Sunday, June 22, 2014

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
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Sunday, June 15, 2014

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.
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Sunday, June 8, 2014

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
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Sunday, June 1, 2014

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.