Saturday, January 28, 2012

Brr! Frozen Toes!

Cold feet are certainly uncomfortable (read our post from earlier in the month on cold feet and Raynaud's disease)- whether they are your own or your mate's bumping your leg in the night. Brr! If you have ever allowed your feet to get really cold, you know that it can feel like they will never be warm again.
But what about if they feel cold even when the air temperature is a comfortable 74 degrees? Cold feet are not necessarily a concern, but they can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease. That is why persistently cold feet should be examined by a qualified podiatrist.
Often, cold feet are a sign of poor circulation. When circulation is adequate, the arterial blood supply to the feet keeps them warm and comfortable. However, when circulation is compromised, feet may feel colder. When this is the case, the feet should be kept warm using natural fiber socks and leather footwear that holds heat in. Because poor circulation, like diabetes, can interfere with healing properties, care should be taken to protect feet  from cuts or hot spots that can lead to sores or infections.
Cold feet may also be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by loss of sensation in the feet, and is often a sign of diabetes. Another problem for which cold feet may be a problem is heart disease.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Neuropathy Doctors in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Pondering Toning Shoes?

Walk into any shoe store in the athletic area and you'll be bombarded with these odd looking rocker shoes. What are they? Do they really work? Should you spend all that money?
The claims made by athletic shoe companies (especially Sketchers and Reebok) include: Tone your legs! Strengthen your core! Improve your posture! Some of these claims may be right on the money, but before you put down the big bucks (at least $100 or more) for the newest fad in shoes, you may want to have more information. 
There are actually several different types of shoes that may employ some instability or a rocking motion: 
  • Toning shoes may look odd but utilize various designs to force the core muscles in your body to work harder to obtain balance.
  • Mild rocker shoes are not meant to improve posture or balance. They reduce strain on the heel and toes by allowing you to roll normally with each step. 
  • Unstable rockers have an unstable heel designed to force you to change your center of gravity and posture and stand up straighter. 
  • Stable and medical rockers are great for reducing certain motion in the toe joints or off-loading pressure from a particular area of the foot. These are mainly prescribed by podiatrists to treat arthritis or pain in the ball of the foot, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis. They also may be prescribed for use after surgical procedures. 
The original rocker bottom shoes were designed by a Swiss engineer and were called MBT, for Masai Barefoot Technology. The shoes were designed to mimic the rolling motion from heel to toe that the Masai people typically have in their barefoot gait. Once MBT's caught on, other shoe companies followed with their own toning footwear. In fact, toning shoes are the fastest growing shoe category since the 1970's. 
Rocker bottom and toning shoes can change your walking or standing posture. They can change how you walk, and the muscles of the body adjust and compensate. Because you will be using new muscles, your podiatrist might recommend that you wear these shoes for shorter walks or on alternating days for cross training. In some patients, rocker bottom shoes can cause injuries such as Achilles tendonitis or ankle sprains. But in others, the slight adjustment in gait can help tone and strengthen muscles. However, it is important to remember that anyone who already has an unstable gait should be very cautious about using these types of shoes.
Most doctors agree that if these shoes can get people motivated to walk, thereby improving their health and fitness, they are worth the money. However, make sure to check with your podiatrist, who can recommend the best shoe for you for any activity. Also, be sure to start wearing them in gradually, and stop immediately if any pain or discomfort develops.
A number of toning shoes, sandals, and boots have been granted the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. Brands that have gotten the Seal include:
  • AVIA
  • Ryka
  • FitFlop Limited
  • Keds
  • Reebok
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, January 23, 2012

Mid-Year Foot Check-Up For Kids

Children will be thrilled to know they've made it half-way through the school year. Their shoes have also
made it through half the year, and it may be time for a new pair.
Children's feet can grow up to two sizes in six months. If you suspect your children's growth has made their shoes too tight, check for blisters on the back of the heels, corns and calluses on the toes, or ingrown toenails.
Check the shoes for wear and tear, too. Shoes lose their shock absorption over time. If it's time to buy new shoes, choose a pair that has a little, but not too much, room for growth. Shoot for about a finger's width of space between your child's big toe and the front of the shoe. Don't buy shoes too big, however. Oversized shoes cause the foot to slide forward, putting pressure on the toes.
Be sure the shoes have a toe box wide enough to accommodate your child's feet, adequate cushioning and shock absorption. Children with flat feet also need shoes that provide arch support. If your child is having trouble walking or running or is experiencing foot pain despite properly fitting shoes, call one of our offices for a check-up.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Children's Foot Doctor in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Shoe Trends for Spring 2012

