When Can I Drive After Breaking My Foot?

It's that time of year when a lot of people fall, slip, and crash land on the snow and ice, breaking an ankle, foot, or toe. Of all the times of year to be laid up with a broken bone, winter is perhaps the least busy, compared to summer with outdoor activities. 
But if you're like most people, you're likely to get a serious case of cabin fever, as you spend days on the couch recovering, watching television or reading a good book. So when you finally decide to venture outside, is it safe for you to drive a car? How long should you wait?
Unfortunately, there are no concrete guidelines as to when you can drive again after breaking a major bone in your lower limbs. Several recent articles have attempted to summarize contrasting findings of postoperative driving studies. Most studies say that normal braking function returns nine weeks after surgery for an ankle fracture and six weeks after breaking a bone in either the ankle or foot. 
One point all the studies agree on is that the patient should never drive with a cast or brace on the right ankle or foot.
The goal of these studies was to see how long it takes recuperating patients to make an emergency stop and to encourage doctors to have conversations with their patients about safety behind the wheel. Doctors have often been hesitant to give any advice with regards to driving and broken bones, for fear of getting sued if the patient got into an accident or if driving aggravated the injury. One study shows that 35% of doctors never even talk about safe driving after an injury. Even if doctors have the conversation with their patients, many times the advice goes unheeded.
"As surgeons, we can't clear someone for driving, but we can educate them," said Dr. Geoffrey S. Marecek, co-author of one review, which was recently published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. "I tell my patients, 'No immobilization, full range of motion without pain, and then we'll talk about it.'
"But that's common sense and not science," Dr. Marecek, an assistant professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine added.
However, most physicians would tailor the advice to the patient and procedure, factoring in pain tolerance, medications, postoperative mobility, and mental acuity. With no gold-standard in place, it's difficult to make a blanket statement.
If you break a bone in your foot or ankle, make sure you speak with your podiatrist about how long you should wait before getting behind the wheel.
Reference: New York Times
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

A Bee Stung My Foot!

When it is summertime, all we want to do is go barefoot, on grass, on sandy beaches, and in theme parks. However, our bare feet often attract unwelcome bees, who can sting us!
If you are stung by a bee on your foot or ankle, do not try to pinch the stinger out with your fingers. Try squeezing the stinger sac instead and push more venom in. 
If you are at home, grab some tape, lay it across the stinger, and pull up the tape, letting the adhesive of the tape remove the stinger. You can also try using a credit card or fingernail to scrape the stinger off. 
If you are unable to get to the stinger using these methods, use your fingernail to press into your skin about a half inch away. When none of these techniques call a foot or ankle specialist, or proceed to an emergency room immediately if you are having an allergic reaction. 
Once the bee stinger has been removed from your foot or ankle, wash your foot with cold water and soap. If you are experiencing pain apply a cold pack for 5 to 15 minutes, until the affected area feels numb. Repeat with cold packs until you no longer feel discomfort. 
Common signs of an allergic reaction to a bee sting are hives, abnormal swelling around the sting area, and difficulty breathing. If you already know you are allergic to bee stings, head to the emergency room, as some people can die. Your bee sting kit, which includes your medication, will help save your life. 
To avoid attracting bees:

• Avoid wearing hair spray, scented lotions and sprays, and oils. You smell like a flower to a bee when you wear these things, so avoid them if you know you will be outside.
• Like humans, bees see in ultraviolet, and when you wear brightly colored clothing, you look like a flower to them. 
• Be careful with food that you eat outside. Bees love anything that smells sweet, so cover up any food not being eaten.

If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Most Americans Have Foot Pain, But Don't Go To Podiatrist

The American Podiatric Medical Association announced last month the results of its Today's Podiatrist survey, which investigates the public's attitudes towards foot health. The study surveyed 1,000 Americans aged 18 and older and found that the majority of Americans have experienced foot pain (77%), but only one third of them would go to a podiatrist for medical help.
Foot pain is not just a nuisance. It affects how you walk, exercise, work, or play with your children. Foot pain can greatly reduce your involvement with all of these activities, especially when you have chronic foot pain. Half of those surveyed said they had to stop or reduce an activity because of foot pain and that number rose to 83% for those with chronic foot pain. Respondents said they would exercise more (39%) and be more involved with activities (41%) if they were foot pain free.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing. Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest thing from our minds."
While many people have foot ailments, most do not know to go to a podiatrist for help. The majority of adults speak with their primary care physician (60%) or do a Web search (48%) to seek answers for their foot problem before seeing a podiatrist. 
"Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons, and specialists. They're ready and able to treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the foot and ankle, as well as the foot problems Americans experience most often: heel pain, plantar fasciitis, nail fungus, and foot odor," said. Dr. Spinosa. "They can also catch signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders, all of which can be detected in the feet."
When people go to see a podiatrist, they get the help they need. 88% reported that their podiatrist provided a quick and clear diagnosis and 76% said their podiatrist prescribed an effective treatment regimen and/or medication that solved their foot or ankle condition. 
As well, 34% said their podiatrist was able to diagnose and identify another condition they have, like diabetes, circulatory problems, or nerve issues. Most who visited a podiatrist were extremely pleased with the level of service and care they received; more were happy with the care they received from their podiatrist than their primary care physician.
"Foot pain is never normal, and it's critical that anyone experiencing chronic pain seeks care from an expert," said Dr. Spinosa. "We hope these findings encourage Americans to fight foot pain with the help of today's podiatrist."
Reference: News Medical
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Getting A Pedicure? Look For These Things

It is that time year again when our feet come out from their winter shoe hiding place and are free in flip flops, sandals, and open toed shoes. You may look down at your naked toenails and think "This will not do!" 
But you may be concerned about going to a nail salon to get a pedicure because of the horror stories you have heard from friends, family, and co-workers. Most people know about the dangers dirty salons can cause: fungus, cuts, and mishaps. 
It is crucial therefore that you go to a salon that uses clean practices. You can assume that there is always a chance for exposure to these fungi, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. We see the effects of a pedicure gone wrong all the time in our offices- from patients who have had toenail fungus for years, botched cuticle cutting, and various other viruses. 
Don't become another victim of a foot condition from the salon. Here are some things you should look for in a good nail salon:

