VittoriFootAnkleSpecialist

Patient Checklist

2012-03-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

If you are visiting me for the first time, review our checklist of information you will need to know or bring with you.

Make a list of symptoms and questions. Some time patients forget to mention something or have questions they forgot to ask during the examination. Writing them out and bringing them to the appointment will ensure all of your questions will be answered.

Make a list of all medications and any previous surgeries.

Bring any important medical records, lab tests, or Xrays.

Contact your insurance. Depending upon your coverage, you may need a referral.

If you have any special needs, tell the receptionist while scheduling the appointment. If your situation changes from scheduling to appointment time, call and inform the staff.

If you feel it may be helpful or may need someone to drive you home, bring a friend or family member to the appointment.

If your foot or lower extremity problem occurs when you are walking or exercising, bring your exercise shoes with you. I will evaluate your shoes and make any recommendations based on the type of shoe you wear. The padding in the shoe many not be enough or too much depending upon the shape of your foot.

Burn Care

2012-03-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

Stepping into a kitchen without socks or shoes can be dangerous. Think about it, have you ever been cooking and grease splattered onto your skin? Or maybe dropped a piece of hot food onto your foot? Burns can happen on the feet or lower extremities at any time, not just in the kitchen. Be prepared with proper burn care for the feet. Follow these steps the next time a burn occurs on the foot.

Place the burn under cold water immediately.

Soak the foot in water and a small amount of mild soap.

Using a soft washcloth, remove any loose skin or debris to avoid possible infection.

Blot the burn dry with a clean washcloth.

Once dry, apply a pain relieving ointment like Neosporin or an antibiotic ointment.

Apply a bandage large enough to cover the burned area.

Change the dressing twice a day until the burn is healed.

For the duration of the burn, wear loose white socks.

Elevate the foot above your heart to decrease swelling.

Walking on your foot will prevent the accumulation of fluid and promote healing.

Take ibuprofen for pain and to reduce swelling.

If the burn is second or third degree, make an appointment right away.

Things Not To Do:

Don’t use ice cold water to wash out the burn.

Don’t use petroleum jelly or body lotion on the burn.

Don’t wrap the foot because it will reduce the circulation and hinder healing.

What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?

2012-02-28T09:50:00.000-06:00

A Tailor’s bunion also goes by another name, a bunionette. It is located on the outside of the little toe and causes inflammation and a bump to form. The Tailor’s bunion got its name by centuries ago and was named after tailors who sat cross-legged all day. The outside edge of their feet constantly rubbed against the ground, which led to a painful bump at the base of the little toe. In this day and age, bunionettes can occur when feet rub against the insides of shoes.

Symptoms:

Redness
Swelling
Bump on the outside of the little toe
Pain on the outside of the little toe

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments of bunionettes. Podiatrists first take X-rays of the foot to determine proper diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Shoe modifications. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box, and avoid those with pointed toes or high heels.
Padding. Bunionette pads placed over the area may help reduce pain.
Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and inflammation.Icing. An ice pack may be applied to reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap the pack in a thin towel rather than placing ice directly on your skin.
Injection therapy. Injections of corticosteroid may be used to treat the inflamed tissue around the joint.
Orthotic devices. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the foot and ankle surgeon.

Surgery

Surgery is considered after non-surgical options are exhausted and if pain continues.

Benefits of Yoga for Your Feet

2012-02-20T15:42:00.001-06:00

Yoga has been gaining in popularity as word spreads about the health benefits that yoga provides. It strengthens and lengthens muscles, and provides increased flexibility. Not to mention it’s relaxing and fun. In terms of the feet, they are what ground the body to the floor, providing stability and balance. That balance helps when changing into the different Yoga positions. The feet have a large responsibility of always receiving the full force of the body’s weight while providing stability. The feet and ankle is the base in almost every pose in Yoga. The toes also play an important role. During movement, the big toe propels you forward while also grounding you in non-movement positions.

There is a reason why Yoga is primarily done without socks and shoes. The feet and lower extremities play a significant role in Yoga. Feet are the foundation of the body, and bare feet help to strengthen different muscles and toes. If feet are strong, the rest of the body will be strong.

Yoga can help avoid foot conditions like hammertoes, which often occur while working out because the toes rub against your shoes. Decrease the change of getting a bunion by doing Yoga. Bunions also occur when toes are crammed into shoes. Yoga also helps circulation, which diabetics find as a wonderful benefit.

For those that have never done Yoga, not all of the poses require you to be human pretzel or have the ability to stand on one’s head. Beginner classes start with simple standing poses like the Mountain Pose and the Downward Dog. These simple poses allow for beginners to start out slow and build up their feet and lower extremity muscles.

Sun and Moon Studio. (2012). Feet. Retrieved from http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com/Articles/feet.html

New Dangers Behind High Heels

2012-02-14T09:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Women, if you plan on wearing those high heals at dinner tonight keep on reading.

This is not the first time you have heard me say that women need to minimize the time they spend in high heels and to wear heals less than 3 inches. Most of the time I speak on the subject it relates to injuries and problems associated with the ball of the foot and the impact the amount of weight has on the toes.

There is a new study out that focused on older women who wore high heels their entire lives. It looked at the entire leg, not just the balls of the feet and toes. What researchers found was that the muscles and tendons in the leg actually shorten over time due to the position of the feet in high heels. The tendons may actually rupture over time due to the stress. Later in life, the way woman walk changes and hinders their ability to be active.

Dr. Nancy Synderman was on NBC discussing the study. If you missed it, watch the video.

APMA found the following statistics in their 2010 survey:

Women also experience foot pain in greater numbers than men (53% vs. 45%).

Women who endure pain say it results in some type of restricted activity (80%).

72% wish they were more comfortable on their feet

Next time you think about putting on a pair of high heels, think about how that will affect your feet. If you are going to wear them, make sure you minimize the amount of time in them. Bring flats to work with you and alternate between the high heels. Also, remember to do foot exercises to strengthen your muscles.

Citation:
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2012). Profile: Women and Their Feet. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Surveys/2010-Todays-Podiatrist-SurveyProfile-on-Women.aspx?FT=.pdf

New Lenox Location

2012-02-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the second office!

We are accepting appointments in the Silver Cross Medical Building.

Address: 1890 Silver Cross Blvd Ste 550
New Lenox, IL 60451

Hours: Tuesday's from 8am to 12pm

I hope the new location will be convenient for the patients in the New Lenox area. I look forward to providing services to the New Lenox community. For now, I will not be performing major medical treatments at this location. The Homer Glen location provides all services.

Patient Room:

Have you visited the new office?
What do you think of the new office?

How to Apply a Compression Wrap

2012-01-31T06:40:00.000-06:00

Compression wraps can be purchased at your local drugstore. They are also called ACE bandages. This product is useful for the lower extremities because it helps control the swelling of the foot and ankle. It is important to wrap the foot and ankle properly. If after wrapping the toes look blue, feel numb, or experience the pins and needle feeling, the wrap is too tight and should be re-wrapped.

To apply a compression wrap:

Cut a few pieces of wrap in a square shape to be later placed on the ankle for cushion.

Hold the ankle at a 90 degree angle.

Starting near your toes, wrap the bandage tautly once around the pad of the foot.

Gradually wrap in a circle motion in the same direction toward the arch of the foot.

Pull the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the toes across the foot's top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a figure-eight pattern.

Once the bandage is near the ankle, take the cut pieces of wrap and place it on the ankle. Wrap the bandage around the ankle and ankle pieces to keep in place.

Continue wrapping in a figure eight motion from the bottom of the heel to the top of the calf. Leave the heel exposed.

The wrap should end a few inches above the ankle. Use the fasteners that come with the bandage or tape to keep the compression wrap in place.

Nutrition & Inflammation

2012-01-24T09:36:00.000-06:00

Nutrition is an important part of overall health. Start associating nutrition not only with losing weight or preventing heart disease, but with the lower extremities. Feet are an essential component of the body and are affected just like any other part of the body.

Certain chemicals in food can cause inflammation in the feet. Inflammation can appear as plantar fasciitis or gout. People with gout need to be especially aware of the foods they eat as flare ups can occur.

Foods that can cause inflammation and should be consumed in moderation:

Refined grains
Sugar
Trans fats in junk food like chips or cookies
Saturated fat in red meat
Omega 6 fats found in vegetable oils
Pasta
White flour

Reduce inflammation by consuming more omega-3 fats that are found in fish while minimizing the amount of omega-6 fats in your diet.

Men's Footwear

2012-01-16T12:46:00.000-06:00

Women’s shoes get all the attention. It’s no wonder with all of the various styles to choose from; sling back, pumps, and flats. I could go on and on.

I’d like to draw attention to men’s footwear. Men also have various styles to choose from; slip-ons, dressy loafers, athletic shoes, high dress boots, low dress boots, etc. Just like women, men should pair footwear with specific activities.

Work Footwear:

Trade jobs typically require steel-toe safety shoes that are waterproof or water-resistant. One can further protect their feet and legs by using metal foot guards, puncture-proof inserts, and shin guards. Synthetic stitching and footwear made of rubber, vinyl, or plastic help to protect against chemicals and solvents.

Men’s shoes for office jobs are generally oxfords and loafers. If you wear the same pair of shoes everything, think about investing in a few more pairs. You should three to five pairs of work shoes to alternate between. When buying a new pair, make sure the shoe has cushioned soles to provide support, especially for those standing on their feet all day long.

