Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists » Healthy tips for your feet http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:54:23 +0000 en hourly 1 Summer is No Time for Ugly Nail Fungus! http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/summer-is-no-time-for-ugly-nail-fungus http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/summer-is-no-time-for-ugly-nail-fungus#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:16:50 +0000 Dr. Kristian Jeffress, DPM http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=718 There's a fungus among us. Summer is a time to wear flip flops and let your feet enjoy the warm weather.  No one wants their toes to be cooped up in shoes while strolling on the beach!

Are you unfamiliar with nail fungus?  Nail fungus, AKA Onychomycosis, can be identified by a thickened nail that can appear yellow, cloudy, or darkened.  The nail can also become very brittle and separate from the nail bed.  Yuk!

Here are a few tips to help prevent nail fungus and help your feet enjoy the summer sun:

  • Air out your feet – it is very important to let your feet and nails breathe.  Keeping them in dark and damp areas can aid in the development of fungi to grow and spread.
  • Spray Lysol or a disinfectant spray in your shoes when not in use – Disinfecting your shoes can help kill any fungus that can hide in the crevasses of the inside of your shoe.
  • Avoid pedicures (unless it is completely sterile) – Nail salons can spread nail fungus if the tools are not properly sterilized.  Tools should be sterilized in an autoclave to ensure the spread of fungus will not occur.
  • Avoid shared showers – Although some shared showers may look clean, fungi can spread very easily in dark, damp areas.  If you must shower in a public or shared shower, shower shoes are highly recommended.

If you already have signs of nail fungus and need treatment, don’t hesitate to call Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists for an appointment!  Enjoy your summer!

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/summer-is-no-time-for-ugly-nail-fungus/feed 1 Simple Tips for Summer Feet http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/simple-tips-for-summer-feet http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/simple-tips-for-summer-feet#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:38:25 +0000 Dr. Todd Newsom, DPM http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=704 With summer in full swing the odds are you will be more active. With the beach, family vacations, camping and amusement parks there is plenty of fun to be had in the summer time. With this increase in activity it can be quite trying on your feet. No need to fear, there are some simple tips to help keep your feet happy and healthy all summer long.

1) Use Those Flip-Flops in Moderation

Most flip-flop or sandals don’t have adequate support for your feet. They are ideal for the beach or the pool and even if yo

u know you are not going to be on your feet or walking for an extended period; however, if you are planning on doing a lot of walking or spending the day on your feet, wearing a shoe with more support is critical to avoid possible tendon and ligament strain in your feet, legs and even back. Flip-flops are not built for Disney World!

2) Realize your Feet and Legs Tend To Swell More In Summer

This is due to the increase in temperature along with the possibility you are going to be on your feet more. If possible, elevate your feet above the level of your heart 2-3 times a day, for at least 20 minutes. At the very least, be sure to prop your feet up at the end of the day for 30-45 minutes.

Also, it is important to wear a shoe that fits properly. If you start the day off with a shoe that fits snug, it is likely to be quite uncomfortable by the end of the day. In addition, the tight shoe can cause friction, which could lead to blisters.

Finally, if you are going to purchase shoes, preferably buy them in the late afternoon or evening, since your feet are more likely to be larger at this time of day.

3) Try to Avoid Going Barefoot

 

The likelihood that you get cuts, scratches, bumps, punctures, and all kinds of other traumas, major or minor are greatly reduced if you are wearing some type of shoe. For example, people, especially kids, are more likely to get warts on the bottom of the feet during the summer, because they step on tiny pieces of glass, wood, or other hazard which, although does not cause a serious puncture wound, is enough to place the virus in the skin. If you were thinking of trying a pair of the those new ‘toe shoes’, now is the time.

4) Trim your Nails Properly

Trim your nails straight across. Do not cut the nails down in the corners. This can lead to ingrowing toenails and infections. If you already are doing this, go see a foot doctor to fix the problem before you hit the beach.