• Get to the salon 15 minutes early. It may be a pain in the neck to arrive 15 minutes early before your appointment, but the point is to give yourself time to check out the salon, even if you have been there before. Does the salon look professional and clean? Trash bins should never be overflowing, and neither should dust be collecting on shelves. 
• Find licenses. Each of the nail technician's, along with the salon's license, should be posted near the entrance so everyone can see them. Don't see the licenses? Ask your technician.
• How do they sanitize their tools? Tools should either be sterilized in an autoclave, a big device that sanitizes tools, or in liquid disinfectant. The solution should not be cloudy; if the solution is cloudy, it needs to be changed. Ask if they use test strips to make sure the disinfectant is working. 
• Look at the pedicure area. Are the footbaths being cleaned after every pedicure? After every pedicure the footbaths should be disinfected with hot, soapy water, filled with water again, along with disinfectant. The spa should run at least 10 minutes before being emptied out again and wiped down. 
• Check out the manicure area. Is your manicurist cleaning and disinfecting after every single client? new towels, cotton balls, disposable nail files, and wooden tools should all be replaced and thrown out.
• Watch out if you are getting acrylic nails or fillings. The manicurist should wash her hands before getting started and apply an antibacterial gel or spray to yours. Every tool should be sterilized. 
• Avoid cuticles. Cuticles should be pushed back but not cut. Your cuticles provide protection for your nail bed, so they should be kept. 
• Bring your own manicure kit. Many nail salons will let you bring your own manicure kit, as well as your own polish. But- you need to make sure they are cleaned and sterilized after each visit. 
• Visit a med spa. Still have doubts? Visit a med spa, where a physician is on staff and oversees the environment, tools, and equipment. 

Reference: Elle
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Former Costa Rican President Has Foot Surgery

Costa Rica's former president Oscar Arias Sanchez (1986-1990, 2006-2010) underwent surgery on his right foot last Sunday to repair a ruptured tendon. 
The surgery was performed at the Clinica Biblica, a private hospital in downtown San Jose, per instructions from Arias' personal physician. The former president and Noble Peace laureate said he has been suffering from recurring pain and discomfort for several weeks.
Arias' daughter, Silvia Aria, spoke with members of the media after the surgery, stating that the surgery began at 10:30 AM and lasted two hours.
Arias was accompanied to the hospital by his wife Suzanne Fischel and other relatives. The first medical report after surgery found Arias, 73, in good health.
Arias was president of Costa Rica twice and won the Noble Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to end and negotiate peace accords for years of civil wars in Central America. 
Reference: Tico Times
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Liam Hemsworth Injured On Set of Mockingjay

Liam Hemsworth fans across the world are hoping for a speedy recovery for the popular Australian actor.
Hemsworth injured his right ankle while filming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2 in Berlin this weekend. Production stopped on Saturday and resumed today. 
The actor was seen with his driver and two people from his entourage for a second-round check-up at the doctor's today, where he was for an hour and a half. Even though he was limping, Hemsworth was all smiles and was in good spirits. 
The rumor is that Hemsworth sustained the injury when he kicked a styrofoam stone dummy, but it has not been confirmed. 
Before getting injured, Hemsworth was showing off his dance moves at the Cannes Film Festival. The cast of Mockingjay 2 got dance fever at the 67th Festival, with Hemsworth the first to hit the dance floor. The crew boogied out to songs by Beyonce, Michael Jackson, and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. 
References: E! Online and Perez Hilton
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

New Technology Designed To Kill Athlete's Foot

IBM researchers and a team in Singapore have taken a common plastic and turned it into a nanomedicine that is 1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand and can be used to kill fungus that is resistant to antibiotics.
So for everyone who suffers from athlete's foot and toenail fungus, this is good news.
This new nanomedicine represents technology that was created in 2011 at the IBM Almaden research facility in San Jose, California, and at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore to attack bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics. The researchers believe they can take this nanomedicine and use it to only attack the bad cells within a body. This breakthrough in anti-fungal treatment will likely be commercialized, and has large ramifications for infections that affect over a billion people each year. 
They were able to have precise targeting because the researchers can create an electrical charge on the nano particles that is only attracted to fungi cells. The nano particles then attach themselves to the fungi cells and chemically combine with them, wiping them out.
Researchers are hopeful for this treatment option because it physically attacks the membrane wall of the fungus, and kills the cells before they become immune.
James Hedrick, an advanced organic materials scientist at IBM's Almaden center, said in an interview with VentureBeat that the nanomedicine can be made from plastic materials like polyethylene terephthalate and turned into non-toxic biocompatible materials that are made especially to attack fungal infection. 
"This was a continuation of work in the antimicrobial space," Hendrick said. "It's a new molecule that fights fungal infections, which are similar to mammal cells in that they are very hard to target. Normally, drugs indiscriminately attack fungi and healthy cells together."
Hedrick reiterated that the new nano particles are pathogen-specific and target set fungi, not healthy cells. IBM has labeled this research as a battle of Ninjas vs. Superbugs.
Over 1 billion people each year are affected by a fungal infection of some sort, not just on the feet. The body is more susceptible to these infections when it has an illness like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or when taking antibiotics. Traditional antifungal drugs get inside a cell to attack the infection, but have a difficult time breaking down the membrane wall. As well, drugs cannot differentiate between fungi cells and mammal cells.
Reference: Venture Beat
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

What Is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

Sinus tarsi is a syndrome specific to the sinus tarsi, also known as the eye of the foot, which is an opening outside the foot between the ankle and heel bone.
This syndrome was first described by Dr. Denis O'Connor in 1957. He created a surgical procedure, called the O'Connor procedure, that involves the removal of all or portions of the contents of the sinus tarsi.
Sinus tarsi syndrome can be caused by an inversion (rolling out) ankle sprain or a pinching or impingement of the soft tissues of the sinus tarsi due to an extremely pronated foot.
Patients typically complain of localized pain in the sinus tarsi region with a sense of instability and aggravation by weight bearing activity. These patients usually have a difficult time walking on grass, gravel, etc. A physical examination shows pain to palpation of the sinus tarsi with pain increasing on turning in or turning out. The foot and ankle joints may also be loose or instability.
Your podiatrist will examine the foot and order X-rays, a bone scan, CT scan, and/or MRI evaluation. However, this can be a difficult diagnosis to make, as other conditions and syndromes are often ruled out first.
Your podiatrist may recommend anti-inflammatories, stable shoes, periods of immobilization, ankle sleeves, and orthotics for decreasing the pain. Cases that are proving resistant to non-invasive treatment may require oral steroids, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely necessary, but if unavoidable, open surgery through an incision or closed surgery via arthroscopy may be considered.
Sinus tarsi syndrome commonly happens after an ankle sprain or in someone who has a severely pronated foot. It is important to get a correct diagnosis so the root problem can be addressed
Reference: American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Does Vitamin D Have To Do With Foot and Ankle Injuries?

