Foot health - Another Cubs Blog (blog)

I like to go walking in my sandals. I wonder if it is bad for the health of the feet, and not supporting the arch of the foot. I have 30 now, could have a negative effect on the feet in the long run to keep going on walks around the block in my sandals. After looking around, I learned – Yes It's too bad to walk in flat shoes, unless you have flat feet. When you have a bow and wear flat shoes Soo puts much stress on one of the main tendons in the bottom of your foot, running from the toe to the back of the heel. It is basically all the time bending you are wearing flat shoes. Overtime will take wear and tear in the tendon itself and together with the bones. Just buy the sandals with a bow so that the tendon can relax instead of being stretched

Natural Sports Podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan explains neuromas and what can cause the nerves in the feet to become thickened and enlarged in the first place. Lea. . .

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Author: Joy comes in the morning, Copyright © 2013, Yahoo Answers

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Area women to rappel 278-foot-tall buildling for respiratory health awareness - nwitimes.com

Rose Bombagetti and Janet Sienicki are accustomed to participating in physical challenges in support of the Respiratory Health Association.

Among them was an event in which they climbed the stairwells of the John Hancock Center to raise money for the group, which fights lung disease through research, advocacy and education.

Having gone up a large building for the cause, they're now ready to come down. They're not taking the stairs, this time.

“This has escalated,” Bombagetti said.

Bombagetti, of Cedar Lake, and Sienicki, of Schererville, have decided to participate in Sunday’s Skyline Plunge. They are among the dozens of participants set to rappel down the Wit Hotel in Chicago to raise funds and awareness for respiratory diseases.

The women said they aren’t nervous about rappelling the 278-foot-tall building, but that could change once they reach the top of the structure.

As they have in past Respiratory Health Association events, Bombagetti and Sienicki are participating in honor of Andy Heck.

Heck, a Leroy native, suffered during his childhood from bronchiolitis obliterans, which had left him with 8 percent lung capacity.

He was placed on a lung transplant list and eventually had surgery in late 2007 at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Following the transplant, Heck’s health and lung capacity improved.

Kari Ross, a Valparaiso native, also is participating in the Skyline Plunge, according to the Respiratory Health Association.

Ross decided to rappel in memory of her grandfather, who died from lung cancer.

For four years, Ross was a nanny for a boy who suffers from asthma. She also is participating in honor of him.

“Not everyone understands how much people living with respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, COPD or asthma struggle,” Ross told the Respiratory Health Association. “These diseases can be debilitating, and I want to help others breathe easier.”

Visit www.skylineplunge.org for information about the event and to donate to participants’ fundraising goals.

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Cardinals' Craig has sprained foot, no fracture - Lexington Herald Leader

CINCINNATI — St. Louis first baseman Allen Craig has a sprained left foot but no fracture, a big relief for a Cardinals team that feared it had lost its cleanup hitter for the rest of the season.

Craig hurt his foot while rounding first base in the fourth inning of a 5-4, 16-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. He stayed on the ground for a long time and walked off gingerly.

X-rays in Cincinnati were inconclusive. He was sent back to St. Louis for an MRI and more X-rays on Thursday that indicated nothing was broken.

"We just got word that the X-rays did come back with no fracture," manager Mike Matheny said Thursday evening. "It looks like a sprained foot right now, but it's much more optimistic than what we were thinking last night."

The second-place Cardinals moved to within a game of Pittsburgh in the NL Central with their win on Wednesday night. Cincinnati is third, 3½ games out. All three are in position to make the playoffs — one as the division champion, the other two as the wild cards.

Craig ranked third in the NL with 97 RBIs when he was hurt. He's batting .454 with runners in scoring position, the best in the majors.

Matheny said the Cardinals' medical staff was going to meet with Craig later Thursday to figure out a course of treatment. There was no estimate of how long he might be sidelined.

When he walked slowly off the field on Wednesday night and got X-rays that were inconclusive, the Cardinals feared he could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

"You watch him go down like he did, watch him having trouble getting off the field, and you wonder if he's going to play the rest of the season," Matheny said. "I think right now we're optimistic we're going to see him through this year at some point."

Matt Adams will take over at first base. Adams got into the game Wednesday night when Craig got hurt and broke an 0-for-17 slump with a homer in the 14th inning, but the Reds tied it in the bottom of the inning.

Adams homered again in the 16th inning to win it, becoming the first Cardinals player with two homers in extra innings. Adams ranks third in the NL with a .324 average as a pinch hitter. He's batting .269 overall with 11 homers and 38 RBIs.

"We're going to get him in there and let him play," Matheny said. "We've seen him on a consistent basis doing a real nice job for us."

Catcher Tony Cruz was in the lineup for the final game of the series on Thursday night. Cruz went on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 15 with a stress fracture in his left forearm. Cruz is batting .212 with one homer and 11 RBIs in 41 games.

