Ingrown toenails can readily occur when playing sports with cleats.  Below, from www.acfas.org shows common scenarios that podiatrists see on a daily basis.

 

Ouch! Young Soccer Players Sidelined by Painful ToesSnug cleats, repeated kicking lead to ingrown toenailsThis is a bad time of year to be a juvenile toenail.Suffolk, Va. foot and ankle surgeon Matthew Dairman, DPM, FACFAS, says he sees a lot of children with ingrown toenails during fall soccer season."It seems like every child is enrolled in a league," says Dairman, "The young kids wear hand-me-down cleats that don’t fit exactly right. The older kids like tighter cleats to get a better feel for the ball and the field."Dairman says these tight shoes crowd the toes together. Combine that with repetitive kicking, and you've got a recipe for painful ingrown toenails. Dairman can relate to his young patients. He had an ingrown toenail himself."I can certainly sympathize," he laughs. "Such a small problem with such big pain. If you hit the corner of that affected toe, it shoots an intense pain that lingers."Dairman says many of these kids don't tell their parents about the problem because they're afraid to miss a game. "By the time they come to my office, they've got a good infection brewing," he says.Young soccer players sidelined by an ingrown toenail may be able to get back into the game pain-free thanks to a simple, 10-minute surgical procedure. Dairman's ingrown toenail was cured permanently using this common treatment. He uses his experience to calm his sometimes apprehensive young patients."I take my shoe off and show them how my toe looks perfectly normal now," he says.During the short procedure, the foot and ankle surgeon numbs the toe and removes the offending portion of the nail. Various techniques can permanently remove part of a nail's root too, preventing it from growing back. Most children experience very little pain afterwards, and can resume normal activity the next day.Dairman says parents should teach their children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short. He also urges parents to make sure their children's cleats fit, since a child's shoe size can change within a single soccer season. If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, soaking their foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold can reduce the inflammation.Dairman's four-year-old daughter hasn't shown an interest in soccer yet. But if she does, her father says he'll make sure her cleats fit right."After all," he says, "She has my eyes and probably has my toes too."

Tags: toenail pain, ingrown toenail, soccer

F.D.A. Staff Raises Concerns About Arthritis Drug

By KATIE THOMAS

Federal regulators said Monday that an experimental pill being developed by Pfizer to treat rheumatoid arthritis raised “serious safety concerns” and was linked to a higher risk for lymphoma, a form of cancer, and serious infections.

Tags: Foot Pain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis

Amazon acquires Zappos.com  and now trying to lead in the online fashion industry including women's dress shoes. 

Amazon Leaps Into High End of the Fashion Pool

By STEPHANIE CLIFFORD

Published: May 7, 2012

 

Tags: zappos, amazon, women's shoes

The minimalist running fad has caught on rapidly in this country.  However, like anything else, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.  If you think you may be a candidate to run minimalist style, it is recommended you seek advice of your podiatrist before doing so.  The extra stress and strain can lead to foot and/or ankle injury.

 

 Vibram FiveFingers LLC, Vibram USA Inc. BOSTON (AP) — A company that makes minimalist running shoes – which feature pods for each toe – faces a federal class action lawsuit in Massachusetts.The civil complaint against Vibram USA Inc. and Vibram FiveFingers LLC, which has an office in Concord, says the plaintiffs’ claims exceed $5 million.The lawsuit says the manufacturer makes deceptive claims about its product’s health benefits.The complaint says there’s no proof that running in Vibram’s product will improve posture and foot health, promote spine alignment, strengthen muscles, and reduce injury risk.It also alleges that running in the footwear, which costs about $80 to $125 a pair, may increase injury risk as compared with running in conventional shoes or barefoot.Vibram officials didn’t return calls seeking comment Friday afternoon.Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Tags: vibram shoes, minimalist running

Now that beach time is near, check out some tips from www.apma.org to keep your feet healthy

Tips for Protecting Feet from the Heat
One perk of a beach-bound vacation is knowing that instead of snow soaking through your Choos or having your feet feeling toasty in sweaty Uggs, you can lounge happily with your toes dangling in the warm weather, shoe-free with the sand at your feet. But alas, the dream does come with its own set of tootsie troubles. “Even if you are just lying still on your back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable,” says American Podiatric Medical Association member Dr. Jane Andersen. “You can seriously sunburn your feet and no matter how upscale your hotel, athlete’s foot can lurk in all public pool areas.”
Wouldn’t you rather spend time collecting sea shells rather than doctor’s bills? No worries. There are ways to prevent these future foot predicaments so you can go back to your sun-kissed dreams and enjoy a liberated foot experience.
1. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ring worm and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
2. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.
3. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
5. Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches.
6. Some activities at the beach, lake or river may require different types of footwear to be worn so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack an extra
pair of sneakers or protective water shoes. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried
out completely before your next wear to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.
7. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home. You can find an American Podiatric Medical Association podiatrist in your travel area by calling 1-800-FOOTCARE or by logging on to www.apma.org.
8. In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:
Flip Flops – for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
Sterile bandages – for covering minor cuts and scrapes
Antibiotic Cream – to treat any skin injury
Emollient-enriched cream – to hydrate feet
Blister pads or Moleskin – to protect against blisters
Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory) – to ease tired, swollen feet
Toenail Clippers – to keep toenails trim
Emery board – to smooth rough edges or broken nails
Pumice Stone – to soften callused skin
Sunscreen – to protect against the scorching sun
Aloe Vera or Silvadene cream – to relieve sunburns
To speak with a podiatric physician from the APMA, please contact:
Karyn Maletzky
Maletzky Media
212.829.0150
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Amie Haer
APMA
301.581.9221
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Julia Scherer
APMA
301.581.9227
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
All Toes On-Deck Tags: Sandals, sunburn foot, beach and your feet

A recent study was contucted on behalf of the APMA re: teenagers and foot heath. Here are some interesting findings below. For more information see: www.apma.org


Edge Research conducted a national opinion survey on behalf of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) on teenagers’ attitudes toward foot health, foot care, and their knowledge of and experiences with podiatrists.
•
Online survey of 1000 high school students
–
Recruited from a national panel, and weighted to be census representative by gender, grade, and region
–
Conducted February 16th-28th, 2012
–
Survey approximately 10 minutes in length
•
The data have a margin of error of 3.0% at the 95% confidence level for the overall results. The margin of error is higher and varies for sub-groups.
Methodology

•Large numbers of teenagers recognize the importance of and regularly care for their teeth, skin, eyes , and bodies (exercise), but few for their feet. Feet are literally out of sight, out of mind.
•In some ways, teens are more diligent than adults when it comes to healthy behaviors but are much less informed about foot health.
•There are gender differences: Girls (not boys) are more likely to care about having attractive feet versus healthy feet.
Feet: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
•A third of teenagers experience foot pain at least some of the time.
•Sports are the #1 cause of foot pain among teens. Half who have had pain say sports was the source.
•Three-quarters of high school students play a school or recreational sport, and of them, 4 in 10 have injured their feet doing so.
•Two in 10 suffer from foot pain from uncomfortable shoes – girls more so than boys. High heels are the most painful shoe choice. A third of girls say they would rather go barefoot than wear shoes!
Foot Pain: Teens are Not Immune
•High school students are woefully uninformed about podiatry.
•While 6 in 10 have had a specific foot problem in their life, most self-medicate or just live with it.
•Fewer than 2 in 10 have visited a podiatrist.
•Visiting a podiatrist makes a real impression attitudinally and behaviorally! These teens are much more likely to understand the importance of foot health and care for their feet.

Tags: high school students, Foot Pain, teen foot health

Now that the heat wave is in full effect...

Athlete's Foot

What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth. Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.CausesThe warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.SymptomsThe signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, include the following:Dry skinItching and burning, which may increase as the infection spreadsScalingInflammationBlisters, which often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling.Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.When to Visit a Podiatrist?

If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult a podiatrist.

Diagnosis and Treatment:  

Your podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, will usually be suggested. Such a treatment appears to provide better resolution of the problem when the patient observes the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist; if it's shortened, failure of the treatment is common.Fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals, used for athlete's foot treatment, frequently fail to contact the fungi in the horny layers of the skin. Topical or oral antifungal drugs are prescribed with growing frequency. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, such as penicillin, may be prescribed.It is important to keep the feet dry by dusting foot powder in shoes and hose. The feet should be bathed frequently and all areas around the toes dried thoroughly.

