Hydrotherapy for Arthritis Pain

Posted on January 10, 2013

A Great Solution to Arthritis Pain is Hydrotherapy

With the colder climate in the winters of Georgia, there is nothing more refreshing andHydrotherapy soothing then climbing into a warm hot tub. Besides this, hydrotherapy is frequently used for sports injuries, sore muscles and joints plus the calming effects on physiological and emotional disorders.

Warm water therapy (hydrotherapy) relaxes muscles, increases circulation and assists in the body’s overall healing process. In regards to arthritis, it is the most commonly used method for relief and enduring, healing results.

In a Journal of Investigative Medicine report, Italian researchers published findings that show that hot tubs reduced the inflammatory agents that caused arthritis pains after three weeks of heat hydrotherapy treatment.

Hydrotherapy Is a Less Stressful Way to Rehabilitate

Furthermore, The Arthritis Foundation recommended to the nearly 43 million Americans who suffer from arthritis pain, “Regular sessions in your hot tub help keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength and flexibility, and protects your joints from further damage. A hot tub fulfills the need by the warmth, massage, and buoyancy (lessens stress) to facilitate the well-being of arthritis sufferers.”

Because of the benefits in arthritis treatment and therapy, many homes have begun using hot tubs. Arthritis sufferers are able to relax and feel relief in their hot tubs. Regularly relaxing in a hot tub can reduce the chances of getting arthritis and reduce daily stress.

Proven Techniques Derived From Hydrotherapy Have Helped Countless Arthritis Sufferers

The Arthritis Foundation also recommends at-home hot tub exercises for those suffering from arthritis. Water exercise in a hot tub supports the body and provides a more gentle way to move muscles and joints without undue stress. Spa jets also create a water massage that relieves and loosens tight muscles and warm water increases the circulation in blood vessels.

Physicians and patients praise the healing properties of warm water massage. Through the use of   hydrotherapy, the pain of arthritis can be dramatically lessened and certain cases cured.

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All About an Ingrown Toenail from a Georgia Podiatrist

Posted on September 25, 2012

Ingrown ToenailIngrown Toenail Symptoms

If you have ever experienced pain along the borders of your toenail on one of your toes, you can definitely understand those pesky in-grown toenails. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows down and into the skin of the toe. Some of the symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling around the nail. In-grown toenails typically develop due to pressure from overly tight shoes, improperly trimmed toenails and/or specific foot types that apply pressure on the toe nail. You can get an ingrown toenail if you hurt your toe, such as stubbing it.

Ingrown Toenail in Children

 In children, ingrown nails are a common malady. Oftentimes, it can be traced back to improper or inadequate trimming. The proper method for trimming toenails is straight across whereas fingernails are trimmed in a semi circle fashion. It is advisable to teach children the proper procedure to trimming their own toenails at some point.  Another preventive measure is to purchase shoes that fit properly in the sense of width and length.

Ingrown Toenail Solutions

 To eradicate an ingrown toenail, there are several options available. One action is to remove a small sliver of the toenail from a Georgia podiatrist.  Typically, this is performed with a local anesthesia injection within a doctor’s office setting. It should be noted that this can either be a temporary or permanent removal. If the condition will not subside, permanent removal is considered the final solution.

 Once the section of nail has been removed, it will be wrapped with Neosporin and gauze to prevent infection. You will need to come back to the hospital within about a week so that the toe can be examined to check for any drainage or infection.

 If the toe is infected before the nail is removed, the infection may need to be treated before the nail section can be removed. This will be dependent upon the severity of the infection. Have you ever had an ingrown toenail?

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Athletes Foot Versus Dry Skin from a Georgia Podiatrist

Posted on September 11, 2012

athletes footWhat is Athletes Foot?

Let’s begin with a definition of what Athletes Foot really is. It is derived from a fungus that thrives in dark, moist areas. To avoid this pesky situation, it is important to keep your feet dry at all costs. Traversing through any area that is moist such as a river, a small puddle gets your sock and shoes wet which gives the green light for fungus to take root and spread inside your shoes.

Whenever you have gotten your feet wet for any reason, it is imperative that you thoroughly dry off your feet immediately especially between your toes. If you are one of the unfortunate that constantly have sweaty feet, it is even more important to make sure your feet stay dry as possible by changing into dry socks as much as possible.