Cruz was the Cardinals' primary catcher when Yadier Molina missed 15 days with a sprained right knee, starting 11 of the 14 games while he was gone.

After finishing their final series of the season against Cincinnati, the Cardinals return home for a three-game series against Pittsburgh, their final head-to-head games of the season.

Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay

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Cardinals' Craig has sprained foot, no fracture - Anchorage Daily News

CINCINNATI — St. Louis first baseman Allen Craig has a sprained left foot but no fracture, a big relief for a Cardinals team that feared it had lost its cleanup hitter for the rest of the season.

Craig hurt his foot while rounding first base in the fourth inning of a 5-4, 16-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. He stayed on the ground for a long time and walked off gingerly.

X-rays in Cincinnati were inconclusive. He was sent back to St. Louis for an MRI and more X-rays on Thursday that indicated nothing was broken.

"We just got word that the X-rays did come back with no fracture," manager Mike Matheny said Thursday evening. "It looks like a sprained foot right now, but it's much more optimistic than what we were thinking last night."

The second-place Cardinals moved to within a game of Pittsburgh in the NL Central with their win on Wednesday night. Cincinnati is third, 3½ games out. All three are in position to make the playoffs — one as the division champion, the other two as the wild cards.

Craig ranked third in the NL with 97 RBIs when he was hurt. He's batting .454 with runners in scoring position, the best in the majors.

Matheny said the Cardinals' medical staff was going to meet with Craig later Thursday to figure out a course of treatment. There was no estimate of how long he might be sidelined.

When he walked slowly off the field on Wednesday night and got X-rays that were inconclusive, the Cardinals feared he could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

"You watch him go down like he did, watch him having trouble getting off the field, and you wonder if he's going to play the rest of the season," Matheny said. "I think right now we're optimistic we're going to see him through this year at some point."

Matt Adams will take over at first base. Adams got into the game Wednesday night when Craig got hurt and broke an 0-for-17 slump with a homer in the 14th inning, but the Reds tied it in the bottom of the inning.

Adams homered again in the 16th inning to win it, becoming the first Cardinals player with two homers in extra innings. Adams ranks third in the NL with a .324 average as a pinch hitter. He's batting .269 overall with 11 homers and 38 RBIs.

"We're going to get him in there and let him play," Matheny said. "We've seen him on a consistent basis doing a real nice job for us."

Catcher Tony Cruz was in the lineup for the final game of the series on Thursday night. Cruz went on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 15 with a stress fracture in his left forearm. Cruz is batting .212 with one homer and 11 RBIs in 41 games.

Cruz was the Cardinals' primary catcher when Yadier Molina missed 15 days with a sprained right knee, starting 11 of the 14 games while he was gone.

After finishing their final series of the season against Cincinnati, the Cardinals return home for a three-game series against Pittsburgh, their final head-to-head games of the season.

Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay

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Queensland takes step in right direction – diabetes related amputations on the ... - HealthCanal.com

Fewer foot and leg amputations are being performed on people with diabetes in Queensland despite a rise in the national rate of diabetes amputations, new analysis has found.

The Australian Diabetes Society / Australian Diabetes Educators Annual Scientific Meeting has been told that a recent 18-22% reduction in diabetes related foot hospitalisation and amputation rates in Queensland appears to be due to a coordinated roll-out of clinical programs in more than 50 hospitals and community health sites across the state.

Australia has one of the highest rates of lower limb amputations in the developed world with around 85 diabetes patients having a foot or part of their leg removed each week.

Foot disease affects more Australians than any other major diabetes complication, with the exception of cardiovascular disease.

International studies have shown that diabetes foot-related hospitalisations, amputations and related costs can be reduced by 50-85% when best practice strategies are implemented.

Peter Lazzarini, Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, who was an author of the study, explained that co-ordinated hospital and community-based foot care teams, protocols and research focused on diabetic foot health such as those in Queensland hold the key to reducing foot hospitalisation and lower limb amputation among all Australians with diabetes.

"While the results in Queensland are very encouraging, further nationally co-ordinated efforts are required to decrease diabetes related amputations to the low levels experienced in other countries," he said.

"Feet are often the forgotten complication of diabetes. Unlike kidney disease, eye disease and cardiovascular disease, there are few national networks and protocols funded to oversee the foot health management of people with diabetes.

"Best practice strategies that focus on making sure doctors, nurses and podiatrists work together as multi-disciplinary foot teams and use the best treatment tools available significantly reduces diabetes foot-related hospitalisation, amputations and costs," said Peter Lazzarini.

"It's a simple proposition - ignore the feet and diabetes will continue to be the leading cause of lower limb amputation and a leading cause of avoidable hospitalisation. By focusing on the feet of people with diabetes literally thousands of amputations and hospitalisations can be prevented."

