Have you lost your arches? Have you been told you have flat feet? Reduce your stress level because the situation may not be that desperate. Flat feet, also referred to as pes planus or fallen arches, are a condition where the arch of the foot collapses. It can affect one or both feet. Babies are born with flat feet and it takes a few years for bones, tendons and ligaments to strengthen and grow, forming the foot’s arch. In most instances the arch develops in childhood, usually by age five or six, but in some cases, the arch of the foot never fully develops. About twenty percent of the world’s population has flat feet, or some degree thereof because their arches never completely formed. This type of flat foot is rarely problematic, and would not likely require treatment.
Flat feet that develop in adults as a result of injury, illness, stress or aging are referred to as Adult Acquired Flat Foot. Factors contributing to the cause of this type of flat feet include weight, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you acquire flat feet as an adult, they will probably stay that way. Strength training of the muscles in the foot may help to retain or regain normal function, but the foot muscles are short, and most likely the arch would not re-develop.
If you want to monitor the condition of your arches, wet your feet then stand on a smooth surface. When the footprint shows a lot of sole, it indicates a flat foot. What do flat feet mean to you? Flat feet usually do not cause pain and would not require treatment. However, if you are in the low percentage of people that experience pain in the foot, ankle or lower leg, see your podiatrist. He may recommend orthotics, exercises or physical therapy to help strengthen your feet. If your doctor prescribes orthotics you will probably need to use them for the remainder of your life. If much correction is required, it will likely be done gradually, over a period of time, allowing you to adjust in increments.
If you have pain that may be attributed to flat feet, call Dr. Blaakman. He will be able to evaluate and diagnose you and provide a treatment plan just right for you. Whether it involves exercises or orthotics, it will help you on your way. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET (3338).
If you have a story about your flat feet, please share below…
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flatfeet/DS00449/DSECTION=causes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
In With the Right Growth and Out With the Ingrown
 |
| Toenails (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Symptoms include:
• Pain along one or both sides or corners of your nail
• Redness and swelling
• Infection alongside the nail
Ingrown toenails can be caused by:
• Shoes that are poorly shaped and crowd the toes
• An injury to the toe
• Poorly trimmed nails or nails that are trimmed too short
• Toenails that grow in an unusual manner
If caught in the early stages, treatment of an ingrown toenail may be able to be done at home. However, repeated cutting of the nail can compound the situation. If there is a sign of infection, you are better off to have your doctor treat it, especially if you have any additional medical concerns like diabetes that make your feet more vulnerable.
Beneficial home remedies for ingrown toenails include room temperature soaks with Epsom salts added to the water. After the soak gently rub the area around the nail. This may help to alleviate swelling. Wedging cotton under the nail is not recommended as this provides an area for bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection. Over the counter medications are not beneficial because they may disguise the pain, but they do not improve the situation. If pain continues for more than a couple of days, it’s time to see your doctor.
Sometimes after treatment an ingrown toenail can return. If this is the case, Dr. Blaakman may recommend a slight in office surgical procedure to remove the side of the nail, or in more serious cases the root of the nail. Once the offending nail is gone, so is the pain.
If you have an ingrown toenail that is still aggravating you, call for an appointment today (877) 941-3338. For more information visit our website.
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ingrown-toenails/DS00111/DSECTION=complications
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm
Monday, April 16, 2012
Morton’s Neuromatherapy
Platform shoes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Morton’s neuroma is a condition that develops over time. It is characterized by the sensation that there is a lump on the bottom of your foot, or everything is all scrunched up down there. It can make day to day activities painful, especially when pressure is placed on the bottom of the foot near the third and fourth toe. Other sensations may be tingling in the toes, progressively worsening to sharp burning pain. Since the condition develops gradually, the pain is often intermittent, possibly going for long periods of time with no pain at all. The nerve between the toes (usually between the 3rd and 4th toes) becomes irritated, inflamed and thickens. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not known, but theories suggest pressure, compression and injury as possible factors. Women are affected more than men, especially those who wear poorly padded, ill formed shoes, such as high heels. Runners and other athletes who have hard repetitive action on the balls of their feet are also commonly affected.
If you want to be free of Morton’s neuroma then you should try to avoid:
• High heels
• Shoes with restrictive or poorly formed to boxes
• Shoes that cause abnormal toe positions
Dr. Blaakman can diagnosis Morton’s neuroma by examining, manipulating and attempting to cause the same conditions that may restrict your foot. Tests may be ordered to rule out other possible conditions that show the same type of pain. Dr. Blaakman can develop a treatment plan based on your specific case.
Treatment will depend on your needs and severity. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
• Icing to help reduce swelling
• Shoe inserts to alleviate pressure on the affected area
• Padding
• Change of foot wear to allow toes more room
• Oral NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen
• Physical therapy
• Change or reduction in activity until condition improves
If conservative treatment methods are not successful, surgery may be recommended, but early diagnosis and treatment can possibly avoid this or at least reduce recovery time. If you experience pain that may indicate Morton’s neuroma, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338 (FEET) or visit our website. With his expert help and treatment, your feet can last a lifetime.
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm
Monday, April 9, 2012
High Impact Yields High Injury Potential
Rhee Tae Kwon-Do 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan black belts in October 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Traditional martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate, along with the more aerobic discipline of Tae Bo, have seen a recent surge in popularity among children and adults. Unfortunately, every high intensity sport involves its share of injuries and martial arts are no exception. Some of the more common injuries include:
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Sesamoiditis
• Hematomas
Sprained ankles are a result of side to side lateral movement and the fact that the body is usually balanced on a single limb at the time. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are required. If pain is severe or persists, have your injury evaluated by Dr. Blaakman to make sure it’s not a more serious injury.