Prevention:

It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene:Wash feet daily with soap and water; dry carefully, especially between the toesAvoid walking barefoot; use shower shoesReduce perspiration by using talcum powderWear light and airy shoesChange shoes and hose regularly to decrease moistureWear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily

Tags: athlete's foot, sweaty feet, foot odor

According to the NY Times, stomach ulcers may increase risk of Diabetes...

 

Really? Ulcers Increase the Risk of Diabetes

 

By ANAHAD O'CONNOR | March 26, 2012, 2:39 PM 5

Christoph Niemann  THE FACTS  Poor diet, a lack of exercise, excess weight and genetics are the usual risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. But a new line of research suggests that in some cases, there may be a surprising contributor: the stomach bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori.People who acquire H. pylori — typically in childhood — are at a greater risk of ulcers and gastric cancer. But H. pylori also is thought to affect two digestive hormones involved in hunger and satiety.The belief is that the bacterium increases levels of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” which is known to promote weight gain. At the same time, H. pylori is thought to lower levels of leptin, the “satiety” hormone, which reduces appetite and promotes calorie burning.In a study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases this year, researchers looked at more than 13,000 people in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The data showed that people who had H. pylori in their systems also had higher levels of something called HbA1c, a compound considered a strong predictor of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar and an excess of certain fats in the bloodstream.In another recent study, in the journal Diabetes Care, scientists at the University of Michigan and elsewhere analyzed blood samples taken from 782 adults from 1998 to 1999. The scientists looked for a connection between various chronic infections and Type 2 diabetes, and found only one: People who had H. pylori in their systems were nearly three times as likely to develop diabetes as those who did not.Scientists studying the link say more research is needed. But treating H. pylori, they say, may one day be a way to control or prevent Type 2 diabetes in some people.THE BOTTOM LINEA bacterium that causes ulcers may also raise the risk of diabetes.

Tags: stomach ulcers, diabetes

According to The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons:

Don’t Ignore Your Kid’s Heel Pain
Address Pain Early, Avoid Long Recovery
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons stresses that athletes should never “play through the pain” in their feet. Left untreated, heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking that will require complicated therapy.

The number of pediatric patients reporting heel pain increases with fall and winter sports seasons. Obesity is emerging as another prominent cause of heel pain--even with students in physical education class activities, says Karl Collins, DPM, FACFAS, a St. Louis-based foot and ankle surgeon.

The good news is that kids are good healers and treatment may be simple if it is done quickly.

“Put in a little time to address the problem early because if you wait, you might be in a cast or boot later for a long time,” Dr. Collins says.

Kids undergoing growth spurts are especially susceptible to heel pain starting at age 8 until around age 13 for girls and age 15 for boys. The source of the pain is usually the growth plate of the heel bone, a strip of soft tissue where new bone is forming to accommodate adolescents’ lengthening feet. Overuse, repeated pounding, or excessive force on the Achilles tendon can cause inflammation and pain.

For many teenagers, the growth plate has completely closed, and heel pain is caused by other conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, bone bruises or fractures.

Sometimes, the simple RICE strategy--Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation--resolves pain, but when healing does not happen soon, it’s time for clinical evaluation. Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or other treatments tailored for patients may be necessary. Trauma injury to the foot requires immediate consultation.

“People have a tendency to give it time and see if the pain goes away on its own, and sometimes that happens. But if symptoms persist, it’s time to see a specialist in order to make sure the foot is healing properly and avoid complications,” said Tim Swartz, DPM, FACFAS, a Maryland-based foot and ankle surgeon.

Dr. Swartz said parents often bring their kids to the pediatrician or the emergency room first, but need to follow up with a foot and ankle surgeon. With extensive experience in foot and ankle therapies, foot and ankle surgeons are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat foot problems in young people through examination and imaging beyond basic x-rays, which don’t always reveal the cause of the pain.

Preparation and recognition of warning signs can help prevent or reduce the severity of heel pain.

Supportive shoes are a must, but it’s not always obvious when to switch shoes or adapt them for the best fit. Consider these guidelines:
• Use inserts to raise the heel, especially in flat-footed cleats
• Discard shoes that caused pain. Don’t use them for another sport
• Wear well-constructed shoes designed for specific sports
• Switch cleats often because they are not supportive shoes.

Don’t skip warm-up or cool-down exercises, Dr. Swartz added. Stretching helps prevent heel pain, especially when sports call for explosive sprints that pull quickly on tendons.

Several things should tip parents off that their child needs attention, including limping, complaining, walking on toes, and pain the morning after a game. Parents should never push their children to play when their feet hurt, even if it is “the big game.”

Dr. Collins said one tenet always applies, “Foot pain is never normal and you should never play when you are in pain.”

At Foot Care Centers we will use a combination of stretching/icing regimen with shoe gear modification and heel inserts as a concominant therapy to resolve your child's heel pain. Tags: children, heel pain, calcaneal apophysitis

According to Dr. M on January 9, 2012 in Entertainment:

In 2008, Tyler underwent surgery on his feet ”to correct long-time foot injuries resulting from his trademark athletic performance onstage.” He had been diagnosed with a condition called Morton’s Neuroma, and was told by his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brian McKeon, that it would require a number of surgeries to repair.

As Steven put it in his book Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Memoir:

What they had to do was to cut some bone and take two knuckles out of my feet. They also took out a ganglion of nerves. The nerves that are in your feet are small as a dime, but mine were the size of a quarter, big and bulbous and traumatized to the point where they had to be taken out…so now there’s just phantom pain there, like a guy who gets his arm cut off and still feels his fingers.

The post-surgical pain was so bad, the he found himself back in rehab. As he told People magazine:

The ‘foot repair’ pain was intense, greater than I’d anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet.

During interview with Oprah, Tyler actually showed her his foot (left), with which he still has issues.

Looking at it, we can see why!

Tyler also intimated that he took his current gig on American Idol partially as a way to slow down, get off the road, and rest his chronically painful feet.

So, what is this condition that can hobble a rock star of the magnitude of Steven Tyler?
Morton’s neuroma is an injury to the nerve between the toes, which causes thickening and pain. It commonly affects the nerve that travels between the third and fourth toes.

Morton’s neuroma is more common in women than men.

The exact cause is unknown. However, some experts believe the following may play a role in the development of this condition:

Abnormal positioning of toes
Flat feet
Forefoot problems, including bunions and hammer toes
High foot arches
Tight shoes and high heels
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:

Tingling in the space between the third and fourth toes
Toe cramping
Sharp, shooting, or burning pains in the ball of your foot (and sometimes toes)
Pain that increases when wearing shoes or pressing on the area
Pain that gets worse over time
In rare cases, nerve pain occurs in the space between the second and third toes.

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment is usually tried first. Your doctor may recommend any of the following:

Padding and taping the toe area
Shoe inserts
Changes to footwear (for example, shoes with wider toe boxes)
Anti-inflammatory medicines taken by mouth or injected into the toe area
Nerve blocking medicines injected into the toe area
Physical therapy
In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue. This can help relieve pain and improve foot function. Numbness after surgery is permanent, but should not be painful. Surgery is successful in about 85% of cases.

>I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Tyler's self diagnosis. Neuroma's in the feet can cause pain and a splaying of toes, however, looking at his clinical photos of his feet, it looks more like dislocated 2nd and 3rd toes with overlapping deformity from trauma over the years/plantar plate tears. Tags: Foot Pain, neuroma, Aerosmith, Steven Tyler

Tags: peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure

Rigid Orthotics

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, may be made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. It is generally fabricated from a plaster of paris mold of the individual foot. The finished device normally extends along the sole of the heel to the ball or toes of the foot. It is worn mostly in closed shoes with a heel height under two inches. Because of the nature of the materials involved, very little alteration in shoe size is necessary.

Rigid orthotics are chiefly designed to control motion in two major foot joints, which lie directly below the ankle joint. These devices are long lasting, do not change shape, and are usually difficult to break. Strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back may be due to abnormal function of the foot, or a slight difference in the length of the legs. In such cases, orthotics may improve or eliminate these symptoms, which may seem only remotely connected to foot function.

Soft Orthotics

 

The second, or soft, orthotic device helps to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. It is usually constructed of soft, compressible materials, and may be molded by the action of the foot in walking or fashioned over a plaster impression of the foot. Also worn against the sole of the foot, it usually extends from the heel past the ball of the foot to include the toes.

