Smelly feet are a really common big problem seen by Podiatrists. The problem does need to be addressed due to the potential social consequence of it. Unfortunately there is not a lot a podiatrist can really do except investigate what the cause is and give advice on how to manage that. The problem of smelly feet is one of self-management and strategies have to be discussed to do that. The real problem that underpins this is too much sweating so it is the use of good foot hygiene practices to reduce that which is fundamental to dealing with this problem. This means either dealing with the medical problem causing the sweating or putting in place to absorb via powders, socks and shoes or insole all the moisture so it is wicked away from the foot. The feet really need to be kept as dry as possible if the smelly feet are going to be dealt with properly.
Reflexology is something foot specialists get asked about all the time. Reflexology is the doctrine that parts of the foot are related to the health of different areas of the body and that you can treat this problems by stimulating different parts of the foot. It has a large and loyal following with lots of testimonials on reflexology website as to how good it is. The problem is that there is not one scientific explanation for the plausibility of the link between the foot and organ systems in the way described by reflexologists. Also, every single systematic review of the research into reflexology that takes into account the quality of the research has shown that it does not work. The reason so many people swear by it is that anyone who has a good foot massage probably feels good afterwards.
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or adult acquired flatfoot is a very disabling condition. It is due to the posterior tibial muscle and tendon complex failing to adequately di its job of support the arch of the foot and supinating or inverting the foot. As a consequence of this there is a progressive flattening of the arch of the foot with rolling medially or inwards at the ankle joint. There is progressive pain associated with this. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is also very fatiguing as a lot of energy is expended to walk around if you have it. It is important this posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is diagnosed early to halt the progression. In the early stages foot orthotics and exercises are extremely important. If this does not halt the progression or the diagnosis is late, then surgery is usually the only option.
There is a lot going on about the benefits of barefoot or minimalist running with no really science or evidence to support it. There are just lots of claims and counterclaims and lots of lot head with anonymous forum and blog comments! Simply there is no evidence one way or another on the best way to run. While all this has been going on for a few years, a maximalist running shoe, the Hoka One One has been making inroads into the market and runners a loving them. Pretty much all runner who try the Hoka One One’s love them! They are from France and the really are the antithesis of the trend to minimalist running. My take on all this is that it does not matter what you run it, it comes down to what you like the feel of under your feet. With a minimalist running shoe, you can feel the road and ground and with a maximalist running shoe like the Hoka One Ones, you get the feeling of a lot of cushioning.
