February Feet: An Overview of Cold Weather Feet Conditions

Every year, the month of February brings an abundant amount of joy and celebration. Among those things are include: Valentine’s Day, where we celebrate the human desire of love & togetherness; American Black History Month, were we reflect on our nation’s history and race relations; and President’s day, where we honor our current and past Commander-in-Chiefs. Although all of these heart-warming celebrations come along with February, there is also one other thing that is coupled with this beloved month: the freezing cold weather! It is one unavoidable wrinkle in what is otherwise a perfect month. Recognizing this unfortunate condition, the folks here at Community Foot Specialist took the time out to help you understand and prevent some feet conditions related to the cold weather.

Here are some of the most common conditions related to your feet that occur in cold weather:

Frostnip & Frostbite

Frostnip and Frostbit are in close relation, so much so that some people really do not recognize the difference. This is completely understandable, given that they both signal the same symptoms, with the only true difference being the degree of severity. With frostnip, your skin still becomes pale, feels cold, uncomfortable, and stiff, but the deeper tissues are not necessarily harmed. Because these deeper tissues are not significantly affected, Frostnip typically does not lead to blisters. On the contrary, Frostbite, due to its more severe damage to the underlying tissues, does lead to blisters after the skin re-warms. Depending on the severity of the Frostbite itself, the results can be worse—possibly damaging nerves, tissues, and tendons.

Although Frostbite in the modern English colloquial is treated as a minor condition, it can lead to very serious results. It is imperative that your dress appropriately for the weather, avoid standing in snow and other extremely cold surfaces for extended periods of time, and most of all, that your recognize when you have or when you are starting to develop Frostbite. It is important that you notice the symptoms of Frostbite and that you receive medical attention as soon as possible, because untreated and unattended Frostbite can lead to extreme cases such as gangrene, which will undoubtedly require amputation—who wants their toes cut off!?  

Pernio (Chilblains)

           Although, generally, Pernio does not lead to as serious effects as Frostbite, it’s results can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable. Pernio develops when a person (more often than not, said person is already highly susceptible) is exposed to cold conditions & high humidity. This unfortunate combination results in the person having an itching, burning, and possibly sweating sensations. These symptoms can go on for weeks, even if treated, and even longer if it is not. The affected area can develop lesions that can eventually become blistered.  On the extreme side of the spectrum, pernio can, in fact, cause skin ulcers and infections, which is why it is, once again, important to know the symptoms and get it treated as soon as possible. To help prevent Pernio (chilblains), revisit the advice given for prevention of Frostbite, and in addition: Do exercises that help the flow of your blood circulation, make sure that your socks & shoes are dry at all times, and when returning from the cold avoid exposing your feet to sudden and extreme warmth.

Trench Foot

          Trench Foot, more formally known as Immersion Foot, has a couple overlaps with both Frostbite & Pernio. Trench Foot is commonly associated with people who work in cold and harsh conditions—hence the name. Often times, the most common individuals who are affected by Trench Foot are those who work on their feet in cold harsh conditions; who wear boots; and who are in these conditions for a prolonged time.  Like Frostbite, Trench Foot can exhibit blisters, sores, and, in extreme cases, gangrene and we know where that leads. . .

         To prevent Trench Foot, it is important to heed all the advice that has been aforementioned. Try your best to stay warm and dry. If you are a person who works on your feet often and extendedly, it is important that you take care of your feet outside of work—see a podiatrist and get your foot examined  frequently (we have six locations! J ).

Although some of these conditions seem daunting if you know about them know, you can prevent them in the future—what is that old saying, “the best defense is a good offense”?  We hope that this guide can help you so that you may enjoy all of the wonderful celebrations that February has to offer.

Watch GOUT, they'll get ya!

Gout is a condition that is unknown to many, especially those of the younger generations. But, for those of us who do know what Gout is, we definitely know that it is, by no means, pleasant or enjoyable. Gout is a form of arthritis that typically develops when a substantial amount of uric acid builds up in the blood. Uric acid releases shard-like objects into your joints, thus cause them to inflame.  Gout most frequently “attacks” the big toe, often showing redness and swelling in the joints associated with that toe.  Although the big toe is the most likely victim of Gout, this condition can also affect the ankle and knee. 

