Feet First Podiatry, LLC

Dangers of a nail salon

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 19:58:00 GMT

Temperatures are on the rise which means sandals are making their come back! For many of us, that means letting our feet breath from a long, cold winter spent stuffed into boots. That’s right, it’s feet season!

Us girls want our feet looking beautiful and what better way than to get a pedicure, right? That may sound relaxing, but you should be aware of the dangers of a nail salon. The potential for infection in nail salons are greater than people realize. Here are 5 tips to consider for your next pedicure.

If you think you may be experiencing some type of fungus, we are here to help you. Don’t be ashamed, it is more common than you may think. Make your appointment today to hear about our topical, oral, or laser options for your fungus.

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Dry, Cracked Heels

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:56:00 GMT

With the colder weather, we have seen an increase in very dry feet here at Feet First Podiatry. Dry, cracked heels are the most frequent concern. If these cracks, called fissures, become severe, they may cause bleeding, infection and pain when standing or walking.

What causes dry, cracked heels?
While one of the main causes of dry, cracking skin is the arid winter air, other factors can impact heels. Common problems that contribute to heel fissures include but are not limited to:

Skin loses its ability to stretch with age, so cracks are more common as you get older. Diabetes can interrupt the body’s ability to produce oils, making the skin less supple and more susceptible to extreme dryness.

Disease and disorders such as athlete’s foot, psoriasis, eczema, and thyroid disease may cause cracked heels. Excess weight can create extra pressure on the feet.

Prolonged standing in ill-fitting shoes can become a problem due to added pressure. Poorly structured feet can sometimes lead to abnormal gait that produces calluses to the heel. Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc can lead to skin breakdown as well.

Don’t feel alone, this is a very common problem and here are some tips that may help:

1. Heels will move around in shoes and boots that are too big. This causes friction which forms dry calluses around the ridges and surface of the heels. Make sure your shoes and boots are properly sized so that heels don’t move but at the same time, toes have wiggle room.
2. Wash feet daily with warm, soapy water. Don’t use hot water because it dries out skin. Hot water is also harmful to diabetics and anyone else with impaired circulation to the feet.
3. Exfoliate the feet, especially the heels, while washing. Use a wash cloth, pumice stone, or loofah and rub the skin gently to slough off dead skin.
4. Dry the feet thoroughly. Dry well between the toes since fungus and bacteria like to grow in warm, moist, dark places.
5. Moisturize daily with body lotion. If you feel you need something more emollient, ask the pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter body lotion that contains urea. Urea is naturally present in skin cells, but in dry skin, urea levels are lower. Using a lotion that has urea increases the skin’s ability to hold in moisture. Avoid moisturizer between the toes. Be sure to wear cotton socks.
6. Foot soaks are relaxing and helpful if done properly. Limit foot soaks to 10 – 15 minutes, 3 times a week. Soaking for long periods dries out the skin. Use a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and enough warm, never hot, water to cover the feet up to the ankles. Mild acetic acid in vinegar softens dry skin. Exfoliate. Dry thoroughly. Moisturize. Put on clean cotton socks.
7. For an overnight treatment, try the following: massage olive oil mixed with a bit of white vinegar or lemon juice over the feet, concentrating on the heels. Honey is a natural moisturizer so if you want, put some in your mixture. Put on cotton socks. In the morning, wash it off. Exfoliate. Dry thoroughly. Moisturize.
8. Over-the-counter callus softeners often contain ingredients that irritate the skin.

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Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us…

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:12:00 GMT

Cold and Flu: Need to Know Facts and Myths

Cold and flu season is upon us, a time of year that sends many Americans scrambling to refresh their stockpiles of tissues, hand sanitizer and chicken soup. In all, it’s estimated that Americans suffer from 1 billion colds a year, about 2-4 each year for adults and 6-12 annually for children ages 6-12.

Influenza, meanwhile, impacts about 5 percent to 20 percent of the population every year. 1 Both colds and flu are caused by viruses and they can cause many of the same symptoms …

So how do you know if you have a cold or the flu?

Your doctor can perform a test to let you know, if necessary, but generally speaking a cold will be milder than the flu and is more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose. Flu, on the other hand, is more likely to lead to fever, body aches, extreme fatigue and cough. Typically only the flu can lead to serious health complications like pneumonia or bacterial infections — colds will generally be less severe.

As common as these illnesses are — virtually everyone has had a cold or the flu at some point in their life — there’s still a lot of misinformation out there. Here we’ve compiled a list of some common myths and facts about colds and flus to help clear up the confusion and offer you some tips for getting, and staying, well this season.

7 Common Cold and Flu Myths

Myth #1: Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold, or Vice Versa

Some say you should feed a fever, starve a cold. Others believe it’s the cold you feed and the fever you starve. Either way, you don’t ever want to “starve” yourself when you’re sick, as your body needs nutrients to keep functioning.

That said, when you have a fever or cold you probably won’t feel like eating much anyway, and this may help your body direct its energy toward your immune system and fighting off the illness. During a cold, you need to eat healthy foods, like vegetable juice and broths, to help fight off the illness, but you shouldn’t force yourself to do so, and you should definitely avoid overeating.

For the most part, it’s ok to listen to your body when it comes to eating when you have a cold or the flu. If you’re hungry, choose a nutritious snack to give your body energy and always make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. If you’re not hungry, it’s ok to skip a meal or two, but make sure you don’t go too long without at least a light snack. And no matter what, drink plenty of fluids regularly.

Myth #2: Antibiotics Help

Colds and the flu are caused by viruses … and viruses are not impacted by antibiotics. So taking one will not help you get over a cold or the flu faster. Instead, every time you take antibiotics more bacteria in your body may become resistant to the drugs.

A new study found that patients of doctors who over-prescribe antibiotics may actually develop drug resistance that lasts up to a year, putting them at risk of antibiotic-resistant infections and also increase the chances they could spread drug-resistant bacteria in their community. 2

The only time antibiotics should be used is in the case of a secondary bacterial infection. Otherwise, typical colds and flu usually go away on their own and should not be treated with antibiotics.

Myth #3: The Flu Shot Guarantees You Won’t Get the Flu

The flu vaccine only protects against a select group of flu viruses, not all of them, so the effectiveness of the flu shot depends on how well the viruses chosen for the vaccine match up with the flu viruses circulating in your area. Your age and immune system function can also impact the flu shot’s effectiveness.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

“Overall, in years when the vaccine and circulating viruses are well-matched, influenza vaccines can be expected to reduce laboratory-confirmed influenza by approximately 70% to 90% in healthy adults under 65 years of age…

In years when the vaccine strains are not well matched to circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness can be variably reduced.”3

They continue:

“The vaccine may also be lower among persons with chronic medical conditions and among the elderly, as compared to healthy young adults and children. In addition, estimates of vaccine effectiveness vary, based on the specificity of the outcome that is being measured in the study.”4

Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure how effective any year’s flu vaccine will be is to wait for the statistics to be revealed after the season is over.

Myth #4: You Can Get the Flu from the Flu Shot

Flu shots contain an inactivated (killed) virus, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. You may, however, experience symptoms such as fever, nausea and body aches.

The nasal spray form of the flu vaccine, on the other hand, contains a weakened live virus. Although it’s said this weakened virus will not cause the same severe symptoms that ordinary flu virus can, rare cases of transmitting flu viruses to others after receiving a nasal spray flu vaccine have been reported. Flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches and fever may also occur. 5

Myth #5: If You Get the Flu Shot Too Early, It Won’t Last All Season

The flu shot is designed to be effective all season, so if you do choose to get one there’s no reason to wait. As the CDC notes:

“Flu vaccination provides protection against the influenza strains contained in the vaccine that will last for the whole season. Vaccination can begin as soon as vaccine is available. Studies do not show a benefit of receiving more than one dose of vaccine during a flu season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems.”6

Myth #6: You’re More Likely to Catch a Cold or Flu on an Airplane

There’s a general feeling that breathing the air on airplanes is akin to sucking up a Petri dish full of various germs. In reality, it’s not nearly that bad.

University of California, San Francisco researchers found that flying in a plane that uses recirculated air throughout the cabin led to no more colds than did flying in a plane with 100 percent fresh air ventilation. 7 Further, Boeing reports that the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters used to filter cabin air have a greater than 99 percent efficiency in removing bacteria and viruses from the air. 8

So while you may be more likely to catch a cold or flu if you’re in close quarters with others who are sick (as you definitely are on a plane), the risk of getting sick on a plane ride is likely similar to any other situation where you’re around a lot of other people in a public place.

Myth #7: Stomach Flu is the Same as the “Seasonal Flu”

The stomach flu, the kind that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, is not the same as the flu you commonly catch in the winter. Stomach flu is typically caused by noroviruses and is sometimes referred to as viral gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Seasonal flu, on the other hand, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

And Now for the Facts …

1. You Can’t Catch a Cold From Going Outside Without a Coat …

… or with wet hair (not that we recommend doing either of these in the dead of winter). You catch a cold or the flu by being exposed to the virus, either from a person who coughs or sneezes or by touching an object with the virus on it.

Just because you’re exposed to a virus does not mean you’ll get sick, however. Whether or not the virus can take hold in your body depends on your immune system’s ability to fight off the pathogen.

Most often, flu viruses are spread person to person from coughing and sneezing and breathing in the virus from the air, while cold viruses are often picked up when an infected person transfers germs onto an object (doorknob, pen, TV remote control, etc.) that you then handle. Once the germ is on your hands it can gain entrance to your body if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Just because you’re exposed to a virus does not mean you’ll get sick, however. Whether or not the virus can take hold in your body depends on your immune system’s ability to fight off the pathogen .

2. Colds and Flu Typically Go Away on Their Own

In most cases colds and flu are mild illnesses that require only rest and plenty of fluids for you to recover. Generally speaking, they do not require medical care or antiviral drugs, which are sometimes given for the flu.

There are a few exceptions, especially for the flu, however. Young children, those over 65, pregnant women and people with asthma or diabetes are at an increased risk of flu complications, and may want to see their health care provider if flu-like symptoms occur. If you’re suffering from a cold or flu and have difficulty breathing, dizziness, severe vomiting, or high fever, or if you are not able to drink enough fluids, you should seek medical help immediately.

Also seek medical care if your symptoms get worse instead of better, or last an unusually long time.

Flu typically goes away in three to five days while colds generally last seven to 10.

3. Chicken Soup IS Good for Colds and Flu

Did your mom or grandma always make you chicken soup to help you recover from a cold? It turns out there is some truth behind this old wives’ tale. In fact, researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that are soothing for colds and flu.

In their lab study, chicken soup inhibited the movement of neutrophils, white blood cells released by viral infections that stimulate the release of mucous. The researchers concluded: 9

“The present study, therefore, suggests that chicken soup may contain a number of substances with beneficial medicinal activity. A mild anti-inflammatory effect could be one mechanism by which the soup could result in the mitigation of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections.”

So in this case it turns out mom and grandma knew best all along.

4. Regular Exercise Can Keep Colds Away

It’s long been known that exercise is beneficial for immune system function, but now a new study revealed that people who exercise regularly may cut their risk of getting a cold nearly in half. 10 Further, in the event you do get sick, your symptoms will likely be less severe if you’re normally an active person.

So keeping your fitness level up even in the cold of winter is every bit as important as eating right, sleeping well and keeping your stress levels in check for helping to ward off illness.

5. Hand-Washing is One of the BEST Ways to Avoid Colds and Flu

It’s deceivingly simple, but washing your hands — vigorously for about 20 seconds — is one of the best ways to avoiding getting a cold or the flu.

In fact, the World Health Organization points out that washing your hands often makes you 24 percent less likely to catch a respiratory illness and up to 50 percent less likely to get a stomach bug. 11

Along with washing your own hands, make sure your kids learn the importance of hand-washing, both at home and at school, too.

6. Honey Can Soothe Your Cough

If you’re struggling with a bad cough, a spoonful of honey may be even better than a dose of cough medicine.

Researchers found that children given a spoonful of buckwheat honey mixed into a non-caffeinated drink before bed coughed less and slept as well as or better than kids given a commercial cough medicine. 12

So if you’re coughing, mixing a spoonful of honey into a cup of herbal tea may provide some soothing relief. But remember, infants under 1 year of age should not be given honey due to botulism risks.

Sources:
1. CDC.gov Seasonal Influenza, Q&A
2. BMJ. 2010 May 18;340:c2096.
3&4. CDC.gov Seasonal Flu Vaccination
5. CDC.gov 2010-2011 Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety
6. CDC.gov Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Q&A
7. UCSF New Office July 22, 2002 “Recirculated airplane cabin air does not cause more colds”
8. Boeing.com Commercial Airplanes, Cabin Air Quality
9 Chest. 2000 Oct;118(4):1150-7.
10. British Journal of Sports Medicine November 1, 2010
11. USAToday.com January 21, 2009 “The science of hand washing to ward off cold, flu bugs”
12. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine December 2007;161(12):1140-1146.
13. http://www.cncahealth.com/explore/learn/general-health/cold-and-flu-need-to-know-facts-and-myths

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Happy Halloween !

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:07:00 GMT

Dr. Adamovsky and Staff being festive for Halloween !

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5 Common Myths

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:03:00 GMT

Here are five common myths that doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) hear from their patients:

Myth : If you have an ingrown toenail, cut a notch (a “V”) in the nail to relieve the pain.
Reality : Cutting a “V” does not relieve the pain of an ingrown toenail. It does not affect the downward, curved growth of a toenail. It may actually cause more problems and is painful in many cases.

Myth : If you can walk on an injured foot, it isn’t broken.
Reality : It is possible to walk on a broken foot or ankle, depending on the severity of the injury and your threshold for pain. Not only can walking on a broken foot make the injury worse, it can also lead to serious complications. Stay off an injured foot until it’s examined by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Myth : Shoes cause bunions.
Reality : Wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful. But shoes themselves do not cause bunions. Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Only surgery can correct a bunion.

Myth : A doctor can’t fix a broken toe.
Reality : Broken toes that aren’t treated may develop arthritis or become deformed, making wearing shoes and walking difficult. If the broken toe is out of alignment, a foot and ankle surgeon may insert a pin, screw or plate to reposition the bone.

Myth : Corns have roots.
Reality : A corn is a small buildup of skin caused by friction. Many corns result from a hammertoe deformity, where the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. The only way to eliminate these corns is to surgically correct the hammertoe condition. Attempting to cut off a corn by yourself, or applying medicated corn pads, can lead to serious infection or even amputation.

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Nail Fungus

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 16:44:00 GMT

A very common problem that causes pain, embarrassment, and confusion is fungal infection of the toenails. Often, people assume that nothing can be done about it and they resign themselves to a lifetime of simple neglect. Most of the time there is not a hygiene issue and research has shown that there is a family predisposition to contracting nail fungus. Sometimes only one person becomes infected or the entire family can have a toenail problem.

By pretending that the condition will go away on its own or will get better with time is inaccurate. Most of the time, the nails will start turning yellow with increased thickness at the tip that only gets worse with time. The good news is that the sooner this condition is treated, the better the long-term results both physical and mental.

Nails that look thickened, discolored, brittle, or flaky most likely are affected by a fungal or yeast infection. Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida are the most common organisms that cause this condition. Taking a culture and growing out the organism makes a definitive diagnosis. A nail infection can start on the feet and travel to the fingernails. Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and “jock itch” are all fungal infections and can result from cross contamination from the feet.

Fungal infections are a common problem that can be treated effectively, especially if caught before the whole nail is affected. In order to treat this condition, the nails can be cut and ground down both in thickness and in length. This decreases pain from shoes rubbing on the nails and also reduces any holes that form in people’s socks. Fungus tends to grow in warm moist environments. There are at home measures that you can take to prevent infections. Shoes should not be worn every day in order to allow them to dry out between uses. Also if a person has sweaty feet, socks should be changed throughout the day to absorb moisture. There are over the counter as well as prescription medications which can help control moist, sweaty feet. There are many different types of antifungal drops and creams, as well as oral medicine that can be taken to help get rid of the fungal infection. Recently, nail lasers have received FDA clearance for treatment of nail fungus and have gained popularity.

There are limitations with antifungal topical medications though; they often do not penetrate deep enough to where the fungus lives close to the nail bed. Also the medication must be applied two to three times a day for six to twelve months. Oral medications such as Lamisil require blood work to check for liver problems and must be taken for at least three months to be effective for nail fungus. Lamisil also interacts with other medications so it is not a good option for people who are on multiple mediations or have a history of liver problems.

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Keep Your Runners Feet in Shape

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 18:42:00 GMT

“The human foot is a biological masterpiece that amazingly endures the stresses of daily activity, ” said Daniel Adamovsky, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon in the St. Charles area. “For runners, the feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body, and these athletes should be on the alert for signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly.”