Fractures usually involve the toes, bones in the mid-foot (metatarsals) or ankles. A fracture can be the result of trauma or stress. Every fracture needs to be evaluated and treated to prevent it from becoming more serious. If you suspect you sustain a fracture, sit immediately and get medical help. If you do not cease this high impact activity a simple fracture could become displaced, treatment could be more complicated and recovery time increased. If you have just recovered from a sprain or a fracture you should never participate in a training activity or sparring unless you are completely pain free and cleared by your doctor.
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis result from overuse or excessive stretching of tendons. Repetitive turns and pivots on the support foot and the strike motion on the other foot are critical factors. Rest, ice and elevation will provide some relief.
Sesamoiditis is the inflammation and irritation of the tissue surrounding the sesamoid bones located behind and under the big toe. Pressure caused by repeated elevation and pivoting can irritate this area.
Hematomas are caused by injury to blood vessels that can cause bleeding inside the foot resulting in swelling and pain. Dr. Blaakman should evaluate any hematoma. If they are not treated properly or are left untreated, it can result in the loss of foot.
Rest, ice and elevation are recommended for most of these injuries. If pain persists, call Dr. Blaakman at (877)941-3888. His expert diagnosis and treatment will help keep your roundhouse kick in top form.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/4121
Monday, April 2, 2012
Steel Toed Boots - Small Investment, but Huge Payoff in Protection!
Steel-toe boots, aka safety boots. These boots also has ESD protection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)There are regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that govern specifications for on the job safety equipment and apparel. Prior to submitting its findings and recommendations OSHA conducts an assessment of the work environment to assess the dangers that exist, and what reasonable precautions need to be taken to ensure workers’ safety. One of the more common articles of personal protective gear is the boots. Steel toed work boots made to specifications will protect the foot from impact or compression from anywhere between 50 lbs. to 2500 lbs. depending on the rating. The shoes are constructed of durable leather with not only steel to protect the toe area, but also a plate that protects other fragile bones in the foot if heavy objects should fall on, or roll over the foot. The boot is also constructed with an extra durable sole to protect from objects that might otherwise pierce the sole.
Prior to making this important investment in your protective foot wear, you should consider the following:
• Indoor or outdoor
• Insulated or not insulated
• Shoe style or boot, and how high up the calf
• What are the specifications required by OSHA for your workplace
When you have progressed to the point of making the purchase the following steps should be taken:
• Always try the boots on. A good fit will allow you a little foot expansion room for swelling, but should not flop around on your foot. The toes should have a wee bit of room.
• Get a supportive boot. If you spend eight or nine hours a day on your feet, a supportive boot can save you on ankle, knee and lower back pain.
• Get socks to go with your boots and make sure the seams of the socks are not likely to cause you pain.
The investment you make in your protective footwear may seem like a lot of money, but they protect your feet. No one wants you to get your toes severed by a falling steel beam, or crushed because a case of tomato soup fell off a pallet. These are two examples of the everyday kind of accidents your boots will save your feet from.
If you do suffer a foot or ankle injury, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET. His evaluation, diagnosis and expertise can help to expedite your recovery and get you back on the job. If you have a comment or story that relates to steel toed boots in the workplace, we would like you to share it with a comment below.
References:
http://www.constructiongear.com/about-steel-toe-work-boots.html
http://ohsonline.com/articles/2006/10/sometimes-a-shoe-is-just-a-shoe-not-in-the-workplace.aspx
Monday, March 26, 2012
Warts – Oh My!
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)Do you feel an intense pain in the sole of your foot when you first step on it? Does the sole of your foot reveal a small spot similar to a callous or corn, but is extremely tender to touch? These may be signs of plantar warts. Plantar warts are caused by a very common viral infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects the outermost layers of the skin. Although these warts can be found in any age bracket, they are most common in young people age 12-16. They can be caused by use of public areas such as gyms or showers, and also occur from skin trauma, which allows the virus access. Since Plantar Warts occur mostly on the sole of the foot in areas that receive a lot of pressure and friction, they can be quite painful. Many warts will disappear over a period of time, and no treatment is necessary. However, in some instances the placement of these warts can affect your ability to stand or walk, and need to be treated.
Treatment of plantar warts can vary. There are over-the-counter medications, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that are generally successful. Application followed by gentle scraping can be effective. If relief is not found by use of these medications, other treatment methods such as burning, freezing or surgical removal may be necessary. Dr. Blaakman can make an evaluation, provide recommendations and treatment options.
Now is a good time to apply the “ounce of prevention…” rule. There are several steps that you can take which include:
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in public showers and locker rooms. Use shower thongs or sandals.
• Change shoes and socks daily, and keep feet clean and dry
• Do not pick at or scratch warts as they can spread.
• Cover warts with a waterproof barrier, when in the shower, to prevent spreading
Warts can be stubborn, so work with your doctor, and be diligent with the treatment program. They know what is best for you. If you have concerns, or suspect you may have plantar warts, contact Dr. Blaakman by calling (877) 941-3338 or on Upstate Footcare's website. There is nothing like two healthy feet to get you where you need to go.
Resources:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/plantar_warts/article_em.htm
Monday, March 19, 2012
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)