Quick Tips for Your Diabetic Feet!

Foot problems increase if you suffer from diabetes. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. Here's some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

• Always keep your feet warm.
• Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.
• Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don't soak your feet.
• Don't use antiseptic solutions, drug store medications, or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Try to wear seamless socks to avoid seems rubbing your feet.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period.
• Do not go barefoot.
• Check your feet daily for any cuts, bruises, wounds, or other injuries.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Can Smoking Cigarettes Cause Foot Pain?

By Dr. Adam Thomas

The answer is to this topic is yes, indirectly. Smoking is well known as a contributing factor to health issues. With respect to the feet and lower extremities, years of smoking can not only lead to the more common issues of breathing complications such as emphysema, COPD and lung cancer, but it can lead to cardiovascular issues and artery disease. The effects of years of smoking can lead to narrowing of the arteries due to the chemicals causing constriction of the arteries repeatedly. If this is combined in an individual more prone to high cholesterol, this can be a very bad mix. The arteries, therefore, can become blocked with plaques. The complications of this most people are aware of is the fact that it can lead to heart disease, CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) and eventually open heart bypass surgery. 

What is less known is the fact that the blockages don’t just happen in one area such as the heart but all through the circulatory system. If the first areas becoming blocked are in the lower extremities, the first signs and symptoms may not be chest pain but rather pain in the legs or the feet. When it starts, it may manifest with simple cramping upon walking a certain distance before having to rest (claudication). This is due to the reduced blood flow getting to the feet and legs as the demand for oxygen goes up with exercise or walking. As the disease progresses, the distance an individual can walk shortens until the pain happens with both walking and resting (rest pain). Theses pains in the legs and feet can be signs of PAD or Peripheral Arterial Disease. 

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Often times in the podiatrist office, the early signs of this disease can be caught and treated before progression. Simple testing can be performed in office and if detected, appropriate referrals can be made to a specialist who treats this disease. Newer technologies are available with minimal invasive techniques to help improve blood flow to the legs and feet which will in turn reduce the pain, improve quality of life, and reduce the chances of amputation which can be a devastating end result of this disease.   

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Barefoot Running: The Big Debate

Barefoot running is running without shoes or running in shoes that have very thin soles. This type of running is also known as minimalist running or natural running. There is a big debate in the foot community about whether barefoot running or going barefoot at all is better than wearing shoes.

Against Barefoot Running

Those against barefoot running aren’t sure that this activity is better for you. Podiatrists on this side of the argument claim that running on softer surfaces like natural mud trails and grass provides cushioning similar to shoes. They also argue that most runners run on concrete, which is an unforgiving surface.

Pain is also a major topic that comes up in this argument. It is believed that running without shoes or the support of regular running shoes can cause common foot and ankle ailments. Podiatrists express that when you place additional strain on your Achilles tendon, the result is pain and Achilles tendonitis. Podiatrists also argue that barefoot running is the cause of plantar fasciitis and that running without arch support will most likely lead to pain in the plantar fascia. They do not recommend that people run without proper fitting shoes, especially if you have low or flat arches.

For Barefoot Running

Advocates for barefoot running are on the other side of the coin. Some claim that running shoes are a part of big business and that biased businesses fund their own research to yield results that suggest it is better to run with shoes. By doing this, people continue to believe that they need expensive running shoes with all of the “necessary features.” People then go out and buy the running shoes and businesses continue to make a profit.

Other barefoot runners do not necessarily believe it is all a conspiracy. They simply argue that there are some populations all over the world that suffer from less foot problems and the only difference is that those other populations do not wear shoes. Barefoot runners claim that shoes do not offer support and that they actually weaken the muscles in your feet and ankles. This is because shoes prevent you from learning how to truly use those muscles. Shoes can also cause you to walk with an improper gait for years, which could eventually throw your body’s alignment out of whack.