After Work Hour Footwear:

The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles, shoes ordinarily associated with wing-tip or cap toe designs. Also suitable are slip-ons, dressy loafers, and low dress boots. If sneakers are more your style, make sure they offer arch support. Shoes like Converse typically don’t provide much support so purchase inserts or use orthotics to provide the support needed.

Athletic shoes:

Choose a shoe based on the activity. Not all athletic shoes are created equal. Shoe companies now design shoes specifically for the type of sport or activity one will be playing. Be mindful of the various types of athletic shoes.

Advantages of Implementing an EMR

2012-01-10T12:34:00.000-06:00

It’s going to be a busy 2012. We are implementing a new EMR, electronic medical record, starting in a few months. Currently we use paper charts and are looking forward to the change ahead. Some of you may not be familiar with an EMR and what it means for you and our practice in terms of patient care. By implementing this system, we can continue to provide a high quality of care towards our patients.

What is an EMR?

Electronic Medical Record. Think of a medical paper chart only electronic.

Benefits of an EMR:

Streamlines patient care and provides long-term cost savings.

Paperless… environmental friendly!

I will be able to finish patient charts quicker, meaning I can spend more time with my patients.

I will have access to charts remotely and all information will be up to date.

EMR’s reduce staff expenses and storage costs.

More than one user (staff) can access the chart at the same time.

EMR’s are more secure than a paper file, which has no backup in case a file is misplaced. The data in an EMR is backed up daily and hosted on a secure server.

I have the ability to coordinate care among various medical professionals; physicians, pharmacists, etc.

No more undecipherable handwriting!

In short, it saves space, reduces waste, and our practice is more efficient allowing for fantastic patient care.

Walk Your Way to Good Health

2012-01-03T09:24:00.000-06:00

How are you keeping up with your New Year Resolutions? If exercise was the item you hoped to incorporate more of into your schedule and are finding it difficult to keep up, try simply walking. As we have had great winter weather so far here in Chicago, I hope you have been able to take advantage of it. Chicago was named one of the best walking cities in the U.S. by the APMA and Prevention Magazine.

By walking an extra 2000 steps a day, which equals about 1 mile and 100 calories, you can lose about 10 pounds a year! Ideally, one should walk on average 10,000 steps a day. Did you ask for a Pedometer for the Holidays?

While walking, keep these tips in mind for preventing foot problems.

Buy walking shoes. They have stability and support. Not all shoes are the same and we are lucky enough to be living in a time where shoes are made sport specific.

Start walking on flat surfaces and build up to walking up hills or stairs.

Walk short distances at first, and then increase the distance the following week.

Start with a nice easy pace and gradually increase. This gives your feet and ankles time to adjust to the new walking schedule.

Tracks and trails are a great starting point since they are softer surfaces which allows for less impact.

If walking on a treadmill, still follow the flat surface at a slow pace rule. Gradually increase speed and incline once comfortable.

Never push through the pain. Feet are not supposed to hurt.

New Year, New Feet

2011-12-27T09:57:00.000-06:00

It’s New Year Resolution time again. Each year resolutions are made, and then broken. Health is one of the top resolutions for people to make; exercise more, lose weight, and stop smoking. This year, don’t set yourself up for disappointment. I have a resolution that can take you all through the year and have your feet thanking you. Follow these four exercises to alleviate pain and keep your feet stylish throughout the year.

While standing, place toes against the wall, lean slightly forward until the arch starts to stretch. If you experience heel pain, sit on the floor with one leg stretched out in front of you. Take a small towel and wrap it around the ball of the foot, softly pulling back the towel ends until the foot begins to stretch.
Place foam toe separators between toes and squeeze for five seconds, repeating ten times. Next, place a thick rubber band around all five toes and stretch the band as wide as possible, holding for five seconds and repeating on each foot ten times.
Place a golf ball under the ball of your foot and roll it back and forth with light pressure. Do this exercise sitting down so you don’t lose balance and hurt your foot.
To do heel raises, stand upright and raise yourself up on the balls of your feet. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times. For toe points and flexes, start in the same position, lift one foot and roll it forward until the toes are pointing downward toward the ground. Flex your foot upwards. Hold each position for five seconds and repeat ten times.

3 Holiday Foot Fixes

2011-12-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be painful on the feet, especially women wearing high heels. Women, before slipping on those fancy slingbacks or new heels, check out these three products that have the APMA's Seal of Acceptance to keep your tootsies pain free.

"Problem: Burning sensation on the balls and toes of the feet.
Solution: Douse foot flames with Heaven4Toes' Alba Round Toe Cushion . The first-ever soft cushion insert designed especially for toes, these toe cushions are made of durable polyurethane for long-lasting comfort, and are virtually invisible in any pair of haughty heels. With footwear cushions designed for both women and men, these protect against painful skin abrasions and help to quell irritation and discomfort caused by friction.

Problem: Shoe soles can be hard on feet, especially near heels.
Solution: SOLE Custom Footbeds, a product designed to provide custom-fit shock absorption in footwear. SOLE Footbeds feature a deep, cushioning heel cup and adjustable arch support that help to protect tootsies on the dance floor."

Problem: Slingbacks can dig deep into heels, leaving blisters and painful abrasions.
Solution: Provide a protective barrier between the strap and your skin by using moleskin or FootPetals' Strappy Strips to prevent blisters and strap slippage, so you can comfortably party into another successful New Year."

Citation:
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). New Year's Foot Fixes. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/new-years-foot-fixes
Image by Skyepeale. (2011). CC BY 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/36373626@N02/5598833180/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Dry Skin… Don't Blame It All On The Weather

2011-12-13T09:59:00.000-06:00

For some, winter brings dry, cracked, and peeling skin on hands and feet. With daily applications of moisturizer, most can keep hands and feet moisturized all through the winter season. Pedicures, professional or at home, also help to maintain the moisture levels in the skin.

People with Diabetes on the other hand have to take a more proactive role in combatting dry and cracking skin. Diabetes affects the nerves in the feet and they start to stop working. If the nerves stop working, the feet have no way of controlling the oil and moisture in the feet. As the moisture levels in the body decrease, the skin becomes dry, starts to crack, and then can progress to open sores. Dry skin can lead to a whole host of other foot complications which may be more difficult to treat.

The feet spend more time in shoes during the winter months but that doesn’t mean feet should be neglected until spring. Follow these measures in order to keep the skin moisturized all winter long.

Wash feet daily.
Do not soak feet. Soaking can make the feet become drier.
Dry feet thoroughly.
Seal in moisture with a thin coat of plain petroleum jelly, unscented lotion, or similar product.
Never put oils or creams between toes as infections can occur due to the extra moisture.
Visit a Podiatrist if dryness continues.

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/henkimaa/122427784/][img]http://farm1.staticflickr.com/36/122427784_246bef1332.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/henkimaa/122427784/]I courageously stepped out into the warm spring day, but then I got cold foot[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/henkimaa/]yksin[/url], on Flickr

Pins and Needles

2011-12-06T09:08:00.000-06:00

Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of pins and needles in their feet and or legs. This happens because of poor circulation. The blood is not flowing as it should and the body is sending a warning sign.

Diabetics need to be more aware and take a proactive approach to foot care. Poor circulation or slow blood flow can have devastating consequences like decreased ability to fight infection and heal properly. The blood vessels of the foot and leg narrow and harden in diabetics, restricting the amount of blood that can flow, causing poor circulation.

Help your body help you:

Stop Smoking. Smoking hardens arteries faster.

Control blood pressure.

Control cholesterol levels.

Poor circulation can also hinder the ability to feel temperature. Wear warm socks. Don’t put feet and legs in warm water, use hot water bottles or heating pads. If feet are unable to feel proper temperature, the changes of burns increase.

Some diabetics have intermittent claudication, which is pain in the calves when walking fast or uphill. Resting ends the pain, but needs to be treated by a podiatrist. Poor circulation can be improved, so see your Podiatrist frequently.

Facts on Foot Ulcers

2011-11-29T12:10:00.000-06:00

Foot ulcers commonly occur on the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. If one experiences ulcers on the sides of the foot, replace shoes as they may not be fitting properly.

Don’t mistake a blister for a foot ulcer. A foot ulcer is an open would whereas a blister is a small pocket of fluid underneath the skin. Foot ulcers affect the foot’s surface and can lead to serious wounds, infections, and possible amputation. It is estimated that 15% of diabetics will experience a foot ulcer at some point in their lives.

Treatment of Foot Ulcers:

X-Rays of the foot check to make sure there is no infection of the bone
Podiatrists clean out dead or infected tissue
Cultures are taken of the tissue to determine type of infection and proper antibiotics

Take Care of the Foot Ulcer:

Put feet up! Walking makes the ulcer larger, harder to heal, and forces the infection deeper into the foot.
Protect the foot by special shoes, a brace, or cast.
Inspect foot daily for any changes.
Clean feet and legs daily.

Healed Ulcers:

Keep checking feet daily for any changes.
Scar tissue that may have formed under the foot ulcer will break down over time.
Special shoes help to protect and prevent the ulcer from returning.

At Home Care for Diabetes

2011-11-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

Medical check-ups by family physicians and podiatrists are essential for people living with diabetes, but at home care is just as important to the long term care of the disease. Follow these tips for healthy living with the disease.

