The Doctor and the Physical Therapist

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The primary concern of the podiatrist should be treating the injury, and seeing to the comfort and care of the patient. If rehabilitative services are needed, this would be done by a physical therapist. There is no way to predict the number or frequency of visits that it may require for a patient to recover full use after sustaining an injury, but the primary goal of the physical therapist is to see that function is restored. Some foot and ankle specialists operating state of the art facilities may have affiliation with a physical therapist at their location. This is usually provided for patient convenience so that patients can receive all required services at one location.

Athletes usually appreciate referrals to physical therapists. They know that treatment by a therapist will expedite their recovery and restore their function to pre-injury condition more quickly. The back yard sports enthusiast, or adolescent playing high school sports, may not have that luxury. Insurance benefits may be limited to what coverage is provided, so they may need to spend their available dollars more wisely.

From the perspective of a person on the outside, looking in, the relationship between a podiatrist and physical therapist may be somewhat simplistic in its appearance. The doctor might be the equivalent of a head coach, calling the plays from the sidelines, and the physical therapist is the quarterback, provided with the knowledge, necessary to execute the play.

If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, make no mistake about it, the doctor is calling the shots. It is his knowledge and diagnostic expertise that is getting to the root of the problem. He may then need to refer his patient to a physical therapist who will carry out his prescription and instructions pertaining to physical therapy that provides the quickest path to recovery for the patient. Call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 (feet) if you are having a foot or ankle problem that requires treatment. His knowledgeable staff is there to answer any questions you may have to get you on the fastest road to recovery.

Visit Dr. Blaakman’s website, http://www.upstatefootcare.com/ for more information about the services he provides.

References:

http://www.physicaltherapyschdy.com/ASP_Pages/podiatry.asp
http://www.aapsm.org/plantar_fasciitis.html
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/6946?page=1

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Vascular Testing - A Roadmap of Blood Flow

Blood pressure measurement. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from circulatory problems, chances are you have already had some form or vascular testing. A vascular test is a non-invasive procedure used to detect blockages or diseases in the arteries.  It provides the doctor with road map type guidance of the overall health of your circulatory system.

There are several different procedures used that can assist your doctor in determining the location of blockage, and the degree or severity of the blockage. This is a helpful tool for the doctor when a patient must undergo surgery. Different forms of testing include: doppler, photoplethysmograph (PPG), ankle-arm index/ankle-brachial index, toe pressures and angiography.

• Doppler - this test is conducted by placing a probe over the blood vessel being tested and uses sound waves to read the blood flow. How quickly the sound waves bounce back to the probe indicates the level of blockage. The probe is directed at red blood cells. The greater the blockage, the slower the cells are moving through the blood vessel. This is then printed to a machine and used for comparison with normal vessels. This test is painless, and the patient who can benefit from it includes smokers, diabetics, elderly and anyone suffering from circulatory concerns.

• Photoplethysmograph - is a test that works similar to the doppler. However, instead of major blood vessels, it measures the health of tiny blood vessels by directing the probe at the tips of the toes. This is another non-invasive and painless test.

• Ankle-Arm/Ankle-Brachial Index - is a test that measures blood flow toward the foot. This test is done on major vessels, and uses blood pressures taken on each arm and ankle for ratio comparison. Differences indicate impeded blood flow.

• Toe Pressures - are similar to blood pressure tests for the toes. If a large discrepancy exists, it indicates presence of disease or blockage.

• Angiography - is a test that uses injectable dye that is then read by a special machine. When less dye is visible, blockage is indicated. This test is useful in determining the amount and location of blockage.

Any of these tests can be used by Dr. Blaakman to assist him in his evaluation. These tests are especially important if you suffer from diabetes or some other circulatory concerns that involve your feet. If you are facing the possibility of surgery and have questions about the tests, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. He can explain details of these procedures. More information on vascular testing will soon be available on his website.

References:

http://www.footdoc.ca/www.FootDoc.ca/Website%20Vascular%20Testing.htm

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Diabetic Neuropathy - Danger Lurks Behind Every Sensation You Are Not Feeling

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It can’t be stressed enough - good foot care is vital to your health and overall well-being. Just ask someone who has impeded mobility due to a foot or ankle injury or the athlete who is sidelined. The verdict is in - foot and ankle pain or injury is darn inconvenient to say the least. Those in reasonably good health can usually take precautions and preventive measures and a lot of time just knowing what to do and when to do it can save costly trips to the doctor because it can be treated at home. People who suffer from diabetes, though, are not so lucky. When you have diabetic neuropathy every little condition, and injury becomes a potential hazard to your health.

Diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves due to blood sugar levels being too high, which is caused by diabetes. Nerve damage will affect about half of all people with diabetes, although symptoms may be slow to appear. Symptoms vary and may affect different parts of the body. One location commonly affected is arms and legs and sensation from tingling to deep pain may be experienced. As damage to the nerves continues, sensation decreases due to poor circulation. This is where the danger really begins. Because of the loss of feeling, you may not feel objects you step on, know you have an open wound or realize you have no concept of heat, and actually burn yourself. An untreated wound may result in an infection and with poor circulation the body’s ability to heal itself is greatly diminished. Neuropathy may also mask other things going on in the body such as the pain that functions as early warning of heart attack.