5) Keep your Feet Clean

Wash with soap and water daily. Try not to soak feet, as this removes the skins natural oils. Also, after washing feet, apply a moisturizer to your feet, but avoid between your toes. If you are prone to calluses, hard skin, or cracking heels, you will require a moisturizer that also has an ingredient to specifically soften these areas (will usually be referred to as a keratolytic agent).

6) Careful with Discolored Nails

Dr. Todd Newsom, DPM

Don’t use polish on discolored, cracked, or brittle nails. Your nails may have a fungus, and using polish will likely make the condition worse. Check with your local podiatrist just to be sure. You may need to use a topical medication for a brief time. At the very least, even if you do use that bright-colored summer polish, you will have a plan to keep the condition from worsening.

7) Have/Use a pair of Good Supportive Shoes

As mentioned before, if you are going to be on your feet, like at an amusement park, it is best to have a pair of good supportive shoes to prevent numerous types of foot injuries. You are more likely to experience heel pain if you increase your activities, but are not using a supportive shoe. If you notice heel pain during the day, it is important to get off your feet and rest them. Also, if you do a lot of walking, and the next morning when you wake up you notice you have a lot of pain in your heels, you need to take it easy. Give your feet a rest, do some calf stretches, ice and some massage to keep the condition from getting worse.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6342607
]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/simple-tips-for-summer-feet/feed 2 Flip Flop Tips for National Flip Flop Day http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/flip-flop-tips-for-national-flip-flop-day http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/flip-flop-tips-for-national-flip-flop-day#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:26:03 +0000 Brendan Townend - Patient & Community Relations http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=693 Today is Nation Flip-Flop Day and I only see it appropriate to talk about the dreaded and simultaneously loved Flip Flop. Read below for tips on picking and wearing the appropriate flipflop.
 
1.  Avoid the “Shower Shoe” type flip-flop.  We all have them. The $1.99 flip-flop that you wear in college showers and as house shoes. They are $2 for a reason people! They are thin, easily compressible and way too flexible. This can cause you to trip and slip.
 
2.  Opt to wear flip-flops that are dense or have a clunkier base to them. This will provide more stability and shock absorption. Also, prolonged standing will have a less painful effect by the end of the day.
 
3.  If you do not like a “thong” between your toes, opt for a slide-in sandal with a supportive base. The lack of the thong while walking will result in decreased chance of blister formation between the toes.
 
4.  Look for brand name slogans like “Cloud” or “Comfort Wear”. These terms are usually synonymous with comfort and cushioning in a flip-flop. These are most likely not the most trendy style of flip-flop but usually amazingly comfortable.
 
So, If you must wear flip-flops this summer as most of us will, follow these few simple steps. Your feet will thank you.

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/flip-flop-tips-for-national-flip-flop-day/feed 0 Serving The Community, Saving the Foot http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/serving-the-community-saving-the-foot http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/serving-the-community-saving-the-foot#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 14:45:35 +0000 Brendan Townend - Patient & Community Relations http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=652 My wife is an EMT with Southside Fire and EMS here in Savannah.  I am very proud of the work that she does, saving lives and ensuring a safer community. Southside uses a scheduling system that is quite common with EMS and fire departments across the country, 24 hours on shift, 48 hours off. Not bad I thought.  It never occurred to me that scheduling like this presents a wholly unique set of obstacles for foot health. With feet being in the same pair of boots for a 24 hour period, the risk of developing several common foot ailments, such as athletes foot and toenail fungus increases. The lack of proper ventilation and light in the boots that EMS, Firefighters, Police, and our Armed Forces wear, combined with the hours that these individuals have to work, creates a hotbed of foot problems. So what can these everyday heroes do to help combat these obstacles?

