Items filtered by date: August 2010

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LANCASTER, Ohio (TBD) – Recently, Dr. Animesh Bhatia was named Fairfield Medical Center’s Assistant Medical Director of the Wound Clinic located in Lancaster.

The Wound Clinic at Fairfield Medical Center specializes in healing chronic wounds. The clinic’s team of board-certified physicians and wound certified nurses dedicate themselves to treat hard to heal wounds that may be a result of diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, surgery or other conditions. Many of the patients are completely healed after suffering for months or even years after previous treatments failed. The Wound Clinic at FMC, under Medical Director Andrew Murry, M.D, offers state-of-the-art equipment, treatments and advanced wound therapies and is conveniently located at 135 N. Ewing Street in Lancaster.

Dr. Bhatia now joins Dr. Murry as the new Assistant Medical Director. Dr. Bhatia has been in private practice for over ten years as the CEO of Columbus Podiatry and Surgery in Columbus, Ohio. He serves as a wound consultant for 3 other area hospitals and over 25 acute and long-term care facilities in the Central Ohio area. He is a Certified Wound Specialist, also a Fellow of both the American Professional Wound Care Association and the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.

Dr. Bhatia looks forward to his new role at the Wound Clinic, noting, “I am honored to now serve as the Assistant Medical director for the Wound Clinic, and be able to help patients who may sometimes have been suffering for years with their condition.”

For more information about the Wound Clinic at Fairfield Medical Center, please call (740) 689-6430.

The arch structure of our feet determines how we walk, which means our arches need to be both sturdy and flexible in order to adjust to different walking surfaces. For most people, their feet have a curve or an arch at the bottom that provides flexibility and shock absorption. But for the five percent of Adults in the U.S. with flat feet, also known as fallen arches, the arches of their feet are either partially or completely collapsed.

One common type of flatfoot is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching the tendon that supports the arch. Flexible flatfoot is also common and occurs when the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

Factors than increase your risk of flat feet include:

• Excess weight
• Age
• Injury to your foot or ankle
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pregnancy

When to See Your Columbus Podiatrist

Most adults with a fallen arch experience little to no pain. For these patients, treatment is rarely necessary. A painful flatfoot, however, may be the sign of a congenital abnormality or an injury to the muscles and tendons of the foot. Pain can be severe, making it difficult to walk, wear shoes and perform simple every day tasks. More than achy feet, flatfoot can also lead to other, more serious problems and pain for your ankles, knees, back and hips.

Common symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Swelling along the inside of the ankle
• Feet that tire easily or ache after standing for an extended period of time
• A lack of mobility in your foot and difficulty standing on your toes
• Sore, swollen feet; especially in the heel or arch of your foot

Steps Away from Flatfoot Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain caused by flatfoot, visit Columbus Podiatry & Surgery for an evaluation. We can identify the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatments for your type of arch.

Talk with your podiatrist about the following treatment options:

• Shoe inserts/ Orthotics
• Shoe modifications
• Rest and ice
• Stretching exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgery

Whether you were born with flat feet or you acquired fallen arches over time, if your flat feet are causing you pain or interfering with your day to day activities, visit Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. We can work with you to determine the best treatment options to eliminate the pain, improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you love.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems, often developing from a combination of poor circulation and nerve damage. Damage to the nerves in the legs and feet diminishes skin sensation, making it difficult to detect or notice pain or temperature changes. A minor sore or scrape on your foot may get infected simply because you don’t know it is there. A decrease in blood flow makes it difficult for these injuries to heal. And when a wound isn’t healing, it’s at risk for infection. Left untreated, minor foot injuries can result in ulceration and even amputation.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Simple daily foot care can help prevent serious health problems associated with diabetes.

At Columbus Podiatry & Surgery, we recommend the following tips for keeping your feet healthy and preventing foot complications:

• Wash feet daily. Keep feet clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry thoroughly.
• Moisturize. Moisturize daily to keep dry skin from cracking, and avoid putting lotion between your toes as this may cause infection.
• Trim your toenails carefully. Cut straight across, avoiding the corners; visit our office for assistance
• Never treat corns or calluses on your own. Visit your podiatrist for treatment.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold.
• Keep the blood flowing in your feet and legs. Elevate your feet when sitting; don’t sit cross-legged; and stay active.
• Inspect your feet every day. Check your feet for cuts, redness, swelling and nail problems. Contact Columbus Podiatry & Surgery if you notice anything unusual- even the slightest change.
• Avoid Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow in the feet
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and never walk barefoot
• Visit Columbus Podiatry & Surgery for regular exams. Seeing a podiatrist at our Columbus, OH office regularly can help prevent diabetic foot problems.

At Columbus Podiatry & Surgery, we understand that living with diabetes can be challenging. Let’s discuss simple ways you can reduce your risk of foot injuries. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and gets you back on your feet so you can enjoy the things you love. Remember to inspect your feet every day. If you detect an injury- no matter how small- come in for an exam right away.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885 FEET (3338) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.