Podiatry

You don't have to be standing at the alter to have cold feet. Cold feet come in many shapes and sizes, and their causes may be as benign as not having a pair of socks on to as serious as vascular disease. So, if your feet are constantly cold, it is never a bad idea to take a longer look to make sure that you do not have symptoms of other conditions. Some of the initial conditions that we would be concerned about with cold feet are: • Anemia • Diabetes • Neuropathy • Raynaud's Disease • Peripheral Arterial Disease Typically, cold feet mean nothing more than just that - cold feet. Cold weather causes the blood vessels in the extremities to constrict so that more blood can be routed to the core, essential organs of the body. This constriction of vessels is what causes your feet to be the first cold body part. In the absense of cold weather, we must consider if there are internal factors leading to our cold feet. Anemia is a broad term describing over 400 different

During pregnancy, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema, is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and especially feet. This extra retention of fluid is needed to soften the body, which enables it to expand as the baby develops. Extra fluid also helps prepare the pelvic joints and tissues to open to allow the baby to be born. The extra fluids account for approximately 25% of the weight women gain during pregnancy. Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but it tends to be noticed around the fifth month and can increase while you are in the third trimester. The following factors may also affect swelling: -Summertime heat -Standing for long periods of time -"Long" days of activity -Diet low in potassium -High level of caffeine consumption

It’s time to get active again now that the weather is getting warmer! However, sometimes being active can be difficult if you suffer from knee pain. There are many types of knee pain ranging from acute, or recent, to chronic, or long lasting. Acute knee pain is usually caused by trauma, like a fall or accident. The injury is usually a sprain or strain of knee muscles or ligaments. If not properly taken care of, these injuries can persist over time and become chronic. Chronic knee pain continues over time and can be caused by conditions such as arthritis. The pain tends to worsen when a person is more active. If you suffer from knee pain of acute or chronic nature, physical therapy can be helpful in reducing the pain and helping you get back to your normal activities and an active lifestyle. The physical therapist will complete a thorough evaluation and develop a treatment plan to address your specific deficits. The treatment regimen usually consists of modalities for pain control

Crossover toe is a condition in which the second toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and lies on top of the big toe. Crossover toe is a common condition that can occur at any age, although it is most often seen in adults. Some people confuse crossover toe with a hammertoe, probably because both conditions involve a toe that does not lie in the normal position. However, crossover toe is entirely different from a hammertoe-and much more complex. Although the crossing over of the toe usually occurs over a period of time, it can appear more quickly if caused by injury or overuse. Symptoms may include: • Pain - particularly on the ball of the foot. It can feel like there's a marble in the shoe or a sock is bunched up. • Swelling in the area of pain, including the base of the toe • Difficulty wearing shoes Crossover toe is a progressive disorder. In the very early stages is the best time to treat crossover toe. Without treatment, the condition usually

Gout is a disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. It results from an elevated blood level of uric acid (hyperuricemia), which occurs when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or when a diet high in rich foods produces more uric acid than the kidneys can filter from the blood. Over time, uric acid in the blood crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, causing swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Gout usually affects the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe (hallux) or the ankle joints. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gout affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States. The disease is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50, and in women, incidence increases after menopause. The condition is rare in children and young adults. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, approximately 18% of people who develop gout ha

Calf and Foot Strengthening Exercises Strengthening your calf muscles and foot muscles will prevent plantar fasciitis and other types of heel pain. By strengthening your muscles, your stride when walking will improve and pronation can be corrected. Stand on a stair with one hand on a wall or railing for support, keeping the toes on the stair and let the heels hang. Gain balance in this position, then slowly lift up onto your toes, then slowly return back to the neutral position. The exercise should be felt in the calf muscles and along the back of the ankle. Slowly lift up onto the toes, then lower the heels back to the original starting position. This exercise should be repeated 10 times up and down for 3 sets, a total of 30 lifts. Another great trick is to stand on your tip toes and slowly walk forward and backwards taking slow small steps. Stand very tall and keep your hands at your side. Roll your weight onto your tip-toes and lift your heels. Gain balance and see how many 10-

