wrong Size

Pain and discomfort are some obvious signs that your shoes are the wrong size, but sometimes that is less clear. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to check your shoe size:

• Bruising on your toenail:
• Toenail loss or damage
• Blisters
• Calluses
• Skin irritation around your toenails

You can visit a shoe store to be properly measured. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal frequency of foot measurements. Some experts recommend that you measure your feet at least once or twice a year, or at least any time you buy new shoes.

In general, buying shoes with a toe box made of soft, expansive material is always a better choice than those made of a hard material.

It is also worth noting that not every brand of shoes has the same fit, regardless of size. For example, a size 8 in one brand may feel more like a size 7.5 in another. If possible, try on before you buy.

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Fingernails: Do's and Don'ts For Healthy Nails

Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.

Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.

Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:

• Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail
• Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails
• Thinning or thickening of the nails
• Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
• Bleeding around the nails
• Swelling or pain around the nails
• Failure of nails to grow out

Fingernail care: Do's

• To keep your fingernails looking their best:
• Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
• Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.
• Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.
• Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.
• Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.

Fingernail care: Don'ts

To prevent nail damage, don't:

• Bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.
• Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.
• Use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula.
• Ignore problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation. 

If you rely on manicures or pedicures for healthy-looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board. Don't have your cuticles removed — they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.

You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly.

It's easy to neglect your nails — but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.

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Health Benefits of a Foot Soak

Why Is a Foot Soak Beneficial?

A foot soak is more than just relaxing with your feet in warm or hot water. It’s what you add to the water that makes a foot soak beneficial. The two main ingredients used in a foot soak are Epsom salt and vinegar.

What is Epsom salt? Epsom salt is a natural mix of magnesium and sulfate. Don’t be confused by its name, because Epsom salt is nothing like table salt.

How do I use Epsom salt in a foot soak? Dissolve a half-cup of Epsom salt into a tub or bowl of warm water. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes once a week.

What are the health benefits of Epsom salt? Epsom salt can help soften your skin and leave it less prone to bacteria overgrowth. Other health benefits include:

• Relieves stress and helps you feel relaxed
• Eases pain and muscle cramps
• Boosts nerve and muscle function
• Helps prevent blood clots

It also has more specific uses like:

• Reduces and prevents athlete’s foot
• Loosens skin to remove splinters
• Treats toenail fungus
• Soothes pain from sprains and bruises‌
• Eases gout pain and discomfort

What is vinegar? Vinegar is made from fermented things like grapes and apples. It’s high in acetic acid.

The process used to create apple cider vinegar, for example, involves using yeast to break down the sugar in apples. First, it turns into alcohol, and then bacteria turns the alcohol into acetic acid. The end liquid has a lot of B-vitamins and polyphenols, also known as antioxidants.

How do I use vinegar in a foot soak? To soak your feet using vinegar, mix two parts warm or hot water with one part vinegar in a tub or bowl. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes once a week.

What are the health benefits of vinegar? Vinegar has natural antibacterial properties, so bacteria have a hard time growing on your skin. If you have fungi on your feet, including athlete’s foot, vinegar may be less effective. But it does fight bacteria that cause odor.

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Yellow Chrome Nails The Color Of Summer

Yellow Chrome Nails Are Basically Sunshine On Your Fingertips. This has been said to be the color of the summer this year! What better than pairing the color of sunshine with a trendy outfit!

The psychology of the color yellow tells us that the color has traditionally been a symbol of joyfulness, happiness, and energy and is associated with summer months.

To go along with the sunshine, warmer temps, and blooming plants, manicure lovers are obsessing over pastel nail polish shades with cool-girl chromatic finishes.

Alongside soft-girl colors like pale blue and light lavender, a more unexpected butter yellow is one to watch for the spring season. Moreover, near-neon shades of yellow-ish chartreuse are expected to be a major nail polish trend as the weather heats up. Source

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Dazzle Dry Best Selling Colors

 

 

These are some examples of Dazzle Dry Nail Polishes best selling colors. Check them out! Get your manicure and pedicure with your favorite today!

