Date Night

It's Friday and you know what that means, it's date night!  Whether you are heading out to the movies, dinner, or to play some putt-putt, chances are you are going to give your wardrobe some thought.  It probably goes something like this...

Step One: Try on a few of your cute tops until you find just the right one.
Step Two: Slip on your favorite jeans.
Step Three: Add some cool jewelery
Step Four: Pick out some cute shoes.
Step Five: Put the cute shoes back and slip on sneakers because your feet are too dry and cracked.

If you deal with step five every week, why not do something about it?  Try theraplex clear lotion for quick relief from dry, cracked feet.  Theraplex Clear lotion is a liquid formula that immediately penetrates kin to deliver non-greasy moisturizing molecules to hard to reach cracks and fissures.

• Leaves skin feeling incredibly smooth and subtle as it prevents dryness.
• In a matter of seconds your skin feels noticeably softer and smoother.
• Long lasting moisturization that works!

Apply immediately after your pre-date shower or bath to help seal in moisture and retain the natural oils that water and soap strip away.   Best of all, the lotion is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free.  Why let dry cracked feet ruin any more of your date night outfits?  Order theraplex clear lotion through our online product store. If you experience any other problems with your feet, don't hesitate to contact our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

 

What Is a Podiatrist?

What Is a Podiatrist?

A doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) practices the medical, surgical, and biomechanical treatment of the human foot, ankle, and associated structures. Although we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the foot and ankle, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine are also highly trained health care providers. We see people of all ages and are often the first medical specialists to diagnose systemic problems that affect the feet and ankles such as diabetes, gout, hypertension, immun eficiencies, and arthritis. Four years of medical school is typically followed by 2 or 3 years of residency that certifies these doctors to function as partners in the larger medical community. Podiatric physicians (podiatrists) are the only medical professionals who exclusively specialize in treating the foot and ankle.

What does a podiatric physician do?

• Diagnoses lower extremity pathology such as tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and congenital and acquired deformities
• Makes independent judgments, prescribes medications, utilizes x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and other laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, and orders physical therapy
• Treats conditions such as: corns, calluses, bunion, heel spurs, plantar fascitis, ingrown nails, cysts, bone disorders, and infections of the foot
• Fits corrective inserts called orthotics that address walking patterns to improved the overall ability of effective and efficient ambulation
• Provides consultations for the patient and for referring physicians regarding prevention of podiatric problems and possible treatments
• Performs surgical correction of the foot including: hammertoes, clawtoes, bunions, fractures, infections, ruptured ligaments and tendons, and neuro-vascular abnormalities of the foot

If you feel you would benefit from a visit to a podiatrist, don't hesitate to contact our office.  You can schedule an appointment by phone (419-423-1888) or visit our website to make an appointment.  While you're there, check out all of our great patient education resources to calm your nerves about coming to see the doctor. 

Test Your Knowledge: myFeet Foot Health Quiz

Test your knowledge about feet! Take this ten question True/False quiz from the American Podiatric Medical Association. 

1.  Nearly a quarter of the bones in my body are in my feet

• True
• False

2. As long as my feet aren't throbbing in pain, I can pretty much ignore them

• True
• False

3. I generally take about 1,000 steps per day going from home to school and work

• True
• False

4. Its' cool to share shoes with my friends as long as we have the same style

• True
• False

5. It's okay to just paint over my toenails since they are yellow and gross

• True
• False

6. I should only wear my high heels for a few hours a day and avoid walking long distances

• True
• False

7. I hate that my feet sweat and smell so much but there is nothing to fix it

• True
• False

8.  I can plan to wear the same soccer cleats this season as I did last season they still work

• True
• False

9. My ankle feels weird after that last lap around the track, I should tell coach

• True
• False

10. My feet are an incredibly complex part of my body and my podiatrist knows them best

• True
• False

Answer Key 

1. True - Nearly a quarter of the bones in your body are in your feet!
2. False - You should care for your feet even if they aren't in pain or severe pain, they are the foundation of your body!
3. False - You actually take around 8,000-10,000 steps a day!
4. False - Sharing shoes is a great way to share fungus like Athlete's Foot or spread warts
5. False - Painting fungal toenails can actually make them worse!
6. True - Only wear high heels for a few hours a day and don't walk long distances
7. False - Try powdering your feet and changing your socks during the day
8. False - Shoes should be replaced every season because they wear down and won't provide your the support you need for playing your sport
9. True - Tell your coach if something doesn't feel normal
10. True - If you are having trouble with your feet, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Fourth of July Feet

