There are approximately 70 million obese Americans and that number doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Many of those 70 million are caught between a rock and a hard place. Obesity can make foot problems worse. Extra weight puts stress on the joints of the body and the foot is no exception. This can lead to flat feet and heel pain, which make it harder to exercise and lose weight. Without exercise and weight loss, many of those 70 million people’s obesity leads to other problems like diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health risks.
This is where your podiatrist can save the day and your life. Obese adults should seek help for their chronic foot conditions as soon as possible so they can start a healthy exercise program. Chronic heel pain from carrying extra weight is a common cause of the lack of exercise in obese adults. Proper evaluation by your podiatrist is the very first step. And don’t let fear delay this appointment. Many causes of foot pain can be relieved without going under the knife. Stretching exercises, orthotics, and the proper athletic shoes with good shock absorption can work quite the wonder. If a condition is severe enough for surgery, you can still participate in non-weight-bearing exercises during your recovery, such as a stationary bike, swimming, or weight training.
Many diabetic patients are worried about exercising because of the risk for foot ulcers. This should not persuade you to avoid exercise. Treadmills or elliptical machines can be used to minimize the pounding stress on the feet. And losing weight can help in the control of your diabetes. For the diabetic patient, regular foot exams are also very beneficial in assessing any problematic spots before they worsen. With the right foot care and foot wear, all patients can find a workout routine that is safe and productive for them. To get back into your workout routine, come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Local Anesthesia
There are three professions within the medical community that extensively use local anesthetics, also known as a local numbing solution. They are dentists, dermatologists, and podiatrists. Local anesthesia is great for clinical practice because it allows for bedside or in-house surgical procedures without having to knock the patient out cold. Dentists use this for almost all their work including fillings, crowns, and those awful root canals. Dermatologists use this to remove a lesion or a mole for biopsy. Podiatrists can use local anesthetics for a number of procedures including an ingrown-toenail surgery. They are great because of their quick action and very low chance of side effects. Some of the popular names of anesthetics you may have heard of are Lidocaine, Sensorcaine, or Novocaine, which is from back in the day.
So how do they work? Well the injections are targeted at specific nerve sites. Without going into all the boring chemistry, they basically stop the nerves from telling the brain that a painful stimulus is going on. Now here is where a doctor’s wording can be tricky. Your doctor shouldn’t tell you, “You won’t feel a thing.” This isn’t necessarily always true. You will feel the deep pressure or sensation of touch, but you should not feel any pain associated with that pressure. For example, when your podiatrist is working on your toenail when you have been administered a local anesthetic, you may feel that he is touching your toe or using a tool of some sort, but you should feel no pain associated with whatever action he is doing. Some people think that if they feel any form of pressure, they haven’t been given enough anesthetic and this isn’t the case. And as always, for any concerns with your feet, come by and see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
So how do they work? Well the injections are targeted at specific nerve sites. Without going into all the boring chemistry, they basically stop the nerves from telling the brain that a painful stimulus is going on. Now here is where a doctor’s wording can be tricky. Your doctor shouldn’t tell you, “You won’t feel a thing.” This isn’t necessarily always true. You will feel the deep pressure or sensation of touch, but you should not feel any pain associated with that pressure. For example, when your podiatrist is working on your toenail when you have been administered a local anesthetic, you may feel that he is touching your toe or using a tool of some sort, but you should feel no pain associated with whatever action he is doing. Some people think that if they feel any form of pressure, they haven’t been given enough anesthetic and this isn’t the case. And as always, for any concerns with your feet, come by and see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Better Boot Buying, part II
So last blog we looked at different types of boots and the up and down sides of each. This week we’re going to give you some tips of what to look for when you go shopping this winter.
• Look for a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and good traction to ensure stability.
• Remember as with any shoes you buy, have both your feet measured. They change throughout our whole life. Many people can’t remember the last time they stepped on a Brannock device, the metal scale used at some foot stores to measure your feet.
• Be aware that brands and boot styles vary greatly. So while you may wear a 9 in those wide Uggs, it may be a 10 in the narrow cowboy boots.
• Try on your boots in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell during the day so you want the boots to fit at their most swollen point.
• No two feet are the same exact size, so keep the longer foot in mind when you settle on a style and size.
• Carry a set of insoles or your custom orthotics when you go try on boots. The level of cushioning can change as you go from a hiking boot to a rain boot.
• Be aware of the type of boot you need. If looking for a waterproof boot with the Gore-Tex liner, watch out for excessive perspiration of the feet which could lead to an Athlete’s foot.
• A boot made of natural materials such as leather, will keep feet dry during the winter months.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind this winter. For any questions about footwear to accommodate your own feet, see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.
• Look for a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and good traction to ensure stability.
• Remember as with any shoes you buy, have both your feet measured. They change throughout our whole life. Many people can’t remember the last time they stepped on a Brannock device, the metal scale used at some foot stores to measure your feet.
• Be aware that brands and boot styles vary greatly. So while you may wear a 9 in those wide Uggs, it may be a 10 in the narrow cowboy boots.
• Try on your boots in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell during the day so you want the boots to fit at their most swollen point.
