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Showing posts from 2009

THANK YOU!!

We would like to give a special Thanks to all the people who donated to Toys for Tots and Food Pantry. At Community Foot Care we are always looking for ways to show our appreciation to the community. Thank you for helping us in our effort to help those around us. We were able to collect several barrels of food and several boxes of toys! This is a great deal of food and toys for the community. In these times we have to do all we can to help the community. Thank you for your continued support! Community Foot Care Associates

Cantharone Wart Treatment

Cantharone is a wart treatment that we are currently using at Community Foot Care to treat plantar warts. Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Warts can grow on any part of the body and their appearance depends primarily on their location. Foot Warts are usually on the soles of the feet and are called plantar warts. Most plantar warts do not stick out above the surface like common warts because the pressure of walking flattens them and pushes them back into the skin. Plantar warts usually appear as thick spot of skin. The normal actions of these medications is to form a blister underneath the wart. This occurs within 24 hours of application. The blister formation kills the wart by cutting off its blood supply. Occasionally, there may be some blood in the blister fluid, this should not be alarming. The blister may also itch. Once this Cantharone treatment is applied you should expect: After 4 hours: mild discomfort may occur. Blister should occur after 24 hours.

Diabetic Recipe

Sugar Free Christmas Cookies These cookies are as good as regular cookies but much better for you, because they are sugar free, low in calories and carbohydrates. You can make them into pattern cookies or any color variety you like. We love how easy they are too! Ingredients: ½ cup shortening 3 tablespoons Equal (sugar substitute) 1 egg Several Drops of food coloring (color optional and color of choice) 2 ½ cups flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ cup skim milk 2 teaspoons water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: 1. Cream Shortening, add sweetener, egg and food coloring (if desired); beat very well. 2. In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients, add the milk, vanilla, and water. Add flour mixture and stir well. 3. Chill dough 2 to 4 hours 4. Preheat oven to 325°F. 5. Roll out 1/8 inch thick and cut the cookies into desired shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. 6. Cool. 7. Enjoy 8. Keep them fresh by storing in an air tight container. Cookies can be frozen to stay fresh,

Winter Boot Blues

Get your feet ready for winter, by purchasing boots to suite not only your style, but your foot comfort. Boots need to be comfortable; although many women admit they would rather be fashionable than comfortable. This can be settled by finding stylish boots that are not dangerous to your feet.  Don’t go for pointy stilettos, they may be the “fashion” but they are proven to cause bunions, hammertoes and ingrown toenails.  Look for a boot that is not flat, but are less than 2 inches tall.  Take your socks with you, and try on boots at the end of the day (to allow your feet to swell fully) and wear the socks or hosiery you plan to wear with the boots while you try them on.  Try a boot with a wider heel to give your ankles more support.  Select a boot with a rubber sole to provide protection.  Remember most fashion boots are not made for snow.  Buy leather boots. Leather over a synthetic material absorbs the best. Feet tend to sweat when they are closed in a boot, leather is absorben

Laser Fungal Treatment.. Is it a good thing?

Laser fungal treatment is a new treatment on the market, it has not been approved by the FDA. This procedure is considered experimental at this point and is not being covered by insurance companies. We found several sources that say there are no guarantees that this treatment will work; however, there are no guarantees on other fungal treatments either. Laser fungal treatment takes about 10 minutes a toe and is most effective on healthy skin and nail beds. People who do not have healthy skin and nail beds are not advised to try the treatment. There is a very high charge for laser treatment, this one is no exception. Charges amount to $200 - $ 500 for the laser. This price does not include many additional charges including a standard $50 treatment fee. Unlike with pill treatments this procedure has a higher rate of failure and is often paid for and performed several times. Talk to a podiatrist to see which treatment is right for you. Fungus is curable in most cases, so talk to your podi

Helping 'Feet'

