My Blog http://www.aplfeet.com/blog.html en-us Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:14:00 -0600 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:14:00 -0600 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Officite Development Scripting Pigeon Toeshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/pigeon-toes.html Did you know Babe Ruth intentionally ran the bases pigeon-toed because he believed it helped him run faster? Did you know Paris Hilton has mastered a pigeon toed photo stance to hide her size 11 feet? The term pigeon toed (medically known as in-toeing) is used to describe when a person points their toes inward while standing or walking.

Symptoms of Pigeon Toe

  • Feet point inward, as if the toes are touching
  • Stumbling (severe cases)
  • Clumsiness

Alternate Names

In-toeing; false clubfoot; in-toe gait; metatarsus adductus; metatarsus varus;

What Causes Pigeon Toe?

Pigeon toe is caused by one of three conditions: Metatarsus adductus, tibial torsion, or femoral anteversion. Each condition is based on its location: the foot, the knee or the hip.

Can Pigeon Toe Be Treated?

In most cases, the infant or child will grow out of the condition and no treatment is necessary. Still it  should be evaluated. The doctors of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd can offer diagnosis, assessment and initiate treatment if necessary.

]]>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:46:51 -0500Foot Odorhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/foot-odor.html Smelly feet are the result of sweat mixed with bacteria. Sweat by itself does not stink. But when bacteria are introduced to the socks and shoes, it sticks to them. Eventually the smelly sweat sticks to the skin on the feet, causing a foul odor.

The two ways to cure and prevent smelly feet are to reduce the bacteria and reduce sweat.

We at Affiliated Podiatrists recommend:

  • Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap and warm water.
  • Always wear fresh synthetic socks.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Use a disinfecting spray in your shoes or use an electric shoe sanitizer.  (ie:SteriShoe TM)
  • Keep your feet as dry as possible.
  • Change your footwear to ensure the material allows your feet to breathe.
  • Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to kill bacteria.
  • Odor eaters and powder to your feet.
  • If your shoes stink, don’t wear them.

 

]]>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:09:43 -0500Ingrown Toenailhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/ingrown-toenail.html Have you ever suffered the pain of an ingrown toenail? Are you aware that most people with ingrown toenails develop an infection? An ingrown toenail develops when the corner or side of one of your toenails grows into the skin. Most commonly it affects the great toe.

Knowing the common causes can help in prevention. You should cut your toenails straight across, and not too short. Your shoes should not squeeze your feet and there should be enough room to wiggle your toes.

The principal treatment is removal of the offending nail margin which is cutting into the skin. This is performed in the office during a regular office appointment. Sometimes a local anesthetic may be necessary. Afterwards, you may be prescribed a medication to soak your foot in and antibiotics to take by mouth.

]]>Fri, 27 May 2011 16:52:34 -0500Drs. Joel and Marc Feder on American Health Watchhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/drs-joel-and-marc-feder-on-american-health-watch.html Set your recorders, plan to TIVO…..Drs. Joel & Marc Feder will be featured on NBC’s “American Health Watch,” Saturday, May 21st @ 6 P.M. …Be sure to tune in.

]]>Fri, 06 May 2011 13:35:41 -0500Ganglionic Cystshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/ganglionic-cysts.html  A middle-aged man came in for a check-up. He mentioned that he had a sore on his third toe, which healed on its own. The dry scab visible was not of concern to me.

    Three weeks later, he returned to the office for an unrelated issue.  I looked at the toe again. This time I saw a bump which looked like it was about to explode; not a huge bump, but the skin was clearly stretched and tense. I told him: “This looks like a ganglion cyst.” And it was. Here are the details:

    Ganglionic cysts are non-cancerous fluid or gel-filled lumps which most commonly arise from tendons or joints. They may develop suddenly. These cysts are usually painless except when they put pressure on a nerve or restrict motion at a joint. The initial treatment usually consists of removing the fluid from within it. Surgical excision of the cyst may be required if it recurs after aspiration.

    Please don’t try the “home remedy” of smashing the cyst with a heavy object. This can damage surrounding structures in your foot. Also, don't try to "pop" the cyst by puncturing it with a needle or sharp object. This is unlikely to be effective and can lead to infection. Call us.