For years, going barefoot has seemed alluring. Individuals long to be barefoot on the beach. Additionally, there are runners that prefer to exercise barefoot. Even little children are constantly kicking their shoes off. While going barefoot may be appealing, it also has its risks. Walking or standing without shoes will allow your feet to become more susceptible to heel pain. No Support When you are barefoot, your feet have limited support. The fat pad along the sole of your foot becomes the only protection available. This padding guards your plantar fascia. After you walk barefoot on a hard surface for a substantial amount of time, the fat pad might not be effective at protecting the fascia. This could result in inflammation of the fascia, which often leads to heel pain. Walking On Your Toes Also, typically when you walk barefoot for an extended period of time, you stop walking normally. The average person initially steps on the ball of their foot. However, after too much time

With summer swiftly approaching, most of us are readily disregarding our bulky boots for convenient and trendy open- toed shoes. The presence of discolored toenails, however, can put a damper on your sunny plans.  If you notice yellow, discolored, brittle, or thickened toenails, you may be suffering from fungal nails. The medical terms for this type of fungal infection are onychomycosis or tinea unguium. Fungal infections of the nail affect up to 3% of the population, mainly in developed countries. A fungal nail is an unsightly infection caused by many varying microscopic organisms. Fungi can attack your nails through small cuts in the skin around your nail or through the opening between your nail and nail bed. These organisms thrive in warm, dark, moist environments; the perfect environment provided by your socks and shoes. Although this infection is usually not serious, it can lead to more serious illnesses and issues, particularly if you suffer from a compromised immune system o

Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them and many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment. A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, but a bunion is more than that; the visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment – producing the bunion’s “bump.” Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms. Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the buni

Community Foot Care is dedicated to providing not only quality care to our patients, but also quality education. Many of our patients question the causes and symptoms of flat feet. We are happy to provide some facts on the subject.  You have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing your entire foot to touch the floor when you stand up. A flat foot is normal in infants and toddlers, because the foot's arch hasn't yet developed. Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. This is a normal variation in foot type, and people without arches may or may not have problems. Arches can also fall over time. Years of wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of your ankle, from above your ankle to your arch. Factors that can increase your risk of flatfeet include obesity, traumatic injury to your foot or ankle, rheumatoid arthritis and aging. Flatfeet can some

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands. Community Foot Care understands how even minor foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Here is Community Foot Care’s advice for taking care of your feet: • Always keep your feet warm. • Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain. • Don't put your feet on radiators or in front of the fireplace. •

At Community Foot Care, we’ve noticed patients from all of our Springfield and Dayton area locations have been calling inquiring about the safety of new lower body toning footwear such as Reebok’s EasyTone sneaker. So, we decided to take a look at the research on these tennis shoes ourselves. Can you give your muscles a better workout simply by changing your shoes? Reebok claims you can... The new EasyTone walking shoe is a provocative new marketing campaign which allegedly leaves leg and buttock muscles better toned than regular walking shoes; and consumers, including patients of Community Foot Care, are buying it… literally! Officials from Reebok say the EasyTone is the company’s most successful new product in at least five years. While most athletic shoes offer support and cushioning, the new muscle-activating shoes are engineered to create a sense of instability. Design elements, like curved soles and Reebok’s “balance pods”, are said to force the wearer to engage stabilizing m

Being diabetic can be frustrating because, let’s face it, the food that is bad for you is usually the food that is most enjoyable. Community Foot Care understands the challenges our diabetic patients face. The physicians and staff at our six locations in Beavercreek, Vandalia, Centerville, Springfield, and N. Main St. and Linden Ave., Dayton locations understand the pressures you face each day… especially during the holiday gatherings. We would like to remind our patients that your diabetic foot care starts with maintaining healthy glucose levels. Here is a Community Foot Care approved yummy recipe for your Memorial Day enjoyment! STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! 1 cup( (150 g) low fat biscuit and baking mix (70% less fat than regular mix) 1/2 cup (120 ml) low fat buttermilk or skim milk 2 tablespoons (30 g) Spoon One Sugar Replacement 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract  butter-flavored cooking spray 12 strawberries, cleaned and sliced thin at free whipped topping 1. Preheat oven t

With so many lawsuits connected to deaths, chronic infections and disfigurement from pedicures; you would think the public would be clamoring for reform… Just the opposite, most consumers completely blow off the risks and have the "it won't happen to me" attitude.  Spring Day Spa is taking action to ensure our customers are safe at our Beavercreek, Centerville, and Springfield salon locations. Approximately $6 Billion dollars are spent on spa related nail care every year, making it a huge industry. A pretty pedicure can be accompanied by a take-home surprise: hepatitis, cutaneous herpes, warts, HIV, bacterial and fungal infections. These can be deadly, especially if the client is diabetic or has a compromised immune system. A 43-year-old San Jose, California woman had a small cut on her toe that led to her death from a skin infection in 2004. A 46-year-old Ft Worth, Texas mother left the pedicure salon with a small abrasion on her heel from a pumice stone in July 2005