The Difference of Athletes Foot and Dry Skin

At this point, let’s take a look at athletes foot vs. dry skin. It is a bit hard that one might realize.  Typically, most view one of the most annoying symptoms of athlete’s feet as being incredibly itch. However, dry feet can reveal the exact situation. Additionally, of the key characteristics seems to be a tendency to burn and tingle but it is not always the case.

In the case of athlete’s foot, the most obvious sign is a moccasin distribution of your dry skin. In other words, you will have a ring of dry skin around your heel and on both sides of your foot and traveling up to your toes. Furthermore, you will notice dry skin in the areas between your toes. In a very mild case, it really will just look like dry skin. The moccasin will not appear until your athlete’s foot has significantly escalated.

Treatment of Athletes Foot

For treatment options, there are some over the counter creams and sprays that usually help. For extreme cases, there are prescription antibiotic cream and an over the counter spray/powder to disinfect your shoes. If all this fails, there are oral antibiotics as well.  Be sure to contact a Georgia Podiatrist to help get proper treatment of athletes foot.

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All About Foot Orthotics

Posted on September 4, 2012

Foot Orthotics What are Foot Orthotics?

By definition, Foot Orthotics are shoe inserts that are designed to correct various foot disorders and to alleviate consequent foot pain. They perform functions that make standing, walking and running more comfortable and efficient by slightly altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface.

Foot Orthotics Uses

 Although foot orthotics are commonly referred as “arch supports”, they go far beyond that description.  It should be noted that podiatrists prescribe orthotics to various foot issues following surgery as a means of control.

By design, Orthotics, take on various forms and are constructed of various materials. With that being said, they are all focused on improving foot function and minimizing stress forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity and pain. Your feet are the foundation of the body and when they are not properly aligned with the rest of your limbs, you may start feeling discomfort in your ankles, knees, legs, & back.

 Foot Orthotics Categories

1.) Those designed to change or alter foot functions. They are rigid composed of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. They are used for walking or dress shoes after the podiatrist casts a mold on an individual’s foot. They can improve strains, aches in the legs, thighs and lower back.

2.) Those designed that are protective. These are usually soft and cushy. They are            designed to absorb shock, increase balance and take pressure of uncomfortable or sore spots. They are designed from a cast of the foot as well. They are also effective for diabetic, arthritic or deformed feet.

3.) Those that combine functional control and protection. These are semi-rigid and provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. They are made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. In children, they are used to treat flatfoot or in toeing or out toeing disorders.

Do you use foot orthotics?

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Flip Flops for Feet From a Georgia Podiatrist

Posted on August 21, 2012

Georgia PodiatristFlip Flop Dangers from a Georgia Podiatrist

There is no argument that flip flops are comfortable and a big hit every summer.  On the down side, there is great potential for serious foot issues for certain foot types. The most common ailments occur with those individuals with high or low arches.

 With most flip flops that are currently available in the market, the vast majority provide absolutely no support whatsoever.  By wearing them throughout the summer, you run the risk of causing serious damage to your feet over time.  Instead of flip flops, you should consider sandals instead. There are some sandals available that actually do offer a greater amount of support. These sandals are ones that naturally have an arch support built into them.

 With most shoes, there’s a good arch support built into their design. With this support, it enables your foot to be properly stabilized during jumping, running, walking or most other physical activities. Eventually, as we age, our feet take their toll in respect to our feet flattening out. Also, our ability to heal properly is dramatically reduced. If one’s body weight increases over the years, it can proportionally exert great force upon the feet as well. If this happens, you will need to get treatment from a Georgia podiatrist.

Georgia Podiatrist Explains Better Shoe Options

 If you are one that naturally or due to age, have developed flat feet, it is best for the  sake of your feet to wear sneakers that provide a secure arch support. If your arch is severe, it might require an orthoses which are shoe inserts that move your foot into a better position thereby permitting your foot to easily accommodate physical activity such as walking, running, etc. Additionally, it can dramatically alleviate any associated pain.

 If you are currently experiencing any pain while walking, it is best to consult a Georgia podiatrist and they can cast your foot and perform a biomechanical exam.