The majority of lower limb amputations are performed on people who have had poorly controlled diabetes for more than 10 years which has led to nerve damage, poor circulation, foot ulcers and/or infection.

Peter Lazzarini explained that "the key to avoiding amputation in the first instance is blood sugar control. In addition, people should have an annual diabetes foot check-up to assess damage to the nerves and identify whether vascular disease has developed."

"For those who have developed nerve damage or vascular disease it is important that they see their doctor and podiatrist at least every few months and check their feet daily for signs of foot ulcers or infection. For those who develop a foot ulcer it is vitally important that they are managed by a multi-disciplinary foot team," he concluded.

Media contacts: Gerald Power on 0429 005 147 or gpower@ethicalstrategies.com.au or QUT media - Rose Trapnell 3138 2361, 0407 585 901 or rose.trapnell@qut.edu.au

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What your foot really looks like in high heels - Today.com (blog)

Wellness

Joan Raymond, TODAY contributor

Aug. 27, 2013 at 5:09 PM ET

CurveBeam

Skyscraper-high heels make a woman’s legs look longer and leaner. But if you look at the cramped, claw-toed, gnome-like three-dimensional images of a woman’s foot in some stilettos released by London’s Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on YouTube, you might rethink your fashion choice -- at least for a while.

The technology called pedCAT, manufactured by Warrington, Penn.-based CurveBeam, is a CT scanner designed specifically for foot and ankle issues. It received FDA approval in the U.S. last year and in Europe in 2013, says CurveBeam spokesperson, Vinti Singh, whose foot, in her favorite four-inch heels, was pictured in the scan. The biggest difference between this technology and traditional CT scanning of the foot and ankle is that it allows for the doctor to see the foot in “true, weight bearing positioning,” says Singh, who hasn’t developed any problems in her feet -- yet.

And to keep it that way doctors agree that stiletto-moderation is the key to happy feet later in life.

“It’s well known that high heels and a narrow toe box can be a bad mix and I see those shoe related issues at least once a day,” says foot and ankle specialist Brian Donley M.D, president of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lutheran Hospital. “But I don’t think you need at CT scan to let someone know that high heels can cause problems.”

Indeed, the problems relate to high-heel mania are legion. Among the issues some women may develop are a shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon, which may prohibit a woman’s ability to wear flat shoes. Tendonitis, pinched nerves, bunions, hammertoes or metatarsalgia, an inflammation of the bones in the ball of the feet, are also problems associated with the sky-high heel, explains podiatrist Jeffery Alexander, assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Let’s not forget the truly unattractive “pump bump,” which happens when back of the shoe rubs against the heel bone, causing it to swell. And, of course, there’s always the potential for fractures or sprains among “. . . even the most seasoned” high heel wearer, he says.

Currently, diagnosis of foot or ankle pain is made by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam and looking for abnormalities on plain, two-dimensional X-rays, says the Cleveland Clinic’s Donley, which is generally enough to get to the root of the problem. CT scanning, which has been available for many years, is used only when necessary due to its expense and the higher radiation dose.

Doctors are realists when it comes to the high heel. “If a woman wants to wear really high heels on weekends or a night out or even at work because they make her look good, she’s going to wear them,” says Alan Block, chief of podiatry at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. “Fashion is going to win, so I think the message needs to be just don’t wear them all the time and for everything that you do.”

Even the dreadful looking CT scan of Ms. Singh’s own foot isn’t making her chuck her heels anytime soon. “I really only wear them on weekends,” says Singh, who is 26. “I think I’ll be fine when I’m older.” Spoken like someone who has yet to buy an orthotic, or a nice, sensible pump.

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Better foot care will be provided in Portsmouth - Portsmouth News

A DIABETES charity has welcomed the commitment of health leaders in the Portsmouth area to bring down amputation rates.

As reported, Portsmouth has one of the highest diabetes-related amputation rates in England, with 4.3 amputations per 1,000 people per year, compared to the England average of 2.6 per 1,000.

This was due to people reporting problems at a late stage.

The Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been working with the Fareham and Gosport CCG, South Eastern Hampshire CCG, community providers Solent NHS Trust, and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Queen Alexandra Hospital, to bring this figure down.

Changes include bringing in a new way of flagging up problems and getting them seen to, and increasing the number of multi-disciplinary foot clinics.

Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK’s regional manager for the south east, said: ‘We welcome the fact that the CCGs have promised to work with Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust to turn this situation around.

‘It is really good news that it is committed to ensuring people with diabetes in the area get adequate foot care.’

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Child health: Get the school year started on the right foot - Tahoe Daily Tribune

With school starting again, parents often ask me how to best raise, happy, well-adjusted and academically interested kids. Although it’s impossible to control everything, there are some strategies and life-style choices that can enhance your family’s environment.

