Foot for Thought - July 1, 2010

I was reviewing some old posts, and I came across this post regarding some fun foot facts. I promised you many more fun foot facts in the coming weeks. Well, I would like to get back to these. So without further adieu, here are ten more fun foot facts.

1. The podiatric physician (doctor of podiatric medicine, or DPM) is the health care professional trained in the care of your feet. He or she receives conventional medical training, plus special training on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require that they pass rigorous state board examinations before they are licensed, and most require continuing education programs for regular license renewal.
2. There are about 10,700 doctors of podiatric medicine actively in practice in the United States, and they receive more than 55 million visits a year from people with any number of foot ailments. Yet that's probably only a fraction of the number of foot problems. Mostly, say podiatrists, that's because many people have the erroneous notion that their feet are supposed to hurt.
3. Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems, the American Podiatric Medical Association believes. Its neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care -- including ill-fitting shoes -- that bring on the problems. A lifetime of wear and tear, plus neglect, accounts for the fact that the practices of most podiatrists are made up of older Americans.
4. Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas when wearing shoes. If the first signs of soreness are ignored, corns and calluses rise up as nature's way of protecting sensitive areas.
5. There are approximately 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, and they excrete as much as half a pint of moisture each day.
6. Plantar warts are caused by a virus which may invade the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot on dirty pavements or littered ground can expose feet to this sometimes painful skin infection.
7. The seven colleges of podiatric medicine all have entrance requirements which, like institutions granting MD (medical doctor) and DO (doctor of osteopathy) degrees, anticipate completion of an undergraduate degree, though they will consider candidates who show unusual promise and have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours at accredited undergraduate colleges or universities. However, the colleges report that recent entering classes were, on the average, almost as likely to have more than four years of undergraduate/graduate work as less than four.
8. About 19 percent of the US population has an average of 1.4 foot problems each year.
9. About 5 percent of the US population has foot infections, including athlete's foot, other fungal infections, and warts each year.
10. About 5 percent of the US population has ingrown toenails or other toenail problems each year.

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Even Hollywood Stars Admit To Not Taking Care of Their Feet

Kristin Stewart, star of the "Twilight Series", admits that her red carpet shoe choices have lead to some VERY tired feet lately. Read the story here (courtesy of People.com).

For women, making the right shoe choice can lead to a great night or a sore morning.

Maybe Kristin should have stopped by our office to see our stylish and COMFORTABLE Sandalista sandals (you can check out the styles here). These sandals are a perfect match of style and comfort. They feature an extra depth sole that will accommodate any custom or medical grade orthotic device that you already have. If you don't wear an orthotic device the provided insole allows you to remove pads on the toes and heel to offload any pressure you might be experiencing and give you a custom fit to your sandals.

So call us at 309-661-9975 or visit our website to make an appointment to have our shoe experts check out YOUR toes and order you a pair of Sandalistas today!

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Happy Feet = Happy Kids

As soon as that last school bell rings for the summer, kids hit the ground running. Whether they are headed to the pool, the beach or to camp, the short time between the end of school and the beginning of summer activities is a great time to pay attention to your child’s foot health.

Fun in the sun can end with a day at the doctor’s office if the proper safety measures are ignored. So before children catch their first glimpse of the giant slide at the pool, the oversized toys at the park, or the exciting new rides at the amusement park, prepare them with the right footwear and protect them with the right care. Here are a few tips from your podiatrist to make the summer fun and safe.

• Carefully observe your child’s walking patterns. Does your child have toes that point in or out, or have knock-knees or other gait abnormalities? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early and treated by a podiatrist.
• Children’s feet change size rapidly, so always have your child’s feet measured each time you purchase new shoes. Make sure that measurements are done while the child is standing for a more accurate sizing. The best time to buy new shoes is at the end of the day.
• When shopping for shoes, look for stiff material on either side of the heel, adequate cushioning and a built-in arch. The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.
• Never wear hand-me-down shoes.
• Don’t buy shoes that need a “break-in” period. Good shoes should feel comfortable right away. For athletic activities, choose a shoe that is designed for the sport your child will be playing.
• Never pack brand-new shoes for your children to wear on vacation.
• Walking barefoot on pavement, hotel or airplane carpeting, in hotel bathrooms or a locker room and near the pool can expose your child’s feet to a host of infections. Always wear a pair of flip-flops or strappy sandals made of soft, supple leather to prevent contracting a bacteria, fungus, or viruses.
• When applying sunscreen, don’t forget about putting some on your child’s feet. Additionally, always remember to re-apply.
• Watch for clues that your child may be injured. Limping, tripping, and hesitating to bear weight are telltale signs that something may be wrong. Remember that lack of complaints by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware.
• Be careful about applying home remedies to children’s feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus in adults may irritate kids’ skin. Your best bet is to visit your podiatrist for treatment of any infections.

If your children suffer a foot injury, don't let it ruin their entire summer of fun. Call our office (309-661-9975) or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

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Melanomas

Summer is often the time we hear more about skin cancer—we’re told to avoid the sun if possible and always wear sunscreen when we are in the sun. But many people never think about their feet when they take preventative action, even though malignant melanoma (a serious type of skin cancer) can affect the legs and feet as well as other parts of the body.

Melanomas on the feet can occur in men and women, and while they usually develop in people over the age of 50, they can be found at any age. Lighter-skinned people are more likely to develop melanomas on sun-exposed areas of the body, but only one-third of African-American patients who have melanoma develop it on sun-exposed areas. In the African- American population, melanomas most often develop on skin that is not exposed to the sun, such as the foot and under the toenails. Early detection is extremely important since malignant melanoma can spread (metastasize) rapidly.

Since melanomas on the foot and ankle often go unnoticed during their earliest stage, routine foot examinations can increase the likelihood of diagnosing and treating malignant melanomas. During routine examinations your podiatrist will always look for moles, or “nevi,” which are usually evenly colored, round spots on the skin or even under the nails. Most are small and don’t change in size or shape. However, the doctor will carefully examine any moles that look “abnormal.” The podiatrist will use a common dermatological rule (the “ABCD” rule) to characterize the melanoma:

• Asymmetrical lesions
• Border irregularity
• Color variation
• Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser.

Skin cancer is rarely painful, so routine podiatric medical visits are important for anyone with questionable lesions on the feet. Other signs to watch for are changes in color or a mole that becomes raised from the skin. Malignant melanomas on the feet usually occur between toes, in and around the nails, and on the soles of the feet.

If you see something on your feet that may look like a melanoma, please call 309-661-9975 or visit our website to schedule an appointment to get it checked out.

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Foot for Thought - June 10, 2010

Summer Foot Care

Summertime is here and so are sunny days spent splashing in pools and relaxing on the beach. As many vacationers know, summer can cause some extra wear and tear on the body. Educated consumers usually protect themselves by purchasing sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. But many will forget to look after the most important and neglected part of the body -- the feet.

I recommend the following key tips on how to protect yourself, especially your feet, from salt water, sand, and other summer scares:

1. Remember to apply sunscreen to feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles. Don't forget to reapply if you're in the water!
2. When out of the water, wash and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and apply a topical anti-fungal medication on any cracked or itchy skin. Clean, dry feet resist disease.
3. Pass up sharing towels to avoid developing athlete's foot and other diseases that can easily be spread.
4. Take special care of toenails, which are especially vulnerable around damp areas. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to infection so make an appointment at first sign of discoloration or infection.
5. To avoid toe and ankle injuries, wear shoes that are specific to the activity or sport you're participating in. Never play Frisbee in sandals and be sure to wear boots or gym shoes when working outside and mowing the lawn.
6. Give yourself plenty of time to break in new shoes before going on trips where you'll be doing lots of walking. And when trying on new shoes, make sure you have on the same socks you plan on wearing with them.
7. When in the ocean, be cautious of jellyfish that often bite at feet and ankles and sharp coral that can cut the undersides of feet. Keeping sandals or water shoes on at all times is a good idea to prevent stings, cuts, and other injuries.
8. Watch out for prickly sea urchin spines when taking walks on the beach. Avoid walking barefoot; wear an old pair of running shoes or flip-flops to protect you from jagged rocks, shells, spines, and debris that could float ashore.
9. And most importantly, swim, walk, and enjoy the summer!! Walking is the best form of exercise for your feet and swimming is a great alternative for those suffering from tendonitis and plantar fascitis, which can make other types of exercise painful.

If you experience any injuries during the summer, please give me a call at 309-661-9975 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. I don't want you to miss any of the fun activities summer has to offer.

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Summer is Here - Show Your Toes

With summer upon us, many of us are ready to shed those heavy shoes and socks in favor of sandals and flip-flops. But over the winter, corns and calluses may have developed, making your feet and toes not quite ready for “prime time.” Help is on the way.

Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, thick, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes, and calluses on the soles or the balls of the feet. Corns and calluses can also form when the position of the bones in your feet change. The corns and calluses initially form to provide protection, but as they thicken, they can become painful and inflamed.

The friction and pressure from both corns and calluses can cause a painful or burning sensation. Often one visit to the podiatrist can be all that’s needed to relieve the pain, although most corns and calluses will reoccur without regular monitoring or changes in either your shoes or your foot function. The podiatric physician can work with you to relieve the pain by using a variety of pads or materials on the affected areas.

It is important that you never cut your corns or calluses with any instrument and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist’s instructions. Many over-the-counter remedies are advertised frequently, but often these home remedies can be dangerous. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.

Corns and calluses can be particularly problematic for patients with diabetes. These patients should always schedule regular yearly visits with their podiatrist to check for foot problems and circulation issues. If more frequent visits are required, the podiatrist will work with you to make sure your corns and calluses are monitored and treated as needed.

One way to control corns and calluses is to make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn-out shoes as soon as possible. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e., running shoes for running). Also, it is important to alternate shoes—don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.

A visit wit me can be all you need to get your feet in shape for summer footwear, so schedule that now and be ready to show off your “fancy feet.” So give me a call at 309-661-9975 or visit our website to schedule an appointment to get your feet into summer shape.

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Women's Common Foot Problems

Let’s admit it, ladies. We abuse our feet. We put a lot of stress and strain on our lower extremities, and we don’t take nearly as good care of them as we should. Based on our need to be fashionable, we often wear shoes that don’t fit well or are just not designed for walking and standing for long periods of time. Even Oprah admits that she only wears her highest heels once she’s seated during an interview. It’s no wonder that those stilettos and peep-toes are causing us pain—they are designed for beauty, not comfort. Women have some of the same foot problems as men, but mostly, our feet have many more “issues.”

Bunions are enlargements of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that form when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. Bunions are a symptom of our foot’s development due to the way we walk, our inherited foot type, our shoes, or for other reasons. Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down—not the bunion. Since the MTP joint carries much of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort.

Stress fractures are tiny or incomplete cracks in a bone often caused by overuse. Stress fractures occur most frequently in the foot and ankle and can be caused by a number of factors. An unusual increase in activity causing strain in the foot (fatigue fracture) is one of the most common causes, while weak bones (insufficiency fractures), are caused by medical conditions such as osteoporosis, can also be a factor. Medications such as steroids can lead to stress fractures, as can a sudden increase in activity levels. All of these causes can and should be evaluated by your podiatrist when you notice pain or swelling, which are the symptoms of a stress fracture.

A neuroma, also referred to as a “pinched nerve,” is a painful condition involving irritation and/or thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, most commonly the 3^rd and 4th toes. The condition brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Your podiatrist can offer a number of treatment options for a neuroma.

Ingrown nails are a common ailment seen by podiatric physicians. An ingrown nail is one whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of the toe, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow out straight, but sometimes one or both corners or the sides will curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common site for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.

Ingrown toenails may be caused by any one or more of the following: improperly trimmed nails, shoes that are too tight, trauma, and activities with repeated pressure on the toe (such as running or kicking). There are other causes as well, but this painful condition can usually be eased with one or two visits to your podiatrist’s office. Women may also have a tendency to develop blisters, corns, calluses, and heel pain. All of these conditions can be treated by your podiatrist, and a number of treatment options are available. Once we all realize that our feet don’t have to hurt, life will be that much more enjoyable, ladies.

So if you have suffered any of the above injuries, don't let it become a lingering injury. Schedule an appointment with us by calling our office (309-661-9975) or by visiting our website.

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Foot for Thought - April 29, 2010

We have been very busy at HFAA lately. I wanted to share a picture from our last event, the Advocate BroMenn Diabetes event. We had a great time talking to the visitors about our Diabetic Shoe program, our diabetic focused products, and what types of services we offer a person with diabetes. Here is a picture of our Medical Assistants, Sara and Sam standing behind our display booth.

Also, I was recently featured on local radio station WJBC. I spoke with radio personality Beth Whisman about healthy flip-flops as part of a Healthy Cells Magazine update. Below is a link to listen to the segment if you didn't get a chance to listen to it live.

http://wjbc.com/Tabid/7997/default.aspx?AID=15276

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Running Injuries

Spring is a great time to get back into your running routine or to ramp up your training and exercise for the coming summer months. But it’s always important to take it slowly and to train carefully with the advice of an expert to avoid running injuries.

Before you get started, no matter how fit you may be, it’s important to remember that stretching before and after a run is a great way to minimize injuries. Choosing proper footwear is very important and your podiatrist can help you choose the right shoe for your level of activity. Finally, you will want to work with the doctor to develop an effective training routine that allows your body (and more importantly, your feet) to adapt to a new level of exercise. But no matter how careful you are, you may end up with some common injuries such as those listed here.

Shin splints: Shin splints, which are painful and appear at the front and inside of the leg, are often caused by running on hard surfaces, over striding, muscle imbalance, or overuse. Shin splints can also be related to the shape and structure of your feet. Treatment includes rest, stretching, changing your running technique, and rebalancing foot mechanics with the use of an orthotic device in the shoe. Physical therapy can also be helpful. If you begin to feel this type of pain, slow down, take shorter strides, and see a podiatrist at your first opportunity.

Stress fractures: A stress fracture is a tiny or incomplete crack in a bone that is often caused by overuse. Stress fractures occur most frequently in the foot and ankle, so your podiatrist is well trained to diagnose and treat this problem. Signs of a stress fracture are pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest, pain that increases over time or pain that persists even at rest. Often a stress fracture will result in swelling and a spot that feels tender to the touch. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a stress fracture can often prevent further injury. A podiatrist can determine your best treatment with x-ray and a physical exam. Many stress fractures can be treated with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. For most people, an appropriate period of rest will be sufficient for the bone to heal, but like all fractures, the bone can take up to 8 to 10 weeks to heal completely. In other cases, your podiatrist may need to immobilize the affected bone with a cast, cast boot, fracture shoe, or a splint. Surgical intervention may be suggested if other, more conservative treatments are not effective.

Blisters and nail problems: Runners often have blisters and nail problems but with a little maintenance and care, they can be avoided or minimized so that they don’t limit your ability to keep up your training routine.

Blisters are caused by skin friction. Don’t pop them. Apply moleskin or an adhesive bandage over a blister, and leave it on until it falls off naturally in the bath or shower. Keep your feet dry and always wear socks as a cushion between your feet and shoes. If a blister breaks on its own, wash the area, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage.

Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin, often causing infection. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming but also by shoe pressure, injury, or poor foot structure. Runners are particularly susceptible to nail problems, and long-distance runners often lose some of their toenails entirely while they are training. If an ingrown portion of the nail is painful or infected, your podiatrist can remove the affected portion to allow for healing. It is possible to permanently remove the offending portion of the nail to prevent occurrence.

So the next time you suffer a running injury or if you have recently suffered a running related injury, don't let it become a lingering injury. Schedule an appointment with us by calling our office (309-661-9975) or by visiting our website.

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Foot for Thought - April 15, 2010

Upcoming Event

Advocate BroMenn Diabetes Awareness Day

When: Saturday April 17, 2010 from 8am to noon
Where: Advocate BroMenn Conference Center

Advocate BroMenn will be hosting a morning filled with facts, fun, and friends. Vendors will be showcasing the latest equipment and resources available. Speakers this year are Dr. Mueed, speaking about Neuropathy and Diabetes, Dr. Thompson, speaking about managing a healthy lifestyle with a chronic illness, and Alison Geyer speaking about Eating for a Healthy Heart with Diabetes.

We will be a vendor at the event. We will have our products and shoes available for visitors to view. We will also have our shoe expert Sam on hand to talk to visitors about our diabetic shoe program and other services we can provide a person with diabetes.

If you are at the event, be sure to stop by and say hi. We hope to see you there!

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