Every person who has diabetes needs to be seen at least annually, more often if warranted. A thorough foot examination should be done each time you visit your doctor. Dr. Blaakman can help diffuse problems with early detection and he can teach you to be more aware of your own feet.  Conduct a daily foot exam and make it routine.

Call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 for a comprehensive foot examination. Make sure you are writing down all your questions about diabetic neuropathy.  Arm yourself for survival with good information and work at controlling your blood sugar.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001713/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-neuropathy/DS01045/DSECTION=symptoms

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Here Come the Summertime Warriors

Marahon shoes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the first 90 plus degrees of the summer, it’s great to be out there to reacquaint yourselves with the outdoors and get back into shape. Constant beach weather is just around the corner, so you’ll want to get rid of that mid-line flab and show off those six packs. It doesn’t matter what your favorite outdoor pursuit is - just do it!

However, it’s important to start slow and gradually condition yourself. You don’t have to run a race this week, and while you might have quite a ways to go, you have don't have to rush your conditioning. It is impossible to emphasize enough the importance of a slow and reasonable pace when it comes to starting any exercise program. You can’t just start out making outrageous demands on the body without risking a serious injury.  Regardless of the exercise you choose, there are certain to be pre-requisites for consideration. 

Do you have the appropriate footwear to take you where you want to go? 

Whether you are cycling, kayaking, running or swimming, there are shoes designed to meet your specific needs. Even within the sport you choose, there may be options for shoes. You need to make sure you are purchasing footwear at a dealer who specializes in that sport. They have the product knowledge and expertise to guide and fit you.

Making sure you have appropriate footwear is almost half the battle. It can save a lot of pain and problems for your feet.  But remember that conditioning and warm up are just as important. You need to plan 10 minutes of stretching and warm up exercises prior to your chosen activity. This is your opportunity to talk to your body and advise it on what you are going to ask it to do. Warm and gently stretched muscles are far less likely to become injured than cold tight muscles. So take the time and get loose.  You also should modify your program if the heat index reaches 90.  Take frequent water breaks or save exercise for the early morning, or evening, when the temperature is a bit more agreeable.

If you find that you have somehow caused an overuse injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. If you are in pain, rather than give up the exercise program, let Dr. Blaakman put his experienced hands to work. Remember to ask him all of your questions about conditioning for your favorite sport. He can help you avoid the strains, sprains and fractures commonly associated with ramped up physical fitness programs.

Also, you can like us on Facebook for more updates on foot and ankle news! Check out our Duncan office and Gaffney office Facebook pages!

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It Used To Be Wet Shoes Were Ruined Shoes

Canoe-kayak-marathon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Years ago it used to be a kid had one pair of shoes. Two pair perhaps if they were from an affluent family, one pair for the work week and one for Sunday worship.  No wonder it was so often heard, “Don’t get your shoes wet.”  Wet shoes meant cracked leather and that shortened the usefulness of a pair of shoes.

Time marches on and things change. Now a person probably has five or six pair available to them or perhaps more. Shoes are becoming highly specialized. It’s almost like there is a pair for every function and keeping shoes dry is a thing of the past because there are shoes designed specifically to get wet - water shoes. Even water shoes are becoming specialized to the point where they may have multiple pair. Water shoes are designed with specialized mesh linings for quick drying and channeling systems that allow water to flow out of the shoes. Under what circumstances would you choose water shoes?  Well, to wear around the deck of a pool. This may be done for different reasons such as foot protection from injuries, traction to prevent slip and fall injuries or hygienic purposes. There are even shoes designed with specific water sports in mind, such as kayaking.

When kayaking, you should consider the weather and performance demands of the shoes.  A water sandal is good if the weather is warm because they allow for drainage and quick dry, while providing some protection for the foot. They have a snug fit and not a lot of straps to get tangled. Water booties are a better choice if the water is cold. They help keep the feet warm, have zippered or hook and loop closures to adjust for a snug fit. Serious kayakers may choose water boots that offer protection from water and cold all the way up to your knees.

If you need a shoe to take you close to the pools edge, you may wish to try something like Crocs. It gives you a little something to prevent slip, falls and keep your feet off the pool deck so your feet are away from fungus.  However, if you are in the pool for an aqua class and are going to be moving a lot, try a sneaker type shoe that offers a bit of support, stability and protection from impact. Then, hit the water’s edge. There isn’t anything more refreshing than a quick dip, when the mercury rises.

Water shoes offer protection at times when other shoes aren’t appropriate, but if an accident or injury occurs, contact Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. He provides caring and compassionate full service podiatric care to help keep you active.