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Five Signs Your Child Might Have a Foot Problem

Posted on August 2, 2012

Foot ProblemA Foot Problem in Your Child

It is not uncommon for foot and ankle problems in children to go undetected due the signs and symptoms being subtle. In addition to this, children oftentimes are unable to explain what the problem is. Based on this, it is the responsibility of any parent to take their child in to be checked early and on a regular basis.

Signs of a Foot Problem In Your Child

  • If you notice your child in unable to keep up with other children in common physical activities. If you notice your child having difficulty, it could be because their feet and legs are constantly fatigued. Typically, this is a result of flat feet.
  •  Another sign is when children refuse to engage in physical activities that at one point in time they enjoyed and participated in with enthusiasm. When a parent notices this, it is usually caused by heel pain, common in ages between 8 and 14. It should be noted that stress from sports creates muscle strain as well as inflammation of the growth plate, the    area at the back of a child’s heel.
  •  Another concern is when children attempt to hide their feet. Some children notice that the appearance of their feet has changed in some manner. However, they fail to inform their parents due to the fact that they don’t want to go in and see a doctor. Some of the signs a parent should look for are calluses, growths, any discoloration or swelling around the toenails.
  • Another area to be on the lookout for is when you notice your child repeatedly trips and falls. If this occurs, it could be in-toeing, lack of balance or possibly neuromuscular situations.
  • If your child has foot pain that last for more than a few days, take them to a Georgia Podiatrist for a complete exam.

A Foot Problem in Children Summary

If your child is experiencing any of the listed things above, it is important to get it checked out immediately before foot surgery or a long-term problem occurs. What steps do you do to prevent a foot problem in your children?

 

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Plastic Surgery For Feet From a Georgia Foot Doctor

Posted on July 24, 2012

Plastic Surgery for Feet Plastic Surgery For Feet is Not Rare

As with all plastic surgery, they are chosen to alter the physical appearance of a certain segment of the body. In the realm of podiatry, plastic surgery for feet is performed on a regular basis in the case of bunions, hammer toes as well as claw toes.

When individuals are confronted with pain with any of these ailments,  surgery is typically performed. On the other hand, nowadays oftentimes the plastic surgery for feet is performed strictly for the altered appearance. For example, one surgery that is common is to have a procedure to shorten the length of your toes.

Plastic Surgery For Feet Because of Fashion

In today’s women’s fashion, it has been increasingly common for women to wear sandals, flip flops and open toe shoes. With the toes (foot) is exposed, women have to tendency to be more focused and concerned about how their feet look. When these women get older, their deformities (whether imagined or not) seem to bother them even more. They begin to wonder if surgery can restore them either somewhat back to the original or completely redesigned.

Plastic Surgery for Feet Surgery

However, any surgery is at the discretion of the physician. There are some that will not choose to perform cosmetic surgery and will only do so if the ailment is generating pain to the patient.  They would rather not risk infection on something that was otherwise healthy.

On the other hand, some physicians view it as preventative surgery due to the fact they strongly believe the deformity could worsen over time and feel it should be fixed before it translates into a major problem down the road.

It should be noted that either approach taken by a physician has its pros and cons. However, if the fashion trend of open toed footwear continues unabated, the likelihood will be more of this form of surgery will continue in the coming years.

Would you consider getting plastic surgery for feet performed?

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All About Heel Spurs From a Georgia Podiatrist

Posted on June 14, 2012

Heel SpursHeel Spurs Are Common

Nowadays, most Georgia foot and ankle doctors would agree that heel pain is a very common malady. However, there are many causes of this pain. One of the most prevalent is the heel spur. A heel spur results from an anatomical change of the heel bone.

What are Heel Spurs?

The heel bone forms one end of the two longitudinal arches of the foot held in place by ligaments and are activated by the muscles of the foot. These muscles and ligaments, like the other supporting tissues of the body, are attached in two places. Where there is undue stress to the heel bone, one’s body automatically calcifies the tissue attachments thus creating a spur.

The pain from heel spurs is a result of inflammation around the tendons where they attach to the heel bone. Most would assume that the pain would dramatically increase as you walk but it is not usually the case. In all actuality, the pain is the most intense when you begin to walk after not being on your feet for a while.  After a short period of time, the pain usually dissipates and you adjust.