   

]]>Fri, 06 May 2011 13:28:30 -0500Foot Painhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/foot-pain.html A staggering 72 percent of Americans say they do not exercise because foot pain prevents them from doing so, according to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This finding, when viewed in light of the soaring rates of US obesity as reported by the Centers for Disease Control, makes visiting a podiatrist and addressing foot pain critically important.

The study surveyed 1,000 US adults, ages 18 and older, to gain public opinion on attitudes toward foot health and foot care. Results showed that Americans view their feet as the least important body part in terms of their health and well-being. However, feet were the number one body part to experience pain, even more so than the teeth or skin. As foot pain contributes to a variety of negative health consequences, it is important that Americans seek the care of a podiatrist immediately if problems arise.

The physicians at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. feel that podiatrists should be part of everyone’s health-care team, but it is especially important for those experiencing foot pain. A podiatrist can not only help ensure Americans are able to exercise, but also help catch signs of diabetes, arthritis, nerve and circulatory disorders.

]]>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:45:39 -0500Diabetic Foot Carehttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/diabetic-foot-care.htmlFifteen per cent of people with diabetes are affected by foot ulceration at some time in their life. Debridement is an intervention intended to quicken ulcer healing. It involves the removal of devitalized tissue and contaminated or foreign material from the wound, until surrounding healthy tissue is exposed. Once healthy tissue is exposed, weight may be redistributed by padding the foot in order to take pressure off of the wound, permitting it to heal fully. Eventually, an orthotic may be prescribed and fabricated for placement within a patient's shoes for prevention of recurrences.

Effective management of the diabetic foot is generally regarded as requiring a multidisciplinary approach with good communication between the podiatrist, the internist and the patient.

]]>Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:57:08 -0600Is Your New Years Resolution Affecting Your Feet?http://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/is-your-new-years-resolution-affecting-your-feet.htmlA popular New Year's resolution is the desire to lose weight. While many people are eager to get started, first it is important to be fitted with the correct exercising footwear for the physical activity recommended in the weight loss program.

In an article cited in the Chicago Tribune, foot and ankle surgeons predicted an increase in foot pain during the month of January as people try to keep fitness resolutions. It was further suggested that the most common problems for those who go from couch potato to high intensity work-outs are sore Achilles tendons, heel pain and pinched nerves.

The physicians of Affiliated Podiatrists are committed to supporting a patient's desire to meet one's goals. Assuring proper fit of shoes and qualifying activities suitable for foot types is commonly performed in our office during a scheduled appointment.

]]>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:46:00 -0600PinPonte FootLaserhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/pinponte-footlaser.html The PinPointeTM FootLaserTM was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of nail fungus, a condition estimated to affect more than 10% of the U.S. population - or 35 million Americans. People with chronic diseases including diabetes, circulatory problems or immune - deficiency conditions, are especially prone to nail fungus.

We, at Affiliated Podiatrists, were the first and are still the only providers of PinPointe in the city of Chicago. Without pain, without pills and without loss or damage to the nail, this treatment is performed in one treatment session.

]]>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:56:55 -0600Inadequate Footwearhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/inadequate-footwear.htmlInadequate footwear notably causes pain and discomfort but has also been implicated in a growing number of falls. Patients who are at risk for foot problems due to deformity, circulatory or neurological impairment must be particularly careful in proper shoe selection and shoe fit.
Did you know that shoes are eligible for reimbursement under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill?
The doctors and staff at Affiliated Podiatrists have a special expertise in shoe matters. If you or a loved one hates shoe shopping because of underlying foot problems, schedule an appointment with us. We are committed to foot health and disease prevention.

]]>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:12:20 -0500Buying Your Child's Shoeshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/buying-your-childs-shoes.htmlAs the weather changes it is important to protect children's feet. Poorly-fitting footwear can do more harm than good. A few simple guidelines can help you get the right fit for your growing children.

Make sure there is 1/2"" space between the child's longest toe and the end of the shoe. Remember that it's natural for small children to curl their toes when trying on new shoes.

Children's feet change size rapidly, so always have your child's feet measured each time you purchase new shoes. Make sure that measurements are done while the child is standing for a more accurate sizing.

Avoid hand me down shoes. Second hand shoes can create improper balance because they may have worn out unevenly by the previous owner.