In a new correlation study, those who have foot or ankle injuries are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. This new relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk for foot and ankle injuries may help with dietary advice for seniors, athletes, and others with a propensity to have bone damage. 
Vitamin D has a dual purpose in our bodies: first to act as a nutrient and second to be a hormone. Traditionally it has been a main factor in helping to build and repair bone. Other research shows that vitamin D can reduce chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancers, multiple sclerosis, and infectious diseases. 
However, getting the amount of vitamin D you would need to promote your health is difficult. Dairy products and fatty fishes contain vitamin D, but most Americans do not consume enough of these to meet their daily intake requirements. Some foods now, like breakfast cereal, fortify their products with vitamin D. It is possible to get vitamin D through sun exposure, but one would have to sit outside every day for 15 minutes to receive the proper benefit. 
Those who do not receive enough vitamin D through their food intake will often be told by their physician to take a vitamin supplement. 
There is a debate going on among medical professionals as to how much vitamin D a person should acquire in a day. A 2010 study says that the USDA guidelines should be tripled to 600 IU per day. This is a level higher than what the average multivitamin contains, typically at 400 IU. It is unclear as to how much vitamin D is needed for optimum health.
The recent study published by Foot And Ankle International looked at the relationship between vitamin D and foot and ankle injuries. The study involved 75 people, all whom had suffered a foot or ankle injury. 47 patients had levels of vitamin D that would be considered insufficient (less than 03 ng/mL) and 13 percent were found to be vitamin D deficient. The study also found that those who had suffered a fracture had significantly less vitamin D than those who only sustained a sprain.
However, this was just a correlation study and there is no evidence to support the idea that vitamin D causes foot and ankle injuries or visa versa. Further studies would be needed with supporting evidence to prove this claim. 
Reference: Liberty Voice
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Should You Leave Your Shoes At the Door?

In many countries across the world, it is considered rude for a guest not to take off their shoes before entering a private home. A U.S. expert now says that it may not be beneficial.
Stephen S. Morse, a professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University says that even when a person walks through a spotless office building, shoes pick up all sorts of germs and bacteria. 
Bacteria like E. coli and viruses that cause influenza like to attach themselves to shoes. For those who live in farmland or near exposed soil, harmful pathogens like to stick on shoes. Carpets and wet surfaces house our favorite fungi, which can cause Athlete's foot and plantar warts. 
However, these germs would "have to make their way into a human through a lesion on the skin, and that's a pretty far-fetched scenario," Morse told the Wall Street Journal. 
While the risk of catching any severe germs is low, who should enforce a no-shoes policy?
Those who have crawling babies should enforce a no-shoe rule, as babies love to put anything they can find in their mouths, or leave things behind for an adult to step on. Dr. Morse also offers this practical reason: wood floors and other surfaces look cleaner without shoe traffic. Dr. Morse removes his shoes in his home, "for the sake of keeping my marriage intact."
However, going barefoot is not for everyone. Diabetics and the injury-prone should either wear shoes in the house or socks and slippers. "You could step on a nail," Dr. Morse says. "But mostly the concerns are anesthetic."
Enforcing the no-shoe rule can be tricky, especially when it comes to repairmen or dinner guests, and Dr. Morse doesn't believe it's worth it. He thinks that a little dirt is a good thing: "The Hygiene Hypothesis says that one of the reasons we see asthma and allergies is because the immune system isn't being kept busy with fighting off the bad guys," he says. "There is evidence for both sides, and we epidemiologists debate this every week." 
As long as guests wipe off their shoes before they enter your home, you should be OK. "It might save your floors a lot of cleaning, but other than that, we have no reason to believe that shoes in the home are a real hazard."
Reference: Wall Street Journal
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Mental Health Tied To Foot Pain?

Is mental health tied to foot pain? Researchers in Australia believe so.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research suggests that poor mental health is a predictor of worsening foot pain. This study included 62 patients with foot pain, who underwent assessments for pain and mental health in 2008 and then again three years later.
Researchers from La Trobe and Monash University found that participants whose foot pain decreased in the interval were more likely to have better baseline mental health.
Authors found that age, gender, BMI, and physical disability were not factors with the change in foot pain. 
Baseline mental health scores for patients whose foot pain improved were in the normal range for the overall Australian population. This was in contrast to those whose pain deteriorated and had baseline scores far below normal.
"This study supports the theory that the outcome of foot pain may be affected by a person's mental status," the authors wrote. 
The psychosomatic response to pain is different for each individual and may explain how pre-existing conditions psychological factors influence the development of chronic pain conditions. 
It is also possible that chronic pain creates activity avoidance, which in turn perpetuates the persistence of pain.
More research would be needed to determine if mental health is the cause or effect of foot pain. 
Reference: Rheumatology Update
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Injury Or Fashion? Kesha Appears With Bandaged Ankle At Coachella

A picture taken of pop singer Kesha at Coachella over the weekend may lead some people to believe that she had a little too much fun. 
Kesha was posing with The Strokes' Julian Casablancas and Haim's Danielle Haim and appeared to be favoring a bandaged left ankle in the picture. One would think the singer had injured herself during the day's music activities, as she had appeared earlier in the day without the bandage. 
However, the bandage was just fashion related. E! News reported that the bandage was just a result of her strappy black and gold sandals.
Even with her shoe malfunctions, Kesha seemed to be enjoying herself at Coachella, looking happy and healthy in a pink and white floral romper.
The singer has been in good spirits since leaving a rehabilitation center last month after receiving treatment for an eating disorder. 
At the time she tweeted, "Happy to be back! Feeling healthy & working on tons of new music. I can't thank my friends enough for all the love & support you have given me. Life is beautiful. I'm so blessed to have u all."
Kesha has made a new start for herself, first by dropping the dollar sign from her name and changing up her Twitter account. She also cancelled her spring tour dates to focus on her recovery. 
"I was so looking forward to performing at these dates, but I need to follow my doctor's advice and get my health back on track," she said. "All of your support has been so amazing. I couldn't have done this without you all. I look forward to coming back stronger than ever on the next tour."
Reference: E! News
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Comedian George Wallace Wins Lawsuit Over Injuries

