Last year citizens around the world watched as Chilean miners were trapped underground for days.  The mine that imprisoned the workers is located deep in a desert in Chile, South America, one of the driest and harshest regions on earth.  The buried men, who became known as "Los 33" ("The 33"), were trapped 2,300 ft underground.  In addition to the obvious threats- dehydration and starvation- these miners were victim to another hazard that many would not automatically think of...

These miners were victim to a very warm and humid setting, which is an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria to flourish in.  Thirty six days after being trapped, all the miners received socks with copper in them to protect and eliminate fungi, bacteria, and odor.  If the miners had no protection, they would have likely ended up with severe infections causing pain, itchiness, discoloration, perspiration, and irritation.  Both their skin and nails were at risk for infection.       

All miners emerged from the tragedy with clean feet, free of bacterial and fungal infections despite the damp humid environment.  Dr. Juan Carlos Mellibovsky, head of the dermatology department at the Copiapo Regional Hospital, had the following to say:

“I was the physician responsible for performing an initial examination and following treatment for each of the 33 miners rescued from the San Jose mine in Chile. I am convinced that these socks containing Cupron technology played a major role in protecting the miner’s feet from developing fungal and bacterial infections.”

Here at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, we are proud to carry the product that protected the Chilean 33 from dangerous infections.  Our Aetrex copper sole socks are unsurpassed in comfort, performance, and protection, as proven by this valiant story.  Copper sole technology has been lab tested and clinically proven to help prevent bacteria, fungi, and odor as well as improve skin texture and appearance.  The copper ions, which are imbedded in the yarn, are guaranteed to last for the life of the sock regardless of repetitive washes and wear and tear.

To see and purchase the sock that shielded the Chilean 33, stop by Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates.  We carry the copper technology in 5 styles:

1. Athletic, crew or low cut, black or white
2. Non-binding, crew or low cut, black or white
3. Compression, available in 5 different colors
4. Dress, crew or ankle, black, brown, khaki or navy

Click here to see pictures of the miners feet after recovery.

  Royal newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton recently did some horseback riding in Canada.  The ultimate accessory for horseback riding is cowboy boots, of course!  Cowboy boots may be one of the most dangerous shoes one can wear.  They are moist are dark, which can breed fungus leading to athlete’s foot.  And, if you’re wearing cowboy boots in this heat, your feet are definitely sweating. 

Athlete’s foot is an infection that affects many people in the summer.  Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that grows best in warm, moist, dark places – just like the inside of your shoe!  Runners and people who go to the gym a lot get athlete’s foot more often because they are wearing the same sweaty gym shoes all the time and walking barefoot on the locker room floor. You do not have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot, simply walking barefoot at the poolside, showering barefoot, or sharing shoes can cause you to contract the infection.

The signs of athlete’s foot are cracked, flaking, peeling skin between your toes.  Your feet may be red, very itchy, and have an unpleasant odor.  A burning sensation in your feet is also normal.  If the fungal infection spreads to your toenails, your nails can become thick and turn colors.  

If you have athlete’s foot for months, things can get more serious.  The infection can spread to other parts of the body and it is also possible to pick up a bacterial infection too.  Dr. Lockwood can give you a prescription for stronger medication and give you more specific information about how to prevent athlete’s foot. For instance, if sweating is your problem, we have shoes and socks that allow better air circulation and wick away the sweat.  If you have diabetes, Dr. Lockwood should be the FIRST person you see if you think you have athlete’s foot.  A fungal infection in a diabetic is especially dangerous- please come in immediately!

Below are a few simple things you can do to keep your feet fungal free:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Wear comfortable shoes that have good air circulation.
• NEVER walk barefoot in public areas, including the gym, pool, and dorms.
• Do not share shoes and socks with others.
• Change socks if they get too sweaty during the day.
• Make sure your gym/running shoes are completely dry before putting them on each time.
• Clean your own bathroom floors regularly.

Summer is the time when we all want to have fun with our family and friends.  Don’t let athlete’s foot ruin your plans- make an appointment to see Dr. Lockwood at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates.