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

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

Walk Your Feet!

Walking is a very inexpensive way to stay healthy and help keep your feet in shape. This is an activity suitable for all ages that can happen any time, year round and practically everywhere. It is also a great way for people to start getting the recommended amount of exercise, especially if they are unused to physical activity, pregnant, or overweight.

Most of us are familiar with the benefits of exercise; it helps control weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. More specifically, walking is an aerobic exercise that delivers oxygen rich blood to your muscles. It is a healthy activity that will improve your cardiovascular fitness and lower your blood pressure as well as your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Walking on trails and natural ground also prevents older adults from falling because they will be more use to the unevenness of the ground, which helps to improve their balance. Additionally, walking is a low-impact exercise that will be easy on your joints.

Did you know that a brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per mile? You should try briskly walking for 30 minutes a day. If you have been inactive and are just beginning, start off slow and walk at least 5 to 10 minutes around the block. Work your way up to the “30 minute brisk walk” goal. It is okay to take it easy until you feel comfortable walking faster for longer periods of time, as any exercise is better than none.

After you start habitually walking, you should notice that you feel better overall. This is because your body will release endorphins that help relieve stress, anxiety, and decrease depression. Walking also gives you a chance to clear your mind and keep it sharp— some even consider it a type of meditation. Walking daily helps boost your mood, helps you get a good night’s sleep, keeps your muscles strong, and helps you live happier longer. 

Before you start, be sure to wear proper fitting walking shoes to help prevent bunions, blisters, or calluses. Your shoes should be comfortable and offer enough support for you feet. Also, don’t forget to wear socks. Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air! :)

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

Tips for the Dancing Toes!

Do you love to use your feet to express yourself? Are you a dancer?  Do you dance barefoot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk for feet issues. This is a typical problem for dancers, and if you don’t take time to monitor what’s going on with your toes, very painful injuries can result. A few of these common injuries can be found below:

• Calluses- toughened areas of the skin which have become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation.
• Blisters- small pockets of fluid within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection.
• Bunions- deformities often erroneously described as an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the head of the big toe.
• Cracks and Splits- sensitive skin on the bottom of the feet and heels becomes too dry, it can split open, leaving painful cracks called fissures on your heels.
• Athlete's Foot- a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It occurs most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.

Dancing can be a beautiful thing, as long as your feet feel beautiful too. You want to be able to do what you love and keep your feet healthy. Below you will find some tips for healthy toes. Be sure to take proper care of your toes before and after dancing.

Do you want your feet to look like this...

...or this?

Here are some tips for healthy toes:

• Make sure to stretch and exercise your toes regularly. This may seem strange, but this will ensure your toes are feeling healthy and it can prevent injuries. A typical toe stretch consists of grabbing your foot by placing a hand on each side and using your fingers to bend your toes down.
• Proper preventative care starts with soaping feet daily and drying them well, especially between the toes. This is to keep them clean and free of fungus. It's important to dry the feet well, or they will become overly soft and could lead to athlete's foot or skin cracks (athlete's foot is known to start between the toes).
• Don't ignore foot pain. Symptoms that increase or do not resolve within a reasonable period of time need to be evaluated by your podiatrist.

Remember, you can enjoy dancing barefoot. It's a great way to exercise and do what you're passionate about. However, you need to take the correct preventative steps to avoiding the serious issues that can come along with neglecting to pamper your feet. Visit our website to see our tips and treatments.

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

The Right Shoe for You

By Dr. Bridget Brondon

Just like all feet are different shapes and sizes, shoes are all different shapes and sizes as well.  No two brands measure the same way, for example Adidas shoes generally run bigger than Nike and Puma shoes run small and narrow.  Even within a certain brand of shoes, different styles can fit differently.

Different sized feet

Try and have your foot measured either by someone who knows how to do it at the store, or if you see a foot doctor, you can ask them to measure it also.  This will at least give you a starting point regarding size and width of your foot.  Keep in mind, however, that you may need to go up or down a half-size or more depending on the brand and style of the shoe.

 The only way to know exactly what your size is for a specific shoe is to try on the shoes in the store.  Also, when trying on shoes, try on BOTH the right and left shoes. Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other and this can make a difference in the overall comfort of the pair of shoes.  When in doubt, go with the size for the larger foot, not the smaller foot. That way you are less likely to get rubbing or irritation from a shoe that is too small.  If there is a significant difference in the size of your feet, you may need to get a different size for each.  Not all companies offer this, but New Balance is one option that does.

The shape of our feet can also determine which shoes are better for our feet than others.  Frequently in the office, I will hold up a shoe to a patient’s foot and half of the foot will be hanging over the side!  If your foot does not fit within the lines of your shoe, it is likely causing increased pressure on your foot from squeezing into it.  If you have a wider foot, look for a shoe with a rounded or square forefoot area (the part from the ball of the foot forward).  If you have a narrower foot, look for a shoe that has straps or laces to help hold it on your foot better.  Also, if you have some type of deformity of the foot, such as a bunion or hammertoes, make sure that the shoe you select can accommodate the deformity without adding extra pressure to the area.