SLEEP: With parents working longer hours and kids having increasingly busy after-school schedules, early bed times often get sacrificed. School-aged children (ages 5-11) need at least 10 hours of sleep a night, but recent studies show American children are getting much less. Fewer hours negatively impact memory and focus and can also increase disruptive and defiant behaviors. One hour extra per night adds up to thirty in a month. So for children who are eager to learn and have a positive attitude, remember: 10 hours!

NUTRITION: Childhood is the perfect time to develop good eating habits that last a lifetime. Providing a diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains and good fats (the Omega 3’s) promotes optimal brain development and function. Avoid processed foods and refined carbohydrates (the kind in white bread and kids’ cereals). Bookstores and websites are full of great and simple recipes that incorporate healthful nutrition with the tastiness kids will appreciate.

EXERCISE: Provide enough time to run around and be a kid. Daily physical exercise is not only beneficial for kids’ growing bodies, but it also increases blood flow to the brain enhancing oxygenation. If aerobic exercise can stave off dementia in adults, just think what it can do for kids’ brains! Exercise also promotes healthy sleep and improves mood. So turn off the TV and send the kids outside!

CHORES: Having household duties promote responsibility, self-sufficiency and sacrifice. Toddlers can even take part; folding towels and counting out silverware for the family dinner are great developmentally appropriate tasks. Letting older kids take part in assigning responsibilities increases the likelihood of compliance. Don’t assign a chore without the intention of following through on the outcome, though! A wishy-washy attitude on the parent’s part reinforces your child’s belief that she is exempt from consequences.

BOREDOM: Recent polls of university professors suggest that greater numbers of incoming high-school graduates are lacking in the problem-solving department. It’s been suggested that one reason for this may be our children’s overly scheduled itineraries. From play dates to enrichment lessons, our kids are going non-stop! Give kids the unstructured space to be bored. Using their imaginations to create something interesting promotes the functioning of brain areas associated with problem-solving. So don’t feel like you have to provide your kids with non-stop entertainment — boredom is good!

LESS TV: American kids spend more than 40 hours a week in multi-media pursuits (mainly TV and video games) and less than 45 minutes outside playing. That’s hard to believe, but true according to a recent study. Research studies have shown that early moderate exposure to TV (prior to the age of 3) can negatively impact brain development and increase the likelihood of ADHD symptoms. And the type of TV seems to matter, particularly in younger kids. The more stimulating the content, the bigger the impact on focus. Parents need to make informed decisions regarding their kids’ multimedia exposure. A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes (or less) per day for 3-5 year olds and no more than 60 minutes per day for 6 and up. Remember, less is more!

READING and TALKING: Reading to your kids may be the single most important thing you can do as a parent to improve your child’s academic success. All the educational games crowding the shelves at toy stores and learning centers, don’t take the place of sitting down with your kids and reading to them. Additionally, families who have dinner together and talk about their day have children who are more academically successful. Reading and talking to your child encourages language development and communication skills, both of which significantly impact learning. For the time-impaired, jump on opportunities afforded by a car trip to the store. Turn off the iPods and turn up the talking!

As with any family, a certain amount of flexibility is key, and certain situations will demand a change in format. But parents should be reassured that whatever the unique challenges their kids may be facing, providing a positive environment will only enhance their outcomes.

Kristin Hestdalen, M.D., is a board-certified child psychiatrist who practices at Tahoe Family Solutions, A Child’s World and Sierra Mental Health Associates.

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Public Health: 9 Cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Reported in One Week - Pacific News Center

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UPDATE: Public Health notes increase in Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease - Pacific Daily News

An increase in a childhood rash disease has been recently observed on Guam according to the Department of Public Health.

According to a press release, Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease is “a usually mild but highly contagious viral infection common in young children under 10-years-old” often spread by daycares.

Related symptoms include fever; sore throat; painful sores on tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks; red rash on hands, feet or butts; loss of appetite, irritability in toddlers and infants and, in general, just feeling unwell.

The release also states that although the child is most contagious during the first week, the virus can remain in the body weeks after the symptoms are gone.

There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause the disease, the press release states, but people can lower the risk by washing their hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, not sharing towels or washcloths, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, cleaning children’s shared toys regularly, avoiding taking children to overcrowded places, avoiding close contact with individuals exposed to the disease, and keeping infected children out of school.

To treat the disease, Public Health suggests taking over-the-counter medications for fever and pain and using mouthwashes and sprays to numb mouth pain.

If symptoms persist, parents are encouraged to see their health care provider.

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What your foot really looks like in high heels - Today.com (blog)

Wellness

Joan Raymond, TODAY contributor

9 hours ago

CurveBeam

Skyscraper-high heels make a woman’s legs look longer and leaner. But if you look at the cramped, claw-toed, gnome-like three-dimensional images of a woman’s foot in some stilettos released by London’s Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on YouTube, you might rethink your fashion choice -- at least for a while.

