Items filtered by date: March 2014

Are you debating whether or not to trash your favorite pair of shoes due to an embarrassing shoe odor? Do you tend to sweat more than other people you know? Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats excessively, even when the temperature is cool. Those that suffer from hyperhidrosis may have more problems associated with foot odors. Fungal infections or bacteria are two of the biggest causes of foot odor, and excessive sweating creates an optimal environment for bugs to grow. Below are some tips to make shoes less smelly.

• UV shoe deodorizers have shown to help by killing bacteria in shoes. However, UV shoe deodorizers are often expensive and not practical for most people. For example, Columbus Podiatry & Surgery offers the Sterishoe for $130.
• Stuff two dryer sheets in each shoe until the shoes are worn again.
• Sprinkle two tablespoons of borax into each shoe, then dump it out before wearing again.
• Mix baking soda with medicated foot powder and let the mixture sit in the shoes for at least 8 hours before wearing.
• Fill a spray bottle with either green tea or vodka and spray in shoes. Let the solution dry before putting shoes back on.
• Try not to wear the same shoes more than two days in a row.

These tips will only help with smelly shoes, but there are solutions to help alleviate smelly feet as well. If sweat is the cause of the foot odor the best solution is an antiperspirant made especially for the feet. Some antiperspirants are sold over the counter, and stronger ones may require a prescription. Soaking the feet in black tea for 30 minutes a day for a week is another great solution. If a fungus is the cause of foot odor, then your Podiatrist may prescribe an anti-fungal medication. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery offer a large assortment of products. Please visit ColumbusFoot product page for more information. If you are suffering from embarrassing foot odor, then don’t hesitate to contact your Podiatrist to find the best solution for you!

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

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Orthotics are devices that are placed in the shoe to put the foot in a neutral position, or provide cushioning depending on the type of orthotic. Orthotics devices are used in foot conditions such as, flat foot, pes cavus (high arched feet), equinus (muscular imbalance limiting upward motion of foot), hammertoes, limb length difference, diabetes, bunions and many other conditions. Orthotics can be custom made or bought over the counter. A plaster cast of the foot is used to send to a lab that makes custom made orthotics, and the orthotics lab can add correction specific to the patients’ needs.

Orthotics fall into two different categories: functional and accommodative. Functional orthotics devices are used to correct biomechanical deformities in the frontal plane, and reduce impact while running or walking. Functional correction is used to reduce abnormal pronation by providing support of the arch, while accommodative orthotics are a soft supportive device used to provide cushioning, and distribute weight bearing pressures evenly across the bottom of the foot. When making orthotics it is important to compensate for limb length differences because even a small difference can cause pathology, and affect gait. Symptomatic differences in limb length usually occur when there is a 4cm or greater difference. Functional orthotics devices are made of semi-rigid material to provide stability, such as graphite or plastic. Accommodative orthotics devices are usually made of softer materials, such as leather or foam to provide comfort. Accommodative orthotics devices are used in conditions such as, diabetes to help relieve pressure.

This is just a brief overview of the various uses and types of orthotics, and is not complete by any means. For some people, orthotics devices are a way to treat foot pain conservatively and avoid surgery. Orthotics devices are sometimes recommended post-operatively to prevent recurrence of various deformities. However, some patients use orthotics devices to provide stability and support to the foot, and prevent injuries. Contact your Podiatrist if you feel that you could benefit from orthotics devices to best determine what type may be right for your foot type. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery offers a wide array of orthotics, utilize several techniques and manufacturers to accommodate our patients individual needs.

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

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Swelling or peripheral edema in either one or both lower extremities is a common complaint. Peripheral edema can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are benign, while others are more serious. Peripheral edema is seen in many diabetic patients due to damaged capillaries. These capillaries are damaged by increased pressure, and this leads to leakage of fluid into tissues. Edema is not just an inconvenience, but can also cause complications, such as poor wound healing. Edema should be evaluated to determine whether the cause is benign, and discuss treatment options available to lessen the severity and prevent damage to nerves.

There are many ways to manage and lessen the severity of edema. The following tips apply to edema from all causes, including edema caused by diabetes.

