Friday, November 30, 2012

Why Do New Shoes Need Breaking In?

You went to the shoe store, selected a fabulous pair of shoes, tried them on, and purchased them. The shoes may have felt a little tight around the toes in the store, but you figured they would stretch out over time.
Most people, when they purchase shoes, expect that there will be a break in period. They think most shoes won't fit correctly for a while until they've been worn a couple of times. The break in period of time is an awful time when man and shoe are not in harmony.
Shoe brands are reluctant to let their consumers know that their shoes will require a break in period. Dress shoes are notorious for being the worst when in comes to getting the perfect fit. L.L. Bean even includes a disclaimer card with its handsewn footwear that says "The initial fit of a handsewn style shoe should feel snug in the forefoot. Shoes will stretch to a correct fit within a short period of time."
Did you know Queen Elizabeth II has someone to break in her shoes for her, so her foot discomfort is minimal?!!
Some shoe brands are recognizing the pain and discomfort that comes along with breaking in shoes and are attempting to reduce that period of time. They are finding that many consumers will put those painful shoes in the back of their closet and never shop that brand again.
The most common place for pain when breaking in shoes is in the forefoot, the area between the ball of the foot and the toes. Cole Haan released this summer a men's dress shoe that protects the forefoot by placing a layer of foam cushioning technology that is called Lunarlon. The shoe will also feature the Lunarlon sock liner that runs the full sole of the shoe, which is not typically of most men's dress shoes, says Gareth Lewis, Cole Haan's men's design director. The outer sole has flex grooves, that help the sole bend with the movement of the wearer's foot.
Johnston & Murphy's XC4 shoe collection, launched in 2010, uses footbeds, that contain polyurethane and are molded to the foot. The shoes themselves also have a layer of memory foam and a molded polyurethane outer sole injected with rubber inserts in key pain locations, which offers the wearer more flexibility in the forefoot.
"If there's any break-in time at all, it's a couple of wears at the most," said Jason Jones, vice-president of design and development at Johnston & Murphy.
Allen Edwards deleted instead of added by taking away a inner layer of leather near the top of the instep as part of its collection of unconstructed shoes. Chief marketing officer Colin Hall says that by removing the inner liner it creates "less layers and a softer shoe that wraps around the foot."
In the women's shoe brands, Stuart Weitzman is using malleable uppers, flexible soles, and soft-tanning processes for leathers used in their high heeled shoes. In 2007 the company began using spongelike latex fillers between the shoe's lining and upper to provide more comfort.
When it comes to areas of pain in the foot caused by shoes, men typically complain of pain across the tops of the toes, while women complain of pain in the ball of the foot and the heel.
So how do you know when the best time is to go shoe shopping? In the later afternoon and evening are the best times to try on shoes, since your feet have swollen through the day. Fluid retention, age, health issues, and even gravitational pull are reasons why our feet swell during the day. The difference from the beginning of the day to the end can be as large as a half a size.
When trying on shoes, you should, with two hands, bend the toe portion of the shoe toward the back of the shoe. If it bends easily, it is more likely to be comfortable from the beginning. Look for shoes that are made of calfskin, which conform to the shape.
If you are experiencing a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Hornets' Davis Out With Stress Reaction

The New Orleans Hornets rookie forward Anthony Davis will be out several more weeks with a stress reaction in his left ankle and spraining his ankle three times in three days.
Davis suffered the stress reaction about a week ago in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and has been listed as day-to-day since then. A stress reaction is often a precursor to a stress fracture. Davis had an MRI done on his ankle. The team is targeting a return date near December 3rd. He said something that made every Hornet fan cringe: "The fact that I sprained my ankle three times in one week, that was odd. So they found that inside my foot. And you know the whole Grant Hill story, so they wanted to be very cautious with the way I handled things."
What happened to Hill is not dissimilar to what happened to Davis. Hill injured his ankle the week before the 2000 playoffs and rather than resting and healing Hill played through it and made it worse in Game 2 of the first round. He had surgery in the offseason and again that December. It was the beginning of the end for Hill, who had a career that was promising. The Hornets however, are doing the right thing by making Davis rest.
Davis originally injured his ankle while working out with Team USA over the summer, but says this current injury is not related to that one.
In the first six games of the season Davis had put up good numbers, averaging 16 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Those would be great numbers for a veteran player, showing Davis is figuring out professional basketball quickly. He has averaged just 28.3 minutes a game too, giving a lot of value to the time he's playing. Davis is also on fire with 49.3% shooting from the field and 83.9% shooting from the free throw line.
The most telling sign that the Hornets are missing Davis is that they have lost all six games he has missed, putting them in last place in the Southwest Division. It guarantees that he will get a lot of playing time when he returns.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

My Feet Are Looking Ugly!