References:

http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-water-shoes.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/427103-good-water-shoes-for-kayaking/

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All about Gout

Gout in right big toe, with advanced swelling (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Do you suffer from painful swelling, redness and inflammation of your toes, heels or ankles?  Does this condition come and go?  Does it worsen in severity and frequency and does the duration lengthen?  If you answered yes then you may suffer from GOUT.  Gout is a common arthritic condition that is caused by a buildup or excessive amount of uric acid which crystallizes in the joints.

More than eight million people in the U.S. suffer from gout, and over the past two decades, numbers have risen dramatically. Men who consume alcohol are at greater risk for gout, especially if there are others in their family who suffer from it. Symptoms of gout can occur suddenly, are intensely painful and usually last a day or two, at first. These are acute gout symptoms. It is most prevalent in men over 40 years old and acute symptoms will usually show in the big toe first.  However, other joints that can be affected are the feet, knees, hands, ankles and wrists.  Chronic gout symptoms are the result of repeated gout attacks.  Nodules can form under the skin, which is extremely painful during a gout attack, and can lead to open and infected wounds.

Diet is a major contributing factor to gout, and therefore must be considered in prevention as well as treatment. Certain foods are more likely to cause gout. These include:

    •    Organ meats

    •    Red meats

    •    Fish high in oils (tuna, anchovies)

    •    Cauliflower and asparagus

These are the same foods that need to be avoided during an attack of gout, or eliminated altogether, if you suffer from gout. Certain diseases or medical conditions can make you more susceptible to attacks of gout.  These include:

    •    High blood pressure

    •    Diabetes

    •    Obesity

    •    Low thyroid function

    •    Renal failure

Treatment options for gout include medications and possibly even acupuncture can provide some relief, but it is important to change your diet. Reduce red meats, increase fruits rich in antioxidants (cherries are great), change to low fat or no fat dairy products, eliminate alcohol and eat high quality complex carbohydrates as opposed to sugary foods.  

Since gout usually shows up in the big toe or foot first, Dr. Blaakman can assist with your evaluation, and start you on a treatment program that is right for you.  Call him at (877)941-FEET (3338).

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gout.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/gout

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Swimming and Your Feet - Watch Out for Dangers!

Image via WikipediaWhether you’ve been a swimmer for years or have just recently started to learn, you know that your feet play a very important role.  Since we’re not fish or some other type of water dwelling creature, we don’t have fins, obviously, so the closest thing we have to fins is our feet.  So you want to make sure that you take extra care of your feet at all times, especially in the swimming pool. 

So what dangers lurk in the swimming pool or rec centers that swimmers go to every day?  Some are obvious while others are hidden from our eyes.  The first tip is to make sure that you swim in a pool that is cleaned regularly.  This goes beyond just swimming in dirt and grime, but if you swim in lakes or pools that aren’t monitored closely, you might end up cutting your foot on something at the bottom of the water.  Remember that even though you might not see anything from the surface of the water, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a glass bottle or glass shard laying in wait.  If the pool is maintained regularly and there’s a strict no glass rule, you should be fine.

Another danger is one that you can’t see with you eyes.  It is the danger lurking in the areas around the pool, in the locker room and especially in the shower.  This danger is Athletes Foot.  It might not seem like that big of a deal, but if you have Athletes Foot and don’t get it properly treated, it can stay underneath your skin and thrive for years and years, even if you don’t notice it at times. 

If you have athletes foot or have any other kind of foot injury, you should see a podiatrist so they can help you fix the problem.  Schedule an appointment with Upstate Footcare so you can get the foot problem fixed asap!

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To Treadmill or Not to Treadmill

Image via WikipediaWith tons of people resolving to exercise more this year, one thing becomes more popular every year is running.  But one debate that comes to mind is what is better: to run on a treadmill or to capture running outside?

Running on a treadmill can be a great experience.  You won’t have to face the cold weather outside, especially if you like to run early in the morning or late at night.  You can change the difficulty to whatever you’re comfortable with, or you can challenge yourself to push harder.  Since you’re running on a machine, it’ll absorb some of the shock on your feet, thus helping prevent pain and injury.  By watching your favorite television program, the time might the time seem to go faster because you’re not focusing so much on working out.  The downfalls of running on a treadmill are the cost, the space it takes up, you don’t get fresh air, and you might have to fight with people at the gym to get a spot.

Running outside in the fresh air, seeing the sights and hearing the noises is truly something special.  You can’t get that from a treadmill.  If you’re training for a 5k or any type of race that’s outside, you need to train outside.  Outside you face random challenges that you can’t control, which challenges you to push further and harder than you could on a treadmill.  The downside is that you will have to face the weather and obstacles that will hinder your workout.

The choice is up to you, or you could always ride the fence and do both.  Saving the treadmill when you don’t want to face the weather or obstacles of everyday life.  Either way, make sure to do all you can to avoid injury so that you can enjoy your running habit.  Contact Upstate Footcare if you have a sports injury in your feet or ankles today to set up an appointment so that you can take measures to heal and get back to running!

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