• Simply elevating the affected leg or foot can help minimize swelling. Be sure to elevate the leg or foot above the level of the heart for best results.
• Exercising is also a great way to reduce swelling, especially in diabetic patients. Exercise not only increases circulation to the lower extremity, but also helps to reduce blood sugar.
• Compression stockings work by returning fluid to the lymphatic system, while also improving circulation. Compression stockings may not be the most comfortable, but they help significantly reduce edema. Compression stockings are not suitable for everyone, and in some circumstances may be contraindicated.
• Minimizing sodium intake can help by preventing water retention, and also reducing blood pressure.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed because this will reduce circulation to your lower extremities, and may worsen edema.
• Ensure that shoes do not fit too tight, and fit comfortably.

These are just tips to reduce edema, and do not replace seeing a physician to ensure edema is not caused by something more serious, such as a blood clot or peripheral arterial disease. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to maintaining your health. Take care of your feet so they don’t slow you down!

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

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

External fixation may look very high-tech, and maybe even scary. However, external fixation has been used in one way or another since almost 2400 years ago. External fixation techniques were described by Hippocrates, and were used in treating tibia fractures. External fixation is a minimally invasive technique to reduce displaced fractures.

Jean François Malgaigne was one of the many pioneers that made advancements with external fixation devices. In 1846, Malgaigne used a device that consisted of a clamp and four metal prongs to reduce and stabilize a fracture of the patella, or kneecap. Following this external fixation device many other similar inventions were used to treat fractures in various locations. In 1938, Raoul Hoffman made advancements that made external fixation even more useful, and allowed surgeons to place pins into a fracture for stabilization with guidance, while being minimally invasive. In 1951, Dr. Gavriil A. Ilizarov developed the external fixation device that is still in use today. Ilizarov’s fixation device consists of a metal frame that encircles the limb, and is attached to underlying bone by pins. Threaded rods and hinges allow movement of the bone to the correct alignment. Ilizarov’s external fixator is great because adjustments can be made without opening the fracture site, and the device provides stability.

Modern day external fixation not only provides stability to a fracture, but can also be used for soft tissue deformities, as well as other bony deformities. External fixation is preferred when slow correction is wanted. The chance of getting a blood clot is lessened because with external fixation patients can be partial weight bearing, or weight bearing as tolerated following the procedure due to the stability that the fixation provides. External fixators have been used for other bony deformities, such as Charcot, ankle arthritis, and clubfoot. External fixation can also be used to lengthen amputated foot and toe stumps. External fixation has definitely helped many people, but there are still some cons. Pain and infections are two issues associated with external fixation, and rates vary depending on the extent of the procedure, and the location of the device. External fixation devices are used by many Podiatrists for treating many different ailments, and have been crucial to shaping the Podiatry and Orthopedic professions.

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

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Stephon Tuitt, a defensive lineman for the Notre Dame is missing work outs due to his injured foot. Tuitt will be out for six to eight weeks while he recovers. For many football players this is a crucial time to show recruiters what they have to offer, and may be the only chance they have to prove themselves. Tuitt suffered a Jone’s fracture, which is caused from forced inversion and plantar flexion of the foot (downward and in motion of the foot). Jone’s fractures are further classified by the location of the fracture, or by the mechanism. The fracture can be an avulsion fracture, stress fracture, or a true Jone’s fracture. Tuitt had what is referred to as a Jone’s avulsion fracture.

A Jone’s avulsion fracture occurs when a piece of the 5th metatarsalis torn off by a tendon. The 5th metatarsal is the long bone on the outer part of the foot. The peroneus brevis attaches to the 5th metatarsal, and is responsible for this type of fracture. Blood flow to this area is sparse, and makes healing of this type of fracture more difficult. Conservative treatment consists of immobilization with a cast and crutches. In cases that do not heal, then surgery may be the only successful option. Surgical treatment consists of fixation of the bone fragment with a screw, and bone graft may also be needed.

In competitive athletes, such as Tuitt, surgery is often the initial treatment in order to decrease the healing time so that the athlete may return to activity. Even though Tuitt is missing out on Pro Day there is speculation that Tuitt may have his own Pro Day at a separate date once he has healed so he will not miss his opportunity to shine. Tuitt may not be at full strength after being out for so long, but he should make a full recovery from his Jone’s fracture.

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

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.