Fall and winter is perhaps the best time to get your feet back in shape. During the spring and summer we put our feet through the ringer with flip-flops, sandals, and going barefoot. By the end of summer, our feet are callused, corned, cracked, and looking pretty ugly! Taking care of our feet through the winter will ensure we have beautiful and soft feet that are sandal ready. Fortunately, there are many over the counter products that can help you get your feet back to gorgeous.
Got calluses or rough spots?
Regular use of a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses will keep your feet looking good in open-backed shoes. Soak your feet in water or a foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes to help soften up the skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone. You may want to add black tea to the bath, as tea is a natural antibacterial agent that may reduce the chance of getting athlete's foot.
Moisturizing foot scrubs made from botanicals such as crushed fruit pits, sugar, or chemical exfoliates also help remove dead skin. After you scrub apply a rich foot lotion containing shea butter or cocoa butter. Look for balms or heel creams containing salicylic acid or urea to soften tough calluses.
Got cracked heels or feet?
If your heels become extremely dry and cracked, see a podiatrist for a prescription treatment, as these are more than just cracks, they are heel fissures. If they aren't that bad, there are plenty of moisturizing products for you to choose from. First, you should pick up some medicated heel pads to soften your calluses while you walk. After you've exfoliated the calluses (or followed the ideas above) use a heavy cream to moisturize tough skin on your heel. Look for creams containing petrolatum, an emollient, or a humectant such as lactic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
Got a fungus?
This is something that cannot be effectivly treated at home with over the counter remedies. Fungus goes deep into the skin and those products only touch the very top layers. It's like just coloring the tips of your hair and leaving the rest of it uncolored- you want the whole head of hair colored, right? Well, you want to go down and kill the fungus from the roots of where it starts.
Whether it's athlete's foot or toenail fungus, we can treat your fungus with prescription products that will work. Remember- fungus will take a while to go away, so keep at the treatments prescribed. Many patients do a few weeks of the treatment and then give up.
Got a sunburn?
Remember to always put a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher everywhere on your body, including your feet. Skin cancer does occur on our feet.
Got foot pain?
Try inserting an orthotic or insole in your shoes to relieve the pain. If the pain isn't corrected with over the counter insoles, call a podiatrist who may dispense an in-office orthotic or may fit you for a custom orthotic.
Got toenail problems?
Our toenails, like our fingernails, can be an expression of our personalities. But sometimes our toenails get away from us and start to look shabby. The leading cause of hangnails and ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting. You should always follow the curve of the nail when cutting your toenails, and for your cuticles, push them back, never cut them. If you're finding your toenails are becoming brittle, some nail polishes and polish removers will dry out our nails. Use a nail polish that is free of formaldehyde, toulene, and dibutyl phthalate. To moisturize your nail, put a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E oil on the entire nail.
If you are experiencing a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Safe Levels of Lead Linked To Gout

Got lead in your house? Here's another reason to remove lead from your home: adults with "safe" blood levels of lead have an increased incidence of gout and hyperuricema than adults with low blood levels of lead.
The new population study, after adjustments for population characteristics, people with the highest blood levels of lead had a threefold risk of gout compared to those with the lowest levels. "This study documents that low-level exposure to lead... as it occurs in the general population is associated with a significantly elevated presence of gout. These data suggest that there is no such thing as a 'safe' level of exposure to lead. Further refinement in national goals for prevention, detection, and removal of lead from the environment should be pursued," wrote study authors.
However, current standards for acceptable lead exposure do not reflect the actual threshold for harm. Authors cited recent studies showing the blood lead levels under a certain amount are associated with progression of chronic kidney disease and with cardiovascular mortality. The association between lead and gout and hyperuricema is a controversial issue for lower levels of lead exposure. Population based studies have had conflicting results.
Co-author Eswar Krishnan, MD, of Stanford University, and colleagues studied whether current accepted standards for lead exposure have an association with gout. Mercury and cadmium were also included in the study. Data for the study was taken from the 2005 to 2006 and the 2007 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers limited the study to adults 40 to 85 with information on serum creatinine, blood levels of heavy metals, and serum urate concentrations. Participants who had a history of renal problems or dialysis were excluded. The final number of participants was 6,153 with an even distribution between men and women.
Of the 6,153 participants, 290 had gout, 229 of the cases were men. The subgroup with gout was older and had kidney ailments.
Author of an accompanying editorial, Ashwini R. Seghal, MD, of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland said, "Lower thresholds for toxic lead levels are desirable and feasible. Lead and its myriad uses will remain an integral part of our external environment. However, both children and adults deserve an internal environment that is as unleaded as was our evolutionary past."
If you suspect you have gout, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Does Your Child Have A Foot Problem?