Daily Food Examinations. Inspect feet daily to look for any changes in the size, color, or feeling. If changes occur, make an appointment with a medical professional for early detection and treatment. Wash feet daily and moisturize the skin. Proper hygiene is essential to maintaining a healthy foot.

Remove Clutter in the house. Opening up pathways in the house help to reduce the chance of tripping or bumping one’s feet. Remove any obstacles that may be in the way. Keep the inside and outside of the house illuminated.

Trimming Toenails at Home. Cut toenails straight across using toenail clippers. Do not round the toenail. One of the unfortunate side effects of diabetes is poor eyesight. If one cannot trim their own nails, make an appointment with a podiatrist or have a family member clip the toenails.

Socks and Shoes. I can’t stress enough the importance of proper footwear. Diabetes patients should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. High heels should be avoided. Sometime it is necessary to have orthotics, depending on the foot structure. Socks should be made of breathable cotton.

Exercise. First, consult with your doctor prior to starting any exercise program. Exercise has many benefits to controlling diabetes; it improves circulation, stabilized blood sugar levels, and improves bone and joint health.

Smoking. Cut down and try to quit smoking any form of tobacco because it accelerates damage to the blood vessels causing poor circulation. Poor circulation is a major risk factor for foot infections and amputations.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

2011-11-15T08:52:00.001-06:00

According the CDC, Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and we all need to keep in mind the warning signs of this deadly disease. If you notice any of these warning signs put together by the American Podiatric Medical Association, please make an appointment right away to discuss treatment options.

“Diabetes Warning Signs:

Skin color changes
Swelling of the foot or ankle
Numbness in the feet or toes
Pain in the legs
Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
Ingrown and fungal toenails
Bleeding corns and calluses
Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel”

Diabetes patients are instructed to inspect feet daily for any changes that may appear. Proper footwear is also important to staying mobile. Get fitted and measured for shoes as feet change over time. Don’t forget about socks. Soft socks with no seams are advised and diabetics should NEVER walk around barefoot. As much as I talk about proper footwear, exercise should be in every diabetic’s lifestyle as it increases circulation and helps one to lose weight.

Citation:
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Brochures/Diabetes.aspx

November is Diabetes Awareness Month!

2011-11-07T15:03:00.000-06:00

Diabetes is the 7th leading killer in the United States.
To put it into perspective, there are currently 25.8 million people living with diabetes. That correlates to more than 8% of the total population of the United States. Of the 25.8 million people, only 18.8 million people are diagnosed, whereas 7 million people are undiagnosed. The most staggering figure is that 79 million people are pre-diabetics! No wonder the entire month of November is dedicated to diabetes awareness.

The pre-diabetes statistic is very alarming considering the complications to the lower extremities are dangerous. Common foot complications are:

Numbing or loss of feeling in your feet
Non-healing Foot ulcers or sores
Foot or leg Amputation

As a physician, it can't be stressed enough the importance of proper diet, exercise, and medical attention. Maintain regular yearly check ups to one’s family physician and podiatrist. Podiatrists team up with family physicians to effectively manage the effects of diabetes on the foot.

Test your knowledge by answering 10 quick questions:

Knock Your Socks Off! Diabetes Awareness Quiz (You even get a certificate at the end.)

How will you play your part in creating Diabetes Awareness?

Citation:
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). Diabetes by the Numbers. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/DiabetesNumbers

How Feet Grow

2011-11-01T08:47:00.001-05:00

If you’ve ever wondered how feet grow, here’s your answer.

The feet have growth plates on the long bones and are areas of growing tissue. Each long bone has 2 growth plates, one on either side, which enable the bone to grow. When a person is done growing, the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone.

As you may be able to imagine, growth plates are weak and when the plates are injured, it’s called a fracture.

Fracturing a growth plate can happen when a child falls or from overuse of the feet and ankles in sports. Besides those normal situations that every child may face, growth plate injuries can occur from child abuse, bone infections, metabolic diseases, and some steroid medications.

Growth plate injuries need to be taken seriously and children should never work through the pain. Take a child to see a Podiatrist if the child experiences pain or can’t move their foot. An X-Ray will determine what type of fracture has occurred. If it is a growth plate facture, a cast or splint is a normal course of treatment, but there are occasions when surgery is needed. Those that have had growth plate fractures in the past should periodically exercise the foot and ankle and follow up with their Podiatrist regularly to make sure it healed properly. If a growth plate is fractured and not taken care of, it can result in the growth plate to stop growing with an end result of two different sized feet.

Image Citation:

Image by aussiegall. Flickr. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/364313299/

Black Toenails

2011-10-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

A black or darkened toenail usually means that the toenail is bruised. The toenail turns black because there is blood under the nail. Bruising can occur from simply stubbing one’s toe, hitting it on a chair leg, or from running. Runners are prone to black toenails because the toenail rubs against the shoe, especially ill-fitted shoes. Runners should purchase shoes a half size bigger than their normal size to allow from movement of the foot and toes. If a toenail turns black without being injured, get the toenail checked right away. Similar coloring without trauma can indicate melanoma.

The only treatment for a bruised toenail is time. Eventually the nail will grow out. But, a bruised toenail can lead to a fungal nail infection if not properly cared for and cleaned. If the nail is already black, the infection is severe and sometimes the nail will fall off completely. An appointment needs to be made immediately to stop the spreading of the infection by prescription medication. A new toenail will start to grow back in six to nine months.

Fungus can be picked up at any public area, shower, gyms, or saunas. Always wear proper footwear outside to avoid contracting a fungus.

Diabetics need to be especially concerned with any changes of the toenails, whether the color turns black or yellow. The pressure causing the bruised nail can lead to a small sore under the toenail which can lead to infection.

Image by kteague. (2011). Flickr. Black toenail, 12 days after injury. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kteague/758249805/

Can Back Pain be Caused by Foot Problems?

2011-10-18T09:33:00.003-05:00

Every foot is unique, so why aren’t shoes? Shoes are made in various lengths and a few different widths, but are not uniquely made to conform to the contours of each individual’s feet. Shoes purchased in a store do not offer proper individual support.

Feet are the foundation of the body, and provide alignment and balance to the rest of the body. If feet are not aligned properly, the rest of one’s body is not properly aligned. This can cause pain in the ankles, knees, lower back, and neck.

Would you have guessed that feet are a common cause of lower back pain? If you said no, you are not alone. In terms of the number of bones in the body, the feet have about a quarter of them. With that many bones and numerous ligaments, it’s a wonder that people don’t look to there feet as a source of pain and discomfort related to many areas of their body.

Current statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans complain of back pain. Of course not all 80% are due to foot pain. If one is experiencing back, hip, or neck pain, make an appointment with a Podiatrist for a check up. Pain may be relieved by use of orthotics or individualized foot wear. Orthotics form a properly fitted arch which supports, provides comfort and balance, and improves posture.

Foot Ulceration Symptoms & Care

2011-10-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

Foot ulcerations are foot wounds or open sores, and are common among diabetics. The cause of foot ulcerations is peripheral vascular disease.

What happens is that since diabetics have poor blood circulation which causes them to be unable to feel if sores are present. Untreated wounds or sores eventually turn into foot ulcers.

Foot ulcers can prompt infections of the bloodstream which can lead to amputation or death.
The consequences are severe if left untreated. Diabetics need to inspect their feet and ankles frequently to monitor any changes that may appear and seek treatment right away.

Symptoms of foot ulcers:

Irritation of the skin such as blistering and redness

Open wounds that drain fluid

Infection, swelling or pus

High blood sugar levels

Odor

Fever

Pain

Discoloration of the foot; look for white, blue or black spots

If a diabetic does have a wound or sore, proper would care and dressing is vital. Care for would by:

Keep blood sugar levels under control.

Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged.

Clean the wound daily, using a wound dressing or bandage.

Keep pressure off of the foot by walking less until the wound is healed.

Always wear shoes. Never go barefoot.

Medline Plus. Diabetes - foot ulcers. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000077.htm

What is Sesamoiditis?

2011-10-04T08:27:00.001-05:00

Sesamoiditis is not a term used often in one’s household, but the condition still exists even if one doesn’t know the technical term. Sesamoiditis occurs when tendons around the big toe are injured and inflamed. Those that may be unfamiliar with the anatomy of the foot, the sesamoid bones are a pair of tiny bones about the size of a jelly bean that help with holding the tendons away from the joint in the big toe.

Symptoms:

Pain during physical activity below the first metatarsal joint in the big toe & ball of the foot
Swelling under the first metatarsal joint
Tenderness in the surrounding tissue

Causes:

Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Trauma to the sesamoid bones
Repeated stresses over time.
Women who frequently wear high heels
Increased stress on the forefoot

Treatment:

Rest and ice
Wear a foot pad under the toe in a comfortable shoe
Wear low-heeled shoes
Steroid injections may be helpful in some cases
Visit a podiatrist if pain persists for further diagnosis and treatment

Foot Complications of Diabetes

2011-09-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

Foot complications arise frequently in those who have diabetes. Podiatrists help treat and manage many of the side effects and symptoms from the disease. The CDC keeps track of current trends and is projecting that by 2050, 1 of 3 U.S. adults will have diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of amputations of feet and legs.