The advantage of any soft orthotic device is that it may be easily adjusted to changing weight-bearing forces. The disadvantage is that it must be periodically replaced or refurbished. It is particularly effective for arthritic and grossly deformed feet where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. It is also widely used in the care of the diabetic foot. Because it is compressible, the soft orthotic is usually bulkier and may well require extra room in shoes or prescription footwear.

Semirigid Orthotics

The third type of orthotic device (semirigid) provides for dynamic balance of the foot while walking or participating in sports. This orthotic is not a crutch, but an aid to the athlete. Each sport has its own demands and each sport orthotic needs to be constructed appropriately with the sport and the athlete taken into consideration. This functional dynamic orthotic helps guide the foot through proper functions, allowing the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. The classic, semirigid orthotic is constructed of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Orthotics for Children

Orthotic devices are effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities. Most podiatric physicians recommend that children with such deformities be placed in orthotics soon after they start walking, to stabilize the foot. The devices can be placed directly into a standard shoe or an athletic shoe.

Usually, the orthotics need to be replaced when the child’s foot has grown two sizes. Different types of orthotics may be needed as the child’s foot develops and changes shape.

The length of time a child needs orthotics varies considerably, depending on the seriousness of the deformity and how soon correction is addressed.

Other Types of Orthotics

Various other orthotics may be used for multidirectional sports or edge-control sports by casting the foot within the ski boot, ice skate boot, or inline skate boot. Combinations of semiflexible material and soft material to accommodate painful areas are utilized for specific problems.

Research has shown that back problems frequently can be traced to a foot imbalance. It’s important for your podiatric physician to evaluate the lower extremity as a whole to provide for appropriate orthotic control for foot problems.

Orthotic Tips

Tags: running, walking, Foot Pain, Orthotics

Those with Diabetes are susceptible to develop a condition known as Charcot Foot. This condition can
be debilitating for patients, especially when not diagnosed expeditiously. The information below explains the condition and treatment.

What Is Charcot Foot?
Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.

Charcot foot is a very serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.



Causes
Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain, or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse.

People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot.

Symptoms
The symptoms of Charcot foot may include:

Warmth to the touch (the affected foot feels warmer than the other)
Redness in the foot
Swelling in the area
Pain or soreness
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of Charcot foot is extremely important for successful treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will examine the foot and ankle and ask about events that may have occurred prior to the symptoms. X-rays and other imaging studies and tests may be ordered.

Once treatment begins, x-rays are taken periodically to aid in evaluating the status of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment
It is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s treatment plan for Charcot foot. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, leg, or life.

Non-surgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of:

Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete non-weightbearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot, or brace, and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients.
Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers, and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.
Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.
When is Surgery Needed?
In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case.

Preventive Care
The patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:

Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.
Get regular check-ups from a foot and ankle surgeon.
Check both feet every day—and see a surgeon immediately if you notice signs of Charcot foot.
Be careful to avoid injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing an exercise program.
Follow the surgeon’s instructions for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers, and amputation.

From: http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/charcot-foot.htm Tags: collapsed foot, neuroarthropathy, neuropathy, charcot foot, diabetes

Now that people are out walking, a common concern is burning and tingling in between toes. This may very
well be a Morton's Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuroma).

What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. “Intermetatarsal” describes its location in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot.

The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates enlargement of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.

Causes
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box.

People with certain foot deformities – bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet – are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.

Symptoms
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:

Tingling, burning, or numbness
Pain
A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
A feeling that there’s something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
The progression of a Morton’s neuroma often follows this pattern:

The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
The symptoms may go away temporarily by removing the shoe, massaging the foot, or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests or imaging studies may be performed.

The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.

Non-surgical Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you’ve had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.

For mild to moderate neuromas, treatment options may include:

Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
Shoe modifications. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
Injection therapy. Treatment may include injections of cortisone, local anesthetics or other agents.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the approach that is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure performed.

Regardless of whether you’ve undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities to reduce the repetitive pressure on the foot.

From: http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm Tags: toe pain, tingling, burning feet, burning toes, morton's neuroma

A common misunderstanding I hear in the office is that 'it's just a toe...even if it's broken there is nothing you can do'! The following will help to show how a broken toe really does need proper evaluation and treatment.

Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken toes)

The structure of the foot is complex, consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Of the 26 bones in the foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and require evaluation by a specialist. A foot and ankle surgeon should be seen for proper diagnosis and treatment, even if initial treatment has been received in an emergency room.

What Is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into two categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures.

Traumatic fractures (also called acute fractures) are caused by a direct blow or impact, such as seriously stubbing your toe. Traumatic fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. If the fracture is displaced, the bone is broken in such a way that it has changed in position (dislocated).

Signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture include:

You may hear a sound at the time of the break.
“Pinpoint pain” (pain at the place of impact) at the time the fracture occurs and perhaps for a few hours later, but often the pain goes away after several hours.
Crooked or abnormal appearance of the toe.
Bruising and swelling the next day.
It is not true that “if you can walk on it, it’s not broken.” Evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon is always recommended.
Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks that are usually caused by repetitive stress. Stress fractures often afflict athletes who, for example, too rapidly increase their running mileage. They can also be caused by an abnormal foot structure, deformities, or osteoporosis. Improper footwear may also lead to stress fractures. Stress fractures should not be ignored. They require proper medical attention to heal correctly.

Symptoms of stress fractures include:

Pain with or after normal activity
Pain that goes away when resting and then returns when standing or during activity
“Pinpoint pain” (pain at the site of the fracture) when touched
Swelling, but no bruising
Consequences of Improper Treatment
Some people say that “the doctor can’t do anything for a broken bone in the foot.” This is usually not true. In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not treated correctly, serious complications may develop. For example:

A deformity in the bony architecture which may limit the ability to move the foot or cause difficulty in fitting shoes
Arthritis, which may be caused by a fracture in a joint (the juncture where two bones meet), or may be a result of angular deformities that develop when a displaced fracture is severe or hasn’t been properly corrected
Chronic pain and deformity
Non-union, or failure to heal, can lead to subsequent surgery or chronic pain.
Treatment of Toe Fractures
Fractures of the toe bones are almost always traumatic fractures. Treatment for traumatic fractures depends on the break itself and may include these options:

Rest. Sometimes rest is all that is needed to treat a traumatic fracture of the toe.
Splinting. The toe may be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
Rigid or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe protects the toe and helps keep it properly positioned.
“Buddy taping” the fractured toe to another toe is sometimes appropriate, but in other cases it may be harmful.
Surgery. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins.
Treatment of Metatarsal Fractures
Breaks in the metatarsal bones may be either stress or traumatic fractures. Certain kinds of fractures of the metatarsal bones present unique challenges.

For example, sometimes a fracture of the first metatarsal bone (behind the big toe) can lead to arthritis. Since the big toe is used so frequently and bears more weight than other toes, arthritis in that area can make it painful to walk, bend, or even stand.

Another type of break, called a Jones fracture, occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone (behind the little toe). It is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain, and misdiagnosis can have serious consequences since sprains and fractures require different treatments. Your foot and ankle surgeon is an expert in correctly identifying these conditions as well as other problems of the foot.

Treatment of metatarsal fractures depends on the type and extent of the fracture, and may include:

Rest. Sometimes rest is the only treatment needed to promote healing of a stress or traumatic fracture of a metatarsal bone.
Avoid the offending activity. Because stress fractures result from repetitive stress, it is important to avoid the activity that led to the fracture. Crutches or a wheelchair are sometimes required to offload weight from the foot to give it time to heal.
Immobilization, casting, or rigid shoe. A stiff-soled shoe or other form of immobilization may be used to protect the fractured bone while it is healing.
Surgery. Some traumatic fractures of the metatarsal bones require surgery, especially if the break is badly displaced.
Follow-up care. Your foot and ankle surgeon will provide instructions for care following surgical or non-surgical treatment. Physical therapy, exercises and rehabilitation may be included in a schedule for return to normal activities

From foothealthfacts.org
Tags: metatarsal, fracture toe, broken toe

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons...
Sprained Ankles Can Be Complicated—and Misdiagnosed
Friday, March 02, 2012

SAN ANTONIO, TX. – March 3, 2012 – Ankle sprains may be one of the most common injuries, but they’re also commonly misdiagnosed. That’s because the two major types of sprained ankles—high ankle sprains and lateral ankle sprains—often look the same, even though they affect entirely different ligaments. Surgeons are taking a closer look at the treatment of ankle sprains at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

The less common type—a high ankle sprain—is often mistaken for a lateral sprain. Misdiagnosis can delay getting the right treatment—and that can impair recovery.