If excessive strain has been placed on the foot the day before, the pain may also be greater. A sudden strain, as might be produced by leaping or jumping, can also increase the pain. The pain might be localized at first, but continued walking and standing after being stressed will soon cause the entire heel to become tender and painful.

It has been reported that anywhere between 11 and 27% of the population have radiographic evidence of a spur. Furthermore, heel spurs do appear to be associated with obesity, osteoarthritis and a major component of the aging process.

Heal Heel Spurs

There are many medical services we can perform, but you can try some steps on your own. To help alleviate the pain, good shoes for heel spurs and other orthopedic shoes hold onto the foot, not the other way around. Adjustable support shoes, like shoes for heel spurs, can be a great way to fit problem feet. Additionally, using a heel pad or insoles help as well.

Have you experienced heel spurs before? What do you do to alleviate the pain from heel spurs?

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All About Flat Feet

Posted on June 1, 2012

Flat Feet What are Flat Feet?

By definition, flat feet (fallen arches) is a condition when the entire sole of your foot presses to the ground. In essence, you do not have an arch in your foot. It should be noted that is s relatively common in ten to twenty percent of the population.

The Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet is a natural situation in infants, who typically develop an arch throughout childhood. When one reaches adulthood, flat feet can be a result of an arch never fully developing through childhood. However, if developed by adulthood, flat feet generally remain flat permanently. In addition, flat feet can also occur in pregnant women as a result of temporary changes, due to increased elastin (elasticity) during pregnancy.

Other causes of flat feet can b occur due to an injury, the overall stress of aging, wear and tear on feet as well as rheumatoid arthritis. This is most common in woman over 40 years of age. Known risk factors include obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Flat feet can sometimes cause problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can force your ankles to turn inward and this throws off the alignment of your legs. If you aren’t experiencing any pain, no treatment is usually necessary for flatfeet.

Possibly the biggest risk to having flat feet is a chance of heel and ankle pain resulting from walking inwardly as the ankles of a flat-footed person naturally move more inwardly when walking than feet with a natural arch. Other risks include weakened muscles in the feet.

Treatments for Flat Feet

Potential treatments to avoid weakened muscles and foot pain:

  1. Barefoot walking or running especially on a beach.
  2. Standing as often as possible
  3. Ensuring you are wearing the proper footwear for the activity you are participating in.
  4. Stretching exercises if the cause is tight heel ligaments. (recommended by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society)
  5. Under-arch pads inside shoes. (orthotics)

What tips do you have will someone who has flat feet?

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All About Hammertoes from a Georgia Foot and Ankle Doctor

Posted on May 17, 2012

HammertoesHammertoes Can Worsen Over Time

If you are faced with unsightly toes that are curled to appear to look like a hammer, you definitely have hammertoes. Specifically, it is a condition where the middle joint of your toes is bent (curled) occurring in your 2nd, 3rd and 4th toe. Unfortunately, this condition can progressively worsen if not properly addressed.

When a person is wearing shoes that do not fit properly or the heels are too high, the toes are forcibly positioned and squeezed into themselves due to the fact there is no free range of motion. If this continues unabated for a prolonged period of time, your muscles will eventually shorten and become stuck in this unfortunate position.

For many, there is no pain associated with hammertoes. However, there could be mild discomfort when your toes are pushing against your shoes. In the isolated cases where a person experiences pain from this condition, there are specific remedies that have been successful.

Remedies for Hammertoes

To begin with, it is highly recommended to try non-invasive (surgery) treatment plans for any foot condition you are experiencing. By so doing, there are substantially fewer risks involved plus they allow more options for the individual. For the condition of hammertoes, you can use padding in the shoe (prevents the toes from hitting the top of your shoes), wider shoes or wear lower heels. It is advisable to go to a podiatrist office and be fitted for the correct shoe size and proper width. According to some recent studies, approximately 60-80% of people are wearing incorrect shoe sizes.

Hammertoes Can Be Treated

With hammertoes, it is imperative to obtain the proper sized shoes so that your toes have room to expand to their proper length. In these instances, the next option is surgery to elongate the joint and remove it from its contracted position. It is important to treat hammertoes before you have to go that route, if possible.

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