Reconsider Your Footwear Choice: The Truth About Flip-flops

After experiencing many glimmers of sunshine and the Groundhog's official sighting, the long awaited Spring has finally arrived. With it's arrival it graces us with many pleasures, and of the many, Spring attire might just top the list. A common and popular footwear choice for the Spring and Summer months are Flip-flops.
 However, this seemingly innocent and harmless footwear choice does not provide you with much support. Here are some dos and don’ts of flip-flops to consider this year.

Shop for high-quality, soft leather flip-flops to minimize potential blisters and other types of irritation. Don’t wear the same pair of flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear-and-tear, and if they are in bad shape throw them out.

Look for flip-flops that will allow for the most normal foot function possible. Two good brands to look for are FitFlop and Chaco. These products are evaluated by a team of APMA podiatrists and given a Seal of Acceptance. Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and possible infections.

Gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot (No shoe should ever fold in half). Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support. Wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in a hotel room and in the locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete’s foot. Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.

Ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off the edge of the flip=flop. Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks.

Follow theses Do’s and Don’ts to ensure you are fit to flip-flop this spring!

MARCH MADNESS!

If you are not a fan of college basketball, then you are probably wondering why we have a blog titled "march madness" at the beginning of April. No, it is not because this March, in terms of weather, could be considered madness, or that the word "madness" simply goes well with March (although it does). March Madness refers to the NCAA's men's basketball tournament that hosts 64 division-1 college basketball teams from around the nation. It is referred to as "March Madness" because of the chaos, excitement, and passion that it brings -- this is marked by the fact that there is no other sport, let a lone tournament, that welcomes and expects "upsets" the way that March Madness does. An upset happens when a team that is seeded lower than their opponent ends up winning the match-- the classic underdog tale. So far, there have been 23 upsets, with some standing out more than others. One of the most outstanding upsets, in my opinion, is Wichita State (No.9) putting on an electrifying performance and beating Gonzaga (No.1). FYI, Wichita State is still in the tournament. So you might be wondering how the tournament works, or, in other words, how the "madness" is structured. The tournament started with 64 teams this year (60 automatically in the tournament, and the other four playing to gain access). These 64 teams are broken down into their respective regions: Midwest, West, South, and East ( 16 teams in each region; 64 divided by 4, get it?). The number of teams that are in the tournament is cut in half with every round that passes: 64, 32,16,8, 4, and finally 2. The last four rounds are of special importance, and although they have their formal titles (Regional finals, national semi-finals...etc.), they more commonly go by their nick names: Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and, obviously, the National Championship. Currently, we are in the Final Four stage of the tournament (hence, the title picture), with the Shockers playing the Cardinals and the Wolverines playing Syracuse.

Now that you understand what March Madness is, you are probably wondering why, as a podiatrist, we care about it. Outside of the obvious reasons (the excitement, OSU, "bro time"...etc.), the game of basketball has a way of exposing the weaknesses of our feet and ankles, and, more broadly our entire lower extremity. This is highlighted in the NCAA and specifically in the March Madness tournament.

Cases-in-point:

1.


 Michael Carter Williams, the star player for Syracuse, is currently taping and recovering from a minor ankle injury amidst the teams run for the National Championship. Expected to play on Saturday against Wolverines.

2.


UC Santa Barbara's John green goes down with a foot injury that puts him out for the entire season.

3.

 

 Montana's Matthias Wards's late-February foot injury that put the entire teams chances of winning in peril.

Lastly and most notably,

4.


Kevin Ware. There hasn't been an injury this year that has shocked the sports world in such a way that Kevin Ware's broken leg did. Immediately after the injury, the video of Kevin Ware's broken leg went viral and horrified many. Fortunately, Ware promptly received proper medical attention, and is now on a steady road to recovery.


As you can see, Basketball is especially harsh on our lower extremity, with all the jumping, running, sudden stops, and the physicality of the game. Granted, it is not football, but basketball takes a different, more constant toll on the players.

Foot & Ankle Basketball Injuries:


Ankle Sprains. This is probably the most common ankle injury in the game of basketball. If you are not familiar with this injury, you probably do not play basketball. In basketball, ankle sprains happen when players come down on their foot the wrong way, suddenly and unpleasantly twist their ankle, step on an uneven part of the hardwood (say, someone's foot), or when a player exerts an unusual amount of force on the ankle.

•   Ways to avoid 
• Wear proper shoes that give you enough support on your ankles.
• Stretch and exercise your ankle before engaging in intense play (i.e., warm-up & practice)
• Be aware. When you are playing, know your surroundings and playing field. If you know that an ankle is particularly weak, have a trainer tape it beforehand.

Achilles Tendinitis. As a basketball player, you are naturally jumping quite often, whether it is to grab a rebound, shoot a jump shot, or block a shot. Constant and forceful jumping takes a toll on the Achilles. This usually results in Achilles tendinitis: the swelling of the tendon, which is associated with overuse (in this case jumping, and pushing off that tendon in general).

•  Ways to avoid
• The advice here is very similar to that of ankle sprains. You should ice and stretch your ankles and feet often. You should specifically ice your feet after playing. As for stretching, you should do it as often as you can.
• If you know that Achilles is starting to become painful, lessen the load, and, at the very least, do no over exert yourself.

Plantar Fasciitis.  Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the Plantar Fascia develops a tear, which typically results in a sharp pain that is normally described as "burning", "stabbing", or "surging". In a similar manner to ankle sprains and Achilles Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis is caused by overexertion. In basketball, players are often on their toes, and then their heels, and their toes again, all the while with great force and speed. This constant back and forth coupled with the typical force of a basketball play can easily cause Plantar Fasciitis. This process can be quickened and/or worsened by wearing incorrect shoes (no matter what you are doing, you should always wear shoes that fit you and support you!).

• Ways to avoid
• Wear the correct shoes. If you do not know if a shoe is supporting you properly or if you suspect that it is ill-fitting, then consult your podiatrist or your on-site medical trainer.
• Once again, stress often and extensively. Many of the injuries that occur in basketball can be prevented, and, in the case treated, with aggressive and often stretching.

The NCAA's March Madness brings us joy and excitement by watching people who love the sport that they play compete at such high levels of intensity and vigor, but it also reminds us how vulnerable we are as humans and athletes to injury. As you watch the last stages of the tournament, and as you are inspired to play the lovely game of basketball, keep in mind the safety precautions that might help you prevent injury in the future.

Feeling the Pinch this Autumn? Bunions May Be to Blame

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With the curtain closed on summer and sandal season, fall is the season during which Community Foot Specialists sees an upswing in patients whose feet are feeling the pinch in their closed-toe footwear. This seasonal phenomenon seems to focus on women, although there are men who have this issue. The common culprit? Painful bunions that were given room to breathe during sandal season, but now face close quarters of a fall boot or shoe.

Bunions are abnormalities that form on the joint at the base of the big toe in the form of a bony bump. They occur when the big toe pushes against the other toes, which force the big toe joint in the opposite direction. As time passes, the abnormal positioning of the toe enlarges the joint. This further crowds the toes of the foot and causes pain and discomfort.

Bunions can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is tight shoes, although they can also come about as a result of an inherited structural or mechanical defect, a stress to the foot, or a medical condition.

To help avoid bunions, don’t wear pointed shoes. Choose footwear with a wide foot box to give all of your toes plenty of room. If bunions become so painful that they impede daily activities, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends discussing surgical options with your podiatrist. However, please note that Community Foot Specialists firmly believes in exhausting the most conservative foot care treatment options first before considering surgery.

Community Foot Specialists can be reached at 937-426-9500. Or you may visit our website to request an appointment, view common conditions we treat, or get any other info you might need.

Toenail Fungus in Dayton/Springfield, Ohio

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Thick, discolored toenails are a common complaint amongst our Dayton/Springfield, Ohio patients. Many of our patients avoid wearing sandals or swimming because they are embarrassed by their unsightly toenails. This is a problem Community Foot Specialists is happy to help you fix!

A fungal toenail (or onychomycosis) is one of the most common conditions our Dayton/Springfield podiatrist sees. People who have weak immune systems (often times diabetics, HIV patients, etc.) are more at risk for a fungal infection of the toenail.

What does an infected toenail look like? A toenail infected with fungus appears to be thickened and a yellowish color. The toenail often times will appear to crumble or become flaky.

What happens if left untreated? If you do not treat your fungal toenail, your entire toenail may become discolored and eventually begin to lift from the nail bed, often times causing your toenail to come completely off.

There are medications available that provide a complete cure, however, the process can be a little slow depending on how infected your toenail is. The more you put it off, the worse it may get so instead of worrying; call your local podiatrist at (937) 426-9500 so we assist you!

Question of the Month: I'm a diabetic, do I need diabetic shoes?

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Question of the Month!

By: Dr. Thomas

Q: "I'm a diabetic, do I need diabetic shoes?"

A: That depends. Diabetics who are well controlled with their blood sugar, do not have toe deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, intact circulation to their feet as well as intact sensation or feeling in their feet, are at low risk and do not need diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes are considered to be a necessity for those diabetics who have an at risk foot or a foot that could be in danger of developing a wound in an otherwise normal everyday shoe. These shoes are designed with extra depth to accommodate the foam inserts which are used to reduce chances of a foot ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Some patients may be interested in these shoes for the simple fact they believe they can get free shoes and the insurance will sometimes "pay for them". This is not the purpose of diabetic shoes. To determine if the diabetic patient is eligible for shoes, the podiatric doctor will perform a comprehensive diabetic foot exam first to check to see if the feet are at high risk for developing problems such as ulcerations. If the need is determined, then your doctor will do all steps necessary to see that the patient gets those shoes and that they are fit correctly.