Classic symptoms of diabetes pertaining to the lower extremities:

Loss of feeling in the lower extremities; feet and ankles
Feet changing shape
Foot sores and ulcers
Irritation, redness, cracked & dry skin
Drainage on socks

Accessing comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45%-85%. If a podiatrist is not part of your diabetes management team, contact my office for a free consultation.

Citation:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/ddt.htm

We have a Winner!

2011-09-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Contest.

Our WINNER is Chris Buban!

We are taking suggestions for another contest prize.

What would you like the prize to be for our next contest?

Answer in the comment box below.

Chris, please email my marketer Mindy your address so she can mail you the prize. drvittori@gmail.com

Congrats!

Tendinitis

2011-09-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

I would like to talk a little about Tendinitis. This is a very common form of inflammation or irritation of a tendon. If you have ever had tendinitis, you know first hand that it causes pain and tenderness around the joints. They human body can have tendinitis anywhere that there is a tendon and joint, but the most common places are shoulders, elbows, wrists, and heels.

For those of you lucky enough to have never experienced tendinitis, one with it experiences pain, mild swelling, and tenderness where the tendon attaches to a bone.

Now that we know what it feels like if someone has tendinitis, how does one get it? It is caused either by a sudden injury or more commonly, the same repetitive movement over time. This is why here at our office, we see many patients who play sports such as baseball, soccer, tennis, and golf with tendinitis. Sports are not the only culprit here. One’s career can put a person at risk for tendinitis if the job requires repetitive motion or constant overhead reaching. We also can never rule out age as a factor. As our bodies age, we become less flexible which can cause the tendons to tear.

Tendinitis can be treated by rest, orthotics, and prescription medication. If you think you may have tendinitis, please make an appointment.

In this short video, a little girl talks about having tendonitis from dancing.

Citation:

Mayo Clinic. (2011). Tendinitis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tendinitis/DS00153

Last Day of Contest! Enter to Win!

2011-09-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

Last Day of Contest!
See Contest Page for all details!

Win a $50 Gift Card to

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Suggestion for the winner:

Purchase new athletic shoes.

Contest dates:

Monday September 12 – Monday September 19

To win, simply answer the question on the Contest Page.

Contest Reminder!

2011-09-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

Reminder! We are running a Contest!
See Contest Page for all details!

Win a $50 Gift Card to

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Suggestion for the winner:

Purchase new athletic shoes.

Contest dates:

Monday September 12 – Monday September 19

To win, simply answer the question on the Contest Page.

Stinky Sweaty Feet

2011-09-13T09:20:00.005-05:00

Foot Odor, how embarrassing. It really shouldn’t be embarrassing since everyone has 250000 sweat glands which produce up to a half-cup of sweat daily. Sweaty feet are what causes foot odor.

Now that we know everyone suffers from sweaty feet, but what about the odor itself? The sweat itself has no odor. The odor is attributed to bacteria. The feet are the perfect breading ground for bacteria to grow: dark, damp, and usually enclosed in a shoe.

The type of shoe and sock one wears also plays a role in foot odor. If a shoe doesn’t ventilate properly, the feet gradually get sweatier and does not have the opportunity to dry out. Socks made up of polyester and nylon is common, but does not offer adequate ventilation. Cotton and wool allow for more breath-ability. The polyester and nylon socks increase perspiration and intensify odor. After wearing all day a combination of nylon sock plus dress shoes, one may find they need to wash their feet when they get home.

If you are concerned with foot odor, look in your kitchen for baking soda. Baking soda creates a hostile environment for bacteria and it can’t grow in that environment. This eliminates the odor with time. Use four pinches on each foot every day… two inside the sock and two on the insole of the shoe. Washing one’s feet daily also minimizes odor. Other remedies for foot odor include odor-eaters or powders which can be found at most stores. Also, check one’s shoes. If the shoes that are causing the most odors when worn are old, replace them with a new pair. Rotate your shoes and don’t wear the same ones every day.

Image by mary_thompson. (2011). Flickr. CC BY 2.0. Retrieved from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryamandathompson/5663879492/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Tips on Examining your Feet

2011-09-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

Keeping feet healthy is vital for your overall fitness. It’s hard to keep in shape when you have feet problems. Walking, running, and exercising become hard and sometimes painful to do with unhealthy feet. There are six things you should look for to make sure your feet are healthy.

Circulation. To check circulation, look at the color of your toenail when you press down on it. It should look like a normal nail color, not red, white, purple or blue.
Flexibility. To check flexibility in your toes, I suggest doing the toe exercise that I have mentioned in my earlier blogs. Pick up objects off of the floor with your toes and move them to another pile to see how flexible your toes are. For ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Let the heel go below the level of the stair. Stop the test if you feel pain. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign. If there is some strain, this can be improved with flexibility exercises.
Balance. Try this test to see how well your balance is. Stand on one foot while your arms are straight out from your side and close your eyes.

Balance Test:

30 yrs old or less: Balance for 15 seconds

30 to 40 yrs old: Balance for 12 seconds

40 to 50 yrs old: Balance for 10 seconds

50 yrs and over: Balance for 7 seconds

4. Pain. Feet are healthy if they don’t hurt.

5. Sensation. Take a pencil eraser and lightly run it on the top, bottom, and both sides

of your feet. The sensation should feel equal in all quadrants. Don’t worry if your

feet tickle, it is normal.

6. Skin. Look at your skin for blisters, calluses, or areas of irritation.

Children & Sports

2011-09-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

Every child physically matures at his or her own rate. Being involved in sports helps children mentally and physically grow into young adults. Early training should emphasize proper technique to improve basic movement to lay the ground work for the future.

Podiatric physicians, specialists in treating lower extremities, say children who concentrate on a single sport at too young of an age are more likely to develop injuries of the foot and ankle. Allowing children the experience of many types of activities can help avoid future injuries.

Children need to stretch their muscles prior to activities just the same as do adults. It helps loosen the muscles to prevent injuries. Learning to stretch at an early age sets the stage for sports activities as the body develops.

A sports medicine podiatrist such as Dr. Vittori can offer a thorough exam of the entire lower extremity, can address any issues they may be experiencing, but also give advice to help prevent future injuries.

Image Citation:

Image by heraldpost. (2011). Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/heraldpost/4903597659/sizes/z/in/photostream/

2011-09-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked on my Facebook page about shin splints. A 57 year old women was looking to start jogging but was confronted with shin splints at the bottoms of her leg that led to swelling and pain. We all know by now that feet should not hurt. I’m glad she reached out for help and answers to her problem.

Shin splints can be caused by a number of reasons. First take a look at the type of shoe you are wearing. Are they worn out? Do they have enough shock absorption? If they are worn down & have little to no shock absorption, get a new pair of running shoes. If the shoes are in ideal condition, shin splints can be caused by an over-pronated flat feet or a high-arched foot due to shock absorption.

Now that we know some of the causes of shin splints, how do you prevent them? The best way is to stretch and strengthen the leg muscles. I have written a few blogs about feet & ankle exercises. (I will incorporate a link to those blogs). Also try to avoid running on hard surfaces. I suggest a treadmill or track, which are better at helping to absorb the shock of the feet hitting the ground. Don’t forget the importance of proper footwear.

Once someone experiences shin splints, treatment is critical. Ice the painful areas and gently stretch before and after jogging. To reduce pain and inflammation, take aspirin or ibuprofen. I also prescribe physical therapy and custom foot orthotics to help stretch and strengthen muscles. The orthotics support the feet and correct over-pronation.

Most importantly, I need to evaluate the feet and ankle to make sure shin splints in the only problem that is occurring.

Signs of Foot Problems

2011-08-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

Have you looked at your feet lately? Do you know what you are looking for? If not, I suggest looking for signs of foot problems. If you answer yes to the questions below, you have a sign of a foot problem. Make an appointment to have your feet checked. For overall health, check your feet daily. Preventive measures and early detection is a critical component to a healthy lifestyle.

Take a minute and look at your feet and go over the checklist.

Foot Checklist:

Do your feet tingle, burn, or hurt?

Are your feet sensitive to touch, heat, or cold?

Can you feel touch, heat, or cold?

Are your feet changing shape?

Are your feet discolored or changing in color?

Are there changes in temperature of your feet?

Are you losing hair on your toes or feet?

Is your skin dry and cracked?

What color are your toenails? Are they think and yellow?

Do you have a Fungus infection?

Do you have blisters, sores, ulcers, corns, or ingrown toenails?

Citations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Diabetes Public Health Resource. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/tcyd/foot.htm

Image by DannyMcL. Flickr. (2011). CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Retrieved from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcl/2153093566/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Foot Exercises & Stretches

2011-08-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

Most people at least try to incorporate some sort of exercise into their daily routine in order to stay fit and active. Try to incorporate these foot and ankle exercises into your next work out routine. Not only will you be stretched properly, you will be less likely to incur an injury. Your feet and ankles will thank you.

Exercise #1: Ankle Pump Up

To strengthen the muscles in the front of your shin and to increase ankle dorsi flexion, try this exercise.

Pull your foot up like you are trying to touch your toes to the front of your shin. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 to start. Have a goal of 3 sets of 30 exercises. Try to do the exercises three times per day.

Exercise #2: Ankle Pump Down

To strengthen the muscles in the back of your calf and to increase ankle plantar flexion, try this exercise. This exercise is the opposite of the Ankle Pump Up.

