Items filtered by date: June 2015

Monday, 29 June 2015 00:00

Chronic Kidney Disease factor for Gout

gout3According to a study conducted by the Framingham Heart Study cohort, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor when it comes to obtaining gout. The study including 2,159 men and 2,558 women selected over a 54 year period from 1948 - 2002. The results showed that there were 371 cases of gout over the follow ups over the years. The study used the Cox proportional hazard models where the HR of CKD to incidental gout among men and women after adjusting age, alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. The cross sectional and additional studies did not interfere with the results proving that CKD can be a risk factor in gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.

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fungal-toenail2Alek Kashefi, teacher of Buxton Community School, is training to run 1,206 miles barefoot for charity. He is raising money and awareness for the Stroke Association as his mother and grandfather both suffered from strokes. Since school has ended, Kashefi has been using his summer holiday to run 28 miles a day to prepare for the run. Additionally, this is not the teacher’s first barefoot run; he was the first person to run 61 miles barefoot for the Fellsman event.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. To learn more about this trend, consider speaking to one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will explain the facts of barefoot running and help you decide if it’s a practice you’d like to take up.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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toenail-fungus7According to a recent study conducted by Leger 360 Marketing, one third of Canadians living with toenail fungus have given up on treating the condition and nearly two thirds of those suffering from the condition are embarrassed about their fungus. In recent years treating toenail fungus has not been very effective since topical treatments applied to the toenail or taken orally have not completely remedied the fungus and can have negative side effects; which may be why so many people have given up on treating the condition. The study also found that 83% of respondents agree that seeing a doctor is the best way to get assistance in treating toenail fungus.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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sprained-ankle2Rapper Juicy J confirms there will be a Three 6 Mafia reunion despite his broken foot. Currently on his THC: The Hustle Continues Tour, the veteran rapper entered the stage on May 22 on a scooter elevating the injury on his lower extremity. As he spoke to the stage and explained how he broke his foot he stated, “How many of y’all remember Three 6 Mafia? Well I’ve been thinking about a reunion.” Juicy J stayed on stage for more than an hour, moving around the stage with his scooter to deliver a crowd approved performance to his fans.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent exacerbation. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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corns2According to Men’s Journal cracked heels, corns, and calluses, a common problem for men and women, can be a quick fix at home or the salon. The foot condition, although easily treatable, occurs because of ill-fitting shoes or through frequent motions over the foot such as running causing friction between bones, skin, and shoes. If your calluses or cracked heels are more extreme than usual, visit a salon for a pedicure since they can easily remedy the situation. At home, you can soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes and use a pumice stone to scrub and soften the area.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.

Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

Change in Diet

Eating healthy, with a well-balanced diet, will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to what kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements will also help with skin tissue.

Most importantly seek a health professional for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Media, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about cracked heels.

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