I know it seems a tad bit early to be talking about shoes for the spring, but when it comes to trends, you want to be ahead not behind!
Seen first on the runways in New York underneath Oscar de la Renta gowns, then in Paris, we bring you... the Shootie! Or, in more specific terms, a "sheer bootie", seen in the picture above, middle.
Most of the shooties are made of mesh and have a body of a high heel. The claim is these shoes are perfect for steamy days (to ventilate the feet, of course), and lazy days (when nail polish isn't quite up to par). Also, keep a look out for floral motifs.
We'll see if it catches on.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Meet Your Doctors! Dr. Ayman Latif, DPM

Dr. Ayman M. Latif is our newest doctor in the practice, having joined Connecticut Foot Care Centers in 2008. 
Dr. Latif was born and raised in Egypt and graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Cairo University. He came to the United States and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a podiatric physician. In 2005 Dr. Latif graduated from New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency training took Dr. Latif to Hoboken, New Jersey, where he completed his required hours at Hoboken University Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. 
Dr. Latif's hospital affiliations include Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT, Hartford Surgical Center (Surgical Care Affiliates) in Hartford, CT, and St. Francis/Mt.Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association. 
Dr. Latif is married to Neveen and they have two children, Anthony and Justine. While not working towards bringing you your happiest feet, Dr. Latif likes to travel, fish, and swim. 
Dr. Latif practices out of the Glastonbury and Middletown offices. For appointments, call 860-633-6749 (Glastonbury) and 860-346-5226 (Middletown).
Connecticut Foot Care Centers 
Podiatrists in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend or like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, January 16, 2012

Does the Queen of Butter Have Type 2 Diabetes?

Paula Deen, queen of rich and fatty Southern foods drenched in butter, revealed today that she has the version of Type 2 diabetes which is linked to obesity. This secret may cause fans of the Food Network star to think twice before making one of her recipes, which are notorious for their high fat content. Deen may be looking for a podiatrist in the near future...
Type 2 diabetes is when the body resists insulin production. Insulin delivers all glucose, or sugar, to our cells. When you are overweight, the body is less sensitive to the insulin that is released from the pancreas. Medical evidence suggests that fat cells are more resistant to insulin than muscle cells. When you have more fat cells than muscle cells, insulin is less effective overall, and the glucose circulates in the blood instead of being carried to the cells to be used for energy.
Losing just 7 to 10 pounds can drastically reduce the progression of the disease, as well as cutting back on foods high in fat content and cholesterol (Deen will have to change her cooking strategy!).
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrist in CT
Diabetic Foot Doctors in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Get Active With Winter Sports

Skiing at a resort or gliding across an indoor ice rink make for great winter recreation. Use caution in winter sports though so you can finish the day with hot cocoa instead of a cast and crutches. Beginning ice skaters experience a lot of falls. When that happens, tendons can sprain or tear. Even experienced skaters can fracture an ankle.
Downhill skiers, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders also risk injuries to their feet and ankles, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations.
If you do get injured, let our office check it out. It may be a sprain or a fracture, and it's important to get medical treatment promptly for both conditions. An ankle sprain could lead to chronic ankle instability if left untreated. If it's a fracture, you don't want the bones to start healing if they aren't aligned properly.
If an x-ray shows you don't have a fracture, you may still have stretched a tendon or injured a joint. These may worsen without proper treatment and could cause arthritis, tissue damage, and problems with foot alignment. We can help you head off these complications.
Follow these tips to prevent injuries:
  • Make sure skates, ski boots, or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up ice skates tightly enough to give your ankles proper support.
  • If you haven't engaged in a sport since last winter, start two weeks ahead of time doing specific exercises to condition the muscles used in that sport. You can find conditioning and warm-up exercises by doing an internet search. 
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Meet Your Doctors! Dr. Craig Kaufman, DPM

Dr. Craig M. Kaufman grew up in Brooklyn, NY (sometimes you'll hear the accent!) and graduated from Midwood High School. He attended Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY and graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Economics in 1994. While at BU, he was on the Dean's List and involved with Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. 
Dr. Kaufman's heart, however, lay with medicine, and he attended Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, graduating with his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1998. He was a member of Pi Delta National Honor Society from 1996-1998 and the Stirling Harford Honorary Anatomical Society from 1995-1998, serving as the organization's secretary from 1995-1996. 
Residency took Dr. Kaufman to the Kentucky Podiatric Residency Program, where he was a resident at the University of Louisville Hospital PSR 36 in Louisville, KY from 1998-2001. He served as the Chief Resident from 1999-2001. Dr. Kaufman was board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in 2006. His special interest in the field of podiatry is sports medicine. 
Dr. Kaufman is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association. His hospital affiliations are Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT, Hartford Surgical Center (Surgical Care Affiliates) in Hartford, CT, The Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General in New Britain, CT, and St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. 
Dr. Kaufman has been married 13 years and has two children, Drew, 7, and Hannah, 4. His wife Allison is an occupational therapist. While not treating his patients, Dr. Kaufman likes to play basketball, volleyball (of which he plays on leagues), skiing, camping, hiking, and travelling. 
Dr. Kaufman practices out of the Newington, Kensington, and Middletown locations. For appointments, please call 860-665-9276 (Newington), 860-828-9455 (Kensington), and 860-346-5226 (Middletown). 
Connecticut Foot Care Centers 
Podiatrists in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT 
Visit our website, friend or like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wintertime Foot Blues

You've bid farewell to those colorful sandals and comfortable flip-flops until next summer. But just because your feet won't be on display does not mean it's time to forget about foot care.
Taking care of your feet is especially important in the winter. "During the winter, our feet are cooped up in heavy socks and shoes and may be extra dry due to the lack of moisture in the air," said Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, one of the doctors at Connecticut Foot Care Centers.
What's the remedy for dry feet in the winter? Follow this at-home treatment, recommended by the foot experts at the American Podiatric Medical Association and your feet will be winter fabulous.
1. Prepare to pamper.
Remove old nail polish and stimulate foot circulation by propping one foot at a time on your lap, slowly moving your thumbs from the top of your toes to the bottom of your heel and back. Then, cut toenails straight across with a nail clipper and smooth rough edges with an emery board.
2. Soothe your soles
Soak feet for at least five minutes in a container filled with warm water. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently smooth the skin around your heels, and the balls and sides of your feet. Pat your feet dry, making sure to dry between each toe and loosen your joints by rotating your foot slowly at the ankle a few times in each direction. Apply emollient-enriched lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation. Then, gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher or manicure stick.
3. Add the finishing touches.
Using soap and water, remove the moisturizer from your toenails and in-between your toes. Next, if your nails are healthy, feel free to splash on some color with the nail polish of your choice. Before you go to bed, wrap cellophane around your feet. The cellophane will act as a sauna while locking in the moisture. By morning, your feet will be smooth, soft, and ready to go.
4. Consider getting laser nail treatment.
If you have fungal toenails and no topical or oral medication has worked for you, consider getting laser nail treatment. Convenient and quick, the procedure takes less than 20 minutes. By the time sandal season comes along, you should have clear, fungal-free toenails!
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrist in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter!
Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Halle Berry's Foot Problem Back

After being seen in sandals for several months after a broken foot, Halle Berry was seen wearing a walking cast dropping her daughter Nahla off at school. 
Berry broke her foot while filming Cloud Atlas in Mallorca, Spain in September. The injury was thought to have completely healed, but Berry heard a crack after taking a bad step while out walking. 
Broken or fractured feet are not something to take lightly. Nearly one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet. A broken (fractured) bone in your forefoot or in one of your toes is often painful, but rarely disabling. Most of the time, these injuries heal without operative treatment.
There are two types of foot fractures: stress fractures and general bone fractures. Stress fractures usually occur in the bones of the forefoot extending from the toes to the middle of the foot. Stress fractures are like tiny cracks in the bone surface. They can happen with sudden increases in exercise (such as running or walking for longer distances or times), improper training techniques, or a change in surfaces.
Most other types of fractures extend through the bone, and are called bone fractures. They may be stable, in which there is no shift in bone alignment, or displaced, in which the bone ends no longer line up properly. Bone fractures usually result from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot, or from a twisting injury. If the fractured bone does not break through the skin, it is called a closed fracture. If the fracture does break through the skin, it is called an open fracture. 
Because of the complex structures in the foot, there are some other, more specific types of fractures that can occur. For example, the fifth metatarsal, known as the little or pinky toe, is susceptible to a variety of different fractures. The relationship between the ankle and the foot can be compromised by an ankle-twisting injury, which may tear the tendon that attaches to this bone and pull a small piece of the bone away. A more serious injury in the same area is known as a Jones fracture, which occurs near the base of the bone and disrupts its blood supply. This injury may take longer to heal or require surgery. 
Common symptoms for any type of foot fracture includes pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. Be sure to seek medical attention for any suspected foot fracture. 
Connecticut Foot Care Centers 
Podiatrists in CT 
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, January 9, 2012

Stay Trim and Comfortable in the New Year

You're raring to exercise, lose weight, and stick to your New Year's resolutions. When you hit the gym for a good workout though a sharp pain shoots through your heel, or your feet become tender, numb, or painful.
How can you exercise when your feet are aching? We see many exercisers with foot pain after every round of New Year's resolutions. Here are some tips for avoiding it:
  • If you feel a sharp, stabbing pain when you get out of bed or stand up, you likely have plantar fasciitis. That's an inflammation of a band of tissue on the bottom of the feet. To prevent it, wear athletic shoes that support the arch and cushion the heel, or try orthotics. Your shoes should be designed for the sport. 
  • If you feel pain in the ball of your foot or tingling in the third and fourth toes, you may have a neuroma, which is a pinched nerve. They're generally caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. Get your feet measured and wear the proper size in both athletic and everyday footwear.
  • If the backs of your feet feel tender and painful, your burst of exercise may have strained the Achilles tendon. Be sure to warm up for your workout and start new exercise routines gradually. Sports trainers recommend increasing your exercise intensity by only 10 percent a week. If you do develop Achilles tendonitis, use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.).
If pain from any of these conditions continues for more than five days, call our offices for an appointment. We can evaluate your condition, take steps to avoid future complications, and offer pain relief.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend or like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Feet Focus in Spa Trends for 2012

Feet are at the top of the list for trends for 2012, according to SpaFinder's list of Spa Trends for the new year.
Spas and wellness centers are now putting a big focus on feet: from “foot fitness” classes to new 100-percent foot-focused med-spas to podiatrist-overseen “medi-pedis” to treatments specifically targeting high-heel pain. And while the ancient Chinese practice of reflexology revolves around using foot acupressure to impact the organs of the body, the fact that reflexology centers are becoming as common as nail salons may have more to do with people simply seeking pain relief via foot massages, rather than some sudden conversion to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
So what do we encase our body’s precious shock absorbers in these days? The fashion gods have women wearing the sky-highest heels in history, and women worldwide are bombarded with images of Lady Gaga or Victoria Beckham teetering around in insane six inch-plus “killer heels.” Two in five American women now wear high heels every day, and 43 percent claim they won’t give them up, despite the misery. Other foot-bruising fashions: fashionable and unsupportive ballet flats and flip-flops, and the running world’s mania for the new, nearly barefoot “foot gloves.” Also significantly adding to the world’s collective foot trauma is the global obesity and diabetes pandemic, and a global population aging at unprecedented rates.
The upshot of all this sexy footwear and anti-foot behavior? An epidemic of not-so-sexy conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns, metatarsalgia, flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, Hagland’s deformity, or “pump bump,” and arthritis, etc. Medical experts argue that high heels share the blame for the fact that four in five American women now suffer foot problems— and also for the arthritis pandemic underway in the UK, with 60 percent of cases now occurring in feet. The pain can be so agonizing that some women are actually having Botox, silicone and Restylane injected into the bottoms of their feet, to counteract the damage their high heels have done!
Examples: Consider the new, extremely comprehensive “Healthy Feet” program at Canyon Ranch SpaClub in Las Vegas (U.S.), overseen by a well-known doctor of podiatry. The program’s tagline: “If it will make feet feel better, it’s available here…” The dedicated “Healthy Feet” facility offers computerized gait analysis and orthotics assessment, along with a whole slate of foot-focused treatments performed in zero-gravity chairs, with names like “Foot Rescue!” and “Healthy in Heels.”
One striking example of the new “foot fitness” bootcamps is New York City’s Yamuna (U.S.), with classes that assess people’s walk, improve their posture and offer a host of therapies designed to “get people’s shoes out of their feet.” (Yamuna also offers “Foot Waker” kits, including special exercise balls to prevent and combat high-heel trauma.)
Podiatrist-overseen “medi-pedi” examples are numerous, from celebrity foot doc Margaret Dabbs' London locations (UK), including her Sole Spa at the Liberty store, to Hand and Foot Spas’ three London locations (UK) to New York City’s Ajune Spa (U.S.) to Kachina Natura Spa (Ireland). Famed French foot doctor Bastien Gonzalez’ signature “Le Soin de Pieds” pedicures are served up to well-heeled clients in London, Dubai, etc., and are now incorporated as the “Pedi:Mani:Cure” treatments at One&Only spa resorts, from Reethi Rah (Maldives) to Palmilla (Mexico).
New “100-percent-feet-only” med-spas include Stride Wellbeing in northern California (U.S.), which integrates full podiatric medical services and surgeries with a rich menu of foot-relief spa treatments. (Stride’s program revolves around its STRIDE Annual Foot Exam, or SAFE.)
Multi-treatment, foot-focused spa packages specifically zeroing in on high-heel agony (i.e., special feet/calf massages, stretching, etc.) include New York’s Mohonk Mountain House’s (U.S.) “High Heeler” treatment. Spa Montage locations in California and Utah (U.S.) offer special high-heel pedicures using special oils and gels to reduce stiletto swelling.
Unique specialty pedicures, treatments and foot spas are also on the rise, from Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas’s (U.S.) 1930s- and Shanghai-themed “Chinese foot spa” to Dragonfly spas’ (20-plus Chinese locations) four-hand foot massages to “medi-pedis” specifically for men at the Mandarin Barber in Hong Kong, performed by a third-generation Shanghai medi-pedi master, Samuel So, using ten razor-sharp metal blades.
Look for: almost every spa skincare line to include specialty foot products, and for companies that specialize in pain-relief, like Biofreeze, or foot-care specialists like the more than 100-year-old powerhouse Gehwol of Germany to continue to make big strides into the new feet-focused spa arena. (Gehwol products are used in hundreds of global spas, including Canyon Ranch’s new “Healthy Feet” program.)
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook and follow our tweets on Twitter
Enhanced by Zemanta

Meet Your Doctors! Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM

Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM was born in New Jersey and upon graduation from high school, attended Ohio State University to pursue a Bachelor's in Zoology.  While there Dr. Kahn was involved with KTE Fraternity. After graduation from OSU in 1973, he decided to switch from studying animals to people! Dr. Kahn graduated from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1977. 
Dr. Kahn received his board certifications from the National Board of Podiatry Examiners in 1978 and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in 1987. He belongs to the American Podiatric Practice Administration, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association. 
Dr. Kahn has been heavily involved with podiatry in the state of Connecticut, serving as the President of Connecticut Foot Care Independent Practice Association from 1991-1999. As well, he was the President of Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association from 1989-1991 and also served as past vice president, treasurer, secretary, and board member. Locally, he served in the Hartford County Podiatric Medical Society as Past President, Vice President, Treasurer and Board Member. Dr. Kahn also served as the President and Chief Executive Office of Sovereign Management Services from 1998-2005.  
Dr. Kahn was named Podiatrist of the Year in 1991 by the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association and was listed in the "Who's Who in the East" in 1983-1984, 1985-1986, and 1986-1987. 
Dr. Kahn's hospital affiliations are Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT, Hartford Surgical Center (Surgical Care Affiliates) in Hartford, CT, and St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. His specialities within the office are general practice, diabetic foot care, and heel pain. 
Dr. Kahn has been married for 39 years and has four children and five grandchildren. For the last 8 years,  Dr. Kahn likes to spend his spare time racing R/C cars and trucks. He is also a target shooter and marksman. 
Dr. Kahn practices out of the Rocky Hill and Middletown locations. For appointments with Dr. Kahn, call 860-563-1200 (Rocky Hill) or 860-346-5226 (Middletown). 
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter!
Enhanced by Zemanta