Healing Heel Pain Without Surgery
A common heel condition that affects about 10 percent of Americans can bring excruciating, debilitating pain to its sufferers – but it’s resolvable in 90 percent of cases with relatively low-cost, low-tech remedies. Plantar fasciitis, as the condition is known, occurs when the plantar fascia (the ligament that runs the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel with the toes) becomes inflamed and enlarged. The ailment becomes more common as people age, and it can affect one or both feet. Read more about Healing Heel Pain Without Surgery
Majority of Diabetics Wear Wrong Shoe Sizes
More than six out of 10 diabetics choose to wear shoes that are the wrong size, increasing their risk of slow-healing foot ulcers, limb amputation and even early death, according to a recent study.
The research effort, performed at the University of Dundee in Scotland and published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, looked at 100 volunteers, 24 to 89 years of age, who were patients at Ninewells Hospital Medical School in Dundee. The researchers excluded those who were patients at specialist foot clinics and those who experienced difficulty standing or who wore specially provided shoes.
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Foot Surgery Need Not Be Frightening
Innovations in podiatric surgery in recent years have made it far more effective and inviting than it has been in the past. While non-surgical, alternative treatments can help to fix conditions like bunions, melanomas, hammertoes, neuromas and tendon problems, surgery is often the best choice. Recent innovations have improved podiatrists' ability to diagnose, treat and perform surgery on foot and ankle conditions. For example: Read more about Foot Surgery Need Not Be Frightening
"Electric" Foot Bandage May Help Diabetics
A patented bandage with tiny batteries that run micro-currents through a wound to kill bacteria may hold promise for healing the stubborn foot ulcers that plague so many diabetics. "This electrical activity kills bacteria, keeps the wound clean and, in the studies we've had so far, has shown that this stimulates the wounds to heal," said Jeffry Skiba, president and CEO of Vomaris Innovations, based in Chandler, Ariz. Read more about "Electric" Foot Bandage May Help Diabetics
Relief for Common Foot Problems
A recent issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource covers foot problems that are common in women, particularly as they age. Years of frequent high heal wear can cause permanent damage to tendons in the heel and shoes that are too tight can cause problems. Some of these suggestions address common concerns about feet and what to do for relief. Blisters are caused by the friction of shoes against the skin. Blisters should not be ruptured, and applying a moleskin or bandage helps. Bunions are misaligned big toe joints where the big toe slants toward the second toe. This can cause the joints to become swollen and tender, especially if aggravated by tight shoes. Wearing wider shoes, as well as cushioning pads or shoe inserts, can help. Read more about Relief for Common Foot Problems
Diabetics Endanger Themselves Wearing Wrong Shoe Size
 According to research in the November issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice, more than six out of ten people with diabetes are walking around in the wrong sized shoe, which could potentially cause serious foot problems. An ulceration of the foot can have serious implications for patients, such as impaired quality of life, increased amputation risk, and elevated death rates. The World Health Organization has stated that the number of people suffering from diabetes could double to 366 million by 2030 and 80 percent of diabetic foot amputations could be prevented. Researchers studied a hundred patients, aged 24 to 89, who volunteered to participate in a shoe-size study carried out at a general diabetic clinic. Patients who were attending foot specialist clinics and those who had problems standing or were wearing special footwear were excluded from the study. The results showed that 63 percent of patients were wearing the wrong sized shoes. Approximately 45 percent were wearing the wrong width fitting, and the majority had shoes that were too narrow. Read more about Diabetics Endanger Themselves Wearing Wrong Shoe Size
Five Foot Care Myths
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons have heard all the myths about foot care. However, myths concerning health can have serious consequences if doctors aren't consulted to set the facts straight. Here are five podiatry myths that numerous patients have reported, and the truth behind them. "Cutting a V notch into a toenail will relieve the pain of ingrown toenails." The reality of this myth is that cutting the nail does not affect the angle of the toenail growth. The nail will continue to grown downward into the skin and cutting a "V" may cause more problems and pain. "If I can walk on my foot or ankle, it must not be broken." The truth is that it's very possible to walk on a broken foot or ankle but it depends on the severity of the injury and the individual threshold for pain. Continuing to walk on it can cause further damage. Read more about Five Foot Care Myths
Routine Foot Self Exams Can Detect Melanoma
Foot and Ankle Surgeons believe that routine self examinations of the feet are critical to finding skin cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. Close to half of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because cancer had already spread to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis. It is estimated that nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. It is not known how of many of these cases involve the foot. More than 8,000 patients will die. However, if melanoma is detected during early stages, 92 percent of patients are alive after 5 years. Read more about Routine Foot Self Exams Can Detect Melanoma
Feet to Fit the Shoes - Cosmetic Foot Surgery
Women's obsession with shoes are an enigma. And a foot is hardly an after thought--especially when it comes to high fashion. And that's why women who aren't happy their pedal appearance, are doing anything to put their best foot forward. A big trend these days is cosmetic foot surgery Read more about Feet to Fit the Shoes - Cosmetic Foot Surgery
Understanding Fallen Arches
What are Fallen arches?
The condition of flat feet or fallen arches refers to a condition where the arch of the foot collapses and the entire bottom of the foot come into contact or near contact with the ground. This condition often has a childhood origin. However, flat feet in children are more likely a pad of fat under the foot rather that real fallen arches. Read more about Understanding Fallen Arches
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