At Community Foot Care we believe in giving back. To help the community we are having a Toys for Tots drive and several Canned Food drives. These events will take place during the whole month of November in ALL of our offices. The Toys for Tots bins are in all the offices; however Toys for Tots only accepts new toys that are still in the package or have the tags still on them. As we have no other use for the toys we ask that all parties interested adhere to the Marine Toys for Tots regulations. Food Pantry bins will also be placed in all locations to ensure all our patients are able to participate. Local food pantries are in need of canned foods and all other non-perishable food products, such as macaroni & cheese, cereal, peanut butter, and bottled juices. At Community Foot Care we believe that helping the community is a way to give back for all the support we have received through out the years. Please help us in our efforts to help in any way possible. For more information plea
Halloween and the Affects for Diabetics Halloween is especially hard on people with diabetes, and border line diabetes. For some border line diabetics Halloween and the holidays are prime time for full diabetes to strike. This is because weight gain is very hard on the body, diabetics already have sugar problems, and Halloween candy makes sugar levels elevate frequently. Over 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes so we have some tips to get through Halloween safely: 1. Put extra effort into dressing up, then candy is the least of your worries! 2. Take dressing up even farther and have a party! 3. Go haunted housing, on a hay ride, or have a bonfire; all these will keep you moving! 4. Trade the candy for healthy treats, if a child is diabetic let them go Trick or Treating, but trade the candy for other gifts or even money! 5. Diabetics can have sweets, just keep sugar checking supplies handy, and check your sugar often. 6. Get extra exercise to account for sugar and carb intake.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month There are many things going on all over America for breast cancer awareness month! We looked at some interesting events right here in the Miami Valley. In downtown Dayton the fountain will be dyed pink and pink Flags will be raised all over Dayton. Round the US: October 2nd is Lee’s National Denim Day, all money raised goes to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. October 16th is National Mammography Day, everyone is encouraged to join in and get checked, because in early stages most women have no idea they have breast cancer. More events that are taking place in American that everyone can join in: Avon walk for Breast Cancer, happens on different dates all over the world. Komen Race for the Cure, also happens all over America on different dates. Making Strides against Breast Cancer, presented by the American Cancer Society on different dates all over America. There are events happening all over the world, The Canadian Cancer Society presents T

The Time is Coming For Shoes Again but Shoes Means STINKY Feet!

The number one reason for stinky feet is perspiration. Your foot has many sweat glands on the bottom of the foot. Some people have more than others. It is just like the rest of your body. Some people just sweat more than others. It is estimated that there is over a quarter of a million sweat glands in your feet. So when your body heats up it releases heat via sweat from sweat glands. Warm wet areas are a haven for bacteria. The bacteria live, reproduce and feed off of the foot, shoes and socks. The bacteria produce chemicals that cause an odor. Thus stinky feet are actually caused by bacteria! To treat stinky feet we have to tackle the root of the problem, the sweat. The first line of defense is to wash your feet at least twice a day. Changing your socks to a dry pair in the middle of the day will also cut down on the bacteria because they need a warm, moist place to grow. It is also recommended to wear sandals often in the warmer months to allow your feet to breath. When choosing wha

September is National Yoga Month

Yoga is the “union” of mind, body and soul, also known as purification. The National Yoga Celebration takes place in many cities, complete with music and food. The Celebration is for beginners and experienced yoga students. Yoga promotes overall wellness of mind, body and soul. However there are risks to this convention. Going barefoot leaves your feet vulnerable to many bacteria, fungus and even viruses. Going barefoot in a crowd is also dangerous because it raises the risk for bruises, cuts and unsanitary conditions. This is especially dangerous to individuals with diabetes. Any cut or scrap needs immediate attention because it has a high risk of infection. Even a small puncture hole can lead to serious infection. Germs and viruses can imbed themselves under the skin, allowing them to grow. Symptoms may not present themselves for an extended period of time. Tetanus and fungus are common among people who do not wear proper shoes; flip flops do not offer much protection agai

What's the Difference?