                How can I tell if it is Gout? Although you should see a doctor to be certain, these are symptoms that are associated with Gout:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness of joints
• The pain is acute and develops rapidly
• Typically the pain increases exponentially overnight

What can I do to prevent Gout Attacks?

There is a plethora of things that you can do to help prevent Gout. One of the most prominent ways of stopping gout attacks before they develop is by maintaining a well-regulated diet. As we mentioned before, Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid, so you should stay away from food that increases this acid, and instead look to eat foods that decreases uric acid. Foods that increase uric acid are, but not limited to : Meats, that is meat with high purines such as beef kidneys, liver, lamb, bacon (pork in general) and veal;  Fish, that includes, cod, sardines, shrimp, and scallops; Vegetables  such as asparagus, cauliflower, spinach and mushrooms (I know what you’re thinking, “now you’re going to tell me that vegetables are bad!?” but the truth is some vegetables, like the other categories mentioned, can trigger gout attacks).

Gout attacks are the most common among men that are over the age of forty. With this in mind, we know turn the conversation to Alcohol. God forbid that we do a regression (correlation) between American men over the age of forty and alcohol consumption—you get where the discussion is going now? The truth is, alcoholic beverages increase uric acid, which can cause gout attacks, so we urge you to keep your consumption low or avoid it completely—especially if you are over the age of forty.

Whether you have or have not experienced a gout attack, we hope that this information can help you. Although maintaining a well-regulated diet can help decrease your chances of having a gout attack, there are plenty of other ways; you should consult your doctor. For more information on Gout, check out these websites:

1. http://www.gout.com
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/279756-foods-that-increase-uric-acid/
3. http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/gout/all-about-gout/what-is-gout.php
4. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/gout.asp

Hearts & Heels: The Complete Guide For Shoes On Valentine's Day



As Valentine's Day quickly approaches, the mere image of wearing high heels is giving some women a spliting headache. On the other side of the tolken, this image is excitng happines and celebration, as women across the United States are going shopping for that one pair of high heels that will make them look like million bucks (maybe even two, who knows). Here at Community Foot Specialist, we understand that this can be a very nerve-racking or exciting time, so we preparared a mini guide for all women when it comes to Valentine's Day and wearing high heels. Here are some key points to keep in mind this holiday season:


1.)  High heels,as pretty as they may look, inevitably increase stress on the ball of your feet. Specifically for high heels that are two (2) inches or higher, every inch increases the stress on the ball of the foot by 50 percent!

2.) Buy the best fitting shoes (a sound idea for any kind of shoe). Try the shoe on and walk around for 15 minutes in the shoe store or at home to determine any friction or extra pressure.

3.) Invest on appliances such as metatarsal pads to provide better cushioning on the balls of your feet.

4.)   Wear open toed heel if possible. If you have any deformities such as hammer toes, this will prevent any pain due to the tightness around the toebox.

 

5.) Consider wearing comfortable shoes until you get to the event. Change into the sexy but possibly painful shoes once you arrive.

6.)  Wear a shoe with a thicker heel. The thinner the heel the less stability there is. You may look more elegant but much more clumsy!

 

7.)  Pay attention to the slope of the heel. They may be 4 or 5 inch heels but the higher or steeper the slope, the more painful the shoes may be. Pick a shoe with a more gradual slope from heel to toe.

8.) Buy shoes with square or rounded toes rather than pointy.

 

 

We hope that this guide can help you look AND feel the way that you want. For infomation regarding this blog or feet, in general, feel free to contact one of our doctors in any of our locations!

 

Information provided by: Dr.Belinda Dotter.

 

 

The Ugly Truth About Uggs!

Buyers beware - the trendy Ugg brand sheepskin boots and their generic counterparts may be hurting your feet!  While they may look soft and cuddly, studies have shown that the slipping and sliding going on inside the boots combined with the limited arch support they provide is putting unnecessary strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

The makers of Ugg boots maintain that their boots provide more support than the knockoff variety, but many experts see no real difference between the two. 

If you want to continue to wear the popular boot, Dr. Allen Guehl, a Dayton-area podiatrist at Community Foot Specialists recommends that you do so sparingly and when you aren’t going to be doing a lot of activity.  They aren’t the type of boots you want to be wearing if you are walking or standing all day.  You may also want to add supportive insoles to help cushion your feet and provide more support. 

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.