Push your foot down like you are pointing your toes to the floor. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 to start. Have a goal of 3 sets of 30 exercises. Try to do the exercises three times per day.

Exercise #3: Bent Knee Wall Stretch

Have tight calf muscles? This stretch is for you. This particular exercise stretches the soleus.

Stand in front of a wall. Outstretch your arms to lean against the wall. Move one foot forward. The other foot should stay back and bend that leg slightly. You will then feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 exercises. Have a goal of 3 sets of 30 exercises. Try to do the exercise three times per day.

Exercise #4: Straight Knee Wall Stretch

Try this exercise to help with the calf muscle called the gastrocnemius.

Stand in front of a wall. Outstretch your arms to lean against the wall. Move one foot forward. The other foot should stay back and have that knee straight. You will feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 exercises. Have a goal of 3 sets of 30 exercises. Try to do the exercise three times per day.

Broken Bones: Stabilizing & Medical Treatment

2011-08-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

The first thing one should do if they believe they may have broken a bone in their foot or ankle is to stabilize the injury and then elevate it. The second step is to contact your Podiatrist, Dr. Vittori, for X-rays and proper medical treatment of the injury.

Stabilizing the injury:

Find a splint that will keep the injury from moving around. The splint can be as simple as a pillow wrapped around the foot which can be tied with a bandage.

Do not wrap the foot too tightly. The injury needs to have blood supply circulating. The signs to be aware of if the injury is wrapped too tightly are if the injury hurts worse, turns blue, or if one is unable to wiggle their toes.

Elevate the injury by lifting the foot at a level which is higher than the rest of the body. This will reduce swelling and pain.

Ice can also be used to minimize the swelling and pain. Apply ice that is wrapped in a towel and do not put the ice directly on open skin.

After the injury is stabilized, contact Dr. Vittori, since treatment of broken bones varies depending upon what part of the foot or ankle is broken.

Common treatments of broken bones in the foot or ankle:

Some broken bones in the foot and ankle require the individual to remain off of the injury by using crutches or flat-bottom shoes.

Other broken bones require the use of splints and casts.

The most extreme treatment involves surgery to repair the foot.

Pain Free Running

2011-08-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

Summer is still in full swing, but is your running? If you've been running all summer long, and are now experiencing pain in the arch and bottom of the heel, the pain can indicate Plantar Fasciitis. The pain is causes by inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes.

Short and long distance running can cause the pain. Even if you’re not a runner, you can experience Plantar Fasciitis. Other causes of Plantar Fasciitis include obesity, walking barefoot, and improper footwear.

Get back on the track/trial running pain free:

Wear insoles in your running shoes, orthotics or gel heel supports to cushion and absorb shock
Night splints
Anti-inflammatory medication
Purchase running shoes based on your running habits
Replace worn shoes every 350 – 500 miles
Make appointment to get your feet checked by a Podiatrist
Shockwave therapy

American Podiatric Medical Association. Get A Handle on Your Heel Pain. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/heel-pain-guide

Image by Shahee Ilyas. (2011). Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License.

Retrieved from http://shaheeilyas.com/light/index.php/image/running/

Fun Challenge: Are you an Easy Stepper, Moderate Mover or Serious Strider?

2011-08-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

Americans walk 75,000 miles by age 50, according to the APMA. If 75,000 is the average, how do you rank? What kind of effect does your ranking have on your feet? Take this challenge to find out!

1. ESTABLISH YOUR BASELINE
Use the following formula to calculate the approximate number of miles your feet have logged:
4.3 miles/day* x 365 days x your age = _____________ miles

Circle your range from among the following:

a.	30,000-45,000 miles	1
b.	46,000-60,000 miles	2
c.	61,000-74,000 mile	3
d.	75,000 and up	4
		SUBTOTAL_________

* This is an average. To calculate your specific mileage, wear a pedometer for a week, add up the number of miles you walked each day, and divide by seven. Then, insert that sum into the formula to calculate your baseline mileage.

WHICH CATEGORY BEST DESCRIBES YOUR
CURRENT PROFESSION OR OCCUPATION? (Pick 1)

Easy Steppers
Examples: 1
Clerical/administrative positions
Data processing, computer programming positions
Accountants, attorneys
Executives

Moderate Movers
Examples: 2
Doctors, flight attendants, chefs
Teachers, military personnel
Bank tellers, store clerks
Homemakers, farmers

Serious Striders
Examples: 3
Professional athletes/dancers
Mail carriers, police officers, teachers
Factory workers, waiters/waitresses, nurses
Store clerks, retail salespeople
Aerobics instructors

SUBTOTAL__________

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN
ENGAGED IN THIS OCCUPATION?

a.	less than 2 years	1
b.	between 3-5 years	2
c.	between 6-15 years	3
d.	between 16-20 years	4
e.	more than 20	5
		SUBTOTAL_________

WHICH CATEGORY BEST DESCRIBES
YOUR RECREATION/LIFESTYLE? (Pick 1)

Easy Steppers
Examples: 1
Walking
Gardening
Bowling
Shopping
Golfing
Moderate Movers

Examples: 2
Tennis
Racquetball
Biking
Power Walking
Serious Striders

Examples: 3
Jogging
Running
Basketball
Soccer
Aerobics

SUBTOTAL__________

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU ENGAGED IN THE
ACTIVITY SELECTED IN NUMBER 4?

a.	less than 2 years	1
b.	between 3-5 years	2
c.	between 6-15 years	3
d.	between 16-20 years	4
e.	more than 20	5
		SUBTOTAL_________

HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY YOUR WEIGHT?

a.	normal	1
b.	underweight	2
c.	overweight:
	by 10 pounds	3
	up to 20	4
	more than 20	5
	more than 50	6
		SUBTOTAL_________

DO YOU REGULARLY WEAR HEELS
TWO INCHES OR HIGHER?

	yes		2
	sometimes		1
	no		0
			SUBTOTAL_________

DO YOU HAVE, OR HAVE YOU RECENTLY
HAD, ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

a.	arthritis, joint pain, tendonitis, or heel pain
	yes	2
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

b.	flat feet or high arches
	yes	3
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

c.	corns, calluses, bunions, or hammertoes
	yes	2
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

d.	nails that are discolored, painful, or appear to be thick, brittle, or flaky
	yes	2
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

e.	poor circulation, cramping in legs, or nerve pain
	yes	3
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

f.	diabetes
	yes	5
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

f.	gout or psoriasis
	yes	2
	no	0
		SUBTOTAL_________

TOTAL SCORE __________

What Your Score Means

EASY STEPPERS / Low Risk Category / 0-20 points: Your feet and ankles are healthy and you can maintain your lifestyle with confidence. However, as you approach the 75,000 mile mark, and if you are experiencing foot/ankle discomfort, you should schedule an exam with a podiatric physician to ensure the long-term health of your feet and ankles. Furthermore, if you scored high points for questions 2, 3, 4, 5 or 8 you should consider visiting a podiatric physician in the near future for a check-up.

MODERATE MOVERS / Moderate Risk Category / 21-40 points: As an active person, you have logged a significant amount of miles and your feet and ankles are showing signs of wear. Although you can continue your normal activities, if you are experiencing foot/ankle pain or discomfort, you should consider visiting a podiatric physician for a check-up. In addition, if you scored high points for questions 2, 3, 4, 5 or 8 you should visit a podiatric physician soon to safeguard your foot and ankle health.

SERIOUS STRIDERS / High Risk Category / 41 points or higher: Your age, occupation, lifestyle and other factors have caused you to reach or surpass the 75,000-mile mark, which means you should pay close attention to the state of your feet and nkles. As a serious strider, you will continue to log mileage at a fast pace and your feet and ankles are at a heightened risk for long-term medical problems. To protect the health of your feet and ankles, you should visit a podiatric physician annually, particularly if you are experiencing any foot/ankle discomfort.

Citation:

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). 75,000 Mile Checkup. Retrieved from

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Campaigns/PodiatristsKeepAmericaWalking/Archives/75000MileCheckup.aspx

Egyptian Pedicures?

2011-08-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

Have you been to the Field Museum in Chicago lately?

In the Ancient Egyptian exhibit, there is a display of one Egyptian giving another one a Pedicure. Pedicures are not a modern luxury; people have been taking care of their feet for thousands of years.

Just like modern nail salons, Ancient Egyptians went into the marketplace for all of their grooming needs since the metal tools and oils were too expensive to own. They placed a great value on hygiene and appearance. Ancient Egyptian had surgeons that stitched wounds, set broken bones, and amputated diseased limbs. This image shows some of the tools used to maintain feet hygiene.

Pictures have been found inside pharaoh’s tombs showing pedicures as they paid special attention to their feet and legs. Painting of nails also goes back to the Ancient Egyptian days. Red nails signified a high social class. It’s been said that Cleopatra frequently wore a deep red nail polish whereas Queen Nefertiti wore ruby colored polish.

Have you seen this display at the Field Museum?

What's Hiding in Your Closet?

2011-08-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

Does your shoe collection consist mostly of

High Heels

Flats?

Which one is better? Surprisingly neither.

Both heels and flats can be painful on the feet. I bet you’re not surprised that high heels cause havoc on the feet. So why do women wear heels even though they are uncomfortable, cause injuries to the feet, and are difficult to walk in? Women wear high heels for a number of reasons like they want to appear taller, attract attention, and to accentuate the female form. High heels force the back to arch, pushing the chest forward and the butt outward, but also causes stress fractures in the foot, possible hammertoes, bunions and a whole array of other problems.

What may have been surprising are flats. If you’ve been steering clear of the heels in favor of flats this summer, you should consider that flats often lack arch support. Without support, the arch has the potential to collapse which can result in an unbalanced walk. This can cause pain in the knee, hip and back.

Recommendations:

Wear heels 2 inches or lower
Purchase flats with support near the arch of the foot
Rotate your shoes. No matter how comfortable, the same shoes should not be worn everyday.

Citations:

Image by Markusram. (2011). CC BY-ND 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/markusram/3772193259/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Image by Vicky Ras. (2011). Retrieved from vickyras.wordpress.com

Summer Heat hurting your Feet?

2011-07-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

Chicago was very hot last week. Did you remember to apply sunscreen to your feet? Did you forget to apply it to the bottom of your feet and the front of your ankles? Before you get sunburn on your feet, which is not pleasant, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Wash and dry feet thoroughly when exiting a pool or the beach, especially between the toes. Apply a topical anti-fungal medication on any cracked or itchy skin to prevent warts and athlete’s foot. The last thing you want to deal with this summer is a foot virus or fungus, so keep feet clean and dry.

Sharing towels can spread athlete’s foot and other diseases. Keep track of your towel and make sure you are the only one using it.

Did you know toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas? If the nail bed is injured, it becomes more susceptible to infection. If you notice discoloration, you may have an infection. Call to schedule an appointment.

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). Summer Foot Care. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/FeatureArticles/SummerFootCare.aspx

Image by Kevin H. License CC BY-NC-NC-2.0. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevharb/4325861693/

Recycle Your Old Shoes

2011-07-19T11:59:00.000-05:00

Do you have shoes that you want to get rid of? If you’re swapping out the old to have room for the new, consider donating your old styles to Soles4Souls. The American Podiatric Medical Association posted a newsletter from Soles4Souls on its website that caught my attention. This prompted me to do a little research on this organization.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit organization with a simple, yet clear objective: “to procure shoes and get them to those in need by changing the world one pair at a time.

Natural disasters are leaving many parts of the world without shoes when more than 300 million pairs of shoes are clogging up landfills. So far, Soles4Souls has pledged a million new or slightly used pairs of shoes for Haiti. As an organization, they have delivered their ten millionth pair of shoes in over 150 countries! Most of the donations come from shoe companies, retailers, churches, schools, and nonprofit ministries.

Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, has been noted as saying,

“Shoes are vital for health reasons. Viruses such as hookworms are a big cause of death. People also need shoes to feel better. Shoes let kids look forward to running, playing and having fun. Every 15 seconds, a child dies from some disease that can be prevented with proper shoes. We give away a pair every 9 seconds. You need to ask, what is the need out there?”

Soles4Souls urges the average person to organize a shoe drive or create an awareness campaign. Before you throw away your next pair of shoes, think about donating them to a worthy cause. To learn more about the organization, visit their website. (www.soles4souls.org)

What do you do with your old shoes now? Do you donate them or throw them away in the garbage?

Citations:

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/APMA-in-the-News/Foot-Care-and-Footwear.aspx?FT=.pdf

http://www.soles4souls.org

Blister Prevention & Treatment

2011-07-18T14:01:00.000-05:00

Blisters have become a very common ailment these days. People seem to think it is inevitable when they purchase a new pair of shoes that they will end up with a blister while trying to "break in" the new shoes. But this doesn't have to be the way. Blisters can be prevented and proper treatment of blisters is important.

What really causes the blisters?

They are caused by friction from shoes or clothing which rubs repeatedly on the skin causing friction burns. What is happening is that as the outer layer of skin becomes separated from the inner layers of skin, and that gap fills with lymph fluid.

How can blisters be prevented?

First, make sure you are purchasing shoes that fit correctly. An improper fitting shoe is the number one culprit of blisters. If you have a pair of shoes that rub on certain areas of the foot, protect those spots by taping that area. Keeping feet dry as possible by using foot powder will help prevent blisters as well as changing socks regularly.

What should you do if you have a blister?

The first sign of blisters will be redness over the skin and then the blister bubble forms. Apply a dressing or blister plaster and tape the effected area. Make sure that the feet are dry and put on a new pair of clean socks. If the blister is painful, you can put petroleum jelly on the blister and then cover it back up.

To drain or not drain the blister?

If the blister is a blood blister, do not drain it. If the blister is a fluid blister, you can drain it. If the blister has not burst, you can make a small hole at the edge of the blister with a sterilized pin or needle. Sterilize the pin or needle by passing it through a flame. Wait a few seconds for it to cool off so you don't burn yourself. Drain the fluid but leave as much of the skin as possible covering the wound to prevent infections from forming. Once drained, clean the blister with a sterilizing wipe. Cover the wound with a second skin, blister plaster, or band-aid.

What do you do when you get blisters? How do you prevent them in the first place? Feel free to comment.

Image by Tashwayne. (2011). Flicr. License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/cinciw2/160365051/

How to Tell if You have a Broken Toe

2011-07-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

You hurt your toe. Is it broken? Is it sprained? What do you do?

Remove your shoe and sock and feel for any deformity. Gently run your fingers up and down your toe. If your toe feels crooked or lumpy, it's more likely that it's broken than sprained.

Wiggle your toe. Severe pain suggests the toe is broken.

Listen to your toe while wiggling it. If you hear a grating or popping sound, a piece of bone may be rubbing against another piece of bone.

Check for swelling. If your toe is double its size in puffiness and the skin is stretched, your toe may be broken.

Compare your injured toe to the same toe on the other foot. If the injured toe looks shorter or deformed, chances are it may be broken.

Check your temperature. Within two to three hours after a bone breaks, the body's natural defense mechanisms automatically raise your temperature. A fever above 99.6 degrees F suggests the toe is broken.

Try to stand for a minute or so. If your toe is broken, it won't be able to support your weight. A broken toe will tend to buckle underneath you when you stand on it.

Once it has been determined if that the toe is broke, call your podiatrist immediately to make an appointment. This is very important because if left untreated, one can develop persistent foot pain and arthritis.

In the time prior to the appointment, rest the leg and foot and apply ice to reduce swelling. Ice packs work well but be sure to put a towel around the ice pack so that it doesn't come in contact with the skin. Leave the ice pack on for 20 minutes at a time. If it is necessary to be mobile, wear a shoe with a wider stiffer sole.

Have you ever had a broken toe? How did you know? What did you do? Please comment below!

Citation:

Image by

(2011). License Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Retrieved from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liquidcross/4552686533/

7 Travel Tips for your Feet

2011-07-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

If you already experience foot problems, consult with your podiatrist before leaving for vacation to review proper footwear and lower extremity issues.

Sightseeing is a common activity on vacation which usually results in walking more than usual. Set a walking plan a month in advance. Be sure to walk every day leading up to your vacation in order to condition your body and get used to wearing your “vacation shoes”. Don’t buy shoes before you leave; have time to break them in prior to leaving. Your feet will thank you later.

Review your shoe selections and prepare for possible activities. Even if you are planning a fun in the sun relaxing on the beach vacation, bring a pair of tennis shoes. You will want to be prepared for any type of activity. Don’t forget socks!

Taking an airplane or even a long car ride? Remember to hydrate by drinking plenty of water and periodically flex feet at the ankles, wiggle toes, and unlace shoes. This will minimize swelling of the feet during travel.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your feet. The tops and bottoms of your feet can get sunburned.

Pack a little first aid kit with Band-Aids, talcum powder, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, and nail clippers.

At the end of the day, treat your feet with a massage and elevation.

Diabetes: 1 of the top 10 causes of death in Illinois

2011-07-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

The Cost of Diabetes in Illinois

• “The total cost of diabetes in Illinois exceeds $7.3 billion per year.

• The American Diabetes Association estimates that a third of this cost stems from indirect costs such as lost work productivity, and that two thirds of the cost is a direct result of medical bills.

Complications from Diabetes

• $51,585: the average cost of each amputation.

• In 2009, 1,641 non-traumatic lower limb amputations were performed in Illinois due to the effects of diabetes.

• Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation; however, these amputations can be prevented."

Access to a Podiatrist Can Lead to Savings

Thomson Reuters Healthcare compared the outcomes of care for diabetic patients treated by a podiatrist vs. care from other healthcare professions:

• Patients with insurance saved $19,686 per patient with diabetes over a three-year period if patient sees a podiatrist once a year after a diabetic ulceration, which is the main factor of lower extremity amputations. For every $1 in care results in $27 to $51 worth of savings.

• Patients with Medicare saved $4,271 per patient with diabetes over a three-year period if the patient sees a podiatrist once a year after a diabetic ulceration. For every $1 invested in care results in $9 to $13 of savings.

Citations:

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). Fact Sheet: Studies Prove Podiatrists Prevent Complications, Provide Savings. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/Hidden-Documents/TR/TRH-Duke-One-Page-Summary.aspx

American Podiatric Medical Association (2011). Diabetes by the Numbers: Illinois. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/ILDiabetesData

Image by Tracey O. (2011). Money! License: Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0). Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracy_olson/61056391/

6 Steps to Preventing Foot Pain

2011-06-28T09:47:00.000-05:00

This picture is taken from an event in Finland where ladies ran in high heels! Although this may look like lots of fun, running in high heels are not advised. This brings us to our first point of preventing foot pain.

