Feet are, on a day-to-day basis, exposed to foreign bodies such as splinters or pieces of glass. While everyone has their way of removing them, not taking the right precautions can end up causing infection and unnecessary pain. That's why we, here at The Toe Bro, have decided to put together this little guide so you know what to do if you get something stuck in your foot. Here's what you need to know.

The Signs That Something Really Is Stuck in Your Foot

We've all been there — you've stepped on something but can't determine whether it's still in your skin. Objects like splinters and small glass shards can remain in your body even if you don't realize it. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that something is trapped in your foot.

The most common symptom of a stuck foreign object in your foot is, logically, pain. Small objects usually cause a pinprick sensation, while larger, more dangerous bodies such as nails generate severe pain. Sometimes, smaller objects only cause discomfort when applying pressure to them, so you may only feel them when walking around.

Another common way to tell that something is stuck in your foot is simply by trusting your gut. One can usually feel when something is stuck in their skin, even if it doesn't necessarily lead to pain. Children are experts at this — if your child is telling you that they feel something is in their skin, check for splinters.

Common Types of Foreign Bodies That Break Skin Surface

Studies have shown that over 40% of all foreign-object injuries happen on the feet, as they are exposed to several skin-piercing objects on a day-to-day basis. Needles, nails, and small plastic pieces are typical sharp objects that are often found on the floor. Yet, there are two types of foreign bodies that are particularly common.

Wood Splinter

Wood splinters, while usually small, can be a concerning cause of inflammation and infection due to their organic nature. Larger splinters may prove to be an even harder challenge, as they aren’t as easy to remove. Also, keep in mind that thorns and spines of plants such as cacti should be treated the same way as wood splinters.

Glass Shards

Surprisingly, stuck glass shards are particularly easy to detect on your own. For some reason, the sensation of having a foreign object is usually present with glass splinters, making them easy to diagnose and locate. Yet, due to its sharp and fragile nature, it might be best to get professional help to remove a shard of glass from your foot.

Treatment Options for a Foreign Object Obstruction

There are many ways to treat a foreign object stuck in your foot. Depending on its size and which material it is, you need to determine whether it warrants a visit to the doctor. Still, most small splinters can be treated at home without any problems.

For example, a minor sliver that doesn't cause pain and doesn't go deep inside the skin can most of the time be left in. Eventually, they’ll leave the body along with the normal shedding of the skin. It's also normal for them to cause a small pimple, which will force the foreign object out of the skin.

On the other hand, tiny slivers that do cause pain and are a bit bigger should be removed as soon as possible. Yet, one might simply take them out with a piece of tape by touching the spot lightly with it, sticking the splinter to the tape, and pulling it out. Some people choose instead to use wax hair remover.

However, if you can’t take it out with tape, or you find that the splinter is bigger than you thought, it's time to look for more serious removal methods.

At-Home Removal With Clean Tweezers and Alcohol

Normal splinters usually warrant using a pair of tweezers, which allow for precise and effective extraction of the foreign body in your foot. This is ideal for wood splinters, thorns, and other relatively safe materials — but keep in mind that it might be dangerous to do with a glass splinter stuck in your foot.

To perform a safe removal with tweezers it's important to clean the skin with rubbing alcohol. This will help disinfect the zone, which may also be done with water and soap. If you want, before disinfecting, you can soak your foot in warm water to relax the area — but keep in mind that if the foreign object is made of wood, this will cause it to swell.

Once the area is ready, grasp the end of the object with the tweezers and pull it out in the same direction it went in. It's crucial to try to pull it out on the first grab to avoid breaking the splinter. If it breaks, you can always use a sterile needle to open a small bit of your skin and expose the end of the sliver.

Finally, wash the area with soap and water once again to clean the zone and avoid further infections. Furthermore, you can use an antibiotic ointment to secure proper healing.

Medical Professional Removal for Deeper Wounds or Infection

Larger splinters or foreign objects that have caused infections and deep wounds require the assistance of a medical professional. If you find that foreign objects are causing unusual pain, looking infected, or you simply can't get them out, don't hesitate to call a foot specialist.

The removal procedure is usually non-invasive and will be over in a matter of hours. First, they’ll need to apply some local anesthesia so that you don't feel pain during the procedure. Then, they will try to remove it with specialized orthopedic equipment such as a splinter forceps.

However, it might warrant a small incision around the foreign object if they can't get it out. After the splinter has been taken out, the doctor will sew it back together and send you home without further complications.

Prioritize Foot Care With Quality Products

If you ever find yourself with something stuck in your foot, make sure you treat it with proper care using the right removal tools. Keeping your foot healthy should be possible with quality products. Here at The Toe Bro, you'll find a premium selection of tools and products you need to take care of your feet and avoid unnecessary risk with splinters.

If you've visited your general doctor about a foot problem, they've probably recommended that you visit a foot specialist. You may have heard of both chiropodists and podiatrists. But what are they, and is there a difference between the two? In this article, we'll compare a chiropodist vs. a podiatrist and evaluate any differences.

Comparing Foot Care Specialists

You need to know which foot doctor to contact when you have a foot problem. So what is a chiropodist, and what is a podiatrist? 

To put it simply, there is no real difference when you compare a podiatrist vs. a chiropodist. Both are feet doctors — primary healthcare professionals that specialize in the well-being and health of your feet.

The term chiropody can be called podiatry's ancestor. How so?

The term chiropody was first used in the U.S. in the late 19th century. A group of foot doctors established the first recognized medical organization for foot specialists in New York in 1895. This organization was known as the first society of chiropodists. 

The first chiropody school was established nearly 20 years later in 1911. All practitioners in the United States received a Doctor of Surgical Chiropody degree from the beginning of WWII. 

All schools in the United States changed the name of the profession to podiatry by the late 1960s. Practitioners have been awarded a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and called podiatrists since then.

Other countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia gradually adopted the term podiatrist to refer to a foot doctor, and their scope of practice remained the same.

However, the term chiropodist is still used in one place in the world today.

Location: Ontario vs the World

The difference in foot doctors' titles is determined by which country they received their degree. The province of Ontario in Canada is the only place that still uses the term chiropodist.

All specialists who graduated outside Ontario and moved there before 1993 are referred to as podiatrists. Specialists who moved to Ontario after 1993 are registered as chiropodists. The College of Chiropodists of Ontario regulates both professions. 

Since specialists who moved there after 1993 are called chiropodists, the term is still used to promote the profession of chiropody in Ontario. A new podiatrist hasn't been registered in Ontario for the last 29 years!

But what about other countries?

The rest of the world has completely replaced the term "chiropodist" with the term "podiatrist". Sometimes older patients may use the term chiropodist, but the terms are used interchangeably.

Education: Doctors vs Foot Health Professionals

Both chiropodists and podiatrists must pass provincial licensing exams and comprehensive board exams to obtain licensure to practice. Both must also complete university-level schooling.

Podiatrists must attain a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree — a four-year, post-bachelor's degree. Both podiatrists and chiropodists can take additional courses to expand their knowledge of certain foot conditions.

The majority of chiropodists in Ontario have a bachelor's degree in the sciences or other fields. They must also have a post-secondary diploma in chiropody.

However, it's important to note that neither podiatrists nor chiropodists are medical doctors. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable health physicians that specialize in disorders and conditions of the foot.

Scope of Practice: Surgical Procedures vs Basic Foot Care

Both podiatrists and chiropodists provide foot care services for patients with foot disorders or foot pain. However, there are some differences in their level and scope of practice depending on where they are located.

Podiatrists around the world can carry out both basic foot and nail care as well as advanced surgical procedures. Their scope of practice includes:

• Perform physical examinations
• Complete and study medical histories
• Take and interpret MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and other imaging studies
• Diagnose and treat foot conditions like flat feet, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails
• Prescribe podiatric medicine, including oral, topical, and injectable forms of medicine
• Administer anesthetics and sedation
• Prescribe, order, and fit insoles, custom foot orthodontics, prosthetics, and casts
• Order and perform physical therapy
• Treat sports-related injuries and set fractures
• Perform surgical management and procedures
• Perform reconstructive surgeries and microsurgeries

Chiropodists in Ontario can also carry out most of these duties, but they can not perform surgical procedures on foot bones, communicate a diagnosis, or order diagnostic X-rays. Most patients will see orthopedic surgeons or podiatric surgeons for these procedures.

What does that mean for you? Both chiropodists and podiatrists can treat a host of foot conditions, including:

• Bunions ‍
• Ingrown toenails ‍
• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet
• Cracked dry heels ‍
• Corns
• Calluses
• Warts ‍
• Diabetic feet ‍
• Neuromas

So you don't need to worry. Both a podiatrist and chiropodist are fully qualified and able to treat your foot problems with no issue.

Is the Chiropody Profession Going Away?

Even though most countries have adopted the podiatry model, the chiropody profession remains strong in Ontario. 

In response to the pandemic, the scope of drugs that chiropodists can prescribe has been widened to provide more comprehensive care to their patients.

Furthermore, requests for new podiatrists to be registered in Ontario were recently denied. The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care determined that the public needs access to the more affordable, routine, basic foot care that chiropodists provide. Chiropody remains an important medical science for Ontario residents because it gives them access to holistic foot care services.

Are Podiatry or Chiropody Services Right for You?

Both podiatry and chiropody are important professions when it comes to your foot health. While the term chiropodist is only used in Canada, both podiatrists and chiropodists specialize in the care and treatment of the ankles and feet.

So if you are in Ontario and need preventive care, therapy, or surgical treatment, you will benefit from visiting your local chiropodist. If you live anywhere else in the world, you will visit a podiatrist at a foot clinic. Both doctors will take care of your foot care needs and get you back to health.

In addition to visiting your local chiropodist or podiatrist regularly, you also need to use proper tools and materials to take care of your feet. The Toe Bro offers many specialized foot care products to enhance your foot care routine. Take a look at what we offer and see how you can enjoy happy, healthy feet today.