Barefoot runners believe that shoes do not offer support, but they do believe that shoes offer protection from harmful objects like rocks, glass, nails, twigs, unfavorable weather, hot or cold surfaces, etc. This is the one true benefit of shoes, which is why some runners don’t run barefoot and opt for those minimalist running shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers.

Vibram FiveFingers

Below are other reasons why some believe barefoot running is better for you and your feet:

• Barefoot runners have lighter footfall. In other words, they tend to strike the ground with the middle or front of their feet instead of their heel. This type of running puts less pressure on your joints and reduces impact injuries.
  
• Barefoot runners are able to run faster. Without the weight of shoes, they can increase their speed.
• Barefoot runners save money by not purchasing expensive running shoes.
• Running barefoot allows you to feel the ground. Being able to feel the terrain allows you to change your gait so that you can improve the way you run and improve your balance.
• Runners who run in shoes get the same injuries like plantar fasciitis anyway.
• This is how we were designed to run. If we are born without shoes, it must mean that our bodies and feet are capable of adapting to walking and running on the earth barefoot.

Barefoot runners believe that if you suffer from any pain like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it is because you made the switch to barefoot running too quickly. They suggest that you start walking around barefoot slowly on a soft surface like grass or dirt. Gradually work your way up to running on the soft surface. It helps you learn how to feel your feet so you do not strike the ground with too much force. You have to gradually train your body to make the switch. This means strengthening your feet, ankles, and calves before attempting that 10 mile run.

If you think about it, this is what you should do with any new physical activity. If you are just starting to lift weights, you don’t try to lift 300 lbs over your head on the first day. You could injury yourself. It is the same way with barefoot running. Since you will start to use more of your foot muscles that have been ignored while wearing comfy shoes, you don’t want to over work them or stress them. If you decide that barefoot running is right foot you, take it slow!

Caution:

Some people are not suited for barefoot running. If you have diabetes or live in a littered area, it is best to not to go barefoot as you could easily injury your feet.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

X-rays Examined!

An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic energy. Podiatrists use this energy to make an image of your foot showing the soft tissues, tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. They order X-rays of the foot to be taken from different views: the front, side, and one at an angle.

The way an X-ray works is a film is put behind the part of your body having the X-ray. The X-ray machine shoots out X-ray particles that pass through your body and onto the film. The more X-rays that pass through and hit the film, the darker that part of the X-ray will be. Dense parts of your body, like bones, show up white on the film because they block out the X-ray particles. 

You might have heard that X-rays are harmful, but don’t worry. Doctors and radiologists take precautions to help keep you safe. The problem with X-rays is that they are a form of ionizing radiation, which means that when an X-ray hits an atom, it can knock electrons off the atom creating an ion (electrically charged atom). The charge of an ion can break DNA chains, which could result in death of the broken chain and cause various diseases. The DNA chain could also result in a mutation and cancerous cells. To prevent these complications, only the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results is used by trained radiologists. Also, a lead apron or lead shield is used to protect certain parts of your body. X-rays are safe when used with care.

X-ray technology is an important tool that your podiatrist may use to help with the diagnostic process. It lets doctors see straight through your human tissue to examine any broken bones, detect arthritis or osteoporosis, and even identify unexplained pains without having to perform surgery to peek around. It can also help find the cause of tenderness, swelling, and deformities in addition to detecting cysts and tumors. They are also useful after surgery to make sure that you are healing correctly.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Is It Safe to Have Pedicures?

By Dr. Belinda Dotter

"Is it safe to have pedicures?"

Yes! As long as you consider the following things:

1. Look around the pedicure area:  Is is clean?  Are dirty tools lying around?  When in doubt, change salons.
   
2. Bacteria and other organisms (such as fungus) can enter your skin through any broken skin, so any scratches, bruises, scabs, wounds or abrasions should not touch the foot spa water. Or if you're unsure, better to postpone the pedicure until the skin has healed.
   