1.  Change Socks Often: Over time, the sweat from our feet (which contains more sweat glands than anywhere else on the body) combined with the lack of proper ventilation and light, creates an ideal environment for fungus growth. Changing socks 2-4 times in a 24 hour period will greatly decrease this risk. Even better than that? Copper socks! Copper socks are imbedded with copper, which, like silver, has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  In fact, the miners trapped in Chile were sent down copper socks to keep their feet dry and healthy in that harsh environment.

2. Use an Antiperspirant: Anything designed to help keep the feet dry over extended periods of time will help. We recommend Gordon’s Foot Powder; this spray-on is both easy to apply and it is uniquely designed for the chemistry of the feet.

3.  Keep the Boots Fungus Free: Most people will apply all sorts of sprays and lotions to their feet, while never thinking about the boots their feet will be going back into.  Bacteria and fungus can live and even thrive for long periods of time in footwear.  Here’s where the 48 hours off shift come in handy. When not in the boots, saturate the insides with Lysol or a similar antibacterial cleaning spray, and remove the insoles to dry separately. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours and bam, no more bacteria.

Be sure to pass this advice on to the everyday hero you know, their feet will thank you for it.

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/serving-the-community-saving-the-foot/feed 1 Avoid The Nail Salon Blues http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/aviod-the-nail-salon-blues http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/aviod-the-nail-salon-blues#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:41:49 +0000 Dr. Bruce McClendon http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=632

Luxurious, but it is sanitary?

Lately, I have been seeing patients with foot problems that are a result of visiting nail salons for pedicures.  Most of the patients are being seen for ingrown toenails, some for athletes foot, and other for fungal toenails.  Patients tell me they get their cuticles pushed back and that the pedicurists digs in the corners of their toenails.  Digging in the toenail corners is one of the main causes of ingrown toenails! The nails should be cut straight across and the pedicurist should never dig into the corners, or be pushing back the cuticles. Also, I hear some of my patients say their pedicurist treats their ingrown toenails, which really blew me away.  As far as I know, a pedicurist is not trained to treat ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails are treated with a minor surgery that requires local anesthesia!

Patients that ask me if they can get athletes foot from a pedicure. The answer is yes, especially if the customer(s) before you have the condition and the equipment is not sanitized properly. Athletes foot can be easily transferred to you under these conditions. I advise all my patients to make sure the nail salon has cleaned the equipment immediately before your pedicure. Your primary concern should always be your health.

Nail fungus can also be transferred from person to person, again, from the same unclean instrumentation.

I have nothing against pedicurists, or nail salons, but the public should be aware of possible foot ailments that can be caused by visiting nail salons. To be sure, always see a podiatrist, this will ensure a sterile medical environment every time.

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/aviod-the-nail-salon-blues/feed 0 Medical Mythbusting 101: Potato au Leg? http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/medical-mythbusting-101-potato-au-leg http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/medical-mythbusting-101-potato-au-leg#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:00:42 +0000 Dr. Kristian Jeffress, DPM http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=612 I had a patient recently that presented to the office complaining of swelling in both of her legs that had been present for many months. Upon asking her what she had done so far to help reduce the swelling, she informs me that she sometimes boils a potato, mashes it up and rubs it on her legs. At the sound of this I smile and I am immediately glad that she has come to me for help.

There are many old wives tales and home remedies that I have heard to date, but this one is close to the most outlandish. As far as I know, there have been no medicinal properties found in white potatoes that give them “drawing” properties when applied to the skin. At most, the mashed potato gave the patient a soothing feeling much like Oatmeal does to itchy skin.

If you have swelling of the lower legs and feet, this can be a sign of a heart condition, vein/artery problems or a liver condition, just to name a few. If you have swelling of the legs and feet please seek medical attention. And remember, potatoes are best served with sour cream and chives!