“One problem is that the symptoms of high ankle sprains parallel those of the lateral ankle sprain, which occurs in the lower ankle area,” says Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS, foot and ankle surgeon from San Antonio, Texas and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Pain, swelling, limited motion, and bruising in the entire ankle region can occur in both high ankle sprains and lateral ankle sprains. The difference lies in where the injury occurs and which ligaments are involved.

“High ankle sprains can get complicated, because this region has five ligaments connecting two bones in the leg, compared with three ligaments that can be affected in lateral ankle sprains,” says Dr. Allen.

The more ligaments that have been involved and the worse they are torn, the more severe the injury.

To select proper treatment, the physician must first “grade” the sprain’s severity based on the extent of ligament injury. Grading also enables the physician to predict how long it will be before the patient can return to normal activity.

Ankle sprains are common in sports, where getting back in the game is a top concern. A popular misconception is that professional players receive “magical medicine” that speeds recovery. “That’s a myth,” says Dr. Allen. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, if their injuries are exactly the same; they’re going to heal in the same amount of time.”

So when a high school athlete hears it will take 6 to 8 weeks before he can return to the game and he wants to know why New England Patriots tight end Rob Grankowski played in the Superbowl only 14 days after his high ankle sprain, the answer is clear: Not all ankle sprains are created equal.

In diagnosing an ankle sprain, it’s important for physicians to understand how the injury occurred. Lateral sprains are caused by the foot turning inward, whereas high ankle sprains are the result of the foot being forced outward.

Nowhere is this difference in motion more evident than in the world of sports. “I probably see 20 to 30 high ankle sprains during the 4-month football season,” says Dr. Allen. “Then, as soon as the basketball seasons starts, they go away and I see a lot of lateral ankle sprains.”

Treatment for less serious ankle sprains involves immobilization of the foot and non-weight bearing for 2 to 4 weeks. More severe high ankle sprains require surgery and a longer time to recover.

Considering that ankle sprains vary so widely in severity, what’s a good rule of thumb for when to seek medical care? “I tell patients and trainers they should see a doctor any time there’s bruising or the inability to bear weight on that foot,” says Allen.

If these symptoms aren’t present, home treatment involving rest, ice, compression, and elevation should suffice.

The key message regarding an ankle sprain is to have it correctly diagnosed and treated to achieve the best possible recovery.

For more information on foot and ankle injuries and conditions, visit the ACFAS consumer website, FootHealthFacts.org.

###

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of over 6,500 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College’s mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer website, FootHealthFacts.org.
Tags: ankle sprain, high ankle sprain

According to NY Times recent article, the  Yankees reliever sustained a foot sprain, however, the situation could have been significantly worse.  Some midfoot trauma can lead to chronic, debilitating pain for many years, especially when not treated appropriately.  Many of the "lisfranc" injuries go unnoticed by physicians and in many emergeny rooms. 

Yankees Hope Reliever’s Foot Injury Is Just a Sprain

By DAVID WALDSTEIN

Published: March 8, 2012

Tags: lisfranc injury, foot trauma, yankees

 

Some experts opin that in order to fight epidemics in the US such as diabetes, obesity, cardiac disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, dementia that we should regulate sugar consumption.

Dr. Robert Lustig shared his thoughts on National Public Radio last month.  A link to the transcript is below:

http://www.npr.org/2012/02/17/147047545/should-sugar-be-regulated-like-alcohol

Tags: regulation of sugar, sugar consumption, diabetes

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further examination in the laboratory using a microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose a number of conditions.


Why is a skin biopsy performed?

Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin. A skin biopsy may be indicated when a mole or other marking on the skin has changed in its shape, color, or size. A skin biopsy is also sometimes used to diagnose infections of the skin.


What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?

Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anesthetics.

A shave biopsy takes a thin slice off the top of the skin and can be used to remove superficial abnormal areas (lesions).
A punch biopsy takes a core (a small cylindrical fragment of tissue from the area of interest) and can be used to remove small lesions as well as diagnose rashes and other conditions.
Excisional biopsies are usually larger and deeper and are used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin such as a skin cancer.

What happens to the skin sample after the biopsy is removed?

After the biopsy, the skin sample is fixed in special solution, and thin sections of the tissue are cut and placed on microscope slides. The slides are stained for examination by a doctor (usually a dermatologist or pathologist). Sometimes specialized stains are used to examine for antibodies, immune proteins, and other markers of certain diseases. Initial routine biopsy results can be obtained in 48 hours or less, while specialized staining techniques can require a much longer time until final results are available.

At Foot Care Centers a skin biopsy takes literally minutes to perform. This can be invaluable in diagnosing different types of skin cancers or even putting your mind at ease that it is a benign lesion. Tags: biopsy, moles, skin cancer

Jeremy Lin Owes John Wall An Apology, For Breaking His Ankles

http://for-the-masses.com/wordpress/jeremy-lin-owes-john-wall-an-apology-for-breaking-his-ankles

Basketball, like any other sport is not without its risks.  When defending a new superstar like Jeremy Lin, anything can happen.  If one has 'weak ankles' or a predisposition to twisting an ankle you may have a condition called ankle instability.  If so, properly fitting shoes and even an ankle brace combined with physical therapy may be necessary to prevent such injuries.  Though extreme, ankle fractures can happen during basketball practice or game time.  Be sure to check with your podiatrist for a thorough gait evaluation and treatment plan to prevent such sports injuries.

 

Tags: sports injury, ankle fracture, ankle instability, Jeremy Lin

Tags: foot pain and running, running form, sports injuries, running

Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is limited by ankle injury in Super Bowl loss to Giants

aPublished: Monday, February 06, 2012, 3:25 AM     Updated: Monday, February 06, 2012, 6:33 AM

Tags: new york giants, new england patriots, gronkowski, high ankle sprain, superbowl 2012

 

from: www.everydayhealth.com

Tags: food and healthy feet, weight loss and foot pain

Tags: Untagged

 

Tags: posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, adult acquired flat foot

NY Times Article on High Heels

January 25, 2012, 12:01

AMA Scientific Look at the Dangers of High HeelsBy GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

 

January 25, 2012, 12:01 AM    

A Scientific Look at the Dangers of High Heels

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

 

 

 

Tags: achilles tendonitis, high heels

Diabetes is currently one of the ten leading causes of death in New Jersey.  In 2009, 562,000 persons in New Jersey were estimated to have diabetes and the disease was estimated to affect the health of 8.4% of the adult population.  Not only does diabetes cause detriment to the well-being of New Jersey's citizens, but it also puts a tremendous financial burden on the state.

The total cost of diabetes in New Jersey exceeds $5.8 billion per year.

The ADA 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.

Complication from Diabetes:  $113,738 - the average cost of each amputation

In 2009, 1,571 non-traumatic lower limb ampuatations were performed in New Jersey due to the effects of diabetes.

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

In 2010, nearly 72% of Americans revealed foot pain had prevented them from performing their daily activities, and visits to podiatrists have been linked to improve foot health.  Research shows yearly visits to a podiatrist by those with diabetes significantly decreases the risk of lower limb amputation.  New Jersey can benefit economically and medically from encouraging its diabetes patients to visit podiatrists yearly.

From, WWW.APMA.ORG

 

Tags: economic impact, amputation, prevalence, diabetes

For Bradshaw, no more agony of da feet

Originally published: January 13, 2012 6:35 PM
Updated: January 13, 2012 8:45 PM
By TOM ROCK   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo credit: Jim McIsaac | Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York Giants celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons. (Jan. 8, 2012)

Not only is Ahmad Bradshaw's foot feeling better, it's actually looking better.

That's what X-rays have shown in recent weeks as the running back plays through the remainder of the Giants' season with a fractured bone in his right foot. Bradshaw missed four games after injuring the foot against the Dolphins on Oct. 30 but has come back and helped the rejuvenated running game in the last month.

Turns out he's been injecting energy into the rushing attack because of a medicine he's been injecting into himself.

"I've been taking some Forteo," Bradshaw said. "[It] helps you grow bone. The foot looks great, the fracture is healing in with the bone, we are excited about it."

According to drugs.com, Forteo "is a man-made form of a hormone called parathyroid that exists naturally in the body. Forteo increases bone density and increases bone strength to help prevent fractures."

It often is used to treat osteoporosis in men and women with a high risk of bone fractures. NFL running backs who run on the outside of their feet and have a history of stress fractures apparently also see a benefit.