High heels. Ladies, I know you are not going to throw away your heels, but limit the time you spend wearing them. If you are going to standing for long periods of time, I don’t advise wearing heels. Also limit the heel to 2 inches. Look for friction points, which tend to be near the pinkie toe. Bandage the area with a band-aid prior to wearing the heels.

Be aware that feet change with age. In prior posts on Facebook and blogs, I have discussed that around age 40, feet begin to change. The exact age will differ for everyone, but pay attention to how the feet are changing. The fat pads on the bottom of the feet, the cushioning part, deteriorate with age. Combat this by wearing sturdier shoes and measure feet every time shoes are purchased. Feet tend to get bigger with age because the tendons in the foot loosen.

Rethink running around barefoot. If you already have foot problems, don’t even think about walking around indoors or outdoors without shoes. The likelihood of stepping on debris or hitting your toe on the furniture increases. Chances of infection are also higher if walking around barefoot. One can pick up Athlete’s Foot or a fungal infection. So before going outdoors without shoes, think about where you are and what you may catch.

Cleanliness. Good hygiene is very important and feet should not be ignored. Pedicures at home or in a salon is a great way to keep feet healthy and clean. Even though there are over 250,000 sweat glands in the foot, moisturizing is a necessity to prevent cracking of the skin. If the skin cracks, the more likely it is to become infected.

Orthotics. Proper arch support helps to alleviate foot pain. Orthotics are designed to provide arch support by altering the angle at which the foot strikes the surface. But they don’t last forever. Every couple of years Dr. Vittori should inspect the orthotic and your foot for proper support.

Flip-flops. If you are planning on wearing flip-flops this summer, choose a sturdy flip-flop that is endorsed by the APMA. Ankles tend to roll due to no protection, support, or stability in flimsy flip-flops.

Image by Vestman. (2011). License: Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/61417318@N00/3210770788/

8 Tips for Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries

2011-06-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

1. Warm up. Before exercising or participating in a sporting event, warming up all of the muscles of the body will help to prevent foot and ankle injuries. Lightly stretch or jog for a couple of minutes. Don’t overdo the stretch; muscles are cold and not as flexible as they are when they are warmed up.

2. Condition your muscles. Gradually increase the duration of time spent on your sporting activity or exercise. By increasing the duration gradually, the muscles have time to build strength and mobility. If possible, make a weekly schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps to prevent injury.

3. Buy and wear athletic shoes based on your foot type and sport you are playing. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches should choose shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. The heel and heel counter (back of the shoe) should be very stable. Those with a stiffer foot or high arches should choose shoes with more cushion and a softer platform. Use sport-specific shoes. Cross training shoes are an overall good choice; however, it is best to use shoes designed for the sport.

4. Keep tabs on the wear and tear of your shoes. Replace athletic shoes when the tread wears out or the heels wear down. I’ve mentioned before that shoes should be replaced every six months.

5. Avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Now that it’s summer, it’s time to get off the treadmill and into the outdoors. Be careful on the trails and sidewalks: look out for loose gravel, potholes (we do live in Chicago), and soft asphalt.

6. Be careful running too many hills. When first starting out, try to conquer one hill and then progress by incorporating more hills into your run. Running downhill can also be dangerous as you may pick up speed. Be careful not to lose balance and fall! More injuries occur from a downhill run than uphill.

7. Prevent recurrent injuries. If you have had an ankle injury in the past, using a brace or tape can help prevent a recurring ankle injury.

8. Listen to your body. This may be the most important tip. Only you know how far you can push yourself and what your limits are. If you experience foot and ankle pain during a sport, stop and modify the activity. Make an appointment with a Podiatrist to prevent further injury.

Citation:

Image by: ecospc. License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecos/2374978077/

Advice for Parents

2011-06-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

“Problems noticed at birth will not always disappear by themselves. You should not wait until the child begins walking to take care of a problem you've noticed earlier. It is best to take action when the child is a toddler to ensure better responsiveness to conservative treatment options.

Remember that lack of complaint by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it.

Walking is the best of all foot exercises, according to podiatric physicians. They also recommend that walking patterns be carefully observed.

Does the child toe in or out, have knock knees, or other gait abnormalities?

These problems can be corrected if they are detected early.

With the exception of infancy, going barefoot is not encouraged among children. Walking barefoot on dirty pavements exposes children's feet to a variety of dangers including infection through accidental cuts, sprains or fractures. Another potential problem is plantar warts, a condition caused by a virus which invades the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. They require extensive treatment and can keep children from school and other activities.

Be careful about applying home remedies to children's feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus can harm the skin.”

Citations:

Image by: Christopher_Hawkins. (2011). Photo License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) http://www.flickr.com/photos/treacletart/102523345/

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). What you should know. Children’s Foot Health. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Foot-Health-Brochures-category/Learn-About-Your-Feet/Childrens-Feet.aspx

What is Your Opinion of Your Feet?

2011-06-07T08:56:00.001-05:00

In September 2010, Edge Research on behalf of the APMA conducted a survey on public opinion in relation to foot health and care.

Although most people survey found that the feet are one of the least cared for body part and that feet rank the lowest on the public’s list of what is important to their health, it’s one that hurts the most!

Hurt feet affect other parts of the body as well. The feet are the base of the body, and if they hurt, why wouldn’t the rest of your body hurt? People tend to try to overcompensate with other parts of the body if one part is causing trouble or pain. It is a very real possibility that by ignoring foot pain one will end up with further body pains.

The study also states that:

Only one-quarter take care of their feet all the time, with an additional third taking care of their feet “most of the time.” Teeth, eyes, heart, and skin all are cared for regularly by more adults.
Body parts that cause less pain get more care than feet.

This is a great study that was done, but now it’s time to create awareness. It’s common knowledge that teeth need to be checked and cleaned twice a year, so spread the word about Podiatry:

Get your feet checked twice a year by a Podiatrist.

For the whole report, please visit: http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Surveys/2010-Todays-Podiatrist-Survey-.aspx?FT=.pdf

What does AMPA's Seals Mean?

2011-05-31T14:57:00.000-05:00

APMA's Seal of Acceptance or Approval

When I talk about proper shoes to wear, I generally reference back to the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance or Approval. BTW, APMA means the American Podiatric Medical Association, if you’re unclear of the acronym.

They are actually two different Seals which are under one program. One is the Seal of Acceptance, and the other is the Seal of Approval.

Both seals mean that the products are recognized by the APMA, but don’t confuse the two. The Seal of Acceptance pertains to footwear, whereas the Seal of Approval pertains to therapeutic agents and pharmaceuticals.

The goal of this program is to determine which products on the market promote foot health and daily foot care. The general public needs to be informed on which shoes or therapeutic agents work the best.

The APMA takes these Seals very seriously and has implemented a Committee specifically dedicated to the Seal Program. The Committee on Podiatric Seals uses scientific evaluations and evidence from laboratory and clinical investigations to determine if a product meets the usefulness and safety standards. Once every product has undergone research, the APMA Board of Trustees decides to accept or reject the recommendation.

So rest assured that the products with the Seal of Approval/Acceptance means that you are getting a great product.

Citation:

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). APMA Seals of Acceptance/Approval. Retrieved from

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/RecommendedProducts/test/SealFAQs.aspx

Public Opinion in 2010

2011-05-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

The APMA did a survey pertaining to Foot Health and Care, and 4 topics were surveyed: Foot Pain and Neglect, Health Head to Toe, Staying on your Feet, and Feet Misunderstood.

The key findings in the foot pain and neglect section suggest that half of the people surveyed have frequent foot pain. If you’ve been following my blog, I stress that feet are not supposed to hurt. Most people have experienced a foot or ankle problem at one point in their lives, and their feet experience more pain than any other part of the body. This is not as surprising as the feet take a lot of punishment on a daily basis. If feet hurt, make an appointment to see me.

One of the findings is that feet are the body part that hurts the most, but feet rank the lowest on the list of body parts that Americans view as important to health, and only a few would actually seek treatment from a Podiatrist if the pain wasn’t severe enough to interfere with their everyday lives. This doesn’t make any sense! If one’s eyes hurt, one would visit an Optomologist. This should be no different with feet and Podiatry.

Foot pain needs to be taken seriously because it can cause other health issues like back and knee pain. The pain that starts in the feet can throw off the rest of the body since people tend to overcompensate for the pain in their feet.

APMA concludes that one of the reasons that people neglect their feet is due to lack of knowledge and education even though the public is looking for more information on feet related topics. That is one of my goals when I embarked on my social media journey. All of my Facebook posts and blogs focus on providing relevant information pertaining to the lower extremities.

Citations:

American Podiatric Medical Association. (2011). 2010 Todays Podiatrist Survey Key Findings. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Surveys/2010-Todays-Podiatrist-SurveyKey-Findings.aspx?FT=.pdf

Image by logos: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Deriviative Works 2.5 License.

Retrieved from http://lo8os.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=15&pos=0

Image by Cynicsgirl. Retrieved from http://cynicsgirl.blogspot.com/

Summer Flip-Flops

2011-05-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

Summer & flip-flops. Is there a better paring? We wait all winter to let our toes hang out. But before you sport last year’s flip-flops, here’s a few pointers to consider:

Don’t automatically assume that last year’s flip-flops are up to the task this year. Traditionally, flip-flops are not made to last from one year to the next. Look over last year’s flip-flops to ensure they are in good condition.

