Items filtered by date: February 2014

More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy exist, and each type comes with different symptoms, and often a different prognosis. Small sensory fibers transmit pain and temperature sensation, and in small-fiber peripheral neuropathy these fibers are damaged. Large fibers are involved in vibratory sense and proprioception, or being able to sense the movement and orientation of body parts. Believe it or not, peripheral neuropathy can be caused by physical injury, systemic disease, autoimmune diseases, infections, or even be inherited. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, and depending on the type and severity, treatment may be less than optimal. Neuropathic pain is often difficult to control, and in diabetics can be the cause of serious complications.

Boston Children’s Hospital has developed a topical skin cream that may relieve the type of neuropathy often found in diabetics, called small-fiber neuropathy. This topical cream cannot regenerate the damaged fibers, but allows a group of factors known as GDNF to stimulate nerve growth. This stimulation improves the health and function of the neurons, and when studied in mice this led to improved sensation, even in diabetic mice with advanced disease. This peripheral neuropathy treatment may help a lot of diabetic patients that have uncontrolled pain and decreased sensation in their extremities. This topical cream can be applied directly to the areas that are most affected, and provide more targeted treatment. The fact that the cream would be applied directly to the source would also mean that there would be less systemic side effects. Currently, the skin cream is being tested to determine if the cream would have any benefit in patients with large-fiber neuropathy.

If this topical cream becomes available it has the potential to help the millions of Americans that suffer from neuropathy. Until then there are still many treatments available to help ease the pain. If you are suffering from neuropathy, contact your podiatrist in Columbus Ohio.

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.

The phrase, “don’t shoot yourself in the foot”, is a common expression that means to not say or do something that is damaging or careless. However, a 16-year old boy from Chicago made this expression literal when he shot himself in the foot when trying to defend himself from a robber. When the teen was approached by robbers he pulled out his gun, and accidentally fired it, hitting his own foot. The boy was taken to a hospital, and reported to be in good condition.

Gun shot wounds on the lower extremity are not that uncommon, in fact they make up about 5% of all gunshot wounds. Gun shot wounds in the lower extremity are usually not fatal, but still require a lot of care. The anatomy in the lower extremity is complex, and consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, numerous tendons, arteries and nerves all in a small amount of space. Treatment varies greatly depending on the amount of soft tissue, bone, arterial, and nerve damage. First, a radiograph and CT will be taken to identify the location of the bullet if the bullet is still in the foot, and also view the extent of the damage. This type of injury will be treated very similar to an open fracture wound so local wound care, tetanus update, and antibiotics are important. Wound cultures will need to be taken, and antibiotic therapy will be adjusted accordingly. If surgery is indicated and the patient is stable, then open reduction internal fixation or external fixation will be done to correct and stabilize the bones. Often skin grafts are needed when there is extensive soft tissue damage. The end result may not be the best in appearance, but the goal is to retain as much function as possible. In the case of injury to blood supply, then surgery will need to be done urgently to prevent gangrene or loss of the limb. Another urgent situation that may arise is compartment syndrome, and will also require emergency surgery to relieve pressure. Special care must be taken to remove all lead fragments that the bullet may have left behind to prevent lead toxicity.

Gunshot injuries to the lower extremity are very serious even though they are not typically fatal. Management of gunshot wounds can be tricky because of the amount of structures in the foot. Treatment may involve multiple procedures, lots of wound care, and even amputation. The best way to prevent this type of injury is simply; don’t shoot yourself in the foot!

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.

February 11, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Charles Farmer at

884-4400 or 843-8400 after 5 pm
1100 Dennison Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
614-884-4400-office
800-422-7946-toll free
614-884-4484-fax
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Central Ohio Diabetes Association NEWS

Central Ohio Diabetes Association Continues To Celebrate
50 Years of Serving the Community by Hosting
An Open House Promoting Living A Healthy Lifestyle

In 1964, a group of Central Ohio Doctors founded the Central Ohio Diabetes Association with the goal of helping Central Ohioans with diabetes to detect their condition, prevent onset and complications and learn to live well with the challenge of the disease. Now 50 years later that mission continues to be carried out at the Central Ohio Diabetes Association.

On Wednesday, February 26, the Central Ohio Diabetes Association will host a community event, “An Open House Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle,” which is part of its Brush Up Series on Diabetes Care from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the agency Headquarters, 1100 Dennison Ave. For more information call 614-884-4400.

This event is designed to offer clients and neighbors of Central Ohio Diabetes Association information about services and products related to diabetes self-management and also to give them an opportunity to participate in short workshops that offer practical instruction in cooking, stress management and exercise.

Caring for Diabetes is a 24 hour, seven day a week job and no matter how much you know it never hurts to get a “Brush-Up” on how to take care of yourself.

Whether you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or are at risk for the disease, this session could help you or someone you know who is affected by diabetes.

Some of the featured vendors scheduled to attend include: Arena Eye Surgeons, Clintonville Community Resource Center, Columbus Podiatry and Surgery, Inc., Exact Care Pharmacy, Local Matters/Cooking Matters, the Lower Lights Christian Health Center, National Kidney Foundation, OSU Comprehensive Wound Center, Roche AccuChek, Susmita Sadana, PhD, Cookbook Author, United Health Care Community Plan and the YMCA.

Registration is required, please call 884-4400 and ask about the Brush-Up Open House Session.

Ankle joint arthritis can be just as debilitating or more than hip, back, or knee joint arthritis. Ankle arthritis often occurs in people that have had a prior history of traumatic injuries to the ankle, such as ankle fractures or sprains. When a person has debilitating ankle joint arthritis total ankle replacements and ankle fusions are often the treatment of choice when conservative methods have failed. There are many factors that physicians utilize when determining which treatment option is the most appropriate.

Surgical options are only sought once the arthritis begins interfering with daily activities, and pain cannot be controlled with conservative methods. Total ankle replacements can help relieve pain while maintaining motion in the joint. Fusions on the other hand work by eliminating motion entirely, thus eliminating pain. When initially looking at these two options, the total ankle replacement may seem like a no brainer, but as with any surgical procedure there are some cons. Total ankle replacements often fail within 10-20 years depending on the activity level of the patient, and the type of replacement apparatus used. Most people should expect a revision surgery down the road so a replacement may not be ideal for those that want to avoid future surgeries. If the fibula, which is the bone on the outside part of the leg, is not left intact then future revisions may be more complicated. Fusions are also known as an ankle arthrodesis, and are considered to be the “gold standard” as far as surgical treatment. Fusions are often done in younger patients because younger patients are often too active for total ankle replacements to be successful. As newer generation ankle replacements become available the eligibility for total ankle replacements may begin including more people. The average age for total ankle replacement procedures is around 60 years old, and is similar to the average age for other joint replacement surgeries.

Regardless of the location, arthritis is a leading cause for disability, and is an important condition to treat. There are many options available, and the best option varies depending on individual factors. Speak to your Podiatrist if you suffer from painful ankle arthritis, and would like to see what options are best 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.

Chondrosarcoma is the fancy medical term for one of the most common types of bone cancer in the foot. About 30% of tumors affecting the bone are chondrosarcomas. This type of cancer arises from the cartilage cells in bones. This cancer is also known to spread quickly so early diagnosis is important for optimal treatment. Even though this type of cancer is the most common bone tumor that affects the foot, cancer in the foot is very rare.

There are certain conditions that increase the risk of getting a chondrosarcoma. Ollier’s disease and Maffucci’s syndrome drastically increase the risk of getting a chondrosarcoma. Ollier disease is a skeletal disorder that leads to cartilaginous tumors that may end up becoming malignant. Maffucci’s syndrome causes many benign bone tumors to develop, and these benign tumors may become malignant. The tumors that these conditions cause are known as enchondromas. These enchondromas present most commonly on the hands, and sometimes the feet. Enchondromas rarely become malignant, but since they affect the cartilage they usually turn into a chondrosarcoma when they become malignant. The lesion presents as a slow growing mass with mild pain. Some genetic mutations are sometimes responsible for these malignancies, such as RB-1 gene and p53 gene. RB-1 gene is also associated with causing a tumor in the eye. The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene so when there is a mutation, then cells can divided uncontrollably leading to a tumor.

Treatment of chondrosarcomas depends on the stage that the cancer is found. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical resection are options. If the cancer is caught early, then the tumor may be resected easily and minimal deformity or defect will remain. If the cancer has spread, then an amputation may be necessary. Although this is a very rare condition this type of cancer can be very debilitating if not treated early. Knowing what to look for, and being cognizant of changes are the keys to early detection of any medical condition. Here are some common symptoms of a bone tumor:

• Large mass on bone
• Pain that is present for years, but worsens over time
• Feeling of pressure in the area
• Pain that is worse at night, but relieved with NSAIDS
• Pain is not relieved by 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, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.