"It helps the pain and it heals the fracture with the bone," Bradshaw said, noting that it has helped him a lot.

Bradshaw has bounced back into form in recent weeks. In his first two games back from the foot injury, he managed only 50 rushing yards on 19 carries and didn't have a run longer than 8 yards. Against the Packers on Dec. 4, his first game back, he had 38 yards on 11 carries.

Since those two games, though, he's run for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 55 carries and also caught a touchdown pass. He's had a run of at least 17 yards in each of the last four games and has topped 29 in each of the last two.

Bradshaw came out of the Falcons game Sunday with a sore back (one of the possible side effects of Forteo, according to drugs.com) and did not practice until Friday. That's been his normal Friday routine with the foot, however. He's officially listed as probable to play Sunday.

"It's no big deal, it is just a lot of tightness," Bradshaw said of his back. "It feels better now and I feel good."

What's making him feel better, too, is returning to the site of his only postseason touchdown, in the NFC Championship Game in January 2008.

"I'm thinking about this game and this game only," he said when asked to recall that important score. "I take it one game at a time. Hopefully, I can have two this game."

Tags: Untagged

Tags: sneakers, running shoes

Running is a great way to both get and stay healthy. However, without proper precautions, foot and ankle injuries can occur. Today’s podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat running-related foot and ankle injuries due to their specialized education, training, and experience. Don’t let an injury stop your running routine in its tracks!

Look below for the five of the most common foot and ankle-related running injuries, as well as prevention and treatment tips for each. To find a podiatrist near you, visit www.apma.org/findapodiatrist.

Plantar Fasciitis

What it is: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel bone to the toes. This tissue can become inflamed for many reasons, most commonly from irritation by placing too much stress (excess running and jumping) on the bottom of the foot.

Prevent by: Stretching both before and after every run. Proper stretching is gentle and should not be painful. Wearing supportive running shoes that are appropriate for your foot type, as well as shoe inserts, can also be effective. Make sure to not over-train, gradually increasing how long or far you run.

Tips for treatment: Immediate treatments should include icing the area to help with inflammation (several times per day if possible), stretching, and taking OTC anti-inflammatory medication and resting (refraining from running). For further protection, taping, custom foot orthotics, and the use of a night splint may be recommended by your podiatrist.

Achilles Tendonitis

What it is: An ailment that accounts for a large number of running injuries, Achilles tendonitis is an irritation or inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the lower calf that attaches to the back of the heel. The condition is often caused by lack of flexibility and overpronation.

Prevent by: Stretching regularly. Shoe inserts such as heel cups and arch supports may also help to correct faulty foot mechanics that can lead to this injury.

Tips for treatment: Ice and OTC anti-inflammatory medications can be taken in the short term. Resting the affected limb is vital for quick recovery. A podiatrist may recommend immobilization in more severe cases (such as a walking boot) to allow the area to heal faster.

Morton’s Neuroma

What it is: Morton’s neuroma is often described by runners as a burning, stinging pain in the forefoot (commonly in the third and fourth toes). Other symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot and a feeling of “pins and needles” and numbness in the toes. Runners who wear tight-fitting footwear often experience this condition. A true neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve, although entrapment of the nerve will give the same symptoms.

Prevent by: Wearing proper running shoes that fit well and have a roomy toe box, and do not lace shoes too tightly in the forefoot. Runners should wear shoes that feature adequate forefoot cushioning, and fit shoes with running-appropriate socks (those with a poly-cotton blend).

Tips for treatment: A podiatrist may administer a cortisone injection to provide relief for a Morton’s neuroma, and recommend a wider pair of running footwear. A professional gait analysis, paired with customized foot orthotics, can often prevent the condition from reoccurring. Occasionally, surgical removal of the neuroma is necessary.

Stress Fracture

What it is: Stress fractures in the lower limbs are common among athletes in general, and are commonly caused by repetitive forces on these areas. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling that grows worse over time. Stress fractures can occur over a period of days, weeks, or even months.

Prevent by: Modifying running equipment or training regimens. Replace running shoes on a regular basis (about every 400-500 miles), and see a podiatrist when pain is first noticed.

Tips for treatment: Stress fractures are like any other fracture in the body and require 8-10 weeks to heal completely. Treatments may include complete rest and icing, immobilization using casting or bracing of the affected area.

Shin Splints

What it is: Also referred to as “tibial stress syndrome,” shin splints affect runners of all ages and are commonly experienced as a shooting pain felt near the front or sides of one or both tibia bones (the shins).

Prevent by: Performing stretches such as toe raises and shin stretches, and replacing running footwear often.

Tips for treatment: Shin splints can be treated immediately with ice and anti-inflammatory medications. A podiatrist may also recommend a physical therapy program, as well as testing to determine if prescription orthotic inserts could prevent further injury.

As always, visit your Podiatrist to help you through these common injuries!

From www.apma.org

 

Tags: Untagged

Dry Skin and Cracked Heels
		Dry Skin and Cracked Heels    General Information: Dry skin on any part of the body can be annoying and can cause flaking and cracking of the skin, redness due to scratching, and unsightly patches of thick/hard skin. However, when dry skin occurs on the feet, the symptoms of discomfort are magnified due to shoe wear, the stretching of the skin on the feet each time we step down, and by certain synthetic materials in the socks and shoes that dry the skin out even more. Because of the confining nature of the shoes we wear and the lack of fresh air that hits the skin of the feet due to our socks and shoes, dry feet need specialized care in order to prevent pain. Description: For most people, dry skin is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem; however, when allowed to become excessively dry, the skin tears and cracks, producing painful ""fissures."" If treatment is not initiated early, not only can the pain become intense, but the cracks and fissures may bleed. Once bleeding occurs, the skin is prone to bacterial infections and athletes foot. The heels of the feet seem to be the areas most prone to developing painful fissures. Cracked and fissured heels result from a combination of thick calluses around the heel and dry skin. Even though the following discussion centers on the heels, this information applies to all areas of the feet that present with dry, hard, and cracked skin. From: www.ourhealthnetwork.com Dry, cracked skin, especially on your heels can become painful.  The 'fissures' can be treated with a specialized topical cream from Gorden Labs called Calicylic Cream.  When used appropriately this can be quite effective in both treatment and cure of this condition.  At Foot Care Centers we can show you how to get your dry, cracked skin back to track.

Tags: heels, fissure, dry skin

The achilles tendon, showing a thickened area typical of achilles tendonitis

 

Achilles tendonitis is often now being referred to as achilles tendinopathy. This is because it is no longer thought to be an inflammatory condition. On investigation, the main finding is usually degenerated tissue with a loss of normal fibre structure.

Achilles tendonitis can be either acute, meaning occurring over a period of a few days, following an increase in training, or chronic which occurs over a longer period of time. In addition to being either chronic or acute, the condition can also be either at the attachment point to the heel or in the mid-portion of the tendon (typically around 4cm above the heel). Healing of the achilles tendon is often slow, due to its poor blood supply.

 (From...Sports Injury clinic www.sportsinjuryclinic.net)

 

Tags: Untagged

Heel Pain: Hands-on Physical Therapy and Stretching Prove Effective for Treating Heel Pain
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2011.0501




Here is an article recently published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy in regards to manual stretching and therapy techniques for heel pain (plantar fasciitis)

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):51-51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0501



DO YOU EVER WAKE UP WITH PAIN IN THE HEEL OF YOUR FOOT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING? If so, you may have plantar fasciitis, the most common type of heel pain. People with heel pain typically report a sharp pain under their heel that may spread into the arch of the foot. The pain is often worse when the person stands after lying down or following a period of sitting—for example, taking the first couple of steps in the morning or standing up after watching TV. Although the pain may actually decrease with activity, such as walking, it tends to return at the end of the day.

Plantar fasciitis is not typically the result of an injury. Instead, this condition usually develops gradually and, if untreated, may get worse over time. By current estimates, 2 million Americans develop heel pain each year, and about 10% of all people will have heel pain at some point in their lives. The February 2011 issue of JOSPT published a research study that provides new evidence that can help people who suffer from heel pain.



NEW INSIGHTS
In this study, 60 patients with heel pain were randomly placed into 1 of 2 treatment groups. One group of patients performed calf and foot stretches and had hands-on therapy provided by a physical therapist (see drawings below), while the other group only performed the stretches. The treatment performed by the physical therapist focused on treating sore points, sometimes called "trigger points." Trigger points are small sections of muscles that feel "knotty" and, when pressed, become more painful. The researchers found greater improvements in patients who both performed the stretches and received hands-on therapy. This finding is important because it suggests that people who are not getting better on their own may benefit from hands-on treatment.