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holiday for several reasons.  The day is usually filled with family, fun, fireworks and of course food.  Amongst all the fun, you probably won't be thinking much about the health of your feet.  However, it is still very important to care for your feet during vacation; you may have a vacation from work but you should never take a vacation from caring for your feet! Check out these tips from APMA.org on caring for your feet during the summer months and holiday.

1. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
2. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.
3. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles, and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
5. Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches.
6. Some activities at the beach, lake or river may require different types of footwear to be worn so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack an extra pair of sneakers or protective water shoes. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried out completely before your next wearing to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.
7. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home.
8. In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:
9. • Flip flops – for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
   • Sterile bandages – for covering minor cuts and scrapes
   • Antibiotic cream – to treat any skin injury
   • Emollient-enriched cream – to hydrate feet
   • Blister pads or moleskin – to protect against blisters
   
   • Try Engo's Blister Prevention patches available through our online product store.
   • Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory) – to ease tired, swollen feet
   • Toenail clippers – to keep toenails trimmed
   • Emery board – to smooth rough edges or broken nails
   • Pumice stone – to soften callused skin
   • Sunscreen – to protect against the scorching sun
   • Aloe vera or Silvadene cream – to relieve sunburns

Applying these helpful hints during your summer vacation will ensure a happy and healthy for you and your family.  Prevention is extremely important in health care, and that includes your feet.  If you are having problems with your feet and think you should see a podiatrist before you leave for you vacation, don't hesitate to call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.

Boogie on Main Street

Findlay's annual Boogie on Main Street festival is set for this Friday evening.  The event is being held by the Arts Partnership and is from 6:00 pm to midnight.  There will food, music, and spirits.  If you're looking for something to do this Friday evening, Boogie is the place to be.  However, you don't want foot pain to slow you down or keep you from dancing.  Check out our online store for some step-soothing products, like these metatarsal  pads. 

Our medical grade shaped PPT, pre-cut metatarsal pads are very comfortable, flexible, and durable. Protects tender and painful calluses, bony prominences, and tender skin on the balls of the feet. Reduces friction and skin irritations.

What makes these pads so effective is the PPT Material that they are made from. PPT mimics the soft tissues of the foot, and is considered to be the best material available for cushioning, supporting, shock absorption, and friction reduction of the foot. These pads are resilient, long lasting, and very comfortable. Each pad is adhesive backed, and is easily applied to the innersole of all styles of footwear or orthotics.

Your Feet at Work

Productive workers depend on their ability to walk and move about safely, with ease and comfort.
When your job requires you to stand on your feet for long periods, work in potentially hazardous areas or with potentially hazardous materials, you have some increased risk of foot injury. You can do a lot to prevent injuries by keeping your feet healthy and following safe work practices.

According to the National Safety Council, in any given year, there are about 120,000 job-related foot injuries, one-third of them toe injuries.

In addition to following the same basic foot care guidelines for all people, when you are on the job be sure to develop safe work habits and attitudes. This includes wearing protective footwear when appropriate. The National Safety Council also reports that only one out of four victims of job-related foot injury wear any type of safety shoe or boot. The remaining three either are unaware of the benefits of protective footwear or complain about it.

Try these tips for buying your next pair of work shoes.

