Items filtered by date: April 2014

Summer is not quite here, but for many people the warmer weather leads to poor choices in summer shoe gear. Women are especially notorious for wearing shoes that are terrible for their feet, but men also make poor shoe choices. Eight out of ten women say their shoes are painful. Vanity often comes before comfort for members of both genders. Some of the most popular shoe choices in the summer include flip-flops, sandals, and tennis shoes for the active outdoorsy types.

Flip-flops are well known for their bad reputation, but they do serve a purpose and should not necessarily be completely banned from your closet. Flip-flops have a bad reputation because they do not have arch support, they are thin, and leave the foot vulnerable to injury. However, there are higher quality flip-flops that DO have arch support and thicker soles, which would make them more comfortable, but still does not solve the problem of vulnerability to injury. Flip-flops are great for the beach, or lounging around, but terrible for long distance walking. In fact, flip-flops are recommended on the beach over barefoot walking to prevent injury and possible infection due to a puncture wound. Flip-flops are also a great way to prevent getting fungal infections at gyms, hotels, or public pools. Flip-flops have many great uses, but the problem is that they are abused. Although they are convenient and easy to put on, they are not meant for daily use at school or work, unless you work as a lifeguard! Whether you wear flip-flops, sandals, or tennis shoes ensure that they provide arch support, cushioning, and are worn appropriately depending on the activity.

Flip-flops can cause injuries such as, stress fractures, cuts, and stubbed or fractured toes due to the lack of protection. Too many people go on vacation, and utilize flip-flops as their primary shoe gear and end up with injuries. Moderation, planning ahead, and choosing quality shoe gear are the keys to injury prevention!

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.

Pregnancy can be a time filled with excitement and anticipation as an expecting parent awaits the arrival of their newborn. However, pregnancy also comes with crazy hormones, drastic body changes, and can be very uncomfortable at times. Pregnancy also causes a lot of changes to the feet. Pregnancy comes with a wide range of potential side effects, some of which are more serious than others.

The increased amount of hormones during pregnancy is the main culprit for changes in the foot during pregnancy. The increased hormones act by relaxing the ligaments in the foot, which in turn make the foot flatter, and sometimes up to an entire size larger. Weight gained during pregnancy also plays a role by adding more pressure on the feet and the knees, which in turn puts more stress on the arches of the feet. The gait cycle also changes in pregnancy due to altered center of gravity. The alteration in the center of gravity causes women to be less balanced and more prone to falling during pregnancy. Edema in the lower extremity is also a common complaint in pregnancy, and occurs due to the increased blood accumulated during pregnancy. There is increased pressure on blood vessels leading to a slower circulation, and this causes blood to pool in the lower extremity.

Edema, loss of balance, and flat, painful feet can play a large role in a person’s quality of life. There are a few things that can be done to prevent or treat these common side affects. Orthotics can provide extra support for the foot, prevent over pronation, and even add cushioning to prevent the development of conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Orthotics during pregnancy may also help prevent the exacerbation of existing conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or tendonitis. Exercising increases circulation and can help decrease the amount of edema. Avoid standing for long periods of time if at all possible. Elevating the legs is also important for edema reduction. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat a well balanced diet with low sodium intake, and watch for any changes in edema or asymmetry. Resting on the left side can decrease the amount of pressure placed on the blood vessels and decrease edema. Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide support is important during pregnancy to prevent falls and injuries. Wearing proper shoes is definitely an added challenge especially when one cannot even see their own feet, but supportive and stable shoes are a must! This means that shoes with a significant heel are probably not the best choice, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. There is enough to worry about during pregnancy without dealing with foot pain or discomfort. Contact your Podiatrist if you are suffering from any of these common foot ailments.

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.

Now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner many people will get out their sandals and shorts, and enjoy the sunshine.  Regardless of skin tone, caution should be taken with sun exposure.  Despite popular belief, melanoma can be caused from sources other than sun exposure, and can be more deadly in those with darker skin tones.  The most common site of melanoma in African Americans is on the foot.  Melanoma on the foot is typically caused by viruses, chemical exposure, chronic inflammation, or inherited traits.  Melanoma on the foot is rarely caused by sun exposure.  All types of melanoma can be deadly, but usually respond well to early diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma is key to preventing adverse outcomes, such as metastasis.  Most melanomas are painless, but may present with cracking, bleeding, or ulceration.  Melanoma may occur on the soles of the foot, under the toenails, or on the top of the foot.  Melanoma usually begins as a dark brown or black spot or bump.  A Podiatrist should evaluate any new or changing moles or bumps on the foot.  There are four features to look at when evaluating a mole or bump on the skin.  The four features are asymmetry, borders, color, and diameter.  Melanoma will typically present with an asymmetrical lesion with uneven borders.  Melanoma also presents with uneven coloring, and a diameter greater than 6 mm.

If you notice a suspicious mole or bump on the foot, or even some changes in the pigment of the skin, then an evaluation by your Podiatrist may be warranted.  A biopsy can be performed to determine if the lesion is cancerous.  Early treatment provides the best outcomes.  To help prevent melanoma on any part of your body remember to wear sunscreen, limit time in the sun, limit exposure to chemicals, and watch for any new moles or bumps. Lastly, do not forget to look at the bottom of the foot because the sole of the foot is a very common place for melanoma to hide!

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.

Kent Bazemore, of the Lakers, has a lot of potential as a young athlete. This was his second season to play professional basketball. Bazemore is the 6-foot-5 guard for the Lakers, and will unfortunately be sitting out the rest of the season due to a foot injury. Bazemore sustained a tear in the peroneus longus tendon, which courses along the plantar, or bottom part of the foot, and runs medially. The most common way to tear the peroneus longus tendon is by forced dorsiflexion, or upward motion of the foot. An MRI of Bazemore’s foot confirmed a tear in the peroneus longus tendon in the right foot. He will soon undergo surgical correction of the torn tendon.

The peroneal longus and brevis muscles are located on the outside part of the leg, and the tendons continue down into the foot. The peroneus brevis stays lateral, or on the outside of the foot, while the peroneus longus courses medially, or towards the inner part of the foot. The peroneal muscles are important in eversion of the foot, and play an important part of steady gait. Tears of the peroneus brevis are more common, and often occur with a lateral ankle sprain. The weakest portion of the peroneus longus tendon is on the plantar aspect of the foot along the cuboid bone, which is the bone on the outer part of the mid foot. The peroneus longus tendon is ruptured either longitudinally or transversely. A longitudinal tear is more common, and occurs when the peroneus longus tendon pulls against the peroneus brevis tendon until it tears longitudinally. A tear in either tendon can be troublesome, and even career ending, but there are a few treatments available.

Non-surgical options include rest, ice, compression, and pain medications. A walking cast or boot may aid the healing process. In athletes non-surgical options are not usually pursued to give the athlete the best chance at returning to activity, and allowing a faster recovery. Surgical options include tendonesis, which is a procedure that involves sewing the damaged part of the tendon to the normal tendon, or tendon debridement and repair, which involves removing the inflamed portion of the tendon, and replacing it with normal tendon, or possibly even a graft from the Achilles tendon. After surgery immobilization is required for 6-12 weeks. Bazemore might be out for the season, but with the proper care he should be back in the game next season.

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.

Flu season is about to reach its typical peak at the end of January to the beginning of February, but in Columbus and across the country record high numbers of individuals have already been suffering from the virus. There are many remedies and medications that people utilize to improve their health when they have the flu or one of the major respiratory viruses that have also been prominent this year. One popular folk remedy this year has been the use of vapor rub applied to the feet to cure a cough. This is not the only foot related remedy that vapor rub has been rumored to be useful for. Vapor rub applied to the feet has also been believed to be a form of treatment for fungal toenails.

Vapor rub is typically applied to the chest and throat so that vapors may reach the passageways to the lungs where mucus buildup and swelling can be relieved. Vapor rubs are also indicated for application on areas of musculoskeletal soreness and aches, including the feet. However, there is no scientific data that supports the idea that vapor rub applied to the feet is useful in the treatment of coughs or toenail fungus. Vick’s VapoRub even states on their website that they do not recommend their product for the treatment of toenail fungus because it has not been tested for or approved by the FDA approved for that purpose.

Vapor rubs for the treatment of a cough applied according to the package can be useful for individuals with diabetes in need of a topical medication that will not elevate their blood glucose. However, applying vapor rub in the hopes of eradicating toenail fungus may even cause more harm than good. Toenail fungus is difficult to eradicate and typically develops in association with tinea pedis. Moisturizing creams and occlusive ointments, such as a vapor rub, can keep the fungus causing these infection trapped in the nails and skin. Pinpointe foot laser therapy provides one great option to eradicate unsightly thickened and discolored fungal toenails with even less effort than would be required by the application of an ineffective vapor rub!

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.

Swimming kicked off the Olympic Games this past weekend with an exciting start as many of the events were full of surprises. Former champ Michael Phelps was defeated by fellow American Ryan Lochte in the 400 meter medley, in which Lochte won gold. Swimming is known for being an activity that is less damaging to the joints of the knee, foot and ankle, and can even offer a means of exercise for athletes of other sports with certain foot injuries!

Just about the worst thing a runner can hear is that they are injured and going to have to take time off from running. Luckily, swimming can help soften this blow by offering an alternative way to get some cardiovascular activity. Stress fractures are small fracture that occurs from excessive force on normal bone and can force runners to talk a break from running for several weeks. For the runner with a stress fracture, swimming is often a great alternative that will not bear weight on the injury. Swimming can also help an athlete ease back into their favorite sport after other serious injuries. For example, after a peroneal tendon tear, swimming can help to make the transition from being immobilized in a cast or a CAM walker boot to normal running or other weight bearing sports go more gently by allowing the muscles to slowly adapt.

Swimmers should also be careful to take care to avoid injuries that can occur from intense pool training. Ankle pain is a common complaint from the repetitive motion the ankles are forced through while swimming. The Achilles tendon, which is responsible for flexing the foot, may also become irritated from the repetition and develop Achilles tendonitis. While the Achilles is doing much of the work, the extensor tendons on the top of the foot can also become irritated by being tightly pulled. By taking care to stretch the feet and ankles properly and always listen to your body when working out, these injuries can be minimized. Swimmers also need to take extra care to avoid developing warts, Athlete’s foot, and fungal nails from bacteria and fungus that may live in locker rooms and poolside surfaces where other bare feet have deposited them. If these conditions do develop, contact your podiatrist immediately to treat the condition and prevent its spread to others.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information on Swimmers Feet 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.

About 9% of patients with diabetic neuropathy have had Charcot foot. Charcot foot is a degenerative condition that affects the joints in the feet. Charcot can occur in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize morbidity and further complications.

Charcot foot goes hand in hand with diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients with neuropathy are at risk of developing Charcot foot because of the lack of sensation in the foot and lower extremity. Neuropathic patients often walk on an injured foot, and they may damage or cause breaks in the bones of the foot, due to decreased sensation and weak bone structure. Over time the joints collapse, or change shape, and eventually the foot may have a rocker bottom appearance. Some patients have a traumatic event; such as a trip or fall occur prior to the onset of Charcot foot, while others do not. The acute onset of Charcot presents with warmth, redness, and swelling, and may progress to a collapsed, deformed foot. When diagnosis is made, then immobilization with a cast or boot will help stabilize the foot, and allow healing. Depending on the severity, surgery is another option. Charcot foot may require months of immobilization for proper healing to occur. Many patients with Charcot do not present with pain, and this sometimes leads to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Some cases have a severe deformity before diagnosis is made.

Charcot foot can be devastating, but there are a few steps to prevent Charcot foot from occurring or recurring. One of the most important steps for diabetics is to keep tight control on blood glucose levels. Compliance with diabetic medications is very helpful in preventing neuropathy, which in turn could prevent Charcot foot. If neuropathy has already begun, speak to your podiatrist about treatment options. Doing daily foot examinations is something every diabetic should get in the habit of doing, and it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist if there are any changes in color, shape, or temperature, as well as any open wounds or calluses on 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. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.