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/medical-mythbusting-101-potato-au-leg/feed 0 Most Common Running Injuries: Part 4 of 4 – Black Toe AKA Runner’s Toe http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-4-of-4-%e2%80%93-black-toe-aka-runners-toe http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-4-of-4-%e2%80%93-black-toe-aka-runners-toe#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:39:29 +0000 Dr. Melissa Robitaille, DPM http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=604 What are the most common running injuries that I see and how do I treat them ?

Being a runner myself, I know the need a runner experiences to be able to run. That being said, with some lower extremity running injuries, a runner may need to stop running temporarily.  Temporarily is the key word, as my goal for any of my patients is to keep them as active as possible during treatment. This series will explore the most common running injuries that I see, as well as how to treat and prevent them.

Part 4 of 4 – Black Toe AKA Runners Toe

What is Black Toe AKA Runners Toe?

Although you can get a black toenail from a sudden, painful trauma that causes bleeding under the nail, for runners it’s not typically the case. The dark discoloration for runners is a chronic, repetitive trauma to the nail caused by the foot constantly hitting the front of the shoe.

Symptoms

  • Blood pool (hematoma) in between the toenail and nail bed
  • Pain
  • Pressure from blood built up
  • Loosening of toenail

Common causes:

  • Running
  • Repetitive trauma where the longest toe (the 2nd toe is most common) hits the shoe when running

Treatments:

  • For Hematoma/ Blood pool with no pain or no loosening of toenail- no Rx- wait for new toenail
  • If no hematoma with pain and loosening of toenail- cut back with sterile nail clipper or see podiatrist

Prevention:

  • Get shoes that fit properly- make sure that you have at least 1/4 space between your longest toe and end of the shoe
  • Try on shoes at the end of the day with the sock that you normally run in (trying on shoes in the afternoon will ensure you get a proper fit, as foot swelling is at it’s greatest)
  • The injured toenail(S) will be prone to develop fungus so use topical anti-fungal ( not a cream) to prevention the development of fungus- see web site for details on fungus treatments

Common Running Injuries: Part 1 of 4 – Stress Fracture can be found here.

Common Running Injuries: Part 2 of 4 – Plantar Fasciitis can be found here.

Common Running Injuries: Part 3 of 4 – Hallux Limitus can be found here.

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-4-of-4-%e2%80%93-black-toe-aka-runners-toe/feed 1 A Bout With Gout? http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/a-bout-with-gout http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/a-bout-with-gout#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:08:03 +0000 Dr. Bruce McClendon http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=594 What is gout?

Gout is a build up of uric acid which is a metabolic breakdown product of purine metabolism.  Elevation of the level of serum uric acid may result from overproduction or reduced excretion of uric acid.  Most cases are caused by a primary overproduction of uric acid, the cause is usually unknown.  Gout most commonly affects the 1st MPJ or big toe joint and is termed podagra.  The accumulation of uric acid crystals in the soft tissue is called tophi.

Who normally gets gout?

Gout is more common in men, and to a lesser extent, postmenopausal women.

What are the symptoms of gout?

A person with gout normally has redness with a large painful, swollen, warm joint.  The person may also experience a fever but shouldn’t have any nausea, vomiting or chills because that normally appears in the presence of an infection.

What are the causes of gout?

  • diseases with increased cell turnover such as leukemias, lymphomas, sickle cell disease, psoriasis
  • alcohol, red wine
  • trauma
  • anchovies, sweetbreads, organ meats, cellular leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach)
  • diuretics, aspirin
  • dehydration

How do you diagnose gout?

Clinical assessment is usually the best.  But these can help with the diagnosis:

  • check uric acid levels
  • 24 hour urine collection
  • x-rays
  • aspiration of the joint


What are some treatments for gout?

  • corticosteroid injection
  • oral steroids
  • anti-inflammatories
  • colchicine
  • allopurinol
]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/a-bout-with-gout/feed 0 Defeat Smelly Feet http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/diabetic-foot-care/defeat-smelly-feet http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/diabetic-foot-care/defeat-smelly-feet#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:44:10 +0000 Dr. Bruce McClendon http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=590 Have you ever wondered why do some people’s feet smell? Have you ever wondered how you can take care of your smelly feet?  Well lucky for you, as a foot doctor I have an answer to both questions.