• No two feet are the same exact size, so keep the longer foot in mind when you settle on a style and size.
• Carry a set of insoles or your custom orthotics when you go try on boots. The level of cushioning can change as you go from a hiking boot to a rain boot.
• Be aware of the type of boot you need. If looking for a waterproof boot with the Gore-Tex liner, watch out for excessive perspiration of the feet which could lead to an Athlete’s foot.
• A boot made of natural materials such as leather, will keep feet dry during the winter months.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind this winter. For any questions about footwear to accommodate your own feet, see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Better Boot Buying
Hard to believe, but it’s already December. Where did the year go? Anyways, as we get closer to winter, the boots start to make their way out slowly but surely. Ladies, this means everything from rain boots, to cowboy boots, to snow boots make their way outside. Gentlemen, I know what you’re thinking. Why does she have snow boots? It’s Texas. Well, they were either a) on sale, b) look good, or c) see choice A. For this week’s blog we’ll look at a few of the different boot styles and look at the pros and cons of each. For next week’s blog we’ll share some tips on what to look for when you’re out there boot shopping.
Riding boots:
The good: Natural materials like leather allow airflow that keeps your feet dry.
The bad: Synthetic materials do the opposite. Heat & moisture build up leading to odor.
Rain boots:
The good: Eh. Wear cushioned insoles in these to get something in the “good” category.
The bad: The rigid shape of these limit natural foot movement & gives no arch support.
The Cowboy boot:
The good: Wear only for a short period of time and allow the toes to stretch
The bad: Cowboy boots bad? In Texas? Yeah right. But seriously, watch out for a narrow toebox area than can rub the foot the wrong way and cause a blister.
Snow boots:
The good: Get a rubber sole with deep grooves for proper traction….if it ever snows.
The bad: The sole can become slick and lead to trips or falls……if it ever snows.
Trendy ankle boots:
The good: Pick a pair with a heel no higher than 2 inches to avoid balance issues.
The bad: Lack of ankle support + a high heel can lead to imbalance.
These are just a few examples. Next week we’ll look at some other buying tips.
Riding boots:
The good: Natural materials like leather allow airflow that keeps your feet dry.
The bad: Synthetic materials do the opposite. Heat & moisture build up leading to odor.
Rain boots:
The good: Eh. Wear cushioned insoles in these to get something in the “good” category.
The bad: The rigid shape of these limit natural foot movement & gives no arch support.
The Cowboy boot:
The good: Wear only for a short period of time and allow the toes to stretch
The bad: Cowboy boots bad? In Texas? Yeah right. But seriously, watch out for a narrow toebox area than can rub the foot the wrong way and cause a blister.
Snow boots:
The good: Get a rubber sole with deep grooves for proper traction….if it ever snows.
The bad: The sole can become slick and lead to trips or falls……if it ever snows.
Trendy ankle boots:
The good: Pick a pair with a heel no higher than 2 inches to avoid balance issues.
The bad: Lack of ankle support + a high heel can lead to imbalance.
These are just a few examples. Next week we’ll look at some other buying tips.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cellulitis and Your Feet
Rashes can come in all shapes and sizes. They can start with as something as small as a bug bite, and range to something more widespread like poison ivy. It’s important for you to make sure that a rash from out of the blue is properly checked out. Cellulitis is a type of skin infection that affects the deep tissues. It’s commonly seen on the legs. This appears as redness in the area with an increased temperature of the skin and swelling of the leg. There aren’t any clear boundaries to it and there can be a streaking appearance. This can also be accompanied by fever and chills. It could be a warning of a more serious condition and shouldn’t be ignored.
Cellulitis can be caused by a number of things, such as bacteria seeping into a break of the skin like an ulcer or heel fissure. It is also commonly contracted as a secondary infection to Athlete’s foot. Cellulitis can also arise without a break in the skin, as such in thrombophlebitis. So to summarize it can be caused by many different factors, but ultimately it’s a bacterial infection. Those with weak immune systems (i.e. diabetes, AIDS, chemo patients) are more susceptible to cellulitis.
So how can your local friendly podiatrist help you out? Well it depends on the severity of the infection, but most of the time an oral antibiotic is prescribed. Remember with antibiotics, you want to finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better before it’s up. Otherwise this could lead to something called rebound phenomenon where the cellulitis can return with a vengeance. Locally the cellulitis can be treated with a topical agent and a dressing. The dressing serves as protection during the healing process to prevent re-infection. Your podiatrist will also address the direct cause of the cellulitis if possible, for example taking care of the Athlete’s food if the dry skin led to cellulitis. For this rash and any other shade of red of your feet, come by and see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Cellulitis can be caused by a number of things, such as bacteria seeping into a break of the skin like an ulcer or heel fissure. It is also commonly contracted as a secondary infection to Athlete’s foot. Cellulitis can also arise without a break in the skin, as such in thrombophlebitis. So to summarize it can be caused by many different factors, but ultimately it’s a bacterial infection. Those with weak immune systems (i.e. diabetes, AIDS, chemo patients) are more susceptible to cellulitis.