Comedian George Wallace won a $1.3 million in a civil lawsuit against a Las Vegas casino resort for injuries he suffered in 2007 when he tripped over audio cables during a performance. 
Wallace was appearing at a corporate holiday party at the Bellagio when he sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon from getting tangled in the cables. His attorney Dominic Gentile said that the cables should have been properly secured.
Wallace, who was in Jerry Seinfeld's wedding, filed the lawsuit against the casino in 2009 for negligence. An eight member jury found the Bellagio had breached its duty of care, according to a court document detailing the verdict. 
The comedian, 61, was awarded $1.2 million for loss of income, $100,000 for pain and suffering, and $8,500 for medical expenses.
Talking to reporters after the verdict was announced, Wallace said that the injury caused him to walk with a permanent limp. 
Gentile had asked that his client be awarded several million in damages and said that he respected the court's decision. 
The Bellagio's lawyers argued that its employees were not responsible for Wallace's injuries, said spokeswoman Mary Hynes. Hynes said the Bellagio was "reviewing the jury's verdict and our legal options."
Wallace is known for his work on "The Tonight Show", "Oprah", and "The Late Show With David Letterman". 
A ruptured Achilles tendon is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.
Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in "weekend warriors"- typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures.
A person with a ruptured Achilles tendon may experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden pain in the back of the calf or ankle- often subsiding with a dull ache
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Swelling in the back of the leg between the calf and heel
• Difficulty walking, especially uphill or up stairs, and difficulty rising up on the toes

These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage. Until the patient is able to see a podiatrist, the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method should be used.
Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on how severe the rupture is and the patient's health status.
Non-surgical treatment is typically associated with a higher rate of re-rupture and is a good method for minor tears, less active patients, and those with medical conditions. This may include a walking boot, cast, or brace to restrict motion and movement.
Reference: Reuters
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Julie Andrews Gives Up Movie Roll Because Of Ankle Surgery

Julie Andrews was forced to give up a scintillating roll in Oscar-nominated The Wolf of Wall Street because she was recovering from ankle surgery.
The veteran British actress was offered a small roll that would have given her the opportunity to kiss leading man Leonardo DiCaprio. 
However, since the Sound of Music actress was recuperating from ankle surgery, the role of Aunt Emma went to Joanna Lumley instead. 
Andrews told Britain's Birmingham Post newspaper, "I've had problems for a long time with my ankle, after I twisted it many years ago. With general wear and tear it got worse, and eventually it just had to be taken care of. I was finding it very hard to walk, I was hanging on to anything I could find. I didn't like what I saw for the future.
"So I had the operation nearly two years ago. I'm fully recovered now, but I wasn't over it when I got the Wolf of Wall Street offer. I would love to have been part of the film but I couldn't alas. It was really a tough choice, but I didn't feel up to it. I was still having a hard time getting about, so regretfully I had to decline the offer. I'm sure Joanna Lumley was fabulous in the role."
Reference: News Net 5 Cleveland
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Why Do My Feet Burn?

If your feet are burning, it does not necessarily mean that you have neuropathy. There are other causes and reasons for your feet to burn.
One such cause is called Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, also known as burning feet syndrome. The burning sensation is usually limited to the soles of the feet, but may spread to the tops of the ankles. Typically the arms and palms of the hands are not affected.
The conditions consists of severe burning and aching of the feet, hyperaesthesia, pain, elevated skin temperature, and vasomotor changes of the feet, including excessive sweating and general body washing. Some patients will complain of pins and needles or tingling in the lower extremities. Symptoms usually worsen at night and improve during the day.
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are the most commonly affected and the syndrome can occur because of hereditary or mechanical factors. Mechanical factors may be due to mechanical compression of the peripheral nerves, like the tarsal tunnel, and in diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition has been related to psychosomatic causes, vitamin B deficiencies, renal failure, and hypothyroidism. Nerve entrapment because of sciatic monoeuropathy and spinal arteriovenous malformation can also cause burning feet. Patients with psychiatric disorders may have a myriad of signs and symptoms in association with burning feet.
On the outside, it may appear there is no underlying problem. The overlying skin and blood vessels look normal, but some patients exhibit erythema of the feet with warm overlying skin as in erythromelalgia. No tenderness in the area is usually felt.
If Grierson-Gopalan syndrome is caused by a disease, like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or psychosomatic, measures specific to the disease will be taken.
Generally, treatment includes wearing open and comfortable shoes, especially those with arch supports. Wearing cotton socks is also recommended. Soaking the feet daily in cold water for 15 minutes can bring temporary symptomatic relief. You should avoid exposing your feet to the heat. Certain creams and vitamin B supplements can also be helpful in reducing the burning sensation.
In cases where it is a mechanical failure, arch supports and wider shoes may relieve discomfort. If the underlying cause is flat feet, orthotics will help restore the foot arch.
Reference: Dr. Foot.
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Nigella Lawson Has A Bad Habit

Nigella Lawson has a bad habit. 
And we're not talking about how she was stopped from getting on a plane to Los Angeles today because of her previous cocaine and pot usage. 
We're talking about trips to the refrigerator in the middle of the night for a snack. 
The television cook, 54, once sprained her ankle during a late night raid on her refrigerator. She admitted her midnight slip to chat show host pal Michael McIntyre. 
When asked if she makes a lot of trips to the refrigerator in the middle of the night, Lawson responded, "It's not part of my routine, but sometimes I make double visits.
"I have actually sprained my ankle going to get a turkey sandwich in the middle of the night."
Lawson has had a rough year after pictures surfaced of her ex-husband Charles Saatchi with his hands around her neck at a London restaurant. The author of "How To Be A Domestic Goddess" also had to testify at the fraud trial of former assistants Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, where her drug use was revealed. 
We're still scratching our heads over how Justin Bieber is allowed into the United States, but Lawson, who had no drugs on her, was not. 
Verdict: if you're going to get up in the middle of the night for a snack, make sure you turn the light on so you don't trip and sprain your ankle, or worse. 
Reference: The Mirror
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Do Laser Treatments For Fungal Toenails Work?

The New York Times recently published an article regarding the efficacy of laser treatments for fungal toenails. They came to the conclusion that there is little evidence these treatments work.

They cited a study published last year in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology where researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that laser treatments “provided no improvements in patients with toenail fungus, even after five sessions.”