The technology called pedCAT, manufactured by Warrington, Penn.-based CurveBeam, is a CT scanner designed specifically for foot and ankle issues. It received FDA approval in the U.S. last year and in Europe in 2013, says CurveBeam spokesperson, Vinti Singh, whose foot, in her favorite four-inch heels, was pictured in the scan. The biggest difference between this technology and traditional CT scanning of the foot and ankle is that it allows for the doctor to see the foot in “true, weight bearing positioning,” says Singh, who hasn’t developed any problems in her feet -- yet.

And to keep it that way doctors agree that stiletto-moderation is the key to happy feet later in life.

“It’s well known that high heels and a narrow toe box can be a bad mix and I see those shoe related issues at least once a day,” says foot and ankle specialist Brian Donnelly, M.D, president of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lutheran Hospital. “But I don’t think you need at CT scan to let someone know that high heels can cause problems.”

Indeed, the problems relate to high-heel mania are legion. Among the issues some women may develop are a shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon, which may prohibit a woman’s ability to wear flat shoes. Tendonitis, pinched nerves, bunions, hammertoes or metatarsalgia, an inflammation of the bones in the ball of the feet, are also problems associated with the sky-high heel, explains podiatrist Jeffery Alexander, assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Let’s not forget the truly unattractive “pump bump,” which happens when back of the shoe rubs against the heel bone, causing it to swell. And, of course, there’s always the potential for fractures or sprains among “. . . even the most seasoned” high heel wearer, he says.

Currently, diagnosis of foot or ankle pain is made by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam and looking for abnormalities on plain, two-dimensional X-rays, says the Cleveland Clinic’s Donnelly, which is generally enough to get to the root of the problem. CT scanning, which has been available for many years, is used only when necessary due to its expense and the higher radiation dose.

Doctors are realists when it comes to the high heel. “If a woman wants to wear really high heels on weekends or a night out or even at work because they make her look good, she’s going to wear them,” says Alan Block, chief of podiatry at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. “Fashion is going to win, so I think the message needs to be just don’t wear them all the time and for everything that you do.”

Even the dreadful looking CT scan of Ms. Singh’s own foot isn’t making her chuck her heels anytime soon. “I really only wear them on weekends,” says Singh, who is 26. “I think I’ll be fine when I’m older.” Spoken like someone who has yet to buy an orthotic, or a nice, sensible pump.

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Graedons' Pharmacy: Dog remedy for foot fungus stirs outrage - Bradenton Herald

Q: Our Westie has cleared up my athlete's foot completely. The sensation was a little odd at first as the dog licked both my feet. Still, it's better than suffering with this fungal infection. This worked better than the creams and potions I've bought through the years. Has anyone else ever had this experience?

A: Dog lovers have written in from time to time with testimonials like yours. The first one we received stated: "My uncle had his athlete's foot cured by his small terrier dog back in the '50s. When my uncle came home in the evenings, he would remove his shoes and socks and put his feet on a hassock while reading the paper.

The dog always went to him immediately and licked his feet all over, especially between the toes. After about three months, he noticed that the athlete's foot, which had plagued him for most of his adult life, had gone away!"

But other readers were not amused by this form of treatment.

Although dog saliva may have some anti-fungal properties, dogs often carry a variety of bacteria in their mouths, which could be a problem if saliva got on broken skin.

A vet tech added: "Not only is this 'treatment' ridiculous, it could be dangerous to your pet! Dogs and cats can get fungal infections from human carriers.

Not only that, but they can also transfer the same fungi back to you, other people and other pets.

"Treating pets for fungal infections can be costly and time-consuming. If you love your furry friend and want to keep him/her healthy, please don't recommend this remedy."

Q: I have been on omeprazole for heartburn, but it has led to high blood pressure and headaches. I have also developed osteoporosis.

I am desperate to get off this drug, but every time I stop, the heartburn is intense. Recommendations?

A: New research suggests that long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs may reduce blood-vessel flexibility and raise the risk of heart disease (Circulation online, July 3, 2013). Stopping drugs like lansoprazole, omeprazole and pantoprazole suddenly, however, can trigger rebound hyperacidity.

Gradual tapering of the PPI dose over six weeks is advised.

Q: My beautician told me to add 8 ounces of vodka to a whole can of cayenne pepper, let it sit overnight, strain and apply it to the top of my scalp with a cotton swab to counteract hair loss. Does this work, or will it cause more hair loss?

A: Our first impulse was to discredit such a remedy. We feared that the ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, might be too irritating.

To our surprise, however, we discovered an article in Current Medicinal Chemistry (No. 29, December 2008) reporting that capsaicin can stimulate growth factors in the hair follicles of mice and in human volunteers with hair loss.

The investigators suggest that hot-pepper extract stimulates nerves in skin, improves blood flow and might help counteract hair loss.