3. Do not do the following 24 hours before the pedicure:  use hair removal cream, wax, or shave legs.
   
4. Find out how the salon cleans and disinfects the foot spas, how they are maintained between customers. The foot bath and instruments should be cleaned and disinfected after each customer.
   
5. Ask to see the disinfectant. Salons should use an EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectant.  If there is a label on the container stating "Hospital," "Medical," or "Health Care," then that product may be used as a disinfectant on surfaces in these environments.  You want the salon to use this type.  You may be labeled as a picky customer, but better picky than a foot infection.
   
6. Pay attention to how much time is spent between customers on cleaning the foot spa/bath.  Most hospital grade disinfectants need 10 minutes to fully work.  If the cleaner is used then rinsed within 3 minutes then that foot spa is not considered disinfected.
   
7. Do not use the foot spa if you are not sure it is disinfected and safe to use. Do not risk your health. You should report any problems to your state cosmetological board if necessary.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

12 Year Old Almost Dies From Foot Blister

Macenzie Campbell, 12, almost died from a blister
after wearing shoes without socks

Macenzie Campbell was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital when a blister on his foot became infected because he wore shoes without socks. His mother thought that the infection was a wart and applied a treatment but the next day, his foot had swollen and a red rash spread all over his body. After the rash started turning black, his body went into shock, his organs started to fail and his body began to shut down. Macenzie is now recovering at home, after doctors operated on his foot to remove the infected tissue and kept him in the hospital for a week. According to the doctors, he was six hours away from death.

A blister is the result of friction or rubbing on the skin. It forms when the outer layer of skin separates from the inner layers causing fluid to build up in between them. A blister could also be filled with pus if it is infected. Typically, a blister develops if the skin is wet or moist and is continually rubbed in the same location, and they are most common on the feet and hands. If you are suffering from a blister, you might wonder, “When is it okay to drain it?”

Do not drain it if...
If the blister is small and not too painful, keep it clean and leave it intact. Do not try to drain it because the skin acts as a barrier to keep bacteria out and lowers the risk of infection. Also, the fluid within the blister keeps the underlying skin clean and promotes healing. Cover the blister with a bandage or gauze pad and it should heal on its own. If you are diabetic, do not attempt to puncture or drain your blister and please see a podiatrist.

Drain it if...
If the blister is large, painful and prevents you from your daily activities, you may want to try to drain it. First, make sure your hands are clean and clean the blister thoroughly. Wipe the blister with rubbing alcohol, and use the rubbing alcohol to sterilize a sharp needle. Puncture the blister near the edge not the middle because you want to try to avoid disturbing the unbroken skin over a blister. Let the fluid drain and when it is done, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the blister with a bandage.

Don’t forget to look for signs of an infection: pus drainage, redness or warmth around a blister, an increase in pain, red streaks in skin, and fever. If a blister becomes infected, one of the risks include secondary impetigo, a contagious bacterial infection. Another risk is cellulitis, a serious skin infection that may affect tissues under your skin and spread into your bloodstream. In the case of Macenzie Campbell, he suffered from Sepsis, a life-threatening bacterial infection in the blood stream.

To prevent blisters, minimize the friction and keep your feet dry by wearing fresh socks. You should also wear proper fitting shoes.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Marvin Jones of the Bengals Out with Foot Injury

Third-year wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Jones, sustained a left foot injury during Saturday's practice at the Paul Brown Stadium. Coincidentally, Jones suffered what is called a "Jones Fracture." These fractures can be tiny stress fractures or an acute and sudden break in the foot. Jones fractures are caused by repetitive stress, overuse of the foot, or trauma.

Jones had surgery over the weekend and it consisted of having a pin placed in the fifth metatarsal bone. It is likely that he will miss the rest of preseason and the first month of the 2014 NFL season (first three games). The Bengals hope that he will be able to return after the bye week for the game against the New England Patriots, scheduled Oct. 5 at 8:30 pm.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500