Dr. Andrea Bershaw, the director of the nail procedure clinic at the Minneapolis VA Heath Care Systems says, “I think we want it to work, but the evidence just isn’t quite there yet. The studies have shown efficacy have been small, they haven’t been randomized controlled trials, and most of them have been funded by the actual laser companies themselves.”

For our podiatrists here at Connecticut Foot Care Centers, we would disagree with the statements above. The laser treatment we use for toenail fungus is the Noveon Podiatric Laser, different than other laser options. This particular laser treatment uses dual frequency wavelengths, two per toe,  that penetrates deep into the tissue surface. Unlike laser systems that use hand-held wands, our machine prevents human error by attaching laser pods to the toe.

Some patients are unable to take oral medications, and have seen little improvement with the topical medication alone. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is another option for those who have fungal nail conditions. It is important to remember that this particular treatment requires several visits, and results will be seen when the nail begins to grow out.

There are a wide variety of responses depending on equipment. We have seen favorable results, comparable to oral medication, with this dual frequency laser treatment, especially with patients who follow our at-home instructions and care guidelines. Long-term results are dependent on long-term care, with follow-up treatment of topical ointment. As with any treatment regimen, best results are seen when the patient follows their podiatrist’s recommendations to the T.

Reference: New York Times. 

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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Lindsay Lohan Suffering From Athlete's Foot

Even celebrities have stinky feet!
Lindsay Lohan, recently out of rehab, has come down with an acute case of athlete's foot. Friends of the 27 year old actress say that this is nothing new- she has had this condition in the past!
The "Mean Girls" star, whose eight part documentary premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network on March 9th, admitted that her feet are the most embarrassing part of her body.
"Lilo's horrified by her athlete's foot," revealed a friend. "She has no idea where she caught it because she's always so careful in communal bathrooms and spas. But she's suffered smelly feet ever since she was a teenager, and it's been a hugely embarrassing cross to bear.
"Last year she refused to dine at a traditional Japanese restaurant in New York because she had to take her shoes off."
Lohan has been plagued by athlete's foot in the past, most recently in 2010 when she was photographed leaving a friend's house in L.A. with a cloud of foot powder billowing out of her shoes.
"It's a recurring issue for her, but after that incident she doesn't use so much foot powder anymore," said another source. "Lilo's big enough to joke about it, though.
"Last month, she almost killed a private house party after taking off her shoes. She quickly put them back on, saying, 'Oh, did I put my foot in it again?'"
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi.
Symptoms of athlete's foot include drying skin, scaling, itching, inflammation, and blisters between and on the toes. Athlete's foot can spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails as well as other parts of the body, which is why timely treatment is so important.
You can prevent athlete's foot by:

• Not walking barefoot, particularly in public pools and locker rooms.
• Reducing foot perspiration by using talcum powder.
• Wearing light and airy shoes.
• Wearing socks that keep your feet dry, and changing them frequently if you perspire heavily.

While fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals are usually used to treat athlete's foot problems, they often fail to contact the fungi in the lower layers of skin. For persistent athlete's foot, a prescription topical or oral antifungal drug may be needed.
Reference: National Enquirer
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Sam & Cat Star Breaks Toes

Sam & Cat star Ariana Grande did not have a good start to her week.
The 20 year old actress sent a text message to her manager Scooter Braun on Monday morning to tell him about the crazy night she had just had.
Sunday night Grande had a wacky party that involved her slipping in her dog's pee and slamming into a wall, breaking three of her toes.
Braun shared the story on Instagram: "Had a party last night and in front of a lot of people I slipped on a huge surprise pile of Ophelia piss, slammed into a wall and broke 3 toes. have a great day."
Household injuries like Grande's are quite common and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. We could probably write a book about the different ways people have broken toes.
Grande sustained a traumatic or acute fracture which is caused by direct impact or force, such as stubbing your toe (or slamming into the wall). Traumatic fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. If the fracture is displaced, the bone is broken in such a way that it has changed position.
Signs and symptoms of this type of fracture include:

• You may hear a sound at the time of the break.
• "Pinpoint pain" (pain at the place of impact) at the time the fracture occurs and perhaps a few hours later, but often the pain goes away after several hours.
• Crooked or abnormal appearance of the toe.
• Bruising and swelling the next day.
• It is not true that "if you can walk on it, it's not broken". Evaluation by a podiatrist is always recommended.

It is an old wives tale that "the doctor can't do anything for a broken bone in the foot." This is usually not true. In fact, if a fractured toe is not treated properly, serious complications may occur. For example:

• A deformity in the bony architecture which may limit the ability to move the foot or cause difficulty in fitting shoes.
• Arthritis, which may be caused by a fracture in a joint (the juncture where two bones meet), or may be a result of angular deformities that develop when a displaced fracture is severe or hasn't been properly corrected.
• Chronic pain and deformity.
• Non-union, or failure to heal, can lead to subsequent surgery or chronic pain.

Treatment of toe fractures depends on the break itself and may include these options:

• Rest. Sometimes rest is all that is needed to treat a traumatic fracture of the toe.
• Splinting. The toe may be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
• Rigid or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe protects the toe and helps keep it properly positioned.
• "Buddy taping" the fractured toe to another toe is sometimes appropriate, but in other cases may be harmful. 
• Surgery. If the break is badly displaced or if the joint is affected, surgery may be necessary. Surgery often involves the use of fixation devices, such as pins. 

Reference: Perez Hilton
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Bieber Unable to Walk the Line Because of Foot?

So what reason does Justin Bieber give now for his wonky walking during a sobriety test in Florida on January 23rd?
A hairline fracture in his right foot.
A summary of Miami Beach police documents says that Bieber told officers following his arrest in January he injured his foot skateboarding three months ago. The officer writing the report also commented that Bieber appeared to sway and have leg tremors during one of the tests, wincing in pain. 
The report noted that, "He appeared to have great difficulty," but adds that the injury to his foot was never brought up or noticed during the sobriety test. 
Biieber has pleaded not guilty to the charges of during under the influence and other charges. He told officers that he was not drag racing in a rented Lamborghini with R&B singer Khalil Amir Sharieff, who was driving a Ferrari when they were stopped. Bieber questioned why he was arrested in the first place, arguing with police officers and making condescending remarks. 
The police reports states that Bieber was "agitated and condescending", using profanity when brought to the police station. 
"He then got upset and said 'I'm 19 years old. I'm just out having a good time,'", Bieber said. He then asked police, "What were you doing when you were 19?"
The officer in charge replied that he was not driving a Lamborghini at that age. 
"Yeah, well, I bet you didn't have millions of dollars in your bank account either," Bieber snidely replied. 
To us, it looks like Bieber is using any excuse to get out the charges he faces. A hairline fracture in your foot would not make you sway or be unable to "walk the line". He was likely under the influence, either of drugs or alcohol, and therefore unable to walk a straight line. Normally, a hairline fracture would heal in fewer than three months, unless no treatment had been sought. But since Bieber knew he had a hairline fracture, he must have sought medical treatment. 
Our verdict: tell the truth and 'fess up. 
Reference: MSN
If you believe you 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Actor Timothy West Breaks Ankle