Foot and ankle problems in children often go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes children can't explain what's wrong. But it's important to protect growing feet and have problems checked out early. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with our office for an examination:
  • Your child can't keep up with their peers. We've found that if a child lags behind in sports or
    backyard play, it may be because of tired feet or legs. Fatigue is common when children have flat feet. The muscles in the feet and legs tire easily because the feet are not functioning as well as they should. 
  • Children voluntarily withdraw from activities they usually enjoy. If they are reluctant to participate, it may be due to heel pain- a problem we often see in children between the ages of 8 and 14. Repetitive stress from sports may cause muscle strain and inflammation of the growth plate, a weak area at the back of a child's heel.
  • They don't want to show you their feet. Children may feel pain or notice a change in the appearance of feet and nails but don't tell their parents because they fear a trip to the doctor's office. Make it a habit to inspect your child's feet starting at a young age. Any changes, such as calluses, growths, skin discoloration, or redness and swelling around the toenails warrants a visit to the podiatrist's office. 
  • Your child often trips and falls. Repeated clumsiness may be a sign of in-toeing, balance problems, or neurological conditions. We can evaluate your child's feet and legs to help determine the cause of the problem. 
  • Your child complains of pain. Remember, it is never normal for a child to have foot pain. Injuries may seem minor, but if pain or swelling lasts more than a few days, have your child's foot examined. 
If your child has a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Michigan's Toussaint Done For Season

Michigan starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint underwent surgery on a gruesome ankle injury he sustained in Saturday's game against Iowa.
The redshirt junior suffered the injury on Michigan's first drive of the game on the tail end of 10-yard rush. Toussaint was tackled on a wide run to the right against Iowa and his left leg buckled as he was brought down. In the picture to the right, you can see Toussaint's ankle twisted in an unnatural way.
Toussaint was carted off the field immediately and his left leg was put in a temporary cast right away. He was taken to UM Medical Center for evaluation. ESPN's Michael Rothstein tweeted Monday that "Toussaint had surgery, went well. Hoke saw him yesterday. Expected out of hospital today. Full recovery."
Starting quarterback Devin Gardner said Toussaint's injury won't be a handicap in Saturday's game against Ohio State. "It has to stay the same. It has to be consistent. You know, this is Michigan. Toussaint went down, and we were really sad about that because he's our brother, but we have to keep moving."
Toussaint pleaded guilty to drunken driving in August and was suspended for the season opener against Alabama. He had a rough beginning to his 2012 season, but averaged more than five yards per carry in each of his last two starts. Toussaint had a highlight of his career in an overtime victory against Northwestern, a 28 yard touchdown catch. Entering Saturday's game, Toussaint carried the ball 127 times for 483 yards and five touchdowns. It is likely Toussaint will be back for next season.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Cowboys' Sean Lee On Injured Reserve

Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker Sean Lee is the latest this season to be placed on the injured reserve list with the foot injury.
Lee suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Cowboys' 19-14 win over Carolina. A second MRI revealed significant damage in his big right toe. He has the most severe case of turf toe with a complete tear. He underwent surgery to correct the damage and is expected to be sidelined for three to four months, ready for offseason practices in February. 
The defensive co-captain was replaced by veteran linebacker Ernie Sims. Sims, 27, played in 13 games last year with Indianapolis with four starts and totaled 32 tackles. Running back Felix Jones had similar surgery in 2008 and has been problem free. 
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was optimistic that his team can be a Super Bowl contender- but not this year, next year. He believes Lee to be irreplaceable. 
"That's a setback. The old adage that it gives someone else a chance to show what they've got doesn't necessarily apply here because he's a proven difference-maker out there," said Jones. 
"I've said all along I think this team has an opportunity to be a contender, but the one exception that I made was... sitting as we're sitting right now health-wise, injury can make a difference and does in the NFL," said Jones. The Cowboys have also been dealing with the foot injury of running back DeMarco Murray. 
Lee has had a difficult time staying healthy in his career. His 2011 season was cut short by a dislocated left wrist, and missed part of the 2010 season with a hamstring injury. Before his injury, he was leading the Cowboys in tackles with 77 in the first six games, two for loss, eight quarterback pressures, one interception, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. 
He's trying to remain positive though. "You have to be positive because if you're negative you're not going to get any better. As frustrating as it is, there's no getting around it."
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Will Dwayne Wade's Foot Continue To Bother Him?

Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade suffered a sprain in his left foot and is day-to-day.
Wade sat out the Olympics to have his knee surgery and to get his health right, but so far this season, he has been nagged by injuries.
Wade sprained his left ankle when he landed on teammate Chris Bosh's foot in Houston last Monday. He had X-rays on the ankle, which were negative, and has chosen to play since.
"Is he 100%? No. But he will never tell you that. Hopefully he will be able to get healthier," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
"As he recovered from the knee surgery in the offseason, he's sprained his ankle, hurt his foot, and jammed his finger," said teammate LeBron James. "He's going to have to try to get healthy because I know that's affecting his play on the floor and I know he wants to play at the highest level, and he's capable of doing that when he's healthy. His health right now... as his knee is getting better, he's banging up other things."
"When you get one thing it ends up being about three different things. You weather it. It will be all right," said Wade.
Wade, 30, does not need to be rushed back from anything. The defending Heat are 6-3 and off to a good start. NBA seasons are long, and no one plays all games. They do however need Wade to defend the championship that everyone has their eye on. So far this season, his numbers are down, averaging 16.9 points, his fewest since his rookie season, and making just 16.7% of his 3-point attempts.
"Everybody is using every game as a test to see where they are," Wade said.
Wade played last Wednesday night, saying that "Some nights you have to try to tough it out and go do it."
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Bowler Trent Copeland Trips, Injures Ankle

Trent Copeland had never been injured before while bowling for Australia or New Zealand, but injured his ankle Tuesday while running drinks.
Copeland was trying to get a helmet to Brad Haddin during the Blues' Sheffield Shields clash against Victoria when he tripped and fell on the deck.
The right-hander went for scans Tuesday and reported he will be out until Christmas with the ankle injury. Copeland made his Test debut for Australia a little more than a year ago, and was deeply embarrassed when he felt his ankle go out under him.
"I realized Victoria had taken the second new ball and I had to get 'Hadds helmet to him. I turned around thinking I was on a flat part, but I was on an edge of a step," said Copeland.
"I had to get carried inside, and it was pretty painful. There's no break, which is good, but it's a high-grade lateral ligament sprain in a couple of places. I've never been injured and never missed a game of cricket through injury- I've bowled a million overs and never been injured, but you have to look out for those steps."
Ironically, Copeland's wife, Australian netballer Kimberly Green, is also suffering from a foot injury.
Fans were surprised when Copeland was made 12th man on the team, given his 14 wickets at 21.64 in three Shields games this summer for the Blues. The 26 year old still holds out hope for a Test recall, and would love to add to his three Test caps, be it next summer or after.
"I've had some good performances this summer, and when Pup (Michael Clarke) played games with us, he was talking about how well I was bowling and what fields to set. I've had doubts; given the right scenario I'll still play Test cricket, and whether it's this summer or two years' time, I don't know. I definitely still have aspirations. Pup knows I still want to play, and so would everyone else at Cricket Australia," said Copeland.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Walking Funny? Could It Be Equinus?

Equinus is a condition in which the upward bending motion of the ankle joint is limited. Someone with equinus lacks the flexibility to bring the top of the foot toward the front of the leg. Equinus can occur in one or both feet. When it involves both feet, the limitation of motion is sometimes worse in one foot than in the other.
People with equinus develop ways to compensate for their limited ankle motion, and this often leads to other foot, leg, or back problems. The most common methods of compensation are flattening of the arch or picking up the heel early when walking, and placing increased pressure on the ball of the foot. Other patients compensate by toe walking, while a smaller number take steps by bending abnormally at the hip or knee.
There are several possible causes for the limited range of ankle motion. Often it is due to tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles (the soleus muscle and/or gastrocnemius muscle). In some patients, this tightness is congenital (present at birth) and sometimes it is an inherited trait. Other patients acquire the tightness from being in a cast, being on crutches, or frequently wearing high-heeled shoes. In addition, diabetes can affect the fibers of the Achilles tendon and cause tightness.
Sometimes equinus is related to a bone blocking the ankle motion. For example, a fragment of a broken bone following an ankle injury, or bone block, can get in the way and restrict motion.
Equinus may also result from one leg being shorter than the other.
Less often, equinus is caused by spasms in the calf muscle. These spasms may be signs of an underlying neurologic disorder.
Depending on how a patient compensates for the inability to bend properly at the ankle, a variety of foot conditions can develop, including:
  • Plantar fasciitis (arch/heel pain)
  • Calf cramping
  • Tendonitis (inflammation in the Achilles tendon)
  • Metatarsalgia (pain and/or callusing on the ball of the foot)
  • Flatfoot
  • Arthritis of the midfoot (middle area of the foot)
  • Pressure sores on the ball of the foot or the arch
  • Bunions and hammertoes
  • Ankle pain
  • Shin splints
Most patients with equinus are unaware they have this condition when they first visit the doctor. Instead, they come to the doctor seeking relief for foot problems associated with equinus.
To diagnose equinus, the foot and ankle surgeon will evaluate the ankle's range of motion when the knee is flexed (bent) as well as extended (straightened). This enables the surgeon to identify whether the tendon or muscle is tight and to assess whether bone is interfering with ankle motion. X-rays may also be ordered. In some cases, the podiatrist may refer the patient for neurologic evaluation.
Treatment includes strategies aimed at relieving the symptoms and conditions associated with equinus. In addition, the patient is treated for the equinus itself through one or more of the following options:
  • Night splint. The foot may be placed in a splint at night to keep it in a position that helps reduce the tightness of the calf muscle.
  • Heel lifts. Placing heel lifts inside the shoes or wearing shoes with a moderate heel takes stress off the Achilles tendon when walking and may reduce symptoms.
  • Arch supports or orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices that fit into the shoe are often prescribed to keep weight distributed properly and to help control muscle/tendon imbalance.
  • Physical therapy. To help remedy muscle tightness, exercises that stretch the calf muscle(s) are recommended.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the cause of equinus if it is related to a tight tendon or a bone blocking the ankle motion. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of procedure that is best suited to the individual patient.
If you believe you have equinus and have not seen a podiatrist yet, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Saturday, November 17, 2012

