Podiatrist - Portland
15 Sewall St
Portland, Maine 04102
207-774-0028
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DR. K's BLOG
Posts for: June, 2010
Bothersome Bunions
Stress on the foot, arthritis, and wearing shoes that are too tight can result in the formation of bunions. These bony bumps form on the joint at the base ofthe big toe, causing a thickening of the skin, swelling, redness, andsoreness. Intermittent or persistent pain follows. This results in restricted movement of the big toe, making it diffi cult to walk in shoes. Bunions develop over time. They are permanent unless surgically corrected. An accompanying condition called bursitis occurs when the bursa, the cushioning sac of fluid over the joint, becomes infl amed. Should you experience ongoing big toe pain,or notice a visible bump on your big toe joint, see your podiatrist.
HINT: When someone has a bunion,his or her big toe angles in toward the other toes, a condition called hallux valgus. It is important that bunions berecognized early and evaluated by a podiatrist. We can then offer suggestions on controlling their cause so that symptoms do not arise or become more severe. Our recommendations may include exercise, a change in footwear, custom molded orthotics, medication, and surgery. Let us do what we do best-diagnose and treat your particular foot problems with compassion, knowledge, and up-to-date techniques and equipment. Please call us for an appointment at 207-774-0028, 15 Sewall Street, Portland, Maine
FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS TO CHOOSING TONING FOOTWEAR
American Podiatric Medical Association Offers Toning Shoe Tips and Foot-Friendly Products
Bethesda, MD - Shoes that feature "rocker bottoms" and "pods" have become the latest footwear craze -- a new way to get in shape simply by walking or running. Toning footwear, which claims to promote muscle toning using micro-instability, can be found in a variety of brands and designs. While many may be ready to lace up the first pair they find, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reminds consumers to be mindful of the footwear products they purchase and to wear them safely.
"It's important for people to realize that so-called 'toning' or 'fitness' footwear is not a cure-all that will tone the entire body," said APMA President Dr. Kathleen Stone. "Toning shoes should be utilized similar to any other piece of athletic training equipment. This type of footwear should be viewed as an addition to an exercise program, to strengthen and tone certain targeted muscle groups."
To read the rest of this release, including the five steps for choosing toning footwear, visit www.apma.org/toningfootweartips.
Troublesome Trimming
If you trim your toenails too short, you may experience an ingrown toenail. Trimming toenails to be tapered at the corners can predispose the nail to growinto the skin of the toe, with the nail curling down and digging into the skin. Initially, the area may become swollen, hard, and tender. Eventually, it can become infected. Nonsurgical treatment begun early on includes soaking the foot in warm water and wearing sandals. The edge of the ingrown toenail can be gently lifted, and cotton or waxed floss inserted between the nail and the skin. This should be changed daily until condition clears up. Surgical treatment may include having the nail partially or completely removed while taking oral antibiotics.
HINT: To prevent ingrown toenails, trim the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe. Ingrown toenails often occur from improper trimming, but poor foot structure, heredity, injury, and infection can be contributing factors. Whatever is causing your feet to hurt, we'd like you to know there is experienced, dedicated, professional foot care available here in the Portland area. We offer foot care for the family in an atmosphere of calm, compassionate concern. Our office is located at
15 Sewall Street, Portland. Call 207-774-0028 for an appointment.
Office hours are Monday- Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-3.
I have created a wound atlas for the site... pictures of various types of foot wounds that I treat on a regular basis. Check it out. (Some folks may be a little grossed out.)
http://lighthousefootandankle.com.edit.officite.com/wound-atlas.html
PUNCTURE THIS
A puncture wound and a cut are not the same. A puncture wound has a small entry hole caused by a pointed object that is stepped upon. Nails, glass, sewing needles, insulin needles, and seashells are some common offenders. Puncture wounds require different treatment from cuts because these small holes in the skin can disguise serious injury. Puncture wounds are common in the foot, especially in warm weather when people go barefoot. Getting proper treatment within the first 24 hours is extremely important with puncture wounds because they carry the danger of embedding the piercing object under the skin. Research shows that complications of puncture wounds can be prevented if the patient seeks professional treatment right away.
HINT: By their nature, all puncture wounds are dirty wounds because they involve penetration of an object that isn't sterile.
Home treatments for puncture wounds may bring short term, temporary relief, bu tmedical answers are your best bet for effective, long-lasting results. At our office, our aim is to prevent, not just repair. Don't wait for injuries, skin conditions, fungal infections, and aches and pains to disappear like magic, because they won't. Come see us instead for prompt, personal attention to your feet's every need at 15 Sewall Street, Portland.
We have office hours by appointment
Monday-Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-3. Call 207-774-0028.