Veteran British actor Timothy West is confined to a wheelchair while he recovers from a broken ankle. 
The Day of the Jackal star received the injury in a fall and underwent an operation to repair the damage. 
His ankle was set in plaster and the actor has been using crutches and a wheelchair to get around.
Wst, 79, was concerned the injury would cost him his new job on the U.K. soap opera EastEnders, and was relieved when the TV bosses assured him they would accommodate his injury. 
Speaking on the U.K. TV show The Alan Titchmarsh Show, West said, "As you can see I'm on crutches which is not my permanent state- employers please note- I just happened to fall over and break my ankle... I had to... ring up the EastEnders people and say, 'Look, I've broken my ankle. I'm terribly sorry.' They said, 'Oh no, that's perfectly alright... we'll write that in.' I said, 'No, you don't understand- I've had an operation, I'm in plaster.' (They said) 'That's alright that doesn't bother us.' (I said) 'I have to move about in a wheelchair'- 'Alright we can get you a wheelchair'- they were terrific."
Reference: Contact Music
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Kit Harington Vows Says He'll Take Fewer Risks

Game of Thrones and Pompeii start Kit Harington says he'll take fewer risks after a drunken incident caused him to break his ankle last year. 
Harington spent months in a cast after breaking his ankle trying to get into his own home after a night partying in London. 
The injury meant an inconvenience for Game of Thrones producers, who had to juggle his schedule. A body double was required to play his character, Jon Snow, in several scenes. 
"As it happened I was pissed and I was trying to climb through a window and that's all over and done with now. I have to be more careful now," Harington told Confidential, while in Sydney to promote his new film Pompeii.
"I think you get one strike and you are out with certain injuries. I'm much more careful."
Being famous has also affected other areas of Harington's life. 
"I used to play a lot of rugby when I was younger and I stopped all that because of acting and not wanting to get injured."
While this incident happened more than a year ago, Harington has continued to keep his vow and be more careful.  Wise words, children. Wise words. 
Reference: Daily Telegraph
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Paint My Nails: A History of Nail Polish

Americans are in love with nail polish, manicures, and pedicures. We fork over anywhere from $15 to $35 for our favorite color, design, and style weekly. For many women getting a weekly manicure or pedicure is a status symbol. 
Our love affair with getting our nails done however, is not a new phenomenon. Nail polish originated in China back to 3000 BC and was initially used by the ruling class to distinguish themselves from the general population. There are reports of several common people who were caught with nail polish being publicly executed. In 600 BC during the Zhou Dynasty, the preferred colors were silver and gold, a symbol of power and wealth, but red and black eventually replaced these as the royal's favorite shades. During the Ming Dynasty, nail polish was made from beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum Arabic. 
From China, nail polish spread through India, the Middle East, and northern Africa, where it enjoyed immense popularity. In Egypt, pale colors were worn by commoners, while high society chose red to adorn their nails. After the fall of the Roman empire, nail polish disappeared from European fashion and did not reappear until the Renaissance, when new trade connections were established with the Middle East and India. By the 9th century, nails were tinted with scented red oils, polished or buffed. 
As the centuries progressed, nail polish and manicures became more common place, first in France in the late 18th century. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, people sought a polished, rather than painted look by massaging tinted powders and creams into their nails, buffing them until they were shiny. One polishing product that was sold during this time was Graf's Hyglo nail polish paste.
With the creation of automobile paint, Cutex produced the first modern nail polish in 1917. In 1932 the Charles Revson Company, later Revlon, produced their first nail polish. Once the technique was refined, it was often used in place of gloves to cover up grime and dirt underneath finger and toenails.
References: Wikipedia and History of Cosmetics.
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Feet Prime Target For Fungus

If you've read that title and are thinking, "Eww!", yes, you're right to think that's a gross statement. 
At least 80 different types of fungi call our heels home, along with 60 between the toes, and 40 on the toenail. More than 100 different fungi reside on our feet, more than any other place on our body, according to a study published in the journal Nature. 
But as gross as it sounds, some of that fungi has a specific and positive effect, said study leader Julie Segre, a geneticist at the National Humane Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. 
"One of the major functions of healthy fungi is to prevent pathogenic fungi from adhering to our skin," where they can cause athlete's foot, plantar warts, and stubborn toenail infections. "There is something about toenails that fungi just love."
Segre is one of the foremost researchers of the human microbe, a collection of microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mite that live on our bodies. Their work is showing us that a thriving microbe is essential to a healthy body, by helping us digest our food, fight disease, and generally keep everything in good working order. In other words, there are good germs as well as bad germs and we need those good germs to survive. 
Previously studies had only dealt with genetic analysis of bacteria that populates the skin, but this time they focused solely on fungi.
Dr. Heidi H. Kong, a dermatologist at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda used 10 healthy participants for the study. She swabbed 13 regions of their bodies, including the scalp, forehead, chest, forearms, nostrils, heel, and the skin between the toes, as well as clipped their toenails. The samples were then dunked in a solution which stripped the fungi and bacteria. This was handed off to Segre. 
Across the board, the heels and toes had the most variety of fungi. The most common were Saccharomyces, a yeast that produces beer and bread, Penicillium, which is used to make penicillin, and Malassezia, which causes dandruff.
The findings were remarkable because they discovered that our feet are like fungi hotels- when one fungus moves in, another moves out. Six of the 10 volunteers returned after one to three months for further swabbing, and researchers found that just 30% to 40% of the fungi on the feet had remained the same.
Segre has no specific answer as to why the fungi on our feet changes so much, but she believes that the temperature of our feet may have something to do with it. Our core temperature stays fairly constant, but the temperature of our feet can change dramatically. Some fungi may prefer the cold, while some may prefer the heat. And since our feet are so close to the ground, they are exposed to a wider variety than our forehead or chest.
"People are fastidious about washing everything off their hands, but people don't specifically wash their feet," Segre added. "For many people, standing in the shower seems good enough."
Icky. Anyone else feel like they need to take a shower now?
Segre's research may prove crucial in how we treat fungal infections, like athlete's foot, in the future. Most fungal infections are treated with antifungal medication that attacks all fungus, good and bad. With this knowledge, medications can be created to directly target the bad fungus.
Reference: LA Times
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Prevent Falls This Winter