So how can your local friendly podiatrist help you out? Well it depends on the severity of the infection, but most of the time an oral antibiotic is prescribed. Remember with antibiotics, you want to finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better before it’s up. Otherwise this could lead to something called rebound phenomenon where the cellulitis can return with a vengeance. Locally the cellulitis can be treated with a topical agent and a dressing. The dressing serves as protection during the healing process to prevent re-infection. Your podiatrist will also address the direct cause of the cellulitis if possible, for example taking care of the Athlete’s food if the dry skin led to cellulitis. For this rash and any other shade of red of your feet, come by and see Dr.Grimm or Dr.Pattison at Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Exercise or Toning Shoes
Walking is one of the most effective exercises you can do. It strengthens the heart while also burning calories. Walking is also good for any age, and any level of athlete. Even the most active people can get a quality workout from a brisk walk. So why is it so effective? Walking involves a number of different groups of muscles, it improves circulation, decreases your stress level, and almost anyone can do it. An upbeat walk can burn up to 500 calories per hour. And since it takes about 3,500 calories to lose a pound, you could expect to lose 1 pound for every 7 hours you walked. One hour per day of walking is recommended, but this should be achieved in a gradual manner. Beginners should start by walking 5-10 minutes at a time, moving up to 30 minutes a walk. It’s best to add no more than 5 minutes at a time so your muscles and heart can catch up to the change in activity.
The only real equipment you need for this effective workout is a good set of shoes. Try and not underestimate the importance of this. Shoes are built with the activity in mind. Basketball shoes come up higher for more ankle stability. Tennis shoes are built for side to side motion on a court. Running and walking shoes are made for heel to toe movement. Playing tennis in running shoes gives you a lack of stability and could lead to injury. Even if you plan to only walk, running shoes are great for this. They are actually built with more cushioning technology than a walking shoe because running puts more impact on your joints. Remember if you have been prescribed a set of orthotics; try them on with your new athletic shoes to ensure a good fit. If you aren’t sure of your needs, come see your local podiatrist. If your feet are stopping you from this effective workout, be sure to see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.
The only real equipment you need for this effective workout is a good set of shoes. Try and not underestimate the importance of this. Shoes are built with the activity in mind. Basketball shoes come up higher for more ankle stability. Tennis shoes are built for side to side motion on a court. Running and walking shoes are made for heel to toe movement. Playing tennis in running shoes gives you a lack of stability and could lead to injury. Even if you plan to only walk, running shoes are great for this. They are actually built with more cushioning technology than a walking shoe because running puts more impact on your joints. Remember if you have been prescribed a set of orthotics; try them on with your new athletic shoes to ensure a good fit. If you aren’t sure of your needs, come see your local podiatrist. If your feet are stopping you from this effective workout, be sure to see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.
Pediatric Fractures
You see it all the time. Little Jimmy is crutching around school with a lime-green cast. All his friends are signing it. He’s out of soccer for four weeks. According to a recent journal article, pediatric fractures are on the rise. However children are more agile and actually able to avoid more injuries than adults can. Children have different biomechanics as well as increased elasticity (returns to shape) and plasticity (stays bent).
Broken bones can show up in the young athlete, especially when the intensity of the training changes. In kids under 10, acute fractures can result from just jumping 3 or 4 feet off the stairs or couch. Also, be weary of a child that thinks they “sprained” an ankle. Straining the ligaments on the outside of the ankle is hard to do for children, and is more likely to be a fracture of the fibula, the outside leg bone.
Bone fractures can be tricky with children due to the presence of growth plates. These serve as the area where new bone is formed and is how many of our bones increase in length. Sometimes these can be damaged with certain fractures and may lead to partial or complete growth arrest, with a possible angular deformity. There’s a system for these known as the Salter-Harris Classification. This rates the fracture as well as its involvement with the growth plates.
To diagnose a pediatric fracture, your podiatrist will want to obtain a careful history and thorough physical. They will also want to examine x-rays of the foot and leg to evaluate the condition. If further studies are needed, a bone scan, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered. Depending on the fracture, the area of interest will be put in a cast or brace. For your children’s foot and ankle needs, be sure to come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison.
Broken bones can show up in the young athlete, especially when the intensity of the training changes. In kids under 10, acute fractures can result from just jumping 3 or 4 feet off the stairs or couch. Also, be weary of a child that thinks they “sprained” an ankle. Straining the ligaments on the outside of the ankle is hard to do for children, and is more likely to be a fracture of the fibula, the outside leg bone.
Bone fractures can be tricky with children due to the presence of growth plates. These serve as the area where new bone is formed and is how many of our bones increase in length. Sometimes these can be damaged with certain fractures and may lead to partial or complete growth arrest, with a possible angular deformity. There’s a system for these known as the Salter-Harris Classification. This rates the fracture as well as its involvement with the growth plates.
To diagnose a pediatric fracture, your podiatrist will want to obtain a careful history and thorough physical. They will also want to examine x-rays of the foot and leg to evaluate the condition. If further studies are needed, a bone scan, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered. Depending on the fracture, the area of interest will be put in a cast or brace. For your children’s foot and ankle needs, be sure to come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison.
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