Why Men Should Get Manicures

Going one step further, if you’re a professional—in any job from a bartender to a financial planner—your hands are front and center in your work and with your clients. Clean, manicured hands are a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Why is men’s nail care important? 

“It’s important for both men and women, but I believe it’s equally important for men to take care of their nails because many men are rougher with their hands, which can result in dry hands and calluses,” DeLuca Rivera explains. “Plus, don’t overlook that your partner will appreciate the upkeep.”

What’s involved in a man’s manicure?

A basic manicure includes soaking the hands, scrubbing the nails with a brush, cleaning under the nails, clipping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, buffing the nails and, finally, massaging the hands with a hydrating hand cream to moisturize and to boost circulation.

How about best practices for keeping your nails healthy at home?

“When you get a professional manicure/pedicure, it’s not just about clipping nails, it’s about the experience and treating yourself to self-care service that every man deserves,” DeLuca Rivera says. That said, there are tips for keeping your hands looking great in between appointments.

• CLIP YOUR NAILS with a dedicated nail clipper (not scissors!) and file with an emery board
• PUSH BACK YOUR CUTICLES using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Be gentle!
• USE CUTICLE OIL to moisturize your cuticles and keep hangnails at bay—a little goes a long way.
• USE A SCRUB TO REMOVE DEAD SKIN. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep hands soft.

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Cuticle Removal

 Quick tips on how to maintain your cuticles at home if you are unable to make it to a nail appointment! 

Why Regular Manicures and Pedicures Should Be Part of Your Self-Care

Self-care is a term we hear a lot, but what does it actually mean? Self-care means taking the time to do things that support your physical and mental health. How can taking care of your hands and feet be good self-care?

If you enjoy giving yourself manicures and pedicures, then you should by all means do them yourself. However, for many of us, trying to make our fingernails and toenails look nice, caring for our cuticles, and smoothing out rough skin isn’t an enjoyable task. We may think of manicures and pedicures as an unnecessary luxury, but in reality, caring for ourselves in small ways like these pays big dividends in our physical and emotional health. Having a manicure and pedicure gives you an opportunity to care for yourself, relax, and take a break from everyday stress.

Having well-groomed nails is, for many of us, a reflection of our personal grooming standards. They are part of how we present ourselves to the world. The color, shape, or artistry involved in how our nails look are all part of our image and have an influence on how others see us.

A manicure is not only an aesthetic service but also a hygienic one. Cleaning your fingernails thoroughly prevents the growth of bacteria. Also, caring for your cuticles can prevent infection. Regular manicures and pedicures reduce the chances of your nails developing fungi and other infections. The exfoliation involved also removes dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth, resulting in stronger and healthier nails over time.

Pedicures do more than make your toenails look pretty! The skin on the balls of the foot and the heels can be rough and callused. Calluses are the result of repetitive pressure or friction. Ill-fitting footwear, going barefoot, or simply walking for long periods of time causes calluses to develop on your feet. These have the potential to become painful, but they can be buffed off or scrubbed away by your nail technician if treated early in their development. Exfoliating, buffing, and moisturizing the feet on a regular basis helps remove dry, hardened skin, and prevent cracks that can bleed or lead to infection.

In the summer, a pedicure is almost a necessity! Sandals, flip-flops, and slides leave our toenails open to full display. Cutting your toenails improperly can lead to the ingrowth of the nail into the skin, necessitating a trip to a podiatrist for treatment. Regular pedicures help keep the toenails short and hygienic. In addition, having well-groomed feet means you can slip on any of these shoes and go about your business with confidence.

Manicures and pedicures also indicate that you prioritize yourself and are investing in your own self-care. Especially if you’ve been dealing with high levels of stress, taking the time to pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure can significantly lower your stress levels! The massage, relaxing experience, and pampering will help reduce tension and help you relax, boosting your mental health. Source

Nail Shapes Meaning: What Your Nails Say About Your Personality

Nail art has been around for millennia and people have long used polish, decals, and nail decorations as a way to express themselves and their styles. But our nails might actually be saying more about our personality than we even realize. 