UFC Cung Le Almost Missed Match Because Of Foot Injury

UFC middleweight Cung Le won the biggest match of his career last Saturday with a one-punch knock-out of former UFC champ Rich Franklin. Franklin was a 4-to-1 favorite over the 40 year old Le.
But Le almost didn't make the match on Saturday because of a harsh foot injury.
Le, a part-time martial arts movie actor who on occasion hangs out with Jean-Claude Van Damme, likes to spend his spare time in the cage beating people up.
The match on July 7, 2012 against Patrick Cote at UFC 148 was a violent one. Le won by unanimous decision, but suffered the foot injury originally believed to be a broken toe, that almost kept him out of the Franklin match.
In an interview with Kenny Florian and Todd Harris from FUEL-TV's "UFC Tonight", Le told how he and boss UFC president Dana White thought his injury was going to keep him off the Macao card:
"Actually I was getting wheelchaired to the press conference after UFC 148 because I thought my foot was broken. Dana White said to me 'I was going to put you in the China fight, but this doesn't look good.' I said 'Oh man, when is it?' And he said, 'November 10.' I thought my foot was broken and I was sitting at the press conference thinking how could I get my foot better? Now here I am in Hong Kong getting ready to be in Macao for the biggest fight of my life."
Lucky for Le, he was able to rehabilitate his foot quickly and get clearance from physicians for the big match. Before the match Le said, "This is the biggest fight of my career. It'd mean so much to me. It would definitely take me to that next level of my career if I beat Rich Franklin. I'm totally feeling the extra pressure, but it's very exciting and I'm trying not to let it get the best of me."
Le took it easy before the big match, using some unconventional methods to heal his foot. "My foot is getting better as long as I don't kick someone upside the head right now without pads. All my sparring is done. It's just about maintaining it until the fight and staying away from injury and then going into the fight as healthy as I can. I only got cleared six or seven weeks ago by the doctor, even though it was a bone bruise, not broken, and he said it would take up to ten weeks to heal. So I did a lot of things to get it better and I got my foot up to 80%. But, that is why I just get back to my Chinese doctor and he does this blood leading thing and it's kind of disgusting. I put it on YouTube and people got grossed out (See the video. Not for the squeamish. )."
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Friday, November 16, 2012