Heel pain

Adamovsky says the most common complaint from runners is heel pain caused by inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

“In athletes, heel pain can result from faulty mechanics and overpronation in which pressure is unequally applied to the inside of the foot. It also can be caused by wearing running shoes that are worn out or too soft,” he explained.

At the first sign of heel pain, Adamovsky advises runners to do stretching exercises, wear sturdier shoes and use arch supports. In some cases, icing and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are helpful. Should heel pain continue, custom orthotics, injections and physical therapy might be required.

Neuromas

Neuromas are another other common foot problem that affects runners. A neuroma is a pinched nerve between the toes that can cause pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Overly flexible shoes often are the cause and padding, orthotics or injections usually are effective.

Tendonitis

Serious runners can be sidelined with tendonitis if they ignore the warning signs of this overuse-related condition.

“There are several forms of tendonitis that affect the Achilles and other areas, and all are treated with rest, icing, stretching and anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes with orthotics and physical therapy.” Adamovsky said. “Over-zealous training usually causes tendonitis, especially among beginners who try to do too much too soon.”

Broken bones?

A common myth among athletes, according to Adamovsky, is that it’s not possible to walk or run if a bone in the foot is fractured.

“I often hear surprised patients say ‘It can’t be broken, I can walk on it,’” said Adamovsky. “That’s dead wrong, especially with stress fractures when pain and swelling might not occur for a few days.”

If a fracture or sprain is suspected, Adamovsky advises runners to remember the word RICE as an abbreviation for Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation.

“Should pain and swelling continue after following RICE for three or four days, you should see a foot and ankle surgeon for an x-ray and proper diagnosis.”

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What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 18:54:00 GMT

When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.

If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if the toe isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.

Causes
Causes of ingrown toenails include:

Home care:
If you don’t have an infection or any of the above medical conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (adding Epsom’s salt may be recommended by your doctor), and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation.

Avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it’s time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.

Physician care:
After examining the toe, the foot and ankle surgeon will select the treatment best suited for you. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.

Sometimes a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, will ease the pain and remove the offending nail. After applying a local anesthetic, the doctor removes part of the nail’s side border. Some nails may become ingrown again, requiring removal of the nail root.

Following the nail procedure, a light bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

What You Should Know About Home Treatment

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “What is an Ingrown Toenal.” Ingrown Toenail. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), 2013. Web. 2013. <http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/ingrown-toenail.htm>.

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Back-To-School Shoe Shopping Tips

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 18:52:00 GMT

With the changing leaves and cooler weather, many adults and children will be participating in sports: football, soccer, softball, and running, to name just a few. There is also is a flurry of activity associated with back to school prep that includes parents’ outfitting their children with new wardrobes, including new shoes. Many important factors should be considered when purchasing new “kicks” for children returning to school.

Back-to-School Shoe Shopping Tips

Take the “1, 2, and 3 Test:”

Sports-and-exercise related injuries in both adults and children commonly seen by Feet First Podiatric Physicians are the following:

Ankle/Foot Sprains are common injuries to the ligaments, one of the bands of tough, fibrous tissue that connect the ankle and foot bones at the joint and prevent excessive movement. Sprains that do not show improvement in three days should be seen by a podiatric physician. Investing in five to ten minutes of stretching and warming up and wearing the right shoe for the sport in which you are participating can help prevent this common athletic injury.

Muscle Strain is either a partial or total tear of muscle fibers in the muscle itself or the origin of the muscle. Exercisers frequently strain their lower leg and foot muscles during rapid movement sports such as football, soccer, running, and softball. Improper or inadequate warm-up are some of the contributing factors in this type of injury. Minor strains should heal in 1-2 weeks with rest. If pain lingers longer, consult a Feet First podiatrist.

Tendinitis is a common type of ankle and foot problem, which is an inflammation of the tendons—the tissue that connects muscles to bones. In sports, a tendinitis injury is usually the result of abnormal foot biomechanics, excessive foot pronation (tendency of the arch of the foot to flatten out too much), or a history of overuse in a specific sport (e.g., basketball, running, volleyball), which requires continuous high-impact, repetitive movements. Contact a Feet First podiatrist if pain does not improve or worsens after a few days of rest and ice therapy.

Stress Fracture s are hairline breaks resulting from repeated stress on the bone. High-impact sports such as running, gymnastics, and volleyball can increase the risk of stress fractures. To prevent stress fractures, wear shoes that provide sufficient padding and support when you walk, run, dance, or perform any other activities that stress the bones of the foot. If continued pain persists, contact us at Feet First Podiatry.

