Items filtered by date: May 2014

Diabetes Mellitus affects more than 230 million people worldwide! That is equivalent to approximately 20 times the number of people living in the state of Ohio alone. One out of every three people with diabetes is unaware they have the disease. There are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. The number of Americans with diabetes is expected to double or triple by the year 2050. While these statistics are grim, there are many things that can be done to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Here are some simple lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes:

• Stay at a healthy weight. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely linked, and maintaining a healthy weight can really make a difference! The goal is to maintain a BMI less than 25.
• Eating well is also important in prevention. Surprisingly, studies have shown that women that consume processed red meat are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eating less meat may be preventative as well as avoiding foods high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar. Eating whole grains, nuts and citrus fruits have also shown to be preventative. Having a diet high in fiber can also help control blood sugar, thus lowering the risk of developing diabetes. Stay away from fad diets, and make it a goal to simply make healthier choices.
• Ditch the soda for coffee! Drinking soda can increase your diabetes risk by 26%, but drinking more than 1 cup of coffee a day can be preventative.
• Be active. Walking for just a few minutes about half an hour after dinner has shown to be helpful by lowering blood sugar levels. Weight lifting can also lower blood sugar better than aerobic exercise can, while maintaining muscle mass and speeding metabolism. However, a good mix of aerobic exercise and weight training is ideal for maximum benefit.

These are just a few tips for a healthier lifestyle that may aid in the prevention of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has some genetic components, but developing the disease is greatly affected by lifestyle. It is never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle, and if you are at increased risk of developing diabetes it is important to talk to your doctor and get screened for diabetes.

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. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

Ballet is a beautiful mix of art and athleticism. However, fifteen to twenty percent of ballet injuries involve the foot! Dancers are notorious for having painful, or even ugly feet due to the enormous amount of pressure that is put on the tips of the toes repetitively. Dancers essentially use their feet in ways that they were not made for, and if they are not careful this can lead to potentially career ending injuries.

Dancer’s fracture is a common injury in ballet and happens when landing from a jump on an inverted foot causing a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, which runs along the outer edge of the foot. Treatment for a Dancer’s fracture consists of ice, rest, elevation, immobilization, and rehabilitation. Sesamoiditis is also common among dancers. The sesamoids are bones that are underneath and behind the big toe. Sesamoiditis occurs when the tendon attaching these two bones get irritated and inflamed while the dancer is on demi point. A J shaped pad can be placed under the sesamoids to provide cushioning. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be helpful, as well as taking some time off to allow proper healing. Hallux valgus, or bunions can be seen in anyone, but have a tendency to occur much sooner in dancers. Bunions can be treated conservatively with orthotics, strengthening, and activity modification. Surgery is reserved for severe cases if there is significant pain involved. Hallux rigidus, or limitus causes a decreased range of motion at a joint, which most commonly occurs at the metatarsal phalangeal joint in dancers. Modifications to dance routines can be made to prevent further injury. Stretching, rest, and ice are often adequate treatment options for hallux rigidus. Lateral ankle sprains are almost inevitable in dance. Treatment of ankle sprains includes anti-inflammatory medication, ice, rest, wrapping with an ace bandage, immobilization with a CAM walker, and rarely surgery.

Important tips to prevent ballet’s damaging effects on feet are allowing adequate rest between workouts, and taking it slow when working on anything new. If at all possible, do not dance on hard or uneven surfaces. Most importantly, if you notice pain, then stop and rest!

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. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

The pediatric population suffers from a distinct group of conditions, some of which adults do not suffer from. Younger patients have open growth plates leaving them vulnerable to injuries involving the growth plates, or due to the fact that some bones have not ossified, or hardened. However, pediatric patients are still vulnerable to the majority of adult foot complaints as well.

Some of the most common foot complaints in pediatrics are ingrown toenails, plantar warts, flat feet, and heel pain. Ingrown toenails are a common complaint because of rapid growth spurts in children leading to tight fitting shoes. When wearing shoes that are too tight the toes undergo trauma by rubbing against the shoe causing inflammation and infection. Another reason that children are more prone to ingrown nails is due to improper cutting or trimming of the nails. Plantar warts seem to be more prevalent in children since they have not had time to develop immunity against the wart virus (human papilloma virus). Children and adolescents are also exposed to the virus if they are involved in sports where they use a locker room, or walk barefoot near a pool. Flat feet are a common complaint, and are particularly concerning for many parents. If the flat feet are symmetrical, and do not cause pain, then orthotics and supportive shoes can be used, but if the flat feet are associated with pain or asymmetrical, then surgery may be considered. Heel pain in pediatrics that occurs during the ages of 8-12 is often due to Sever’s Calcaneal Apophysitis, or Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and pain of the heel bone, or calcaneal bone. The pain is felt where the Achilles tendon inserts onto the heel bone, and is aggravated with activity. Sever’s disease is more common in males, but is also seen in females that are active in sports. Sever’s disease is often preceded by a growth spurt. Following growth spurts the calf muscles and Achilles tendon may become tight causing strain and excessive pulling on the heel bone.

The previous conditions just name a few of the common complaints in the pediatric population. However, there are many other conditions that are specific to the pediatric population. If your child suffers from any foot conditions, then do not hesitate to contact your Podiatrist.

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. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.