PRACTICAL ADVICE
Although stretching the calf and foot can reduce heel pain, the addition of hands-on physical therapy resulted in better pain relief and greater improvements in function during the first month of treatment. The 3 stretches in this study were performed using a 20-second hold, 20-second recovery time and were repeated 3 times, twice a day. If you have heel pain, you may wish to seek the help of a physical therapist who can instruct you on the proper stretching techniques to perform. The physical therapist can also determine if you are a candidate for trigger point soft tissue techniques applied to your calf muscles, as were used in this study. For more information on the management of heel pain, contact your physical therapist specializing in musculoskeletal disorders.



This JOSPT Perspectives for Patients is based on an article by Renan-Ordine R, et al, titled "Effectiveness of Myofascial Trigger Point Manual Therapy Combined With a Self-Stretching Protocol for the Management of Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial." (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):43-50. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3504)



This Perspectives article was written by a team of JOSPT's editorial board and staff, with Deydre S. Teyhen, PT, PhD, Editor, and Jeanne Robertson, Illustrator.

Tags: Untagged

Tens Units can help pain that may be caused by trauma or continual strain. The body responds to such pain with muscle guarding, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles. Muscle guarding impairs circulation in the affected area. The decrease in blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with an accumulation of waste products. TENS therapy (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator) can help break this pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.

TENS stands for (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). which are predominately used for nerve related pain conditions (acute and chronic conditions). It works by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands. The stimulating pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. They also help stimulate your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers, called "Endorphins".

 

Tags: Untagged

An pilot in vivo study involving 56 Diabetic patients found that the use of copper soled socks facilitated improvement in the common manifestations of tinea pedis (athlete's foot) including erythema, scaling, fissuring, burning, itching, and vesicular eruptions.  No patients worsened or showed adverse reactions while wearing copper-oxide impregnated socks. (Zatcoff R, et al.  as in Podiatry Today, Dec. 2011)

This evidence shows the benefits of copper in healing different foot conditions and we may in the future develop other wound healing medicines or products from this important finding.

Ask your podiatrist about Diabetic socks and its benefits!

Tags: Untagged

Tips for Fending Off Holiday Stress

Tags: diet, diabetes, stess

Seven Holiday Tips

Tags: holiday meals, diabetic diet

The Value of Care Provided by Podiatrists:
Providing Savings to Patients and to the U.S. Health-care Delivery System
Podiatrists Prevent and Treat Complications from Diabetes
According to the CDC, nearly 26 million Americans live with diabetes. Diabetes is the leading
cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation; however, amputations can be prevented. A
recent study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA)
compared health and risk factors for those who had seen a podiatrist for care to those who had
not and concluded that increased utilization of care by podiatrists in patients with diabetes could
result in significant direct health-care savings.
Podiatrists receive the education, training, and experience necessary to provide quality foot and
ankle care to patients, and at the same time present cost-containment solutions to our health-care
delivery and financing systems.
Access to a Podiatrist Can Lead to Savings for U.S. Health-care Delivery Systems
According to the study published in JAPMA:
 Among patients with commercial insurance, a savings of $19,686 per patient with
diabetes can be realized over a three year period if there is at least one visit to a podiatrist
in the year preceding an ulceration. Diabetic ulcerations are the primary factor leading to
lower extremity amputations.
 Among Medicare-eligible patients, a savings of $4,271 per patient with diabetes can be
realized over a three year period if there is at least one visit to a podiatrist in the year
preceding an ulceration.
 Conservatively projected, these per-patient numbers support an estimated $10.5 billion in
savings over three years if every at-risk patient sees a podiatrist at least one time in a year
preceding their ulceration.
Care by Podiatrists Offers a Positive Return on Investment
According to the same study published in JAPMA:
 Among patients with commercial insurance, each $1 invested in care by a podiatrist result
in $27 to $51 of savings.
 Among Medicare eligible patients, each $1 invested in care by podiatrists result in $9 to
$13 of savings.
For More Information:
JAPMA Study:www.apma.org/trstudy Tags: podiatrist, health care cost, diabetes

Donald Jones was in pain when he sprained his ankle.

Donald Jones' left ankle injury is more serious than originally thought, making it unlikely the Buffalo Bills' receiver will play again this season.

Bills coach Chan Gailey said "it's more long term than short term" when describing the injury Monday, leaving Jones only an "outside chance" of playing again this season. Gailey put the timetable for Jones' absence at three to six weeks after the Bills' 35-8 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but with just six weeks left, there's a good chance the Bills will eventually need Jones' roster spot to add depth to another position that's been depleted by injury.
(From Buffalonews.com Nov. 22, 2012)

When one sprains an ankle, it's essential that you rest, ice, compress and elevate the afflicted limb. Next step is to have the ankle evaluated by a trained professional. At Foot Care Centers we perform a thorough exam both clinically and radiographically to determine the appropriate treatment course. Typically, immobilization in ambulatory cast is necessary for two weeks and then transition into an ankle brace thereafter. For athletes, physical therapy is important to regain the strength and proprioception to prevent recurrent sprain and injury.
Tags: sports injury, ankle sprain

It's interesting to discuss with patients if they stretch before and after (or even at all) exercising.  An article in the NY Times depicts the ongoing dilemma.

The Right Reasons to Stretch Before Exercise

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia reviewed dozens of recent studies of stretching, hoping to determine whether the practice prevents people from getting sore after they exercise. The authors found 12 studies completed in the past 25 years that looked directly at that issue. Most were small and short-term. But each produced essentially the same result, the review authors write, showing that “stretching does not produce important reductions in muscle soreness in the days following exercise.”That does not mean that you shouldn’t stretch, the study’s authors add, but it does indicate that stretching may not provide the benefits that many of us expect.Write about fitness, and you soon learn that stretching is one of the more contentious and emotional issues among people who exercise.

Those who regularly stretch tend to assume that the practice will prevent soreness and injury. Those who do not stretch frequently claim, with equal fervor, that stretching is a waste of time.A slowly growing body of science suggests that each group has some evidence backing it up, although reliable information about stretching remains hard to come by, in part because stretching is difficult to study.

RELATEDMore Phys Ed columnsFaster, Higher, StrongerFitness and Nutrition NewsMost of us, when we talk about stretching, mean the practice of assuming a pose, like bending over to touch our toes or leaning against a wall to stretch our hamstring muscles, and holding that position until the stretching feels uncomfortable, usually 30 seconds or so. This routine is known as static stretching, and it’s widely practiced by people before or after many types of activities. In one of the studies included in the new review, about 54 percent of the 2,377 active adult participants said that they regularly performed static stretching, and most added that they stretched in large part to avoid muscle soreness.But in that study, which was conducted by Robert D. Herbert, a professor at the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, who also wrote the comprehensive review, the rates of reported muscle soreness were similar regardless of whether the volunteers completed a standard 15-minute program of static stretching. About 32 percent of those who didn’t stretch reported sore muscles the day after a workout. About 25 percent of those who had stretched reported the same.

...Try substituting jumping jacks for toe touches before a run, he says. “And if you feel frequent tightness” in certain muscles or tissues, like in the iliotibial band that runs along the outside of your knee, a common occurrence in distance runners, “then stretch those particular muscles after exercise to lessen your chances of serious injury.”If you’ve never stretched, though, don’t feel obligated to begin now, Dr. Herbert says. “There is little evidence that stretching does anything important,” he says, “but there is also little to be lost from doing it. If you like stretching, then do it. On the other hand, if you don’t like stretching, or are always in a rush to exercise, you won’t be missing out on much if you don’t stretch.”

For the entire article go to  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/the-right-reasons-to-stretch-before-exercise/?ref=health

Tags: stretching, health, exercise

QB Matt Schaub out with significant foot injury

Tags: foot injury, lisfranc

If you’re among the eight million Hispanic Americans with diabetes, seemingly minor foot problems can lead to serious complications. Receiving proper foot care from today’s podiatrist is an important part of any diabetes management plan. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or have been recently diagnosed, be sure to “Knock Your Socks Off!” and properly inspect your feet.

Take this quiz to find out how much you know about diabetes and foot care.