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts in the heel bone. Inflammation is caused by overuse with excessive foot flattening and is aggravated by tight calf muscles. Aerobic activities such as walking or running are usually related to this injury, but it can also result from basketball, football, or softball. Custom orthotics (custom devices for shoes), injections or physical therapy may be recommended by your podiatrist to help alleviate pain.

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Enjoy Pregnancy without Foot Pain

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 17:11:00 GMT

“Oh my aching feet” is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But, are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? According to St. Charles foot and ankle surgeons Daniel Adamovsky, DPM and Dennis Timko, DPM the answer is “no.”

There are many remedies available to help alleviate foot pain. The doctors at Feet First state that women often experience foot pain during pregnancy because of increased weight, foot instability and swelling. “I’ve seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies,” Dr. Adamovsky says. He recommends the following guidelines to help reduce foot pain during pregnancy.

Painful, Swollen Feet —Pregnant women often experience throbbing, swollen feet due to excess fluid build up (edema) in the feet from the weight and position of the baby. To reduce swelling, put feet up whenever possible, stretch legs frequently, wear wide comfortable shoes and don’t cross legs when sitting.

Arch Pain —Pain in the arch can be due to both arch fatigue or over pronation (or the flattening of the arch). Over pronation causes extreme stress to the ligament (the plantar fascia) that holds up the arch of the foot. The best way to prevent arch pain is to stretch daily in the morning and before and after any exercise, don’t go barefoot and wear supportive low-heeled shoes.

Ingrown Toenails —Excessive stress from tightly-fitting shoes causes painful ingrown toenails. Give your feet a break: wear wider shoes during the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid ingrown toenails. If you do experience an ingrown toenail, avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. It is best to seek treatment with a foot and ankle surgeon. It is also not uncommon for women to experience a change in their foot size during pregnancy.

“A permanent growth in a women’s foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer,” Dr. Adamovsky adds.

Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, call the office at 636-477-7300. Our doctors can provide relief with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, foot orthotics, supportive shoes and minor toenail procedures.

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How your feet feel

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:32:00 GMT

HOW YOUR FEET FEEL CAN EFFECT HOW YOU FEEL OVERALL.
Click Here to read more!

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Happy Birthday!

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 18:49:00 GMT

We would like to wish our Lead Medical Assistant, Nichole, a very happy birthday! Thank you for being such a big part of our team! Here’s to many more birthdays to celebrate!

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Fun Foot Facts

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:29:00 GMT

Your feet have ¼ of all the bones in your body – 52 bones!

The foot is an intricate structure containing 26 bones with thirty-three joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and multiple tendons that hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways.

There are approximately 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, and they excrete as much as half a pint of moisture each day.

It is not “normal” for your feet to hurt!

Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot health problems of varying degrees of severity at one time or another in their lives.

There are times when you’re walking that the pressure on your feet exceeds your body weight, and when you’re running, it can be three or four times your weight.

As a person’s income increases, the prevalence of foot problems decreases.

Women have about four times as many foot problems as men; lifelong patterns of wearing high heels often are the culprit.

An average, healthy person should aim to take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That covers several miles and adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. By age 70, the average person will have walked the equivalent of 4 times around the globe.

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-around well being.

Your feet mirror your general health. Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet — so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.

Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It is neglect, and a lack of awareness of proper care — including ill-fitting shoes — that bring on the problems.

A lifetime of wear and tear, plus neglect, accounts for the fact that the practices of most podiatrists are made up of older Americans.

Medical Foot Facts

Podiatry Facts & Statistics

Sources for the data are retrieved from American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, American Hospital Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education, Podiatry Insurance Company of America, United States Bureau of the Census, and United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Podiatry Facts & Statistics[Article]. Retrieved from http://ipma.net/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=15

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Preop and Postop

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:18:00 GMT

The type of foot surgery performed determines the length and kind of aftercare required to assure that your recovery from surgery is rapid and uneventful. The basics of all postoperative care involve to some degree each of the following: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be necessary to improve and ensure a safe recovery after foot surgery. Your podiatric surgeon will also determine if and when you can bear weight on your foot after the operation. A satisfactory recovery can be hastened by carefully following instructions from your podiatrist.

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