The fabric of the shoe can also make a big difference.  Tighter fabrics with less give to them, such as new leather or plastic, can cause irritation if they are rubbing on prominent areas of the foot.  Softer fabrics can be more flexible which may not be good if you need more support.

Keep in mind, our shoe size and shape frequently change with time due to gravity and standing/walking on our feet over the years.  Don’t worry so much about the number on the shoe box.  Most people won’t be able to guess the size of your feet just by looking at them so it shouldn’t be a big deal if you have to go up from an 8 to a 9.  Comfort and preventing problems should be more important than the number.

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

So Basic It’s Simple!

Dr. Bridget Brondon

Our feet are an area of the body that is commonly overlooked until something goes wrong.  They are hard to reach, take a lot of wear and tear through the years, and are body parts that many people deem to be “gross.”  As a doctor’s office, we most commonly see patients who are actively having a problem or concern with their feet.  We love seeing our patients and helping you feel better, but what can all people do to reduce the risk of needing to visit the foot doctor?  How best can you prevent problems from occurring in the first place?

Here are some basic foot maintenance tips to keep you in tip-top shape:

1. Wash your feet daily- Dirt, oil, dead skin, bacteria, fungus, sweat, etc. are all naturally found on all skin of the body, but because of where they are located, sometimes these can be in even greater amounts on the feet.  Cleaning with soap can help scrub the bad stuff away.  Don’t forget to clean in between the toes too.  This is a place especially susceptible to infections because of the friction created from your toes rubbing together.
   
   
2. Dry feet well after washing- Excess moisture on your skin can cause it to break down and infections can occur.  Once again, in between the toes is very important as well.
   
   
3. Check your feet every day- The faster you notice a problem and take steps to fix it, the sooner and probably better it can be fixed.  Same goes for your feet.  The sooner you notice if something is wrong (like bruising, swelling, redness, cuts, sores, scrapes, etc.), the sooner you can start to treat the problem.  If you can’t reach your feet or see the bottoms, try using a mirror or have someone else look for you.
   
   
4. Apply lotion- As we get older, our skin has less moisture in it naturally and can dry out easier, especially in colder, drier weather.  Others naturally have dry skin.  If you notice dry skin on your feet, applying lotion every day can help.  Do not apply in between your toes, as that can cause too much wetness from the lotion.  Thicker creams/lotions always provide greater moisture, but any lotion is better than none!
   
   
5. Soak your feet- For mild aches and pains, this can be a very easy remedy.  A warm-water bath with epsom salt can feel very nice.  Remember to check the temperature of the water before putting your feet in, as you can burn them if the water is too hot.  Also make sure that you apply lotion afterwards.  Warm water and the salt can dry out your feet as well.
   
   
6. Supportive shoes- As often as possible, try to wear good supportive shoes with adequate cushion.  This will help to support your joints, ligaments, and tendons so they do not become strained.

As always, if you notice a problem with your feet that isn’t getting better, call our office to schedule an appointment.  We want to help you keep those feet feeling great and keep you comfortably walking on your way!

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

Pregnant Feet

Today, we want to discuss the process of giving birth--namely, the nine months leading up to birth itself--and how that relates to and effects women's feet. As most mommy-to-be's know, the bulk of growth happens within the third trimester. Studies show that pregnant mothers who stand for long hours end up having smaller babies than mothers who do not stand for long. This is due to the growth cycle being stunted or slowed down.

We have many ways to treat and prevent your swollen feet. Although swelling is normal due to the weight gain from being pregnant, if the swelling is not symmetrical in both feet you should contact your doctor or a specialist--this may be signs of a vascular problem. Orthotic inserts are good for arch support and medial rear-foot postings. Remember that these should fit properly and comfortably. Also, shoes that do not fit properly can cause a cut off of the blood circulation.

Every woman loves shoes! Whether it be her high heels or her house slippers. But, pregnant mothers should put away their high heels during their pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should wear low to no heeled shoes to avoid any heel pain or falling.


Pregnant women often associate resting with being lazy or letting their pregnancy get the best of them, but in all reality, it is OK and, in fact, encouraged. A mother's feet should be elevated as much as possible. Be sure to message your feet to keep the swelling down. Some ways are going to the salon and getting a pedicure and, if possible, a massage. This not only helps keep the swelling down, but also helps pregnant women to relax and take their minds off of the (sometimes) frustrating transformation that they are going through.

Some pregnant women believe drinking less water will reduce swelling. This is not true! Drinking more water will relieve the body of any harmful toxins. Drink plenty of water; everybody should drink at least eight ounces of water daily. You should avoid any excessively warm places since high temperature climates can reduce the body's water levels. This will cause dehydration.
   Soaking the feet in soothing herbs will help reduce any swelling or stress you may have. Some herbs that are good to soak in are lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, birch, and peppermint. Also, use plenty of moisturizing lotions on your feet to prevent any painful cracking.

For many women the pregnancy can be very confusing and frustrating, we stress (aha!) the idea of relaxing and taking it easy during this during this time. It is often emphasized that you take care of yourself for the baby's sake, but don't forget that you are human, too. Do the things that you like; do not feel bad for asking for help, and enjoy the process as much as you can.