Winter is prime time for people of all ages to slip, fall, and twist limbs on the ice, snow, and pavement. Many of these falls can be serious, leading to disability and death. More than half of these falls happen at home, and many happen at work and some can be prevented. 
First, take this self-assessment for your potential risk for falling this winter:
*History of falling: two or more falls in the past six months. 
*Vision loss: changes in ability to see and differentiate between objects, decline in depth perception, and decreased ability to recover from changes in light.
*Hearing loss: limited ability to detect hazardous situations.
*Foot pain or shoe problems: Decreased sensation, foot pain, or improperly fitting shoes.
*Medications: taking four or more medications that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure.
*Balance and gait problems: changes in balance, speed of walking, or weakness in lower extremities.
*Blood pressure: high or low blood pressure can cause loss of balance. 
*Hazards within the home: poor lighting, bathroom safety, stairs, pets that get under foot, reaching, and spills.
*Hazards outside the home: uneven walkways, poor lighting, gravel on sidewalks, no handrails, oil on the pavement, pets that get underfoot when being walked.

Here are some tips you can use this winter to avoid falls and be safe:
*Keep emergency numbers right near your phone.
*Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can't get up.
*Wear shoes with good support, and have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
*Remove debris on the floor that you can trip on, including papers, books, clothes, shoes, and pet toys.
*Use double-sided tape to keep down scatter rugs.
*Remove furniture from traffic flow in the house.
*Clean up spills immediately with soap and water. 
*Watch that your pets don't get underfoot.
*Don't walk over or around cords or wires. Coil cords and wires.
*If you have trouble reaching, keep important items within easy reach. 
*Invest in a step stool with a handrail.
*Replace light bulbs that have blown out and change out lamp shades that give out glare. 
*Make sure that hallways, staircases, entrances, and outside steps are well lit; have a lit switch at the top and bottom of each stairwell.
*Keep lamps, flashlights, and extra batteries near your bed.
*Put nightlights in bathrooms, hallways, and passageways so if you have to get up during the night, you can see.
*If you have carpeting on stairs, make sure it is firmly attached to the steps. The top edge of each step should be painted a contrasting color.
*Handrails that are loose or undone should be reattached and on both sides of staircases. 
*If you have trouble getting out of the bathtub or off the toilet, install grab bars nearby.
*Use non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub. 
*Exercise regularly.
*Use an elevated toilet seat if you have trouble getting down.
*Have your vision checked yearly by an eye doctor. 
*If you have history of dizziness or vertigo, get up slowly after you lie down or sit.
*Use a cane if you have trouble walking.
*Consider purchasing an alarm device that alerts emergency personnel if you've fallen and can't get up. 
Reference: Valley Business Journal
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Madonna Still Recovering From Foot Injury

Madonna has been dealing with an ankle injury for roughly a month now, and she isn't letting it stop her from getting out and about, most recently at the Grammys.
Last Tuesday Madonna led a workout class during the grand opening of her new gym brand, Hard Candy, in Toronto. In an exercise masterclass she taught 50 members of the gym. Madonna co-led the session with her personal trainer Nicole Winhoffer.
She attended the opening event with a bandage on her ankle after bruising a bone in her ankle on a skiing holiday in Switzerland in January. She injured her foot while out dancing in high heels. Days after the injury she shared a picture on Twitter, working out at her gym on crutches, tweeting, "Inventing a new workout on crutches #nothingcanstopme." 
After the event, the signer shared her agony, posting a picture on Instagram with her icing her ankle injury. The caption read, "Harder is better! Post work out! Foot in the ice bath. A girl has to make a living. Hard Candy Toronto. Addicted to sweat."
This is the third gym the 55 year old has opened across the world, including Sydney and Moscow. 
Reference: Contact Music 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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Staph Infections Common In Hospitals

We blogged last fall how two football players got staph infections from conditions in their locker rooms. Staph infections however, are more common than you think.
Drug resistant staph infections, also known as MRSA, can develop from common, everyday foot problems like cuts, cracks in the skin, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails.
"If you have a cut or a scrape that gets infected and it's not healing in a timely fashion, don't hesitate to get it checked out," said Karl Collins, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon in St. Louis. Dr. Collins has diagnosed staph infections in patients with athlete's foot and even a six year old child who stubbed his toe.
Brandi Johnson, DPM, AACFAS, has treated several patients for community-associated MRSA in her Brandon, Florida practice. Half of those patients were ones who had ingrown toenails, and the rest had puncture wounds, pedicures, and cuts from glass and seashells.
One patient of Johnson's was a teenage boy who waited months and months before seeing a doctor for an infected ingrown toenail. After seeing his primary care physician, who referred him to Johnson, she ran several tests, which showed a community-associated MRSA infection. Since the teen had waited so long to be seen, the infection had spread to the bone in his big toe. He recovered after months of intravenous antibiotics.
"I've had several high schoolers come in with ingrown toenails," Johnson said. "Their pediatricians started them on antibiotics and sent them to my office. Lab results show they all had MRSA."
The staph bacteria present in MRSA is quite common- one in three people carry it. The bacteria will live on the skin and in the nose and be spread through skin contact. Skin conditions like athlete's foot, calluses, corns, eczema, and psoriasis can all be open doors for the bacteria to enter. Waking around barefoot increases your odds of getting a puncture wound or cut.
Some things you can do to prevent community-associated MRSA infections include:

• Wash and bandage all cuts.
• See a doctor within 24 hours of a puncture wound, even if it looks minor.
• Refrain from performing bathroom surgeries on ingrown toenails.
• Keep feet dry and clean to avoid fungal infections like athlete's foot. 