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Campaigns/Diabetes.aspx

Link also en espanol Tags: quiz, diabetes

Su Equipo de Control de la Diabetes

Si bien la diabetes afecta el cuerpo negativamente de pies a cabeza, puede controlarse de manera satisfactoria con la guía y el tratamiento de un equipo de especialistas médicos. Conocer quiénes son los “jugadores del equipo” y qué hacen es esencial para garantizar que usted controle la diabetes en todo momento. Si sigue las recomendaciones de sus médicos y hace preguntas importantes sobre su atención, comprenderá plenamente qué se necesita para tratar y controlar la diabetes.

Médico de atención primaria: el médico de familia o internista desempeña el importante papel de coordinador. A menudo es el primer médico al que uno consulta después de un diagnóstico de diabetes. Es también quien remite a otros especialistas del equipo de tratamiento. Cuando elija un médico de atención primaria, pregúntele si remite a un podiatra para las complicaciones en los pies que causa la diabetes.

Endocrinólogo: especialista al que le puede enviar el médico de atención primaria. Este especialista trata muchas enfermedades internas y a menudo se le consulta para que atienda a una persona con diabetes que tiene dificultades para controlar la enfermedad.

Podiatra: también conocido como médico podiátrico, los podiatras están calificados especialmente para tratar los pies y tobillos. La diabetes puede limitar o restringir la función nerviosa y el flujo sanguíneo a los pies. Debido a este problema, los pacientes con diabetes pueden presentar complicaciones de los pies que pueden dar lugar a amputación si no se tratan. Si tiene diabetes o corre el riesgo de padecer la enfermedad, haga que un podiatra le revise los pies al menos dos veces al año para detectar síntomas, como pérdida de sensibilidad, ardor u hormigueo.

¡De hecho, la diabetes es la primera causa de amputaciones no traumáticas de extremidades inferiores en el mundo! Para encontrar un podiatra en su zona, visite www.apma.org/findapodiatrist.

Odontólogo: los pacientes con diabetes son más susceptibles a enfermedades de las encías e infecciones en la boca debido al exceso de azúcar en sangre. Por eso es importante cumplir con las citas odontológicas regulares. Asegúrese de que su odontólogo sepa si tiene diabetes y no deje de acudir a sus exámenes odontológicos cada seis meses.

Oftalmólogo u optómetra: de forma similar a cómo la diabetes restringe el flujo de sangre a los pies, la diabetes puede también afectar el flujo de sangre a los ojos y ocasionar la enfermedad del ojo diabético. Esta afección es altamente prevenible si la enfermedad se controla de manera correcta. Debe visitar al oftalmólogo para hacerse un examen de la vista una vez por año.

Cirujano vascular: la diabetes puede aumentar las probabilidades de contraer varias enfermedades vasculares. Su riesgo de padecer una enfermedad vascular aumenta con el tiempo que haya tenido diabetes, y su riesgo puede aumentar si tiene presión arterial alta, fuma, lleva una vida inactiva, tiene sobrepeso o ingiere una dieta con alto contenido graso. Asegúrese de que en su equipo de control de la diabetes haya un cirujano vascular.

Farmacéutico: un buen control de la diabetes generalmente requiere tomar medicamentos recetados. Converse con su farmacéutico para asegurarse de que comprende los riesgos del uso de medicamentos de venta libre (over-the-counter, OTC) con los medicamentos recetados.
Tags: diabetes

While diabetes affects the body negatively from head to toe, it can be controlled successfully with guidance and treatment from a team of medical specialists. Knowing who the “team players” are and what they do is essential to making sure that you are always in control of your diabetes. By following your doctors’ recommendations and asking important questions about your care, you will fully understand what it takes to treat and control diabetes.

Primary Care Physician – A family physician or internist plays the important role of coordinator. He or she is often the first doctor one sees after a diabetes diagnosis. He or she makes referrals to other specialists on the treatment team. When choosing a primary care doctor, ask if he or she refers to a podiatrist for diabetes complications in the feet.

Endocrinologist – A specialist to whom you may be sent by the primary care physician. This specialist treats many internal diseases and is often called upon to care for a person with diabetes who is having difficulty controlling the disease.

Podiatrist – Also known as a podiatric physician, podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat the foot and ankle. Diabetes can limit or restrict nerve function, as well as blood flow to the feet. Because of this problem, patients with diabetes can develop foot complications which may cause amputation if left untreated. If you have diabetes or are at risk for the disease, have a podiatrist check your feet at least twice a year for symptoms, such as a loss of sensation, burning, or tingling.

Find a podiatrist in your area now!

Dentist – Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and infections in the mouth due to excess blood sugar, so keeping up with regular dental appointments is important. Make sure your dentist knows if you have diabetes and don’t neglect your six-month appointments.

Ophthalmologist/Optometrist – Similar to how diabetes restricts blood flow to the feet, diabetes can also affect blood flow to the eyes, resulting in diabetic eye disease. This condition is highly preventable if the disease is managed properly. You should visit your eye doctor for an exam once a year.

Vascular Surgeon – Diabetes can increase the chances for development of several vascular diseases. Your risk of vascular disease increases with the length of time you have had diabetes, and your risk can increase if you have high blood pressure, if you smoke, are inactive, are overweight, or eat a high-fat diet. Make sure a vascular surgeon is part of your management team.

Pharmacist – Successfully managing diabetes usually requires taking prescription medication. Talk with your pharmacist to ensure you understand the risks of using over-the-counter (OTC) medications with prescribed medications.
Tags: Untagged

Ahmad Bradshaw has broken foot

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has a cracked bone in his foot, but it's not clear if it will keep him out of action.

 

A source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the injury is not considered serious and that Bradshaw "should play Sunday" against the Patriots. The source said that surgery will not be necessary, and coach Tom Coughlin said no decision has been made regarding the need for surgery at some point.

 

Coughlin would not say if Bradshaw would try to play on Sunday. He left open the possibility that Bradshaw would seek a second opinion on the injury.

 

 

"In the past he's played with a crack, or whatever you want to call it, a stress crack in his foot, he has played that way in the past," Coughlin said. "I don't know what the determination will be just yet. We will just have to wait and see ... what the doctors decide to do."

Coughlin noted that the players participating in practice will play Sunday.

"Well, he is not on the practice field," Coughlin said. "As long as he is not on the practice field, the guys that are out there will perform as if the responsibility will be theirs."

 

Bradshaw originally suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Giants' win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He returned to the game in the fourth quarter. X-rays after the game showed no structural damage and Bradshaw believed it was nothing serious.

 

"I got a screw in my right fifth metatarsal two Februarys ago and I think the head of it is just aggravated right now," Bradshaw said after Sunday's game. "I think it will be fine."

Tags: Untagged

High Tech Gadgets Help Alzheimers Patients


GTX Corp. is introducing new shoes, loafers and sneakers, with GPS built into them. CBS technology expert Katie Linendoll said they can really come in handy for families who are taking care of relatives suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. With a downloadable app, they can track them using the GPS or get an alert if the person wanders out of a pre-set safe zone.

You can find out information at:
http://www.gpsshoe.com/
Tags: Untagged

According to pain management specialist, Dr. Rothbart: Even The Rich And Famous Suffer From Foot Pain

What may you have in common with the rich and famous?

Wealth? Maybe not.
Fame? Probably not.
Bad feet? Most Likely

Celebrities may look good, but when the camera turns away they have the same health problems as everyone else.


Paris Hilton suffers from painful bunions. In fact, she so frequently wears designer heels that reveal her feet that her foot problems are a common topic in celebrity gossip columns. Current research indicates that high heeled and pointed-toe draconian shoes, in most cases, are not the cause of bunions, but are a contributing factor.
At foot care centers, we can help with your foot pain, even if you are not a celebrity. Call 856-691-2152 for appointment Tags: Untagged

After reading recent material in a Podiatry magazine, I discovered that many Podiatrists are not strapping/taping feet. In our practice, this is an effective way to add support to painful feet. Furthermore, this method acts adjunctively with treatments for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles/peroneal/posterior tibial tendonitis. When padding is incorporated to a strapping, this is effective for reducing pain associated with neuromas and metatarsalgia as well. Tags: neuroma, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis

As Brahim Takioullah strolls through downtown Paris, people gasp, stare, take his picture and ask: "Are you the tallest man in the world?'' He's not, not quite, but he does have the biggest pair of feet on the planet - and that's official. Judges from Guinness World Records came to France to measure him and confirmed his suspicion that he had record-breaking feet - his left measuring 38.1cm in length and his right, 37.4cm. Morocco's Brahim Takioullah has the largest feet of the world according to the Guinness Book of Records (Photo: AFP)Even getting a pair of shoes stretches his budget - he takes a European size 58, which no shop has ever stocked. "I always need them made-to-measure and they're very expensive. I once asked a cobbler to make me some shoes and he said it would cost 3500 euros ($4851),'' he sighed. He recently met with an orthopedic podiatrist to be fitted with a specially made pair of shoes designed to support his huge weight.Source: Herarld Sun [10/10/11]

Tags: shoe size

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because the disease can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves, which may result in decreased ability to sense a trauma to the foot. The circulation is also altered, so that the diabetic cannot efficiently fight infection.