• Only you can tell if shoes fit. If they aren't comfortable, don't buy them! Our certified Shoe Fitters have a digital fitting system that can scan your feet and suggest the proper shoe size. Don't be surprised if you are wearing two shoe sizes too small. Don't plan on shoes stretching with wear. If you already own shoes that are too tight, ask your shoe repair shop if they can be stretched. Better advice would be to replace them.
• Because feet spread with age, have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Especially if you have had recent weight gain or pregnancy. Both feet should be measured as they are often different sizes. Always buy shoes for the BIGGEST foot.
• Go shoe shopping late in the afternoon. Feet swell to their largest later in the day. If you must buy shoes in the morning, buy them slightly larger.
• Size depends on shoe make and style, too. Don't insist you always wear one size if the next feels better. Remember the size is merely a suggested number and changes with brand and style.
• The toe box should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes. You should have one thumb width from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Remember this may be your second toe not your great toe.
• Your forefoot should NOT be wider than your shoe. Look to see if your foot is spreading out over the sole of the shoes at the sides.
• Unfortunately, most shoes today are narrower in the front than the foot is. You can check this by standing on paper and tracing around your bare foot. Compare the outline of your foot with the sole of your shoe. If your shoe appears too narrow, you may be inviting foot problems. Choose only shoes that feel comfortable - you are the best judge of that.
• The heel should fit snugly and the instep should not gape open.
• And finally, if the shoe doesn't fit - don't buy it!
• Call our office at 419-423-1888 if you experience any problems with your feet.

Christmas Treats for your Feet

Are you scrambling for last minute Christmas gifts?  If you are having trouble finding a gift for the hard to buy for on your list, think about their feet!  Feet are the foundation of our body, yet we often forget to take care of them.  A pampering product from our online Our Doctor store is perfect for those hard to buy for on your list; no one can resist a pampering!  

For great product to treat dry cracked feet, try Gilden Tree Exfoliating Foot Scrub.  Dry and cracked feet can be caused by the harsh winter weather.  This is a creamy, deep-cleansing scrub that leaves skin smooth and velvety.  It is a whipped formula so it is easily spread and has a gentle pumice to exfoliate feet.  As an added bonus, it is made with Certified Organic Aloe Vera, with a cream base, leaving feet soft and moisturized.  It is the perfect gift at an affordable price of $17.60 for the large bottle.  There is also a travel size available for the out of town guests on your shopping list. 

Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes make great stocking stuffers.  Nail color is so much fun but the unhealthy chemicals most commercial nail polishes contain are not. This polish does not contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde but has nutrients like Vitamin C and E, Wheat Protein, Tea Tree Oil, and Garlic Bulb Extract.  These nutrients help maintain healthy nails and even have an anti-fungal element to them.  The polish is doctor tested and doctor prescribed and is even safe for pregnant women. Best of all, there are several great colors available! A list and picture of the colors is provided below. 

• Top Row 
• Calming: clear polish and/or topcoat 
• Basic: clear base coat 
• Healing Heather Grey
• Revive Ruby Red
• Desire Dark Brown
• Nurture Nude Pink 
• Defense Deep Red
• Rescue Red
• Purity Pink (sheer)
• Balance: warm brick red 
• Positive: a creamy pastel pink 
• Bottom Row

• Relaxing: a light pink rose 
• Clarity Coral: an orange-red coral 
• Whisper: a white out French tip or solid white polish
• Purple Passion: A plum frost with a hint of shimmer
• Focus Fuchsia: A bright purple raspberry 
• Peaceful Pink Coral: A bright peachy
• Blissful Bronze: A golden bronzy pearl 
• Mellow Mauve: A dusty rose 
• Vigor Violet
• Brilliant Blue
• Lively Lilac
For more great gift ideas or to order the products featured above visit Our Online Doctor Store and be sure to call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to make an appointment with us if you or someone you love is having problems with their feet.  

Christmas Treats for your Feet

Are you scrambling for last minute Christmas gifts?  If you are having trouble finding a gift for the hard to buy for on your list, think about their feet!  Feet are the foundation of our body, yet we often forget to take care of them.  A pampering product from our online Our Doctor store is perfect for those hard to buy for on your list; no one can resist a pampering!  

For great product to treat dry cracked feet, try Gilden Tree Exfoliating Foot Scrub.  Dry and cracked feet can be caused by the harsh winter weather.  This is a creamy, deep-cleansing scrub that leaves skin smooth and velvety.  It is a whipped formula so it is easily spread and has a gentle pumice to exfoliate feet.  As an added bonus, it is made with Certified Organic Aloe Vera, with a cream base, leaving feet soft and moisturized.  It is the perfect gift at an affordable price of $17.60 for the large bottle.  There is also a travel size available for the out of town guests on your shopping list. 

Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes make great stocking stuffers.  Nail color is so much fun but the unhealthy chemicals most commercial nail polishes contain are not. This polish does not contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde but has nutrients like Vitamin C and E, Wheat Protein, Tea Tree Oil, and Garlic Bulb Extract.  These nutrients help maintain healthy nails and even have an anti-fungal element to them.  The polish is doctor tested and doctor prescribed and is even safe for pregnant women. Best of all, there are several great colors available! A list and picture of the colors is provided below. 

• Top Row 
• Calming: clear polish and/or topcoat 
• Basic: clear base coat 
• Healing Heather Grey
• Revive Ruby Red
• Desire Dark Brown
• Nurture Nude Pink 
• Defense Deep Red
• Rescue Red
• Purity Pink (sheer)
• Balance: warm brick red 
• Positive: a creamy pastel pink 
• Bottom Row

• Relaxing: a light pink rose 
• Clarity Coral: an orange-red coral 
• Whisper: a white out French tip or solid white polish
• Purple Passion: A plum frost with a hint of shimmer
• Focus Fuchsia: A bright purple raspberry 
• Peaceful Pink Coral: A bright peachy
• Blissful Bronze: A golden bronzy pearl 
• Mellow Mauve: A dusty rose 
• Vigor Violet
• Brilliant Blue
• Lively Lilac
For more great gift ideas or to order the products featured above visit Our Online Doctor Store and be sure to call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to make an appointment with us if you or someone you love is having problems with their feet.  

Back to School!

The first day of school is approaching for the city of Findlay.  Whether you have a child who will be beginning their first year of school, a teenager headed off for the first day of their senior year, or an adult in college, back to school shopping is sure to be on your mind.  The shopping list probably includes pencils, pens, paper, lunch boxes, backpacks, and of course, a new pair of tennis shoes. 

When buying back to school shoes keep these tips in mind. Shop for shoes later in the day.  Doing so will give you  the best fit.  This is because your feet are the most swollen at the end of the day.  This ensures that your shoes won't feel too tight when your feet swell.  Get your feet remeasured every time you try on shoes. Your feet may be a different size than you think! Make sure to try on both shoes.  Your feet may be different sizes and require you to buy a different size for each foot.  Once you think you have the right fit, walk around in the shoes and make sure they are not uncomfortable.  Doing so will help prevent blisters and shoe irritations.  Make sure you purchase the same pair you tried on.  This will ensure you get the same fit you had in the store.  Finally, make sure that you are buying the proper shoes for the activities you will be using them for.  For example, if you plan on running in your new shoes, buy shoes made specifically for running.

If you can't find the right support for you, you can purchase inserts for your shoes.  For example, if your college kid needs relief from foot pain associated with his or her long trek across campus try Amazing Insoles. These liquid filled massaging insoles help relieve foot, ankle, back, and hip pain.  If you do not have any luck with over the counter insoles, you may be eligible for custom molded orthotics.  If you think you may be a candidate for orthotics, call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website, www.vailfoot.com, and request and appointment.

Back to school shopping is a fun and exciting experience, don't let foot pain ruin it!

Fungal Nails and Laser Treatmentt

Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problem and, therefore, don't seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated, however, it can present serious problems. Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.

There are many different ways to treat fungal nails. Oral medication, over-the-counter medication, topical treatment, and laser treatment are all viable options for the treatment of fungal nails. Laser treatment is the latest development in treating fungal nails. At the Advanced Footcare Clinic you can become one of the first to experience this new state of the art treatment.

The link below is an article that was published in the Wall Street Journal regarding fungal nails and laser treatment for fungal nails. Read for yourself and see how this new technology can help treat your fungal nails.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576158351630076320.html

Pictured below are actual results of patients who have used the laser treatment:

You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:

• Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.


• Keep your feet clean and dry.


• Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.


• Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.


• Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.


• Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.


• Disinfect home pedicure tools and don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

Other tips:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.


• Don't share shoes or socks with others.


• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).


• Wear dry cotton socks, and change them two or three times a day if necessary.


• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).


• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.

If you have tried all of the tips above and still have issues with your fungal nails or would like to have more information regarding the laser treatment please call our office at 419-423-1888 to speak with us.