When purchasing new flip-flops, look at the toe thong (the material in between the big toe & the other toes) to make sure that it will not rub against your toes and cause blisters. This is usually the most painful part of breaking in new flip-flops.

Flip-flops come in a variety of styles and materials ranging from flimsy to sturdy. Sturdy is better! If you can bend your flip-flop in half, don’t wear or buy them. They will offer no support while walking.

Look for flip-flops made out of soft leather as it will minimize blisters upon first purchasing.

Look for flip-flops that offer arch support and shock absorption.

Most importantly, make sure they fit. Flip-flops like to come in general sizes. They are not one size fits all!

For a list of APMA flip flops with the Seal of Acceptance, click here.

This may be common sense, but I’m going to state it anyways:

Don’t wear flip-flops to play sports.

Don’t wear flip-flops if you will be walking for long periods of time.

Don’t wear flip-flops while doing yard work.

Don’t run in flip-flops.

Image by mysza831. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mysza/3522356941/sizes/z/in/photostream/License: Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Image by lincolnblues. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lincolnblues/2567754027/sizes/z/in/photostream/
License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericCC BY-NC-ND 2.0) (

Do You Know How to Run Properly??

2011-05-12T14:39:00.000-05:00

May is National Runner’s Month, according to Dick’s Sporting Good Store. Whether this is a real dedicated month to runner or just something that Dick’s made up, runners are out in full force this month as the weather gets nicer.

Running Man, Yorkshire Sculpture Park

A sculpture by Elizabeth Frink

Everyone has their own style of running. It is quite fascinating actually to see all of the variations of running techniques. Some people run slower, some people run with their arms tightly to their sides, and some run with a slight hunch.

When it comes to feet and ankles, proper feet placement can be critical in staying injury free this running season. Do you know the proper way to run to ensure your feet and ankles stay injury free? Here are some tips:

In order to run well, one needs to push off the ground with maximum force.

When taking a step, one’s foot should hit the ground lightly! Stomping one’s foot on the group causes jarring to the muscles, tendons, and bones. Plus, it just doesn’t feel very well.

The foot should first touch the ground between your heel and mid-foot, and then quickly roll forward to the toes.

Ankle should be flexed as the foot rolls forward. This creates more force to push off of.

As the toes are rolling, and if one is agile enough, spring off the ground.

While “springing”, one’s calf muscles kick in to propel the body forward.

Remember that quieter steps are better. If you are a noisy runner, try to evaluate the way you run. Are you overcompensating for a pain you are experiencing? If this is the case, visit my office for an evaluation.

Citations:

Image Copyright Nigel Homer of Running Man. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence.

The Eindhoven Marathon photo by Peter van den Hamer.http://www.fotopedia.com/users/12s687mhrt7jn
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.

Embarrassed by Noising Othotics?

2011-05-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

One of my Facebook fans, and patient, recently asked, “Any hints on how to quiet down the noise of orthotics when you walk?” This is a very common question. It can be very embarrassing entering a room when your shoes are going, “Squeek, Squeek!”

I always appreciate questions coming from my patients. I am especially happy this question was asked because the noise alone from orthotics can drive people to stop wearing them, which is counter-intuitive what the orthotics are trying to accomplish.

So before you yank out the orthotics in your shoes add a little talcum powder in your shoes and add a little paraffin to the front edge of the orthoses. This will reduce the friction that makes the orthotics squeak.

Ever wonder what the process of making orthotics is? It’s actually a very simple process for the patient. Podiatrists measure a patient’s foot, and then in-house, takes a cast mold of the foot or makes a digital image in order to obtain the patient’s arch and heel pattern. This ensures that the orthotic, once made, forms to the patient’s foot. The Podiatrist finalizes an orthotic using custom manufacturing and then it is ready for the patient. The great thing is that orthotics can last up to several years!

There are three different categories of orthotics:

Rigid orthotics provide support and controls motion and is made out of plastic or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics is used when a person has a strain, or aches and pains in the legs, thighs and lower back.

Semi-Rigid orthotics guides the foot to function properly by allowing muscles and tendons to perform efficiently. Semi-Rigid is typically comprised of layers of soft material which are reinforced with more rigid materials. These orthotics are used when a person is having trouble with their balance while walking or playing sports.

Soft orthotics absorbs shock, builds balance, and alleviates pressure. They are made of soft, compressible materials. People with diabetes and arthritis find relief with soft orthotics.

Global Healthcare Company. (2011). Image retrieved from http://www.globalhealthcare.co.in/talcum-powder.htm
Image by Antaean. Flickr. (2011). http://www.flickr.com/photos/8656572@N04/

Traveling Tips for Feet

2011-04-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

Air travel and long road trips to your vacation destination can play havoc on your lower extremities due to stiffening of the muscles and lack of circulation. Inactivity from being packed in like sardines on an airplane with minimal space between you are the person sitting next to you can cause many health problems such as swelling of the feet and blood clots in the legs. We have become accustom to tight quarters when traveling, but you can take a proactive approach to keeping your feet and ankles happy during travel.

The American Podiatric Medical Association has put together a list of travel tips to keep your feet happy during the sometimes grueling task of getting to and from your destination.

Get a work out in…. while sitting! Yes, you can work out your feet and ankles while sitting down. All you have to do is rotate your foot about 5 times in the clockwise direction and then in the counterclockwise direction. Flex your toes up and down to work out your calves. Here’s an easy one… wiggle your toes!
Move your whole body. When fueling up the car, get out and walk around. If traveling on a plane, listen for when the pilot says you can get up and then do so. Walk up and down the aisle a few times. Try to request an aisle seat because you will have more room to stretch out your legs. Guideline: move around at least once an hour.
Cozy Shoes. Planning on purchasing new shoes for your vacation? You may want to reconsider, especially if they need a breaking in period. Nothing is worse than getting blisters and having sore feet when you are trying to enjoy your vacation. During the travel process, loosen shoelaces, and if you can without endangering others with the smell of feet, take your shoes off. Swelling of feet is a common occurrence during travel and can be minimized by drinking plenty of water and wearing supportive elastic stockings.
Give your feet a vacation. Pack a spa kit! All you need is lotion, a foot brush, toenail clippers, Epson salts, and warm water.

Photo by Sunshinecity. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunshinecity/2168723481/

Are You Tired of Fighting Toenail Fungus?

2011-04-13T15:39:00.003-05:00

We have a revolutionary new procedure that eliminates nail fungus without anesthesia and medication! Until now, the only approach to treating toenail fungus has been a regimen of ointments, assorted prescription medications, and minor surgical procedures.

In our experience the only way to really get rid of toenail fungus is to use a treatment that truly addresses the fungus beneath the toenail and destroys the fungal cells within the nail plate, so the nail can begin to grow again, free of fungus. Once the fungus has been eliminated, the healthy nail can then typically grow back over the course of six to twelve months.

What is toenail fungus?

• Thickened, discolored, loose, or deformed toenail

What Causes Fungal Nail?

• Result of trauma to toenail

• Could be an indication of other medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer or psoriasis

• Can start in the skin as athlete’s foot, and spread to the nails

• Shoes and socks that encourage fungal growth

• Heredity

Precautions:

• Keep shoes and socks dry.

• Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying the feet carefully, especially between toes.

• Change shoes regularly.

• Wear natural/synthetic blend socks.

• Inspect toenails and trim them straight across on a regular basis.

• Do not use nail polish to cover discoloration.

Recommended Treatment by a Podiatrist:

• Perform a physical examination and culture the infected nail.

• 2 to 4 treatments to eliminate this problem from your life, without medications, surgery, and anesthetic!

Image from:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/4274765773/

ABCD's of Melanoma

2011-04-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

When you hear skin cancer, what do you think the cause usually is? If you thought the sun, you are correct, in a way. Yes, the sun is a major contributor to skin caner, but skin cancer also forms on other parts of the body that don't get as much sun as others. The feet, for example, are not as exposed to the sun as other parts of the body, but they have their own set of skin cancers to be concerned about.

Skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses, exposure to chemicals, chronic inflammation or irritation, or inherited traits. They tend to be overlooked in routine medical examinations, so take a proactive stance when it comes to your feet and give them a look every now and again.

Podiatrists are uniquely trained in the detection and management of skin disease. Skin cancers on the lower extremities can take on a very different appearance from those on other parts of the body. Podiatrists use their clinical examinations and skin biopsies to determine the occurrence and type of skin cancer. Just like your family doctor, podiatrists send off the skin biopsies to the lab to be analyzed. A skin biopsy is a simple procedure in which a small sample of the skin lesion is obtained, sent to the lab, and analyzed by a skin pathologist. If the lesion is malignant, your podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment for the condition.

ABCD's of Melanoma... what to look for if you spot a lesion on your lower extremity:

Asymmetry - If divided in half, the sides don't match.
Borders - The look scalloped, uneven, or ragged.
Color - It may have more than one color. The colors may have an uneven distribution.
Diameter - It can appear wider than a pencil eraser (greater than 6mm)

If you spot a lesion, mole, bump, or patch on the skin that meets any of the above criteria, please contact my office immediately.

Picture by Will Blake (Own work) [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons