Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists » Healthy tips for your feet

Medical Mythbusting 101: The Magic Dog Lick

Dr. Kristian Jeffress — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:30 +0000

The Myth:

“The best thing I’ve found to help heal my wound is letting my dog lick it!”

I once had a diabetic patient with a really bad wound on his big toe. I was explaining to him how to treat the wound. I told him to clean his toe with saline and to use an antibiotic cream on it afterward and to put a small band-aid or dressing on. He told me he would do so and I told him I wanted to see him the following week. The next week my patient comes in with a dirty band-aid on his toe almost falling off with a foul smelling odor and looks at me as if everything was fine. I ask him,”Sir, what happened to your toe? It was doing fine last week. Have you been cleaning it and using the cream I told you to use?” The patient replies, ” You know what doc? I found something even better for this toe. I let my dog Sunny lick that thing and I think it is doing a heck of a lot better!”

This is a complete untruth to say the least. Dogs have been know to eat their own poop, correct? I can attest to the fact that my dog, if left unattended, will savor the flavor of his or his fellow canines waste. Do you see where I’m headed with this? I bet you do. Now, knowing this, would you honestly say that Fido’s waste filled tongue should be on your open wound? I don’t think so!

Most humans have a strong belief in good hygiene, and brush their teeth at least once or twice every day. Human mouths rarely come into contact with external bacteria. Dogs‘ mouths, in contrast, are rarely cleaned in most cases. Dogs also have a tendency to sniff around and eat bacteria-filled waste — including rancid food and feces — whenever they are given the opportunity to do so. Contrary to popular belief, dogs‘ mouths are far dirtier than the mouths of the typical human being.

So, if you or someone you know loves to let their dog “lick their (the humans) wounds” please advise them otherwise. Say no to Fido and see your doctor immediately!

Shape Ups or Ship Outs?

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:35:49 +0000

By now you’ve heard of the hottest new trend in shoes, the Shape-ups, also known as toner shoes. These shoes claim to work out your legs, butt and abs, all without ever setting foot in the gym. While shoes designed to tone and improve leg muscles have been around for many years, this is now a whole different ball game. Call them what you like, shape-ups, toner, rocker, or rolly shoes, but whatever you call them, it’s seems they are here to stay. With last year’s sales topping 140 million they are now very big business and with the whole country catching Shape-up fever has anyone paused to ask “Do they really work?” More important than that, “Are they safe?”

While they may look clunky, the principles behind the shoes are quite grounded. The shoes feature a rounded sole, which requires the wearer to constantly adjust their balance. This constant balancing will certainly work out several muscle groups. But what if the wearer has foot problems? Can these problems be aggravated by these new shoes? Overall leg weakness with weak core muscle and lower extremity imbalance are just some examples of potential problems.

So are they for you? The trick with Shape-Ups is to treat them as what they are sold as, a work out plan. As with any new work out plan, start slowly. It takes time for your body to adjust to any new pair of shoes, specialty or not. Should you encounter any problems, foot, ankle, leg, or lower back pain, stop wearing the shoes immediately and make an appointment to see your podiatrist. You can schedule an appointment at Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists online at https://www.atlanticfeet.com/appointment.php or call our office at (912) 355-4557.

More information on Shape-Ups can be found at the links below.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2010-06-30-toning-shoes_N.htm

http://living.health.com/2009/05/14/gear-guide-skechers-shape-ups-fitness-shoes/

Don’t Let Lazy Summer Days Slow Down Your Foot Care Regimen!

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:01:31 +0000

Summer time is upon us again. As we engage in more outdoor activities, whether it be long days on the beach, family functions, or sporting events, it is of utmost importance that foot care stays on the forefront. Here are some simple tips to use to keep your feet pain free and healthy through the summer months.

First and foremost avoid walking barefoot. Asphalt and concrete baking in the hot sun can reach temps in excess of 100 degrees and walking without any protection can lead to burns. Also, unprotected feet are susceptible to cuts from broken glass, shells, rocks and even plantar warts. It is important to wear proper shoe gear but if you must wear sandals instead of going barefoot then wear them in moderation. I know what you are saying, sandals are staple foot gear throughout these hot summer months but they can also cause many foot problems. Some sandals have built in arch supports (we recommend Aetrex Sandalistas line, available at all our offices) but sandals for the most part are non-supportive. If you suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis the excessive use of sandals especially walking long distances can aggravate the condition as well as cause ankle pain. Also, sandals from the friction on the foot especially the thong type that go in between the toes can cause blister formation and ulceration.

Wearing the appropriate socks is also critical. If you’re planning outdoor activities make sure to wear not only the appropriate shoes for the activity but also include the proper socks. Socks made from acrylic are great for sporting activities because they are designed to help wick the moisture away from your feet. That will not only help keep your feet dry but may also prevent athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis). Staying hydrated is important, drink lots of water and remember to moisturizer your feet. As your feet sweat the water is pulled out of your feet and the skin can become dry and crack. To prevent cracking in the heels use lotion to help them stay soft and supple. Also wash and dry your feet after water activity. Ponds, lakes, sand, and mud can be host to many types of organisms that may cause an infection. If you follow these simple steps and inspect your feet on a regular basis you can expect a fun filled, foot healthy summer. However, if you do experience any discomfort with your feet, feel free to make an appointment with your local foot care specialists here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your feet.

Ankle Pain Slowing You Down?

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:43:00 +0000

Do you experience pain in your ankle? Have you ever sprained your ankle? If your answer to both questions is yes, there is an association. Did you know that most of the time, ankle pain comes from damage to the ankle? When the ankle is turned inward this will cause tears to the ligament. The small tears can cause swelling which will then make walking or bearing pressure and weight on the ankle to be painful.The ankle will be left bruised and need several week to months to heal. Unless a proper recovery program is taken into action, unfortunately it is not unusual that the injured ankle will be less stable or weaker than the uninjured ankle. In addition to ankle sprains and other injuries, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, gout, pseudogout, and infection. If you or a love one is experiencing this problem, please give the office a call today at 912-355-4557.

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children http://www.atlanticfeet.com

"Why are my toenails turning black, What to do?"

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:23:00 +0000

Have your toenails changed color? Have you noticed a black, purple, or brownish tint to one or more of them? If so don’t fret there are many reasons why nails change color. Black, purple, or brownish discoloration of the toenail is frequently due to some sort of trauma to the toe nail itself usually from objects being dropped on the toenail. Black discolorations of nails are frequently seen in runners called runners toe. The black coloration usually results from bleeding under the nail, which may involve a potion of the nail or the whole nail itself. This condition can be painful when the entire nail is involved, medical attention is needed to relieve the pressure caused by the blood accumulation under the toenail. This is usually done be simply removing the nail and draining the blood clot.

However, there are several other causes of black toenails which include systemic chronic health problems, chronic ingrown nails, and fungal infections. There is also a rare more serious cause of black discoloration of a toenails resulting from cancer known as malignant melanoma. So, it is important not to over look any color changes in toenails since in this condition early diagnosis and treatment is essential to a good outcome.

It is important that all changes in toenail color be evaluated and diagnosed by a podiatrist. If you have recently damaged your toenail or you have noticed any discoloration of your toenails, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment with you local podiatrists here at Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists, were we will be happy to discuss with you your toenail concerns.

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children
http://www.atlanticfeet.com

San Francisco Giants' Emmanuel Burriss Concerned about Feet?

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Emmanuel Burris of the San Francisco Giant’s was concerned when he felt pain in his foot after hitting a double in a spring training game this Wednesday. His surgically-repaired foot may possibly setback the 25 year old’s chances of cracking San Francisco’s Opening Day Roster. Giant’s manager Bruce Bochy stated, “he was very discouraged.”

Like Burris, are you concerned about staying on your feet? You should be. Even minor conditions like corns, blisters, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus may lead to serious problems if they are not diagnosed and treated effectively. These complications can interfere with your quality of life, including your ability to enjoy your daily activities, like walking, swimming, shopping, fitness activities, family events, etc.

Act Now to Preserve Your Foot Health:

A simple foot examination can detect problems early, before they become big problems. A foot exam involves a visual exam of the foot and may include other painless procedures such as toenail clipping to detect nail fungus, pressure-sensation testing to determine the presence of neuropathy, and manipulation to assess possible deformity.

Make an appointment today to preserve your feet:

SAVANNAH, Georgia

803 East 68th Street

Savannah, Georgia 31405

Phone : 912-355-4557

STATESBORO, Georgia

606 South Zetterower Avenue

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Phone : 912-489-3668

HINESVILLE, Georgia

502 E. General Stewart Way, Ste. C

Hinesville, Georgia 31313

Phone : 912-463-4517

CLAXTON, Georgia

200 North River Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Phone : 912-739-5934

BLUFFTON / HILTON HEAD, South Carolina

ACROSS FROM USCB

300 New River Parkway Suite 21

Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927

Phone : 843-208-3338

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children
http://www.atlanticfeet.com

The Importance of Orthotics

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:16:00 +0000

Foot pain is a common condition and unfortunately, most of us will suffer some sort of foot pain at some point in our life. In fact, a recent American Podiatric Medical Association poll discovered that 25% of all working Americans spend up to 6 hours a day on their feet and up to two thirds of American’s confess to wearing shoes that hurt their feet. 30% of those people do so once a week and 12% do a daily basis. With those staggering numbers it is of no surprise that statistics show that Americans will miss at least one day of work on average due to some sort of foot problem.

The human foot is definitely one of the work horses of the body and it is a very complicated and very proficient machine. There are 100 working parts, including as many as 26 bones (not including the sesamoids) that work harmoniously with muscle, tendons, and ligaments. All of these structures help support and balance our entire body as we take to the ground in our high heeled shoes or work boots. Your body in the course of normal walking bears up to 2 times your body weight on each foot. This load is a tremendous force for the body to manage and with the average person taking between 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day there is no wonder why people suffer from foot pain and foot injuries.

Our feet are the shocks and struts of our body. They help steady the load and absorb the shock we place on our bodies with each step. When this function breaks down deforming forces put pressure on the lower extremity that can cause injuries and foot pain. This pain is a direct result of the break down in foot mechanics and shouldn’t be ignored.

One of the easiest ways to correct this break down in foot mechanics is with shoe inserts known as orthotics. These inserts are devices custom molded to your foot type that can be interchanged in all of your shoes. These devices give you support and cushioning while stopping the deforming forces that are contributing to your foot pain. They improve the mechanical function of your foot and help your body with shock absorption and balance your weight to the ground. They also may alleviate pain associated with the knees, hips, and lower back.

The fact is when the body breaks down you break down. Proper foot function and mechanics can’t be ignored and trust me when it fails to do it’s job your body will let you know. If you are one of the many Americans experiencing foot pain don’t ignore it. It could be something as simple as improper foot mechanics. Make an appointment today with your physicians here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your foot mechanics and your custom molded orthotics.

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists
(912)355-4557 Call Today!
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children

http://www.atlanticfeet.com

My Feet May Look Like Hell, But From The Ankle Up I Look Like Heaven

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Women all around the world love, love, love their high heel shoes. In the media there are reminders of new fashionable trends in footwear. What do you know- your favorite celebrity just wouldn’t happen to be performing the most difficult choreography in the flashiest Ferragamo 6 inch stilettos… Wow, now that’s how I want to look in my heels. Yeah, I know that’s not what your thinking but, there are some that are… What about the women in magazines with the 6 inch Jimmy Choos. Not one woman thinks when she look at these shoes on other women, boy I would kill for those corns, I love her hammertoes or, now that’s a foot blisters to die for. Some women are thinking about the vanity of the shoe versus the real world approach to comfort.
The question may not be how keep you from ruining your feet but, how can we discover a middle ground for the high heel wearers. Some of you would confess to wearing high heels for career advancement or attracting a mate. We know that most women are not going to give up their heels. Research suggests that the damage to feet is real, though there is considerable disagreement about how it manifests. For example, some researchers lump high heels and sandals as “poor” shoes, even though the sandals have a very different biomechanical effect on the foot and are worn daily by billions of people worldwide without harmful effects. Researchers in South Korea reported that high heels altered the activity of lower extremity muscles during climb. In the United States there was a study that displayed how high heels altered plantar flexion, knee flexion, vertical ground reaction force, and braking force. There have been numerous publications that documented associations between high heel wear and the increased risk of knee osteoarthritis(OA) in women.
Regardless of the pain women may have to encounter down the road, many are still determined to of-course, continue to strut their stuff in their heels. Let’s come to a common ground. Why not wear high heels in moderation. Remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. As humans, we are not meant to walk around on our toes all day. Excessive high heel wear can result in problems such as: neuromas, hammer-and claw toes, bunions, and bone spurs. Try and keep your heels under 21/4inches and wear higher heels only to brief functions (a party or dinner out). Although women can often get away with ignoring such advice in their 20s or 30s, it will catch up with them in their 40s and later.
You do not want to have corrective surgery due to your own neglect in caring for your feet properly.

If you have problems with your feet, call Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists, we can help you solve any foot or ankle issue today. Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists has 5 locations to serve you. We provide 24 hour emergency coverage. If you have an emergency during working hours, we offer immediate walk-in service with treatment in the office.

SAVANNAH, Georgia 803
East 68th Street
Savannah, Georgia 31405
Phone: 912-355-4557

STATESBORO, Georgia
606 South Zetterower Avenue
Statesboro, Georgia 30458
Phone: 912-489-3668

HINESVILLE, Georgia
502 E. General Stewart Way, Ste. C
Hinesville, Georgia 31313
Phone: 912-463-4517

CLAXTON, Georgia
200 North River Street
Claxton, Georgia 30417
Phone: 912-739-5934

BLUFFTON / HILTON HEAD, South Carolina
ACROSS FROM USCB
300 New River Parkway Suite 21
Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927
Phone: 843-208-3338

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children
http://www.atlanticfeet.com

Keep Your Feet Fit For Life Checklist

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Did you know that the feet often provide the first sign of more serious health issues, such as diabetes? That’s why it’s important to have your primary care physician or family doctor “knock your socks off” and check your feet every time you go in for a checkup. After all, foot and ankle health is important to your overall well-being, mobility, and pursuit of fitness.

People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet and watch carefully for any signs of complications. Here’s a checklist of Do’s and Don’ts for you or your family members who have diabetes:

Do’s

Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, scratches, redness and swelling.
Remember to inform every doctor you visit that you have diabetes.
Wash feet daily; always dry carefully between the toes.
Powder feet, lightly after bathing.
Cut toenails straight across.
Keep feet warm and dry.
Use a good skin lotion to protect your feet from cracking and drying, but not between toes.
Wear loose-fitting socks to bed if feet are cold; never use heating pads or hot water bottles.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
Inspect the inside of shoes for foreign objects and torn lining each time you put them on.
Call and visit Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists, we can help. Our phone number is 912-355-4557. Also go to www.atlanticfeet.com to find out more about us.

Don’ts

Don’t walk barefoot, even indoors!
Don’t smoke. Smoking reduces blood circulation; this can lead to the loss of a leg.
Don’t cut corns or calluses yourself.
Don’t use caustic chemical agents or any other irritants for the removal of corns and calluses.
Don’t wear open-toed shoes, particularly sandals with thongs between toes.

Family members can play an important role in ensuring that their loved ones keep their feet fit for life. If someone in your family has diabetes, share this checklist with them and remind them to visit their podiatrist. Education and awareness are helpful allies in the prevention of diabetes and its complications.

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children
http://www.atlanticfeet.com

Survey Shows Nearly 40 Percent of Americans Reel From Heel Pain

Dr. Melissa Robitaille — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Neglecting Immediate Treatment by a Podiatrist May Lead to Long-Term Foot Ailments

While foot problems such as bunions, corns and dry, cracked skin affect many Americans on a daily basis, one particular ailment—heel pain—stands out among foot disorders, according to a new survey.

A 2009 survey, which polled close to 420 Americans aged 18 and older, found that 39 percent of adults have experienced heel pain more than any other foot ailment within the last 12 months. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of respondents believed they suffered heel pain while wearing ill-fitting footwear. However, 64 percent of respondents said they had not yet visited a medical professional—such as a podiatrist—to diagnose and treat their heel pain.

“Heel pain is a detrimental foot ailment that affects millions of Americans every day, and foot pain of any kind is not normal,” said Ronald D. Jensen, DPM, president of the APMA. “If detected early, most types of heel pain—including the most common, plantar fasciitis—can be treated with non-invasive treatment options. However, the longer one waits to have their heel pain evaluated, the more difficult it is to successfully treat.”

Sixteen percent of Americans surveyed regularly experience heel pain. Wearing shoes that fit well, wearing the proper shoes for each activity, not wearing shoes with excessive or uneven worn heels or soles, and stretching foot and ankle muscles properly before exercising are several ways to avoid heel pain all together. However, visiting a podiatric physician, also known as a podiatrist, as soon as foot pain is experienced drastically improves the chance of finding a solution for heel pain. If you or someone that you know experience heel pain, visit: https://www.atlanticfeet.com/orderfreebook.php and get a free book offered by Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists to heal you heel pain problems.

Melissa F. Robitaille, DPM
Medicine, Surgery and Injuries of the Foot, Ankle and Leg for Adults and Children
http://www.atlanticfeet.com