 

 

MORE HELPFUL TIPS: Do NOT use antiseptic solutions on your feet because these can burn and injure skin.Do NOT apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your feet. Avoid hot pavement or hot sandy beaches.Remove shoes and socks during visits to your health care provider. This is a reminder that you may need a foot exam.Do NOT treat corns or calluses yourself using over-the-counter remedies. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat foot problems.If obesity prevents you from being physically able to inspect your feet, ask a family member, neighbor, or visiting nurse to perform this important check.Report sores or other changes to your doctor immediately. Report all blisters, bruises, cuts, sores, or areas of redness.

Tags: infection, blood vessels, nerve damage, diabetes

   While playing the Houston Texans last week, Ben Roethlisberger injured his foot.

A scan performed last Monday on Roethlisberger's left foot was negative for a fracture, the sources said. An MRI on Sunday had indicated a possible fracture but the test was inconclusive because of swelling in the foot.

Big Ben was quoted: "If I can do it and if I have to cast it up -- we saw I had to do that last year. I casted up my foot for the last half of the year. If we have to do it, I'll do it."

Foot injuries happen all the time and patients will sometimes 'walk it off' or wait several weeks before having a professional evaluation.  A NFL quarterback has the luxury of physicians available to him 24/7.  However, most of us do not have such a luxury.

If you or a family member have a foot ailment or injury, it is best to have it evaluated and treated as soon as possible to prevent secondary sequelae such as arthritis.  Contact your Podiatrist for treatment.

Tags: injury, Foot Pain, football

According to a recent article in 'peak performance', soccer (known as football in England) foot injuries may be on the rise.  Below is a portion of the article's concern:

 

"With the advent of Wayne Rooney’s injury in the run-up to the World Cup, metatarsal fractures have been topical. Rooney fractured the fourth metatarsal in his right foot. This type of injury has also afflicted other international players, such as Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands and Manchester United), Gaël Clichy (France and Arsenal), Ivan Campo (Spain and Bolton) and Paulo Ferreira (Portugal and Chelsea).The high incidence of metatarsal fractures in football players has raised the question as to whether modern football boots offer enough protection to the foot and whether they are to blame for the high number of foot injuries. Indeed, Rooney was wearing a new Nike model, the Total 90 Supremacy, for the first time on the day that he was injured.Although Nike denies that its boots are linked to a higher risk of injury, Tommy Docherty, the former manager of Manchester United, said that when he was a professional football player in the 1950s, it used to take six weeks to break a pair of boots in and players used to have to put them in a bucket of water (4)!

Another reason why we are hearing more of these types of injury is the terminology now used and the increased reporting of the injury by the media. Tony Book, a former professional UK footballer, told the Manchester Evening News that he believes the name of the injury has changed. He believes the old ‘broken toe’ injury is now reported as ‘fractured/broken metatarsal’ (4). This changing terminology, coupled with increased media reporting, may be giving rise to a perceived increase in the number of injuries. There may not be more metatarsal injuries now than there used to be, but we all certainly know more about them (6).Before MRI scans were widely available, ‘ankle pain’ was common, but now we have various degrees of ‘bone bruises’. Likewise, in 1960, no one had heard of ‘Gilmore’s Groin’, but by 1990 everyone had one! Again, this indicates that with changing times and advances in technology, the terminology changes but the underlying injury does not."

The moral of the story is that soccer can take it's toll on our feet.  Should you suspect an injury, consult a podiatrist who can provide you with a thorough examination to help your current foot condition and prevent any future injuries.

Tags: soccer, football, foot injury

Those fancy Reebok sneakers that promise better legs and a better behind “with every step” may be just like every other sneaker, federal regulators said Wednesday, and Reebok International is liable for $25 million in customer refunds for making false claims about its EasyTone line.
Just wearing the sneakers, Reebok said, would tone and strengthen a customer’s legs 11 percent better than regular walking shoes and sculpt bottoms 28 percent better.Last year, a study financed by the American Council on Exercise and carried out by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that three types of toning shoes, including EasyTones, offered no greater muscle activation or calorie-burning than ordinary gym shoes.

“There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone,” the authors concluded
Tags: Untagged

Looking for an alternative to cortisone injections? Traumeel injection therapy may be right for you. Made of natural, homeopathic
plant extracts, traumeel acts as an antiinflammatory agent for lower extremity pain. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis;
peroneal, posterior tibial, and achilles tendonitis can be treated with traumeel injection therapy. Ask your podiatrist if you are
a candidate for this natural solution to foot and ankle pain. Tags: Untagged

Now thatSoccer and Football season has officially begun...
Around thirty million adolescents and children participate in organized sports. It is estimated there are three million sports related injuries that require the athlete to miss playing time. In high school age athletes, football has the highest injury rate followed by wrestling. The lowest injury rates are found in gymnastics, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field and cross-country. Injury rates are similar for sports where both males and females participate.

Foot injuries are more common in sports that involve running and kicking. Ankle injuries are common in gymnasts and tennis players.

Tags: Untagged

Watching the US Open this year has opened up some dialogue on appropriate shoe gear and inserts for tennis shoes.  John Mcenroe commented that Andy Roddick had foot concerns and was awaiting a new pair of orthotics for his tennis shoes.  With any sport it is important to wear the appropriate shoe gear for both comfort and support.  Orthotic inserts, both custom and prefabricated can alleviate and prevent a multitude of injuries that stem from sports such as tennis. 

Tags: orthotic, us open, tennis

Whenever you have a significant amount of flooding, people are bound to get their feet wet while outdoors.  If your feet stay wet inside shoegear for extended periods of time, especially boots that do not allow adequate ventillation/drying, you are at risk for developing Trench Foot or severe Athlete's foot.  Trench foot is a condition mainly associated with people in the military, however, during storms such as our recent hurricane irene, anyone is at risk.  To prevent this condition make sure you dry and clean your feet after being in water for an extended period of time.  Medicated powder can also be of help to absorb unwanted moisture and fungus/bacteria.  If you find excessive moisture, odor, drainage, itching on the bottom or in between your toes, seek professional advice immediately.  Your Podiatrist can prescribe oral and/or topical medication for this condtion.

Tags: trench foot, hurricane, athlete's foot

Last night the infamous 'batchelorette',( aka Ashley) pointed out that she has a
'bunion' on her right fourth toe. This is impossible! Bunions occur about the great toe joint due to a structural
deformity where the big toe shifts towards the second toe and the bone behind it moves in the
opposite direction...thereby causing a 'bump' on the inside of the foot. A hammertoe is what the batchelorette has on her fourth toe. This is a contracted toe which typically rubs on the top or very tip. Both conditions can be painful, but luckily are very treatable. Conservative care includes change in shoe gear, padding, orthotics, injections. Surgical care includes realignment of the affected toe or great toe joint. At Foot Care Centers, we treat these conditions every day helping people walk pain-free. Tags: Untagged

Have you looked down at your toenails lately?  Notice if they are thick, yellow, crumbly, painful?  You may be suffering from onychomycosis or toenail fungus.  This is a condition that is readily treatable with either topical or oral antifungal agents.  Fungus that lives in our shoes and socks can infect our toenails, leaving an unsightly appearance.

At Foot Care Centers we can help treat this condition with the use of topical medications such as Formula 3* or oralTerbinafine (Lamisil).  Yes, ladies, you can use nail polish over the topical medication! 

Tags: Untagged

With Cumberland county having one of the highest rates of Diabetes in the State (9.4% per US Census Bureau 2007)
it's essential that patients visit a local podiatrist for evaluation. Diabetes can alter the immune system, circulation and peripheral nerves. Many conditions can manifest themselves in the lower extremity. A thorough podiatric exam and treatment plan may provide insight to a diabetic patient's foot health and serve to prevent and slow down the progression of detrimental health conditions such as ulcerations, peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Tags: Untagged