Health & Safety - winter feet

 Dry, cracked feet and toe nails are an invitation to infection. This is common among all people, but especially so in winter athletes. Although TV commercials push products to treat relatively harmless bacterial colonization under the nail, more serious infections, like cellulitis, which can be life threatening if left untreated, can invade the body through cracks in the callus. Streptococcus or staphylococcus are the most frequent bacteria involved, but although cuts, abrasions, and dried, cracked compromised skin are all avenues for infection, why some people are more susceptible is not clear. Nobody is immuned. The symptoms are not always clear either. Where most people will experience inflammation and point tenderness, some people feel little. Cellulitis can spread quickly, become systemic and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

The bottom line here is to take care of your feet. One good option is a medical pedicure (a medi pedi) offered by some podiatrists. One stop shopping - foot care and a check-up for your feet! What better way to keep you on the top of your game? Check out what Dr. Jordana Szpiro has to say about medical pedicures at
http://www.bostoncommonpodiatry.com/content/view/47/57/   

Take care of those feet and I hope to see you in the treatment room soon!