Before you dump a lot on your scalp, though, it would be prudent to do a spot test to make sure it doesn't burn you.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them."

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Cringe-inducing 3D scan of a woman's foot bones in high heels - io9

We all know that high-heeled shoes aren't great for the feet, but what exactly are those shoes doing to wearers' bones? Orthopedic researchers are now using a 3D-scanner to get a better look inside the feet of the high heel fan.

The PedCAT machine at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in North London takes global scans of patients' feet in just 60 seconds. The resulting 3D model gives orthopedists a much clearer picture of what's happening inside the foot than 2D X-rays do. In the Reuters video below, you can see the machine in action and RNOH consultant orthopaedic surgeon Andy Goldberg talking about the results:

Goldberg also explained to the Daily Mail that toe bones become squashed and clawed in the fronts of heeled shoes, and the big toe can deviate outward while the pea-shaped sesamoids at its base become dislodged. Although Goldberg says occasional wear won't impact foot health, regular daily wear puts feet at astronomically high risk for bunions.

Goldberg also believes that this research might help orthopedists develop better shoes, ones designed to fit feet comfortably and improve their health.

The 3D scan that will shock every high heel loving woman [News.com.au via Geekosystem]

3D foot scanner reveals health risks for high-heel fashion slaves [Reuters]

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Foot Health: What's normal? What's not? - MarketWatch (press release)

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Orthopaedic foot and ankle MDs review foot changes and conditions

Did you know the average person takes roughly 10,000 steps per day? That adds up to more than 3 million steps per year, and each step places two to three times the force of your body weight on your feet.

Over time, this repetitive use can lead to normal changes, including widening of the feet, settling of the arches and some stiffening of the ankles.

But some changes aren't a normal part of the aging process. Foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, Morton's neuroma and even arthritis can occur with long-term use of ill-fitting shoes. Meanwhile, conditions such as athlete's foot, warts and fungal infections of the toenail can occur at any age and should be treated promptly, say members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

For details on spotting abnormal foot conditions and how orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons treat them, visit the Adult Foot Health page at FootCareMD, the patient education website of the AOFAS.

About the AOFASThe AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through the education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health care providers. The Society creates public awareness for the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international health care communities.

About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle SurgeonsOrthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical and rehabilitative methods as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. Relying on four years of medical school training, five years of post-graduate training and often a fellowship in orthopaedic foot and ankle care, orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons perform reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat trauma of the foot and ankle.

Contact:Jennifer HicksPublic Education ManagerOffice: 847-384-4379 jhicks@aofas.org

SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

Copyright (C) 2013 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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Foot care advice for new moms and babies - Exponent-telegram

(BPT) - Few things in life are as darling as a newborn’s little feet, and most new moms take great joy in counting 10 tiny, perfect toes. But foot health can be a source of anxiety for both new and expectant mothers, who may wonder about the best ways to care for their baby’s feet, and how to cope with changes in their own feet.

“Pregnancy creates many changes in the body, and can even affect the size of a woman’s feet,” says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “And even though newborns aren’t walking yet, it’s understandable that mothers may have some concerns about how to best take care of their baby’s feet.”

The discomforts of pregnancy are common and well-known, ranging from back pain and frequent bathroom trips to feet that are both sore and bigger.

“It’s not at all unusual for a woman to gain a shoe size while pregnant,” Garoufalis says. “Increased weight puts more pressure on the foot, the arch flattens a bit and the foot elongates. Just a quarter-inch increase in foot length is enough to prompt a change in shoe size.”

While it’s probably impossible to completely avoid foot challenges during pregnancy, moms-to-be can take steps to minimize them:

* Control weight gain. Added weight is the most likely cause of foot expansion. Do your best to follow your obstetrician’s guidelines for how much weight you should gain throughout the pregnancy.

* Avoid high heels. Sure you see celebrities accessorizing their baby bumps with stilettos, but a lower heel during pregnancy will relieve pressure on the foot. Also, lower heels will provide you with greater stability during a time when newly gained weight might throw off your balance. It’s easy to find plenty of pretty, stylish lower heels – 1 to 2 inches in height – that will look and feel great while you’re pregnant.

* Comfort and support should be key considerations any time you choose footwear, but they are even more important for pregnant women. With extra weight and pressure on your feet for nine months, you need a shoe that provides support and cushioning. Avoid thin-soled shoes (including flip-flops and ballet flats); look for shoes with thicker soles and plenty of cushioning inside the shoes. Whatever shoe you choose, it should bend only at the ball of the foot, and you should never be able to twist the sole or bend it anywhere else.

While it’s common for women’s feet to enlarge during pregnancy – and remain that size even after delivery – generally that size increase occurs only with a first pregnancy. So you shouldn’t worry that your feet will continue to grow with subsequent pregnancies. Instead, many new moms will worry about their new baby’s feet.