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain? Most people use strain and sprain interchangebly, however, they are very different conditions. A sprain is an injury to a ligament: the tough fibrous band of tissue that connects bone to bone. A sprain is caused when a ligament is stretched too far and torn. Where a strain is a painful stretching of a muscle or tendon. Symptoms for both conditions may vary, most will result in pain, swelling, or bruising. Aching pain in the heel or ball of the foot could mean you have a strain. Strains are often caused by spending a lot of time on the feet, in shoes that offer poor suppport, people who are over-weight or wear high heels are also at risk for strains. Ankle sprains occur very quickly, during sports or in motion, most commonly seen when the foot twist in an awkward manner. For both conditions you should see a podiatrist to make sure the pain is not a sign of what could be a serious condition. More than 50% of people who do not h

Big News at Community Foot Care

During the month of August Community Foot Care will be expanding, with TWO new Doctors. Dr Adam Thomas will be taking patients during the whole month of August, and Dr. Ericka Penn will join August 17th for patient care. Dr. Thomas has finished his residency with Ohio State University and will bring current, cutting edge treatment options to the greater Dayton area. He is from Zanesville area and is looking forward to working in the Springfield area where his wife Jennifer Trinidad, also a podiatrist, was raised. Dr. Penn is a graduate of Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, she is joining from private practice in Cincinnati. Dr. Penn is an experienced podiatrist and surgeon who is eager to join the team and build relationships with her new patients.

Back to school and your feet

As the summer gets hotter and school is back in session, our feet are relied on for many things: walking, running, most importantly sports! That's right, it is the beginning of sports season, baseball is in full swing, football is beginning, and track will soon be here and gone. As sports begin so dones school, all the book bags, and back aches will soon return. During these hectic times there is a great solution to save your poor, painful feet. JM Orthotics have come out with an exclusive product to help with different foot problems. JM Orthotics offers a full line of custom molded orthotics to save your feet during these hectic times. Benefits of these orthotics: Reduces heel and arch pain. Reduces back and all over pain. Increases stamina and relieves pressure of feet. JM Orthotics are heat molded to fit your feet right in the office. There is no wait like with other brands. JM Orthotics are lighter yet more durable than other more expensive brands. JM Orthotics offers many prod

New Sandals Developed For Toning While You Walk

Trendy FitFlops, which have already been given the “thumbs up” by Oprah Winfrey – are promoted to tone your butt and legs as you handle your daily activities. Developed by a personal trainer with input from a biomechanical engineer, FitFlops have a thick midsole, which encourages wearers to use feet and leg muscles more efficiently while walking. Research conducted by the manufacturer has shown that this thick midsole works the gluteals, hamstrings, thighs, and calf muscles more. One thing is clear: FitFlops, which come in a host of colors and are available at many retailers such as Macy’s and Lady Footlocker, are flying off store shelves. FitFlops give people an opportunity to add exercise to your already hectic schedule. The testimonials provided by the company based in London also include relief from back pain, heel spurs/pain and arthritis. They are not cheap though, ranging from $35-$50 per pair. While FitFlops have certainly attracted consumers, are they worth the exorbitant

Ped Egg-Friend or Foe

The Ped Egg is a foot care product that has recently made the transition from infomercial to stores such as Target, Wal-mart and the like. As this handheld foot product becomes more well-known, it frequently becomes a topic of conversation with my patients in the treatment rooms. My stance on patient’s use of the Egg varies on a case by case basis. The name comes from a combination of its unique oval shape, intended to fit in the palm of your hand, and its intended use on your feet. The top of the product is smooth and the bottom looks like a small cheese grater. When not in use there is a cover that can be placed on it. The price runs about $10.00, and you must replace the blades as they become dull. The Ped Egg is gently rubbed against dry skin on your feet to shave the top layer of dead skin away. The Ped Egg is a foot file that gently shaves down calluses, corns and dry peeling skin. It is intended to be used on completely dry feet or feet that have been softened from the ba