Reference: Foot Health Facts
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Now Offering EPAT For Heel Pain

Have you tried every treatment and remedy possible for your heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendonitis? Stretching, icing, and rest not helping? Have you considered EPAT, or shockwave therapy for your pain?
Extracorporeal Pulse Activity Technology, or EPAT, is the most advanced and high effective non-invasive treatment solution for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain cleared by the FDA. This scientifically proven procedure represents a breakthrough in regenerative medicine treatment options for a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders/conditions utilizing a proprietary set of unique acoustic pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process.
CuraMedix's pioneering EPAT technologies allow our podiatrists to provide the most advanced, highly effective treatment options more quickly and economically. The benefits of EPAT compared to traditional treatment options include:

• No down time
• No anesthesia
• Better access to innovative care and movement solutions
• Better intervention and non-invasive treatments
• No risk of infection
• Improved clinical outcomes
• Faster, easier healing
• Reduced expenditures (Cost benefit)
• Healthier patients who are enjoying their active lives again

EPAT is proprietary technology based on several sets of acoustic pressure waves that activate biologic and angiogenic responses, including new vascularization and microcirculatory improvement, helping to restore the body's normal healing and tissue regeneration.

EPAT technology offers gentle, fast, and highly effective non-invasive treatment without the need for ultrasound guidance, anesthesia, medications, or surgical intervention to achieve effective and sustaining results. There are no incisions, no risk of infections, no needles, and no down time.
The beneficial effects of EPAT are numerous and are often experienced after only three treatments, with some patients reporting immediate relief. In fact, clinical research shows over 80% of patients treated have experienced a significant reduction or are completely pain free.
EPAT benefits include:

• Quicker recovery. Since a non-invasive procedure requires no scarring, your body typically heals much faster.
• No downtime. No restrictions on normal use. Non-invasive procedures help you get back to your active life immediately.
• No scarring. No incisions means no scarring or fibrous tissue build-up.
• Less pain. Because these procedures are non-invasive, there is typically less pain involved. 

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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Why Are Celebrities Falling In Heels?

Could it be that heels are becoming a persona non grata amongst celebrities?
Recently, Madonna bruised a bone falling off her heels, Emma Thompson took off her heels at the Golden Globes to avoid foot pain, and Camila Avles de-heeled herself at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
So if celebrities keep tumbling when they're wearing heels (remember Jennifer Lawrence's fall last year at the Oscars?), how can the average person?
Meghan Cleary, author of "How To Be Truly Unstoppable In Your Stilettos" and the website Shoe Are You says it's possible. "You've got to be savvy about your high heels," Cleary said.
"It's all about planning," she adds. Her biggest tip: don't wear stilettos for more than an hour and bring a back up pair to wear the rest of the time.
The New York Daily News talked to foot experts about wearing heels, and taking a tumble in our footwear is not a new problem. Heels appeared as early as the Renaissance, and even back then, women who wore them had weakened Achilles tendons, shortened gastrocnemius muscles in the lower legs, and battered bones in the foot and toes. 
One foot doctor even created a full-body workout designed to keep our bodies in shape for wearing stilettos (no lie!). 
"You need to train the foot, ankle, and [abdominal] core," said Emily Splichal, creator of the Catwalk Confidence program. 
According to Broadway choreographer Lorin Latarr, "It takes more work than you'd expect to get your body used to it."
Shop function, not fashion. The biggest women's shoe brands, like Dior and Christian Louboutin, have heels typically ranging from 3 to 5 inches. When selecting a shoe, try the "bounce back" test: put your fingers in your shoes and see if the bottoms have a strong bounce. And before you leave the store, talk those heels for a stroll on the hard wood floors.
"When you wear heels that high, you're going to pay the price for it," said Vasilios Christofilakos, an accessories design professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 
"You just have to have some common sense when you're shopping for heels," adds Christofilakos, who has designed the RobertoVasi footwear line for men. 
Even Sarah Jessica Parker, the queen of stilettos, said last year that she would have to give them up after they destroyed her feet. But for many women, you'd don't have to be that severe.
"You should only wear it when you have to," commented Dr. Louis Peterson, a Manhattan podiatrist, who said that one in six of his patients are women who have a high heel injury. 
Cleary adds that if you absolutely have to wear stilettos, take time at home wearing the shoes. "You have to practice, practice, practice. Feel it out before you go out," Cleary said. 
Reference: New York Daily News
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Osteoarthritis Affects One in Six Over 50

More than one in six adults over the age of 50 in the United Kingdom are affected by painful foot osteoarthritis, a number that is higher than previously believed. The new research from Keele University shows that the disease, which affects 3.5 million UK adults, has a significant impact on daily tasks.
The research was led by Keele University's Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre and included 5,000 participants. More than one million visits every year are made to doctors because of osteoarthritis, a disease with symptoms of inflammation of the joints, damage to cartilage, and swelling of the bone. Difficulty moving, pain, and stiffness are effects of these symptoms.
The research team found that painful foot arthritis affects more women than men, and is more common in those who have spent their careers performing manual work. Previous studies focused on x-ray findings, and this was the first to investigate how foot arthritis affects the daily lives of sufferers. Three-quarters of people with the condition reported having trouble with everyday activities like walking, standing, housework, and shopping.
This new study included new methods of detecting osteoarthritis in the midfoot, which had previously been difficult to diagnose.
Dr. Edward Roddy, clinical senior lecturer in rheumatology at Keele University, said, "Foot osteoarthritis is a more common and disabling problem than we previously thought, making everyday tasks difficult and painful for people affected.
"While it's been known for decades that joints in the foot can be affected by osteoarthritis, much of the previous research has focused on the hip and knee areas, and research on the foot has concentrated almost entirely on the bunion joint at the base of the big toe. However, by looking at the whole foot and the impact on people's lives, it's clear the problem is more widespread than we anticipated.
"This is an area that needs much more research to understand the reasons why people develop osteoarthritis in their feet, and what we can do to help improve pain and suffering from this common condition. Doctors and other healthcare professionals should also be aware of osteoarthritis as a common cause of foot pain in this age group."
Professor Anthony Redman, spokesman for Arthritis Research UK and Professor of Clinical Biomechanics at the University of Leeds said, "We know that foot problems become much more common as we get older but the medical and healthcare community have been guilty in the past of dismissing this as just an inevitable part of aging.
"We have long known about some forms of osteoarthritis in the feet such as bunions, which are a common type of osteoarthritic damage affecting the big toe joints and are taken much more seriously, with both on-surgical and surgical treatments widely employed. The study tells us that if we want to keep our over 50's active and healthy we should be similarly serious about arch or midfoot pain. While osteoarthritis does not yet have a miracle cure, the associated pain and disability are not inevitable and people with foot pain should be given genuine treatment options- something can always be done."
Reference: Medical Xpress
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
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.