Sunday, December 25, 2011

'Tis the Season- Handle Bunions With care

The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, but if your feet hurt, you certainly can't be the life of the party. With a bunion to worry about, you may not be able to enjoy all the pleasure that the holidays can bring- and the dancing too. However, there are ways to "beat the blues" when dealing with bunions, and taking some of these steps can bring you relief- at least from your foot pain.
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe- the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint- that forms when the bone or tissue moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries much of the weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated.
The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making wearing shoes sometimes difficult or impossible.
Bunions are a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way we walk, our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other reasons. Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down- not the bunion. Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease.
Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option. The primary goal of most treatment options is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity.
A podiatric physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments: padding and taping to minimize pain, medication to ease the pain and inflammation, physical therapy (such as ultrasound), and orthotics (shoe inserts) to control foot function and reduce symptoms.
When conservative treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint. Several surgical procedures are available to the podiatric physician. the surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore a more appropriate alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.
A simple bunionectomy, in which only the bony prominence is removed, may be used for the less severe deformity. Severe bunions may require a more involved procedure, which includes cutting the bone and realigning the joint.
Recuperation takes time, and swelling and some discomfort are common for several weeks following surgery. Pain, however, is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatric physician. 
For more information on bunions, visit our website: http://www.ctfootcare.com/bunions.html
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Got Gout? Holiday Season Triggers Painful Toes

Got gout? If so, doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons have a recommendation for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink.
Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain food and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year.
Gout attacks are extremely painful. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint, because the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes.
Foot and ankle surgeons say that foods that are high in purines contribute to uric acid build-up. They recommend that people prone to gout attacks avoid purine-rich items such as shellfish (shrimp, crabs, etc), organ meats (liver, kidney, etc), red meat, red wine, and beer.
Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes, increasing the consumption of appropriate fluids, and immobilizing the foot. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint.
For more information on gout, check out the gout page on our website: http://www.ctfootcare.com/gout.html
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Monday, December 19, 2011

Tour of Glastonbury Office

Our Glastonbury office is located at:
300 Hebron Avenue Ste. 105
860-633-6749
Dr. Ayman Latif practices at this location.

Reception Area


Waiting Room 


Exam Room
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in Glastonbury, CT
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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tour of Newington Office

Our Newington office is located at:
505 Willard Ave. Bldg 2, Ste. D
860-666-2078.
Dr. Kaufman practices at this location.

Exam Room


X-Rays on Site


Surgery and Procedure Room


Reception Area


Welcome!
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrist in Newington, CT
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Tour of Middletown Office

Our Middletown office is located at: 
535 Saybrook Road
860-346-5226
Dr.s Kahn, Kaufman, and Latif practice out of the Middletown location. 


 Surgery and Procedure Room


X-Rays on Site


Exam Room


Surgical Consultation Room


Waiting Room


Waiting Room
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in Middletown, CT
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Avoid Holiday Foot Mishaps

Lots of holiday shopping usually means lots of walking, sometimes running and it can all add up to painful feet!  A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) shows the number one way women
soothe their soles during the holiday madness is by moisturizing their feet. Stretching and massaging the feet are also on the list of favorite foot fixes. APMA offers a few more ways to keep your feet merry this holiday season: 
* Point Your Toes – Avoid toe cramping by raising, pointing, and curling your toes for five seconds each and repeat 10 times.  You won’t even break a sweat!
* Massage Your Feet – Women like it because it works!  Release tension, increase circulation, and rejuvenate the skin after a long day on your feet.  Get out the lotion and rub those toes!
* Elevate Your Legs – Reduce swelling by lying down and lifting legs above your heart. 
* Rotate Your Ankles – Relax your feet by rotating your ankles, cupping your heel, and turning each ankle slowly five times.  This loosens the ankle joints.
* Wear Smart Shoes – No high heels! If you know you will be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with arch support and a padded sole. 
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in Connecticut
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Monday, December 12, 2011

Looking For the Perfect Boots?

Boots are not only a practical choice for winter weather, but today's boots can also be a fashion statement. For us in Connecticut, boots in the winter are almost a way of life! Even those who do not necessarily need to wear boots in the winter chose to wear them. If you follow some specific "podiatrist-approved" advice, you will be comfortable wearing your boots regardless of where you live and what types of temperatures you have to endure. Remember- not all boots are made equal!
* Have your feet measured before trying on boots. The size of your feet can change throughout your life. Keep in mind that your boot size may not be the same in all styles and brands of boots. Try to fit boots in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest. And buy your boots for your larger foot- did you know that most feet are not exactly the same size?
*Boots should feel comfortable when you try them on in the store. Don't think that you can "break them in" because more than likely if they aren't comfortable in the store, they won't be comfortable in three more weeks. Boots constructed of natural materials, like leather, will keep your feet dry and comfortable during the winter months. Stay away from synthetics and plastics which will cause your feet to sweat, trapping in heat and moisture and causing odor.
*Bring your prescribed insoles or orthotics when boot shopping. The rigid shape of some boots limits natural foot movement and provides no arch support. A good insole inside the boot will cushion your foot and provide that much needed support.
*While you are in the store, think about how you will be using your boot. If you opt for furry snow boots, you will want to look for rubber soles with deep grooves to give you the best traction. Obviously, those narrow high heels and spikes look fashionable, but they won't help you out on a snowy, icy day! Choose a lower heel or stacked heel for additional support.
*When choosing boots for specific sports such as skiing or snowboarding, you should always work with a knowledgeable sales person. With good advice, along with your orthotics or insoles, you can not only be comfortable, but you can also improve your performance on the ice and snow.
When in doubt about any type of boot, ask your podiatrist for recommendations. Often the doctor can help you make the best choice for your foot type and even for a specific sport. Even Santa has a good podiatrist you know. ;)
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in Connecticut
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tour of Kensington Office

Our Kensington office is located at:
949 Farmington Avenue
Phone: 860-828-9455
Dr. Craig Kaufman, DPM is the only doctor who sees patients in this office, on Tuesdays 9-5 and Thursdays 1:30-5.


Welcome!


Waiting Room


X-Rays on site


"There are millions of toes in the world, but only ten you can count on."


Exam Room

Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrist in Kensington/Berlin, CT
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Monday, December 5, 2011

APMA's "15 Days of Foot Festivities"

Let APMA’s Ernie the Elf “treat your feet” this holiday season with some fabulous foot-friendly gifts during the "15 Days of Foot Festivities" Giveaway! How can you win? Simply follow APMA on Twitter @APMAtweets and become a fan on Facebook for a chance to win once a day. 
The contest runs from December 5-23, and giveaways will include APMA Seal products from companies like Reebok, AmLactin, ASICS, and more. Make sure to use Ernie's official giveaway hashtag on Twitter (#footfestivus) to increase your chances to win! 
Check out APMA’s Twitter and Facebook pages for more information. Good luck!
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Heel Pain in Children

Pain in your feet is never normal, but children who play sports who experiencing pain in their heels should be
seen by a podiatrist right away. "Playing through the pain" should never be an option. Untreated heel pain in children can lead to complications walking and complicated therapy.
The highest number of heel pain cases in children spikes in the fall and winter, mostly due to sports. The growing epidemic of childhood obesity is another cause of heel pain in adolescents. Fortunately for children, they are good healers and treatment can be simple if the problem is caught early.
Children undergoing growth spurts, for girls from age 8 to 13 and for boys from age 8 to 15, are most susceptible to heel pain. A strip of soft tissue where new bone is forming to fit adolescent's new feet is called the growth plate of the heel bone. As well, other sources may be overuse, repeated pounding, or excessive force on the Achilles tendon can cause the inflammation and pain.
For teenagers whose growth plates have already finished forming, causes of heel pain may be plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, or bone bruises or fractures.
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may the the most simple remedy to a child's heel pain, but when the pain continues, an evaluation is necessary. A doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory, physical therapy, or other treatments, like orthotics.
If your child is experiencing heel pain, there is no need to bring them to the emergency room. A podiatrist is the only doctor who specializes in the foot and ankle for people of all ages.
As a parent, you should consider switching your child's shoes. Those fashionable Ugg boots, ballet flats, Converse sneakers, and flip-flops may be what your child wants, but they are not right for a growing foot (or most any foot for that matter!). Some guidelines for shoes are:
*Consider an insert to raise the heel, especially in flat-soled cleats.
*Toss shoes that cause pain.
*Wear shoes that are specific to each sport. Each sport has specific needs, skills, and strains on your feet.
Children should not skimp on warm-up or cool-down exercises when participating in sports. Stretching is one of the best ways to rid a patient of heel pain.
If your child is limping, complaining, walking on toes, and experiencing pain on the morning after a game, you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Children's Foot Doctor in CT
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