You have many different nail shapes to pick from, and the lifestyle you follow and the work you perform can all contribute to the options you pick when it comes to your next manicure. But the styles we gravitate toward can even tell us more than just logistics. Here’s a look at what your preferred nail shape says about your personality. 

Short Nails 

Short nails are really easy to maintain and don’t require a lot of time or resources. Individuals with short nails are often drawn to adventure and spontaneity and can be found trying out new things or learning new skills and hobbies. 

You may paint your nails as a method for self-expression, but you don’t want to worry about the upkeep of long or heavy nails, which is just one of the reasons you keep yours short. 

For all of your adventurous side, there’s a little bit of practicality that helps to keep you grounded to the things that matter most in life. 

Round Nails 

Round nails are still very practical since they don’t require a lot of upkeep, but there’s a little more room to play around with styles and designs since you can keep them longer. People who gravitate toward round nail designs are tons of fun to be around and always very positive and optimistic. They like a good adventure and are willing to try out a new hobby or activity if you offer. In fact, the rounded edge is actually an indication of a person’s pull to the creative spirit.  

Oval Nails 

Oval nails are for the romantics among us. They’re incredibly chic and versatile, which means they can be styled up or down, depending on the day, but they also offer a timeless, classic look that fans of dark academia and cottage core alike are sure to love. 

Whether you’re more likely to be wandering the streets of Paris or picnicking in the French countryside, oval nails give you an air of mystery and romance that matches your independent personality with ease. 

Square Nails 

Square nails mean business. If you have square nails or a variation of square nails, you tend to be very ambitious and driven by your dreams and goals. They’re a practical style that still allows for plenty of opportunity for creativity and design, which is why goal-oriented people are often drawn toward them. 

You’re not afraid to express yourself or your ideas, especially if it helps you to reach your dreams, and your personalized square nails are sure to give you the confidence to help every step of the way. 

Squoval Nails 

Squoval nails are one of the newest trends in nail styles and they take a little of oval nails and a little of square nails to create a look and personality all their own. Oval and square nails are both pretty low maintenance and still offer opportunities for creative expression and personal style, and squoval nails are the same way. 

You’re a take-charge person with focus and determination, but your nail style is trendy and a little bit unique. You blend romance and competence with ease and always impress your friends and family. 

Almond Nails 

Almond nails are incredibly chic, which absolutely reflects the style and personality of the people who wear them. You’re classy, modern, and in touch with the latest trends, but you don’t have to sacrifice your feminine style to get there. 

Your taste is often very elevated and you like staying in the loop on modern events in politics, art, and culture, which makes you everyone’s first stop for the next season’s top picks. No one can guide a dinner party conversation quite like you. 

Flare Nails 

You love making your statement every time you walk into a room. There are a couple of different options when it comes to really bold and unique edges, including flares, which are sometimes called fan nails. 

You also have the lipstick, the edge, duck nails, and a few others. Whichever unique and bold edge draws you in, you’re also about being confident, being capable, and making fashion your own. You tend to reach for bright colors and big ideas, and nothing holds you back from making your own way in the world. You’re an inspiration for your confidence and your passion. 

Ballerina Nails 

Ballerina nails are incredibly elegant and sophisticated, but they require hard work and patience to maintain properly—and you can identify with that. Folks might say you come off as standoffish on occasion, but the truth is that you only let in the people you can trust to protect you and support you. 

Once someone is in your inner circle, you’re loyal to them for life, but if someone breaks your heart, forgiveness will be a long time coming. Ballerina nails are a combination of feminine and powerful, and so are you. 

Coffin Nails 

Coffin nails have a lot of the same beautiful elements and styles as ballerina nails, but there’s a little more playfulness to them. You’re all about creating your own place in the world, but you don’t believe everything has to be serious or scary all the time, either. 

You believe that your work and personality will show your merit, but you’re much more interested in making your friends and family happy and finding joy and humor in all things. Coffin nails are long and offer a lot of opportunities for creative ideas and designs, which you love to share with the world. 

Stiletto Nails 

Stiletto nails are not for the faint of heart. If you love commanding a room and you’re not afraid of anything, then stiletto nails are the way to go. After all, you have quite the dangerous weapon right at the tip of your finger. 

