A Toe-Bending Experience

Excessive bending of the toes can cause capsulitis, an inflammation of a ligament. Ligaments are tough tissue found where two bones come together to form a joint. If there is stress placed on the joint from repetitive motion, the ligaments can overstretch and become inflamed. Symptoms include aching discomfort, and a sharp pain with pressure and with movement of the toe. Doing electrical and plumbing work, climbing ladders, and stooping while gardening all require movements that may cause capsulitis. Wearing very high heeled shoes can also cause inflammation. Cortisone injections, rest, ice, and oral anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate the discomfort for the short time. In some cases, surgery to repair the damage may be indicated.

Proper care of toe joint problems is vital to your program of overall good health. Our office provides comprehensive care in managing foot and ankle problems as well as helping prevent them before they occur. We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of many problems affecting the lower extremities. For your feet's sake and your well-being, call us for an appointment for leading-edge, compassionate podiatric care.

HINT: When capsulitis involves the big toe joint, it is sometimes known as Turf Toe.


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Diabetic Socks

The high blood sugar lever experienced by diabetics increases the risk of foot ulcers. Therefore, it is imperative to control foot moisture and ensure less constriction of the area. Diabetic socks are designed to meet those challenges. They are constructed without seams, and they resist wrinkling. These socks are available in cotton blends with non-binding tops; they are also sold in compression versions. Numerous colors are available, but if the wearer has wounds or scars, wearing white socks is preferable. The socks are made in short and mid-calf styles and so not appear vastly different from regular socks. To determine which diabetic sock is appropriate for a specific diabetic patient, consult a podiatrist.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all diabetics will develop a serious foot condition at some point, including infection, ulceration, or gangrene. As most cases of these conditions are preventable through appropriate footwear, regular visits to a podiatrist, and scrupulous home care, we urge all diabetics to consider podiatric care as a very important component in managing their diabetic condition. We offer comprehensive foot care. Please call us for an appointment

HINT: Diabetic socks should be constructed without constricting cuffs.

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Give Me A Break

Bones usually break when something happens to crush, bend, twist, or stretch them. Toes are often broken when they accidentally kick something hard. Heels are often broken when a person falls from a height and lands on his or her feet. Other bones in the foot sometimes break when an ankle is sprained or twisted. Occasionally, small cracks can form from repeated stress on the bones of the foot over a long period of time (known as stress fractures). Broken bones in the foot cause pain and swelling. Bruising or redness of the foot with a broken bone is common. It is important to see a doctor anytime you think you may have broken a bone in your foot.

Broken bones anywhere in the body deserve professional attention. Too often, a broken bone that is not allowed to heal properly can be vulnerable to future breaks, strains, and sprains. As a specialist in foot and ankle conditions, a podiatrist is the most qualified person to help rehabilitate a broken foot bone and bring the patient back to normal function. Acute injuries or chronic conditions, we offer a full range of foot care services. Please call for an appointment.

HINT: Do not attempt to drive with a broken foot. Have someone bring you to the doctor or emergency ward.


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Expecting Foot Pain

Pregnancy con trigger foot pain. Natural weight gain and the alterations of a woman's center of gravity create added pressure on the knees and feet. The result may be pain at the arch, the heel, or the ball of the foot. For someone who is experiencing these pregnancy-related foot issues, there are numerous steps that can be taken to alleviate the discomfort. Elevating the feet as often as possible, wearing seamless socks that do not constrict circulation, and taking regular breaks to stretch the legs are recommended. Exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet low in sodium help prevent fluid retention. If the swelling is not similar in both feet, a podiatrist should be consulted immediately.

Just as you put your prenatal care in the hands of a specialist, so should you entrust your hard-working feet to a specialist- a highly trained, specially skilled podiatrist. It's time to pay attention to what your feet are trying to tell you when each step is more painful than the one before. Don't ignore foot problems, whether cause by pregnancy, injuries, diseases, or inherited conditions. Call us instead at our state-of-the-art footcare facility.

HINT: Wear footwear that fits properly during pregnancy. Since feet will probably change side during pregnancy, have them measured.

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Snub the Stub

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A Child's Foot

Pediatric foot problems can appear very early. They require attention because the bones in a child's foot are soft and pliable and easily damaged by constricting shoes, socks and even bedding. Shoes that fit are especially important for a young child's rapidly growing feet. When choosing shoes for your child, make sure the shoe shape matches the foot shape and that the upper is firm in the heel area but flexible around the front of the shoe. The upper of the shoe should be made of leather or material that will allow air to circulate around the foot. Don't use hand-me-down shoes unless they are showing no wear on the sole or upper.

We believe one of the most important elements of healthcare we can provide you with is education. We bring you these columns in order to show you how the many benefits of podiatric medicine can help keep all members of your family walking, running, living in comfort. And since taking care of the feet can't begin too early, you'll be glad to know there is a footcare specialist here in Sun City West who can help you if there seems to be a problem with your child's feet. Call for an appointment.

HINT: Parents need to be on the alert for early developmental problems since children do not usually know enough to complain about them.

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A Slice of Life

Splinters are shards of glass, metal, wood, or other materials that get caught under the skin. Splinters should be removed so they don't cause an infection. Common causes of splinters in the foot include stepping on thorns, walking on rough wood decks or boardwalks, and accidentally stepping on broken glass. To remove a small splinter from the foot, soak the area for 10-15 minutes. Applying a bit of ice will numb the area. Using tweezers with ridges, grab the splinter as close to the skin as possible. Pull firmly at the same angle as it entered the foot. When finished, dab on rubbing alcohol to disinfect the area. Large or deep splinters should be removed by a podiatrist.

While its smart to know the basics or quick-action, short-term treatment for splinters and other foot injuries, it is crucial to a successful recovery to seek the services of a specialist trained in foot care as soon as possible following an injury. If you don't have a podiatrist at this time, you may want to include our telephone number in your list of numbers to keep handy by your phone. We offer complete foot care for the family. Office hours are by appointment, but emergencies are seen as promptly as possible.

HINT: Splinters are known medically as a soft tissue foreign body.

As seen in the Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise Independent Newspapers.