“The good news is, as long as the baby’s feet are healthy at birth most newborns won’t require special care for their feet,” Garoufalis says. “Caring for your baby’s feet is much like caring for the rest of her body.”

Don’t worry if your baby’s feet look discolored or wrinkled or even have flaky, peeling skin when she is born. After nine months in protective fluid within the womb, they’re bound to look a bit different from yours. Your pediatrician will look for any obvious abnormalities of your baby’s feet and legs, and will let you know what to do if he or she finds some concern.

Use baby nail clippers to keep your child’s toenails trimmed, cutting straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Be sure to thoroughly dry baby’s feet after a bath, and choose soft, anti-microbial socks that don’t wrinkle or bunch to keep her feet warm and protected.

When she starts to walk, bare feet are best inside the house as she’s learning the finer points of getting around. Outside, put her in a lightweight, flexible shoe made of natural materials.

If foot problems run in your family, consider having your child examined by a podiatrist when she begins to walk. He or she can examine your child’s feet to ensure they’re growing normally. You can find a podiatrist that specializes in pediatrics at www.apma.org.

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Gnarly Feet? Why Summer Might Be To Blame - Refinery29

Sweat. Street gook. Fungus. Summertime is not always good times when it comes to your feet. It can all add up to some major foot health issues, not to mention making your peds unsightly when all you want to do is show them off. Here, we tapped a few foot pros to help give us the inside track of what all that fun in the sun is doing to our feet. Read on to get the scoop, and learn how to keep your hardest working extremity in tip-top shape.

"Heat and humidity can lead to yeast and fungal infections such as athlete's foot," says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in NYC. Before slipping into a pair of closed toe shoes, make sure to wipe away water post shower, or if you were in another pair and feet are damp, first. "Thoroughly dry in between toes where moisture accumulates," she says. "Plus, nails should be kept short to avoid moisture accumulation underneath, too."

And, of course, there's that universal summer problem: sweating. Because it's a gazillion degrees out — and just like you can be dripping everywhere else, feet aren't immune to getting hot. "Hyperhidrosis on feet is a big problem for many women," says Fusco, who adds that she injects Botox into feet to prevent excessive sweating and sliding. For those who don't have an extreme case or it only happens here and there, apply a prescription strength antiperspirant after you shower right before bed, she says, then slip socks on, she says. (Just like how it can stop water works under arms, it can do the same for sweat glands on feet, too.)

Feel like you have more callouses when warm weather strikes? You aren't imagining things. "Ill-fitting shoes, excessive walking, or genetics may pre-dispose to calloused feet on soles, toes, ankles, Achilles tendon, or tops of feet," says Fusco, who suggests using a salicylic acid pad to help break down dead skin cells nightly, or, if it’s a bigger issue that is causing pain, try a pro microdermabrasion treatment to remove several layers without harming skin. Also, choose your shoe style wisely: Avoid any straps, especially those that are stiff and not made of soft material, and those that hit right along your bones or high points of your feet, suggests Hillary B. Brenner, DPM, a podiatric surgeon in NYC and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Not only will they rub more on those areas, because heat and humidity can cause feet to swell — typically around a half a size — it can be worse when it's very hot."

Uneven tone and blotchy pigment may not only be a complexion concern: "I am seeing increasing numbers of women who complain about uneven tone on the tops of their feet," says Fusco. "This can happen naturally from exposure to UV light, or as a result of excessive friction (strappy sandals, new shoes, etc.)." Remember to slather feet with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, just like the rest of your skin, and apply a pigment reducing treatment along the tops before bed (look for melanin inhibitors such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, or niacinimide).

Meanwhile, the type of summer shoe you run around in can have a major effect on how your feet look and feel. Switching from flat flip flop with zero support to sky high wedges every day can wreak havoc on your feet, says Brenner. "I have a lot of patients come in during the summer with severe Achilles tendon pain," she says. "When you have high heels on, it's in a flexed position, which stretches it out. So, then if you go to a sandal, it's dramatically shortened, which causes a pain in the calf muscles as well as the Achilles." Find a middle ground in terms of elevation — and alternate between the three to minimize the shock to your feet, she says. Try stretches when you get home, like a classic low lunge runner's stretch to lengthen the entire back of the leg down to your Achilles; or pick up a small hand towel off the floor using your toes ("This strengthens all the muscles and ligaments and tendons in your foot," says Brenner.)

Just like your Citi Bike, your flip-flops have a time limit, too. Luckily, it's a little longer (around three hours, says Brenner). "They have absolutely no structure or support — around the beach or pool is one thing, but going all over the city in them is not good for your feet at all." Instead try to wear legit shoes (like sneakers) as much as possible or at least a shoe with an actual arch or a wide chunky heel, she says. And if all else fails, fake it with an arch pad, like Foot Petals Amazing Arches.