Losing weight is hard! Everyone has their own way of losing the winter bulge; there are a few things to remember in your personal regimen. Attitude is everything! If you tell yourself you are only working out until you lose the weight, it will never stay off. To keep the weight off, remember to stick with it and be consistent. Eating habits must change too. Substitute your burger for a nice salad, and limit the dressing. Spend time planning meals and research the nutritional value of those meals. Put yourself on a daily routine, the weight will not come off over night, but give it time. Stick with it! Once it is off, it will stay off!

Community Foot Care values our patients; we also value your referrals. To show our patients how much we value your referrals, we are giving away Lottery Tickets. When you refer a patient be sure to have them tell us that you referred them. Patients should be sure that their information is current, because you will receive a Lottery Ticket in the mail. We will send you a lottery ticket for every patient referred. For every 5th patient referred, we will send a gift card. • All patients must be seen in the office to be considered a referral. • All patients must mention the name of the person who referred them (if you have a popular name, e.g. John Smith, be sure your friends know what street you live on or your middle initial) when they call. Remember to refer all your friends and family and we will send you free gifts just for your word of mouth!

Things you will need: Vegetable Cooking Spray ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose four ½ cup natural cocoa powder 1 teaspoon Baking Powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 Banana, (3 ½ ounces after peeling) 6 tablespoons light brown sugar 6 tablespoons brown sugar substitute ½ cup unsweetened apple juice 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon chocolate extract 4 large egg whites, at room temperature ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup chocolate chips 1 heart shaped cookie cutter Instructions for cooking: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat a 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. 2. In a blender or food processor, combine the banana, brown sugar, apple juice, and vanilla and chocolate extracts; process until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, fold into the dry ingredients. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat the eg

It's a winter wonderland outside and although it is beautiful, it can be dangerous when ice is present. Many times, people fall on the ice and did not even know it was there. Falling can result in sprain, strains and more seriously broken bones. Here are a few tips to avoid injury from falling this winter: *Wear comfortable shoes with a rubber or non-skid sole. Although "fancy" shoes look nice, it is important to wear a shoe that gives you traction and keeps you steady on your feet. *Pay attention to your surroundings. When walking outside this winter, pay attention to uneven ground and obstacles that may get in your way. *Keep areas outside of your house well lit. Use outdoor lights to improve your vision while getting and out of your car or home, especially if steps are present. *Slow down! Take your time when walking in winter weather. If you are rushing, you may fail to see patches of ice. Also, walking at faster speeds may increase the likelihood of falling.

Winter has arrived and it is now time to find our boots and hats as well as our snow shovels in order to deal with that cold, white stuff! This time of year can be especially hard on our back and neck due to snow removal activities. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to minimize stress on your back and neck when dealing with the snow: Take rest breaks Shoveling or using a snow blower can be a tiring activity so if you give your body a short 2 minute break about every 15 minutes, it will go a long way. When resting, stand up straight or walk around to give your back a break. Wait until the afternoon to shovel if possible By waiting until the afternoon, it allows time for the fluid pressure inside the discs in your spine to increase which will lower your risk of injury. Try not to bend over Think as though there is a pole starting at your head and extending to your pelvis that doesn’t allow your back to curl forward. If you have to bend forward, bend at your waist and knees and keep

Community Physical Therapy Specialists is now open for physical therapy. Physical therapy will be in the Centerville, Beavercreek and Springfield offices. Community Physical Therapy Specialists includes all physical therapy regimens, as well as podiatric services. Treatment prescriptions include: Gait training, joint mobilization, Progressive desensitization, activities of daily living, orthopedic appliance, prophylactic strapping, TMJ rehabilitation, and work hardening/ strengthening. Exercise programs include: progressive resistance strengthening, back flexion exercises, knee rehabilitation, shoulder rehabilitation, patella-femoral rehab, and scapular stabilization. Podiatry services are similar to the general physical therapy, they are more specifically geared to the foot and ankle. Community Foot Care will be referring patients and overseeing their progress personally, all podiatrists are welcome to refer patients, we will be reporting to referring physicians, just as we do in re