Brewers' Prospect Kjelgaard Has Foot Surgery

Brewers' outfield prospect Brock Kjelgaard had surgery to repair a broken left foot last week in Milwaukee. He was doing well in the Arizona Fall League, but the season was cut short by the injury.
Kjelgaard suffered the broken foot on October 27th when he fouled a ball off it. Brewers spokesperson John Steinmiller said Kjelgaard returned to Milwaukee for surgery performed by Dr. Richard Marks and should be ready for the start of spring training. 
Kjelgaard, a power-hitting former pitcher, was 10-26 (.385) with four home runs and nine RBIs in seven AFL games. He was playing in the AFL to make up for lost at-bats during the regular season, when he was on the disabled list for two months with a broken finger. Kjelgaard missed most of the year with Class AA Huntsville and Class A Brevard County with the broken thumb. 
It is unlikely Kjelgaard will spend any time in the Major Leagues next year, as he is working his way up the leagues.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which certain cells of the immune system malfunction and attack healthy joints.
RA causes inflammation in the lining of joints, most often the joints of the hands and feet. The signs of inflammation can include pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth around affected joints. In some patients, chronic inflammation results in damage to the cartilage and bones in the joints. Serious damage can lead to permanent joint destruction, deformity, and disability.
When joints become inflamed due to RA, the lining thickens and produces an excess of joint fluid. This overabundance of fluid, along with inflammatory chemicals released by the immune system, causes swelling and damage to the joint's cartilage and bones.
Foot problems caused by RA commonly occur in the forefoot (the ball of the foot, near the toes), although RA can also affect other areas of the foot and ankle. The most common signs and symptoms of RA-related foot problems, in addition to the abnormal appearance of deformities, are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Deformities and conditions associated with RA may include:
  • Rheumatoid nodules (lumps), which cause pain when they rub against shoes or, if they appear on the bottom of the foot, pain when walking
  • Dislocated toe joints
  • Hammertoes
  • Bunions
  • Heel pain
  • Achilles tendon pain
  • Flatfoot
  • Ankle pain
RA is diagnosed on the basis of a clinical examination as well as blood tests.
To further evaluate the patient's foot and ankle problems, the surgeon may order x-rays and/or other imaging tests.
While treatment of RA focuses on the medication prescribed by a patient's primary doctor or rheumatologist, the foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving the pain of RA-related foot problems. The plan may include one or more of the following options:
  • Orthotic devices. The surgeon often fits the patient with custom orthotic devices to provide cushioning for rheumatoid nodules, minimize pain when walking, and give needed support to improve the foot's mechanics.
  • Accommodative shoes. These are used to relieve pressure and pain and assist with walking.
  • Aspiration of fluid. When inflammation flares up in a joint, the surgeon may aspirate (draw out) fluid to reduce the swelling and pain.
  • Steroid injection. Injections of anti-inflammatory medication may be applied directly to an inflamed joint or to a rheumatoid nodule
When RA produces pain and deformity in the foot that is not relieved through other treatments, surgery may be required. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the patient's condition and lifestyle.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis in the feet and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Cardinals' Schofield On Injured Reserve

Arizona Cardinal starting left outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield was placed on the injured reserve after suffering a left ankle injury against the Green Bay Packer last Sunday.
Schofield damaged ligaments in his left ankle. He may have still been healthy if not for a chain reaction of events that led to his foot injury. The man assigned to block Schofield, Green Bay tackle Bryan Bulaga, was out of the game when Schofield rushed upfield on a second-and-6 play early in the third quarter. Defensive end Darnell Dockett was working against a replacement guard after Green Bay moved its regular one to tackle in response to Bulaga's injury. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sensed the pressure and broke from the pocket to his right. Dockett launched his 290 pound body in the air and was horizontal to the ground as Schofield turned to the quarterback and right into Dockett's path. Rodgers pulled away as Dockett's body landed on Schofield from behind, onto his lower left leg.
The force of the impact dropped Schofield to the ground immediately, contorting his body. It was immediately clear that the linebacker would not be ok. Schofield will need surgery to repair the damage to his ligaments.
Schofield had four sacks in nine starts and was playing better than 80% of the defensive snaps. He was a fourth round pick in 2010 because of a tough rehabilitation from knee surgery, an injury that has occasionally limited him this season. The defense will miss him since he was a consistent player in Ray Horton's scheme this season. Schofield was starting to exhibit some of the pass-rush skills he perfected at college in Wisconsin.
Schofield was replaced on the roster by Quentin Groves, who has to play better than he did against Green Bay. He had two offsides penalties and drew a 15-yard penalty for a horse-collar tackle.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Todd Herremans On Injured Reserve

Last Monday Philadelphia Eagles tackle Todd Herremans suffered a freak foot injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. He was placed on the injured reserve last Wednesday with what head trainer Rick Burkholder calls "a very rare injury."
Herremans suffered a dislocated cuboid bone in his right foot along with a fractured fourth metatarsal, ligament damage, and a slight tendon strain in the game against the Saints. He was hurt in the first quarter of the Eagle's 28-13 loss at New Orleans when he got tangled up with Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan while blocking for Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.
Herremans underwent an X-ray, MRI and CT scan, which revealed the injuries. By Tuesday he had the bone popped back in place and his leg numbed. "You don't see this too often in football players. We're in the process of gathering second opinions to determine a course of action," Burkholder said Wednesday. "We're consulting with experts to determine the best course of action. But whether he has surgery or doesn't have surgery, Todd's going to miss a lot of time."
Burkholder contacted the Kansas City Chiefs, whose running back Larry Johnson suffered the same injury in 2007. Johnson's career was never the same, but Burkholder believes that Herremans will make a full recovery. "With eight weeks left in the season and playoffs, it's not possible for him to play this season. We want to be very conservative with this and take it slow," said Burkholder.
Herremans will be in a walking boot for a minimum of eight weeks. His spot on the roster was filled by promoting guard/center Julian Vandervelde from the practice squad.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Monday, November 12, 2012