Then, of course, there’s the practically walking barefoot all over the city issue, which is kind of ironic since most people won’t even touch the subway pole with their bare hands. Brenner says to rinse feet with soap and water when you get home at night, just as you would your hands, and if you’ve got a little extra time, soak them in Epsom salt, too. Or, add a little to your shower gel and do a quickie rinse in the shower. "It contains magnesium sulfate to ease muscle and nerve pain, so it helps with aches, plus it lessens swelling and can help with any infection as well as soften callouses."

And don’t forget to give the skin on your feet TLC, too. Apply a body or foot cream all over every day, which can keep callouses in check just by restoring basic moisture levels. Try Dr. Brenner’s RX Hydration Cream, then put your feet up. It is summer after all.

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Tips for Diabetic Foot Care - PR Newswire (press release)

Created by orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, FootCareMD offers educational tools to help you make informed decisions about your foot health. (PRNewsFoto/American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society)

Check feet daily, say orthopaedic foot and ankle MDs

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If you're among the 18 million Americans who've been diagnosed with diabetes, you may know that foot care is extremely important. Nervous system impairment or neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes that can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. This means you may not know right away if you have hurt yourself, which could lead to infection.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130814/DC64237LOGO)

Since minor injuries can quickly become major problems for diabetics, orthopaedic foot and ankle MDs have put together tips for diabetic foot care. These tips include some commonsense approaches, such as inspecting your feet daily for blisters, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Other basics include:

• Trimming toe nails straight across. Cutting nails at the corners can lead to ingrown toe nails and infection.


• Wearing loose socks to bed to keep your feet warm and help avoid foot injury when you get up at night.


• Not smoking. Smoking decreases the blood supply to the feet, which can delay wound healing.

For more tips on diabetic foot care and advice on shoes for diabetics, visit the Diabetic Foot Overview at FootCareMD, the patient education website of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). If you injure your foot, call an MD immediately. Seemingly minor injuries can be very serious for diabetics.

About the AOFAS

The AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through the education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health care providers. The Society creates public awareness for the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international health care communities.​

About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical and rehabilitative methods as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. Relying on four years of medical school training, five years of post-graduate training and often a fellowship in orthopaedic foot and ankle care, orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons perform reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat trauma of the foot and ankle.

Contact:
Jennifer Hicks

Public Education Manager

Office: 847-384-4379

jhicks@aofas.org

SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

RELATED LINKS

http://www.aofas.org

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Middletown Podiatrist Maintains Multiple Office Locations - Healthcare Global

WARWICH, RI, August 21, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Foot and Ankle Institute of New England offers three convenient office locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Each office location is conveniently located in order to provide patients in their local communities with the best foot and ankle care possible. Dr. Rogers and Dr. Gallucci, Middletown podiatrist, invite each of their patients-new and current- to visit the office that is most convenient for their foot and ankle healthcare whenever a problem arises.

"It is important that our patients get the best care possible and our multiple locations allow us to do just that. Our patients have five locations to choose from that offer convenient and flexible operating times. No matter where our patients are we have a place for them to visit," said Dr. Stephen Rogers, a podiatrist offering Middletown heel pain treatment.

Patients can choose from offices in Warwick, Middletown and Fall River, MA for their foot and ankle needs. From routine care to help pain, the Middletown podiatrists are available at any of the three offices for the best in quality podiatric care.

With three easily accessible locations, The Foot & Ankle Institute of New England offers an array of facilities, services, and equipment to help aid in providing patients with exceptional foot and ankle health care. The offices for Drs. Roger and Gallucci utilize an array of advanced treatments to provide exceptional care for every patient. From heel pain to flat feet the podiatrists in Warwick, Fall River and Middletown are fully equipped to handle every patient's podiatric needs.

To schedule an appointment at any of the three locations, patients can either call the office of choice or use the online appointment scheduling took. By using the online appointment request form, patients can easily set a date for an appointment. They simply have to put in a date, time when they wish to come in, and the nature of the appointment, such as heel pain in Middletown, and the practice's scheduling coordinator will follow up shortly thereafter through a phone call or email to confirm the appointment. For more information and easy access to the online patient forms, patients can visit the interactive website at http://www.footankle.info.

About Foot & Ankle Institute of New England: Foot and Ankle Institute of New England is a group of leading podiatrists in Warwick, Middletown and Fall River. Heel pain and flat feet specialists, Drs. Robert Gallucci, Stephen Rogers, Jonathan Sabourin, and Douglas Reid bring years of experience to the podiatric field and a passion for delivering quality foot and ankle care to every patient they serve. Services include treatment for heel pain, fungal nails, heel pain, diabetic wounds, and flat foot.

Media Contact:

Dr. Stephen J. Rogers

rogersdpm@gmail.com

300 Toll Gate Road

Suite 301C

Warwick, RI 02886

401-738-7750

http://www.footankle.info/

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