Children's Heel Pain: Not Just Growing Pains!

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If your child complains of heel pain, you should definitely take their complaints seriously. Children particularly those who are athletic/ physically active- may have what is called Sever’s disease. This condition occurs in children during their growth stages when the growth plate in the heel is injured. In early puberty, bones grow faster than muscles and tendons. Muscles and tendons become tight as a result and the heel is less flexible. When the child stands or bears any weight on his or her heel, injuring the heel and causing Sever’s disease. 

Signs that your child may be suffering from Sever’s disease include pain in one or both heels that usually occur with activity (usually around the time your child would begin a new sport or season), A tendency to tiptoe, walking with a limp, increased intensity of pain when running or jumping. Another sign is if your child’s heel hurts when you squeeze both sides toward the very back of the heel. The good news about Sever’s disease is that it is highly treatable with non-invasive methods. The first thing to do is to stop or limit any activity that causes the child pain. Treat the injured heel with ice for 20 minutes at a time, 3 times a day. Stretching exercises can also help lessen the pain of Sever’s disease: particularly those that stretch the hamstring and calf muscles and tendons on the back of the leg. These stretches should be performed 2 or 3 times a day and held for about 20 seconds in both legs, even if only one heel is experiencing pain.

If your child is having heel pain, contact Community Foot Specialists serving the Greater Dayton area in 6 convenient locations- 937-426-9500

What are Corns and Calluses?

What are Corns and Calluses?

Calluses and corns are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin. They form to protect the skin and structures under the skin from pressure, friction, and injury. They may appear grayish or yellowish, be less sensitive to the touch than surrounding skin, and feel bumpy. Calluses on the hands and feet of an active person are normal. Calluses and corns become a problem when they grow large enough to cause pain.
Calluses on the feet generally form on the ball of the foot, the heel, and the underside of the big toe. They often form where the foot and the beginning of the toe meet (under the end of the metatarsal bone).Corns generally are found where toes rub together. Corns have an inner core that can be soft or hard. A soft corn is found between toes (usually the fourth and fifth toes). A hard corn is often found over a bony part of a toe (usually the fifth toe).
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Calluses and corns are caused over a period of time by repeated pressure or friction on an area of skin. The pressure causes the skin to die and form a hard, protective surface. A soft corn is formed in the same way, except that when perspiration is trapped where the corn develops, the hard core softens. This generally occurs between toes. Calluses and corns are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. There are many reasons why Corns and Calluses form on the feet here are a few:
Tight shoes squeeze the foot.
High-heeled shoes squeeze the front part of the foot.
Loose shoes may cause your foot to slide and rub against the shoe.
Shoes with a thin sole can create more pressure on the ball of the foot when walking than do thicker-soled shoes.
Wearing sandals and shoes without socks can lead to increased friction.
The foot may rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe. Socks that don't fit may result in pressure where a sock bunches up.
 How Are Corns and Calluses Diagnosed?
Calluses and corns generally are diagnosed during a physical exam. Your doctor may also ask you questions about your work, your hobbies, or the types of shoes you wear. An X-ray of the foot may be done if your doctor suspects a problem with the bones.
How Are Corns and Calluses Treated?
If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, or other conditions that cause circulatory problems or numbness, talk to your doctor before you try any treatment for calluses or corns.
Calluses and corns do not need treatment unless they cause pain. If they do cause pain, the treatment goal is to remove the pressure or friction that is causing the callus or corn, to give it time to heal. This is done by wearing footwear that fits properly and using doughnut-shaped pads (such as moleskin) or other protective padding to cushion the callus or corn. Some other types of padding include toe separators, toe crest pads, and toe caps and toe sleeves. Also, the callus or corn can be softened and the dead skin can be removed by using products such as salicylic acid.
Your doctor may use a small knife to pare (trim) the callus or corn. You may reduce the size of the callus or corn yourself by soaking your foot in warm water and then using a pumice stone to rub the dead skin away. Never cut the corn or callus yourself, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that cause circulatory problems or numbness. In some cases, surgery may be done to remove the callus or corn or to change the bone structure beneath the callus or corn.
How Common Are Corns and Calluses?
Most people get calluses and corns. They are seen more frequently in people who have bony feet and in women, probably because women often wear shoes that create friction on the feet, such as high-heeled or thin-soled shoes.