Foot odor, classically known as plantar bromohidrosis, is a secondary effect of direct bacterial action on sweat-softened skin.  This bacterial action produces isovaleric acid, the substance associated with foot odor.
Other reasons that can cause foot odor is an actual infection of the foot.  The infection can be due to bacteria or fungus.  Bacterial foot infections are very common in diabetics.  Unfortunately the foot odor in uncontrolled diabetics is usually how they find out they have an infection. Their neuropathy (loss of sensation in the extremities) is preventing them from feeling pain, the average person will probably experience pain along with swelling and redness.
Foot odor can be due to athlete’s foot.  Fungus love those dark moist areas so always make sure you dry in between your toes well before putting on your shoes.
Some treatments for smelly feet are:
  • frequent washing
  • foot powders
  • changing shoes and socks often
  • wear cotton socks. Cotton allows your feet to breathe letting your feet air out and also airing out your shoes
  • soaking feet in black tea; two tea bags in 1 pint of boiling water for 15 minutes, the tea is added to 2 quarts of cool water and the feet are soaked for 20-30 minutes
  • soaking the feet a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water
  • for the foot infections, PLEASE GO SEE A FOOT SPECIALIST!!!
So if you have persistent smelly feet go visit your nearest Podiatrist and they can assist you in taking care of this problem.
]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/diabetic-foot-care/defeat-smelly-feet/feed 1 Most Common Running Injuries: Part 3 of 4 – Hallux Limitus http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-3-of-4-hallux-limitus http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-3-of-4-hallux-limitus#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:41:33 +0000 Dr. Melissa Robitaille, DPM http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/?p=577 What is Hallux Limitus?

The 3rd most common running injury is called Hallux Limitus. The term hallux limitus is Latin with Hallux referring to the big toe and Limitus meaning decreased or limited motion of the joint. So, put together, there is limited motion in the big toe joint.

Symptoms:

  • Limitation of motion of the big toe joint
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness in big toe
  • Bone mass or Bump on top of the big toe
  • Bone spurs
  • Skin irritation from the top of the shoe
  • Compensation elsewhere in the body for the lack of motion that is needed for walking
  • Cannot bend or push off from the big toe so have a tendancy to put more pressures on the outside part of your foot causing pain on the outside of the foot

Common Causes:

  • repetitive trauma causing small bone spurs
  • injury
  • inherited foot structure

Treatment:

  • Custom orthotics to equalize pressure: a cut out in made in the orthotic under submet 1 to allow and increase motion of the big toe
  • NSAIDS: anti-inflammatory (such as acetaminophen)
  • Surgery to clean the joint and remove spurs

Recommendation:
The best non surgical treatment for Hallux Limitus, in addition to anti-inflammatory medication, is custom orthotics. There are 2 main reasons for this is:

  1. They help increase available range of motion within the first metatarsal phalangeal joint by altering and improving mal-alignment and improper biomechanics.
  2. Prevents compensation which can lead to additional foot trauma and cause other injuries.

The most common orthotic modification is something referred to as a kinetic wedge/ submet 1 cut out.  However, for more advanced or end stage hallux limitus (usually termed hallux rigidus at this stage), restriction of motion is necessary with something called a Morton’s extension.  Either way, orthotic therapy is critical to addressing faulty mechanics and attempting to eliminate pain while maintaining activity levels.

Common Running Injuries: Part 1 of 4 – Stress Fracture can be found here.

Common Running Injuries: Part 2 of 4 – Plantar Fasciitis can be found here.

]]> http://www.atlanticfeet.com/blog/healthy-tips-for-your-feet/most-common-running-injuries-part-3-of-4-hallux-limitus/feed 0