Stiletto nails are bold, daring, and never back down from a challenge, and neither do you. If you like mixing creative talent and skill with determination to succeed, this is the nail that matches your personality. You’re dynamic and passionate at home, at work, and in relationships, and you’re always up for trying the scary thing.

You have many different shape options to pick from, like oval, square, almond, and stiletto, and even combinations of them all. Each variation can provide insight into who you are as a person and what your favorite styles will be. Embrace confidence, power, passion, and a whole lot more when you pick out your favorite nail shapes and designs.  Source

How to Prevent (and Treat!) Ingrown Toenails

One of the more common foot complaints podiatrists see is ingrown toenails, which frequently affect the big toe. They can be painful and definitely can knock the pep out of your step, limiting your ability to accomplish what you need to do. But why do they occur and how can you stop getting nailed with them?

“An ingrown toenail occurs when the sides of a nail grow into the skin surrounding it,” said Joseph Dobrusin, DPM a podiatrist at Banner Health in Arizona. “The skin doesn’t know that the nail belongs to you—all it knows is this is an offending object. This causes an inflammatory response leading to redness, swelling and pain.”

What causes ingrown toenails?

The biggest factor when it comes to ingrown toenails is that they are hereditary, Dr. Dobrusin said. “The shape of people’s nails is a genetic trait, so some people may be genetically predisposed to getting them,” he said.

Another causal factor is improper footwear—meaning socks and shoes that are too tight—which can pinch the toes. Cutting the edges of the nail too short at the corners may also be a contributor. In some cases, trauma to the toes or participating in some stop and go type activities (like basketball or tennis) can put undue pressure on your toes and contribute to toe problems.

While you may have read somewhere that pedicures are to blame, Dr. Dobrusin says nail technicians shouldn’t necessarily be to blame. “In most reputable, clean places, they do a good job of properly cutting nails,” he said. “Just make sure you aren’t having them cut your nails too short.”

Ways to treat ingrown toenails at home

For a mild ingrown toenail, meaning you have some slight tenderness and swelling, sometimes you can use simple home treatments. You can:

• Soak your feet in warm water or apply a warm, moist compress to your offending toe until the nail is flexible (And no, a shower won’t count).
• Dry your feet and between your toes thoroughly to avoid sweat or dampness.
• Place a clean wedge or any straight splitter under the edge of the nail to help lift it up away from the skin. Apply antibiotic ointment to the area when you’re done.
• Wear open-toed shoes or shoes with a large toe box.
• Take OTC pain reliever to help reduce mild tenderness and swelling.

If these steps don’t do the trick, and your toe is red, tender or oozing, this could be a sign of infection and will require a trip to your doctor or podiatrist (foot specialist). You may require an oral antibiotic if you have an infection, and your doctor may need to remove the ingrown part of the toenail with a local anesthetic.

How are recurring ingrown toenails treated?

If you have recurrent ingrown toenails and home remedies aren’t cutting it, your doctor may recommend removing the nail and tissue with a procedure called a chemical matricectomy with phenolization.

“In healthy patients, those with no comorbidities, it’s one of the best and most commonly performed procedures we have—still after 50 years,” Dr. Dobrusin said. “You go into the section of the nail that is causing the problem and take it out and apply 90 percent phenol that causes a chemical burn and prevents the nail from regrowing.”

While it can’t 100 percent guarantee you won’t have any toe problems in the future, it is likely your toe will be much improved.

In medicine, the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 

Three ways to help prevent ingrown toenails include:

• Use proper nail cutting techniques
• Clip your toenails (straight across and not too short) using toenail clippers, not fingernail clippers or scissors. 
• Avoid ill-fitted shoes AND socks

Wear shoes that fit properly and have a good size toe box that allow your toes to rest flat. And slip on moisture-wicking socks that allow your toes to move around freely.

Check your feet

Don’t forget to check in with your feet on a regular basis for ingrown toenails or other foot problems, especially if you are prone to ingrown nails or have diabetes.

Book an appointment with UpKept today and we would love to help you prevent any ingrown nail issues.

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