How to Apply a Compression Wrap

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

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

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

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

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.