How To Stretch Your Feet

We stretch every other part of our bodies, but we often forget one of the most important: our feet! Stretching can help keep your feet fit. Don't forget that many conditions in other parts of your body, like back pain, leg pain, and neck pain, can be traced to pain in your feet. Everything is attached, so when you have pain in your leg, your foot doesn't want to move either.
Here are some simple stretches you can do to help keep your feet flexible and fit:
  • Lunges. From a standing position, with your feet together and toes pointing forward, lunge forward with your right foot. Keep your knees bent and your chest up as you lunge. Be sure your right heel strikes the floor before the rest of the foot. And be sure that you keep your right knee aligned above your right ankle; do not bend your right knee so far that it extends forward beyond the ankle. Return to the normal standing position. Repeat 11 more times, then lunge 12 times with the left foot. To increase the intensity of this stretch, do lunges onto a small platform or step.
  • Tendon Stretch. Stand with both foot on a step or phone book, with your heels extending beyond the edge of the step. You may want to hold onto something to keep your balance as you shift your weight toward your heels and gently stretch the muscles and tendons in the back of your lower leg.
  • Towel Lift. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your left knee and put your left foot flat on the floor. Place a towel around your right ankle. Grasping the ends of the towel, use it to pull your right leg up. Keep your right leg straight and keep your buttocks on the floor as you do so. Hold the stretch for several seconds, then lower your leg to the floor. Repeat with the left leg.
  • "V" Stretch. Sit on the floor and place your legs out in front of you in a "v" shape. Turn your torso to the right and place your hands on the floor- one hand on either side of your right thigh. Roll your left hip and your left toes inward, so that the inside of your left foot is rest on the floor and the toes of your left foot are pointing toward your right leg. You should feel a stretch in the inner side of your left thigh. Release the stretch, then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, with your hands next to your left thigh and your torso turned to the left.
  • Knee Hug. Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left, with your right knee bent. Hug your right knee to your chest. After putting your right leg back on the floor, cross your left leg over and repeat the hug.
  • Quad Stretch. Stand behind a chair with your left hand on the back of the chair to help you maintain your balance. Bend your right knee, raise your right leg behind you, and grasp the right foot with your right hand. Gently pull upward on the foot until it reaches the buttocks. Hold it there for several seconds. You should feel a stretch in the large muscle at the front of your thigh. (Do not arch your back as you do this exercise.) Place your right foot back on the floor and repeat the stretch with the left foot.
  • Crouch. Stand in front of a stable chair and hold your arms straight out in front of you (parallel to the floor). Gradually begin to sit down- but stop before your buttocks touch the chair. Your weight should be on your heels; your arms should help you maintain your balance. Stand up again slowly and repeat. Rest, then do another two sets. 
  • Towel Scrunch. Sit on a chair and place your bare feet on the floor. Pretend you have a towel under your toes; draw the towel in towards your heels by scrunching your toes. Then reverse the exercise by using your toes to push the imaginary towels out and away from the heel. Do this ten times with each foot.
  • Towel Scoop. Sit on a chair and place your bare feet on the floor. Use the outer part of your foot to scoop the imaginary towel in toward your arches. Then use the inner part of your foot to smooth the towel back out. Do this ten times with each foot. 
If you have a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Australian Football Player Clark On Road To Recovery

Today Australian football player Mitch Clark has his moment of truth. He will be allowed for the first time since his foot surgery to jog on a treadmill. 
Clark was sidelined for the entire second half of the 2012 AFL season after having sustaining serious damage to bones and ligaments in his foot. 
"I'm on track and the good news is we've got time. I'm just not trying to rush it at the moment and stay patient," Clark said. "I'm hoping to play a couple of NAB Cup games and go from there."
The tall Demon was on crutches for nine weeks and was in a cast for 13 weeks following surgery. "It's pretty much fully healed and I've just got to slowly progress. The surgeons and the physios are happy how it's progressing and listen to them and do as I'm told. It was a pretty serious injury, but I'm up and about and just taking the little victories as they come and looking forward to my first run on Monday," said Clark.
Clark consulted with other soccer players, like Trent Croad, whose Hawthorn career was ended due to a similar injury. "Some of the Melbourne Storm guys have actually had the injury and I've spoken to a few of those guys. I'm very confident the way the docs and physios are treating me at the moment and working with my surgeon. 
The Melbourne key defender is looking forward to something special- setting fire to his cast! "I'm looking forward to having a bonfire ritual and get rid of those. Now I'm walking around, I feel like a normal person again. I was pretty much bedridden for six weeks before I could get back on the bike and do some power walking. I'm confident I'll progress well and get ready for round 1."
Having been out so long, Clark admits that he is a little nervous about returning to action. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit scared and anxious about the injury. But I'm progressing really well and fingers crossed."
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Joe Mays Placed On Injured Reserve

Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays was placed on the injured reserve list Tuesday after suffering a fractured fibula near his left ankle during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
Mays sustained the injury while blocking punt returner Trindon Holliday during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 34-14 victory over the Saints when a Saints player accidentally leg-whipped him.
"We're going to miss Joe," teammate Wesley Woodyard said Monday. "Things definitely won't be the same without having him out there, his presence, his leadership, and his ability to go out there and make plays."
His season has been less than satisfactory after signing a three year, $12 million deal in the offseason. The fifth year pro had started four of Denver's first five games at middle linebacker, missing one after being suspended and fined $50,000 by the NFL for an illegal hit on the Houston Texans Matt Schaub in Week 3. He has played six games overall for the Broncos and totaled 19 tackles, 12 solo, and a half-sac. He lost his starting position two weeks ago to Keith Brooking after a poor game against the New England Patriots, relegating him to special teams duty. 
"He didn't get down on himself. He continued to pick his teammates up and that's one thing you look for as a good teammate, whether throughout the tough times whether you're going to be the same person or you're going to be a different person," Woodyard said. "He was sad but he continued to work hard every day and he came out here and pushed everybody else, and that's the big thing we were proud about."
Brooking added "You hate to lose a guy that we were all counting on. He's been a very big part of this football team. The main things are for him just to keep his head up, keep fighting, believing and don't allow this to get him down. More than anything, it's just motivation for him to come back even better than he was before."
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Friday, November 9, 2012

Net's Williams Has Bone Spurs

Brooklyn Nets player Deron Williams revealed last Wednesday to an ESPN reporter that he will likely require surgery to remove bone spurs in his left ankle. 
The star point guard sat out practices last Thursday and Friday because of the condition, but expects to be fine during the season. 
"I think probably the majority of athletes have bone spurs that they deal with at some point in their career," Williams told SportsCenter. "I don't know if I'll have to have surgery. I'm just saying that might be something that happens after the season. But as far as right now, my ankle feels like new since I got the shots, so hopefully I won't have to have any surgery at all."
Nets coach Billy King confirmed that an MRI revealed Williams has bone spurs in his left ankle and will likely have surgery in the offseason to clean them up. Williams had a cortisone shot last Friday to ease the pain from the inflammation from the spurs. King however downplayed the results and expects the injury to manageable.
"The injection worked, and then after the season he'll probably get it cleaned up," said King, who has not ruled out more cortisone shots for the point guard.
King says he has seen many players manage their bone spurs throughout the season and then have offseason surgery. "You really wouldn't have noticed if they didn't say anything about it. They ice it, they do all the things preventive. And at the end of the season they just clean it out so it's not a problem."
Don't expect this to slow down the Nets or Williams. The team has a lot going for them this season, including stars Joe Johnson, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez, and Gerald Wallace. The team has a brand new arena, and is fighting for the heart of New York City against an even more injury riddled New York Knicks. And when Williams says that his ankle "feels like new", you can believe him. Williams is a straight talker who tells the truth.
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
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Should Men Wear Socks?

Let's face it: men's socks are boring. Ever go to buy a pair of socks for your dad/husband/grandfather/son and think "Boring, boring, boring."?
Men are getting sick of the same ol' socks too and a sock revolution is happening! They're starting to wear bright, colorful socks that break all the traditional rules (socks that match trousers, shoes, etc), or they're not wearing them at all. Jeans with blue and green striped socks? Suits without socks? Very fashionable.
Here are the new rules for men and how to wear socks:
Ditch socks if...
...you're wearing well-tailored pants. During the warm weather, shorter pant legs require awesome shoes. Choose pants are are right around the ankle, and just short enough to show off stylish shoes. You can also roll up your pant legs a couple of times to skim the top of your shoes.
...you're wearing sandals. This was always a rule, but it needs to reiterated.
...you're at the beach. The beach is a casual environment, and taking the time to take off shoes and socks makes a spontaneous run into the water take more time. You should be wearing flip-flops or boat shoes to the beach or pool anyway.
If you're concerned about foot odor- which most men are- pick up a foot powder and put it on your feet before shoes.
Keep the socks if...
...you're not ready to go bare. If it's too extreme for you, there is a plethora of options. Try wearing colorful, patterned socks instead. They show your personality while still keeping your feet covered and warm.
...you're exercising. One word: blisters.
...you're sticking with a low cut pair . Low-cut athletic or loafer socks provide cushion and keep away the stink.
If you have a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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