Your feet work hard. They take several thousand steps a day to get you from point A to point B — all while bearing the weight of your body. You stand on them a long time and put them into shoes that may not be the best fit. Unfortunately, these conditions can eventually cause a range of foot problems. So how can you take care of your feet and avoid chronic foot issues? This article will cover seven excellent foot care tips to keep your feet healthy.

Foot Care Tips To Keep Your Feet Healthy

It's important to know how to take care of your feet to keep them healthy for years to come. You can implement these seven tips to build a good foot care routine and avoid foot issues.

1. Avoid Wearing Tight Shoes

Shoe fit is very important to your foot health. 

Tight shoes restrict your blood flow, causing poor circulation that damages your feet in the long run. They may also cause foot pain that could become chronic. 

Over time, you may notice calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, and corns on your feet. They may even deform your feet with conditions like hammertoes and bunions.

2. Wear Shoes With Arch Support

Once you've got comfortable shoes that fit, you need to make sure your arch is adequately supported. Your arch does it all — it supports your body weight, propels you forward when you move, and absorbs shock anytime your foot hits the ground. Over time, your arch can become strained or weakened from the stress.

Arch supports keep your arch in good condition because they:

• Distribute pressure evenly
• Support the lower body
• Help with alignment
• Prevent arch trauma
• Provide balance and stability
• Prevent and lessen foot pain

So really, everyone can benefit from arch supports. Look for shoe brands that are known for providing good arch support. You may benefit from a custom shoe insert if you have shoes that fit well but don't provide enough arch support.

Also, try to avoid wearing flats and flip-flops every day. Although they are comfortable, they don't support your arch enough and may lead to a foot injury down the line.

3. Keep Your Feet Clean and Mostly Dry

Feet often sweat throughout the day, providing a perfect breeding ground for harmful fungi. So pay special attention to your feet when you shower or bathe. Good foot hygiene goes a long way toward eliminating foot odor. 

Be careful! You don't want to soak your feet in hot water or leave them in the water for too long. This may cause dry skin, which leads to skin irritation and flaking. 

After you clean your feet thoroughly, be sure to dry them. Don't be shy — get in between your toes to prevent fungal infections like athlete's foot.

4. Inspect Regularly for Foot Ailments

Practicing a good foot care routine allows you to catch any potential issues before they arise. Inspect your feet for any changes daily, and look out for any sores, cuts, swelling, or infected toenails.

Use antiseptic and healing creams if you notice any cuts, and go to the podiatrist immediately if you have unexpected swelling or infected toenails. 

After all, prevention is always the best cure.

5. Use Nail Clippers Correctly

We may tend to use nail clippers to clip and shape our toenails. But this can cause damage to the tender skin of your nail bed. 

It's important to use nail clippers correctly. Make sure they're stainless steel, so the blades stay sharp for longer. A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. 

Use the nail clippers only to trim the toenail straight across. You then want to use a nail file or emery board to gently smooth and round the corners. 

You can also use the nail file or emery board to push your cuticles back. However, you want to avoid cutting them, so they don't split or bleed.

6. Use Moisturizing Cream at Night

Chronic dry skin can cause skin irritation and flakiness. To avoid this, use moisturizing cream every night right after you dry your feet off. 

You can use creams, lotions, or even petroleum jelly. These are all nourishing emollients that sink into the skin and create a barrier to protect it. Your feet will be noticeably softer and well-hydrated. 

You can even give your feet a gentle massage as you apply your moisturizer, which can help stretch the tendons and contribute to your foot's muscular health. 

Afterward, you can put on socks or wrap your feet in plastic wrap for at least an hour for better lotion absorption, especially if you have dry skin.

But don't put any moisturizer between your toes to prevent a fungal or bacterial infection. Remember, you want to keep that area dry.

7. Don't Perform DIY Surgery on Ingrown Nails

We all know that ingrown toenails are annoying and even downright painful, and it's tempting to do a little DIY surgery to get rid of them. However, this is dangerous. 

Many people dig out ingrown nails with nail clippers or use floss to "splint" the toenail. These home remedies create a wide opening for harmful bacteria to get into the skin and develop into a nasty infection.

Go see your podiatrist instead. They are experts in all things feet and will safely get rid of your ingrown toenail in sanitary conditions. They can also prevent ingrown nails from regrowing and causing issues in the future.

Schedule Periodic Foot Exams and Invest in Advanced Foot Products

It's important to practice proper foot care. This includes wearing comfortable shoes, practicing good foot hygiene, and using the proper tools and creams.

You also want to visit your podiatrist for periodic foot exams to prevent the development of foot problems. They can also improve your foot health by performing procedures like ingrown toenail removal. These steps will ensure that your feet stay healthy and happy for many years.

Make sure you use products made for your feet. Here at The Toe Bro, we know how important it is for you to take care of your feet. That's why we provide high-quality advanced foot products to tackle and prevent a host of foot problems afflicting people today. Feel free to visit our website and add products to your routine today. You won't regret investing in your foot health.