Carefully observe your child's walking patterns. Does your child have toes that point in or out, excessively flat feet, or other gait abnormalities? These problems often require professional help.

]]>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:17:50 -0500Runners’ Edgehttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/runners-edge.htmlThe Chicago Marathon will be held October 10th, 2010. The participants' ages range from 16 to over 80 and all enjoy the challenges of running. There is an expected 45,000 runners participating in the Chicago Marathon this year. With so many runners of various ages, it is common to see foot and ankle injuries occur.
The doctors at Affiliated Podiatrists frequently see marathon runner injuries before, during and after the event. Foot injuries associated with marathon running may include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis - heel and arch pain caused by stress and inflammation on the bottom of the foot.
  • Sesamoiditis - ball of foot and inflammation under the big toe joint from repetitive forces on the foot by running.
  • Shin splints - leg pain at the shin usually from stress on the leg muscle and bone.
  • Achilles Tendonitis - pain and swelling behind the ankle at the Achilles tendon and calf muscle.
  • Stress Fractures - slight bone fractures of the foot from excessive force relative to overtraining.


For more information on these conditions, visit Affiliated Podiatrists' website at www.APLfeet.com

]]>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:54:02 -0500Fall Sportshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/fall-sports.htmlFall means more than "Back to School" for kids. It's also a time when sports teams get back into action. Many young people are in several sports each season. If your children are involved in sports activities - especially those that are hard on their feet such as soccer, basketball, track and football - we here at Affiliated Podiatrists suggest that you be on the lookout for "Overuse Injuries."
Damage can occur to bones, tendons and ligaments in kids' feet and ankles that aren't fully developed. Pain is never normal in a child's foot or ankle! Any pain that lasts a few days should be evaluated in our office.

]]>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:51 -0500Size Mattershttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/size-matters.htmlThe foot is always changing just like the rest of our body. So it's not unusual for our foot size to change. Just like our shirts' neck size changes as does our waists' belt size, so might our shoes' size change. That's why it is important to get your feet re-measured.

A mis-fitting shoe can cause a lot of problems. Make sure that your bunion matches up to the widest flare of the shoe and that strumming across the front of the shoe allows a rippling of the material. Lastly, make sure that there's enough room in from of the toes so that they may wiggle freely.

]]>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:16:49 -0500Welcome to Our Bloghttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/welcome-to-our-blog.htmlWhether you are an existing patient or searching for a podiatrist in the Chicago area, we're excited you are here. With the podiatry industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote podiatric awareness as a vital part of your healthy, active lifestyle.Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including the latest developments in podiatry, podiatric treatments and helpful foot care advice from our staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure the long-term health of your feet.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

-- The Affiliated Podiatrists, LTD. Team

]]>Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:52:47 -0500Broken Boneshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/broken-bones.htmlWed, 19 Oct 2011 14:24:28 -0500Be Prepared for Winterhttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/be-prepared-for-winter.html Tortured by new shoes, squashed in boots or neglected soles – your feet need your attention!  Cold weather can take its toll on your feet, so ensure they are the center of your attention this fall and winter season.  When you think about how much time we spend on our feet, it is hardly surprising that winter and a night out can leave them feeling tired, bruised and battered. In cold climactic conditions, the body moves the blood away from the feet and toes, which can cause numbness.

Most of us are guilty of neglecting our feet and often gaze in dismay when we take off our socks.  With a little extra care, your feet can look and feel fabulous from now until spring. 

Winter Foot Care for Diabetics

For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet.  Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.  An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound.  Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet.  During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. 

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet.  Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise.  A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much.  When sitting around your home, it will make your feet and ankles swell a bit more. 

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer.  When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal crème more appropriate, on the advice of your podiatrist.  And remember, if a sore on your foot does not begin to heal after a day or more, be sure to tell us. 

 

]]>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:21:29 -0600Winter Foot Care for Diabeticshttp://www.aplfeet.com/blog/post/winter-foot-care-for-diabetics.html For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet. Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound. Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet. During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. Any sore that doesn’t heal must be attended to by a professional.

Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet. Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise. A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much, which can contribute to making one’s feet and ankles swell.

Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer. When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal creams more appropriate to use.

]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:14:00 -0600