Sports Related Stress Fractures

Okay, so it is May, and you are considering how much exercise you will have to do in the next 30 days to make up for the first four months of inactivity in order to still achieve your New Year’s resolutions. As you begin your exercise routine, you must consider the extra stress that your body is going to be subjected to and that any injury can easily place you on the couch planning next year’s resolutions. Common injuries I see this time of year are stress fractures in the feet, which already take a pounding everyday just from normal activity. Unlike typical fractures, there is not a single traumatic event causing them and many times a patient has no clue that any serious injury has occurred. I see stress fractures as a source of pain and discomfort quite regularly. A stress fracture begins with the overuse or the over training of a muscle. This overuse causes the muscle to tire and transfers stress on to nearby bones, causing tiny fractures. Sports injuries related to stress fract

Homer Simpson’s kind of Marathon

Typically, when someone tells me they are about to run in a race, I am impressed by the person’s discipline and dedication to improvement. However, this marathon takes the cake (or the doughnut as it may be). The race is called the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and it has become a yearly staple in North Carolina. Started by NC State college students, the participation has grown from 12 college kids in 2004 to over 5000 in 2009. With participants ranging from the seasoned marathoner to the college student who has been training hard with late night beer and pizza, this race attracts all kinds of runners. The proceeds are donated to a children’s hospital in North Carolina. The race begins at 9 AM normal enough with a 2 mile jog to the Krispy Kreme store. This is where the race takes a turn for the worse. At this point, runners must indulge themselves with a dozen doughnuts. So with doughnuts engulfed, the final leg of the race is an agonizing 2 mile sprint back to the finish line (and ma

Should I believe the Orthotic Commercials?

Watching tv early Sunday morning, I saw an infomercial for the orthotics with the interchangeable heel piece so each person can adjust their insert to their foot. Later on, I saw a similar ad for a hi-tech computer force plate that you simply stand on in a pharmacy, and a computer will tell you what number insert you should buy for your feet from their store. The bottom line is, “what will make my feet feel better?” For the person seeking relief from foot pain for the first time, I do not discourage trying one of these alternatives to traditional orthotics from your podiatrist. It is human nature to try the easy route before finally breaking down, months after the onset of pain when it becomes unbearable to work even for a few hours, and schedule an appointment to see a foot doctor. Sometimes, the problem is simple and can be relieved for a while by a plastic insert that you can buy from a pharmacy shelf. Other times, the right decision is to schedule an appointment with a trained
When to Replace Shoes? From the mother of the 10 year old engaging constantly in active play, to the 80 year old diabetic patient who is largely inactive to the runner who runs 70 miles each week, everyone wants to know when they should purchase a new pair of shoes. We all know that shoes do not last forever. Most people, however, continue to wear them well after their useful life has ended. Most commonly in my office I'll have people tell me that their shoes are three years old BUT (insert excuse here...). Some of my favorites, it fits my feet perfectly (meaning it's broken down), the heel is worn out just how I like it (meaning it has a hole inside the shoe), new shoes just bother me (meaning that I've worn these for so long, the support is too different at this point), and my favorite: They still look new. Yes, they still look new. When all you do is run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, and some stationary bike, and your shoes never see the light of day, of course t

Healthy Feet for springtime activities

Spring, and the warm sunny weather that comes with it, is almost here, so it is time to dig through the closet and dust off your running and golf shoes. Unfortunately, for many the spring fun will be put on hold because of nagging foot pain. Heel pain is often debilitating, causing people to alter their work schedule, exercise schedule, and their lives in general. As a podiatrist, I encounter heel pain many times every day. The extent to which the pain improves with treatment often depends on the behaviors of the person suffering. At the end of the article, I will offer you suggestions to try at home before and during treatment in order to improve your results. Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue(ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your