Foot Doctor Blog

Types of Bunions

Thursday July 1, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

As a doctor with 35 years of practice, we often hear the concern from a patient “I have a bunion” or “This toe sticks out, and is that a bunion?” or “The side of the foot has a knot on it, and is that a bunion?” Let’s discuss some terminology. A bunion is known as the “bony enlargement (Hypertrophied Bone/Arthritic Bone/Bone Spur/Osteophyte)” along the great toe is called a “simple” bunion. But what most people don’t realize is that the bone sticking out is usually not simply as related. This problem requires a proper examination of the entire foot and… Continue Reading

This or That Flip-Flops

Wednesday May 19, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

In 2005, the Northwestern University Women’s Lacrosse team wore flip-flops to the White House. You may not remember the media storm, but it was fierce. Flip flops were becoming a fashion statement, and a major network’s health reporter interviewed me about the dangers of the shoes we formerly only wore to the pool. There were many issues to talk about: heel pain, sprained ankles, and broken toes, to name a few. The interview was syndicated, playing on over 250 news programs across the country. The headline: Are flip flops BAD for you?!? (Spoiler alert: they were) Those flimsy rubber shoes… Continue Reading

FUNGUS IS NOT FUN

Wednesday March 17, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

Toenail fungal infections, also called onychomycosis, are common among older adults. Due to the slow growth of toenails it is easier for fungus to develop in the nail bed. First, nail specimens of affected toenails are obtained by your doctor in order to determine whether a fungal infection is even present. Once results are obtained, the most appropriate treatment plan will be determined. Interestingly, 50% of the nails that look like fungal infections are not infected but are rather just unhealthy toenails. Fortunately, toenail fungus typically does not lead to serious medical problems. Numerous treatments are available, such as oral… Continue Reading

Fungal Toenails

Wednesday March 10, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

With this recent endless barrage of snow, I’m sure everyone’s dreaming of warm summer days when we can trade our winter boots for brightly colored sandals.  Which then begs the question, are your feet ready for summer? Do unsightly, thick, and discolored toenails plague you? You may have what’s called onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).  Traditionally “onychomycosis” referred to a nondermatophytic infection of the nail. It is however now used as a general term to signify any fungal nail infection. Onychomycosis can infect both fingernails and toenails, but infection of the toenail is much more widespread.  It is common and prevalence… Continue Reading

Wound Care

Tuesday February 23, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

Wound care is an ever changing field for the lower extremity that is evolving as new techniques and evidence becomes available. It is rewarding to be able to assist patients in healing wounds,  both new and old. It is imperative to recognize and treat wounds as quickly as possible to prevent the need for hospitalization, surgery, and ultimately improve a patient’s quality of life. Diabetic foot ulcers are responsible for more hospital admissions than any other diabetic complication. Today, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in the US. Overall, about 5% of patients with diabetes mellitus develop foot… Continue Reading

Neuropathy

Monday February 15, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

When I was in school, I always wondered how someone who had numbness could also have pain. Aren’t the two mutually exclusive? How can so many diabetic people tell me that their feet are killing them, and at the same time, step on something sharp and not feel it at all? On a lazy weekend many years ago, I woke up from a nice Sunday afternoon nap and I suddenly understood. My hand had fallen asleep because of the position I was in. I couldn’t feel much in my hand, but yet, I still developed the painful “pins and needles”… Continue Reading

Your Foot and Ankle and Peripheral Vascular Disease

Wednesday February 10, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

Oftentimes,  when we experience lower extremity pain with activity or even at rest we are quick to blame it on musculoskeletal issues. We are unaware that there are more acute underlying issues such as lack of blood flow to our lower extremity.  Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the pathology of blood vessels causing decreased blood flow most commonly to your foot and ankle. Peripheral vascular disease can involve the arterial  or venous system of your lower extremity. The arterial system is involved in bringing blood down to your lower extremity, while the venous system is involved in bringing blood back… Continue Reading

New Year, New You, New Foot and Ankle Pain?

Thursday January 21, 2021 / Foot Doctor Blog

There’s no question that New Year’s Eve looked a little different this year.  While we may not have been able to gather with family and friends or attend events like years past, the night still ended with resolutions, a fresh start, and of course, weight loss goals. But for many people, new exercise goals also bring new foot and ankle pain. Overuse of a structure contributes to about 50% of sports injuries. These injuries are often due to changes in duration, intensity, or model. In this article I will discuss some of the most commonly diagnosed foot and ankle injuries… Continue Reading

American Diabetes Awareness Month

Wednesday November 18, 2020 / Foot Doctor Blog

November is American Diabetes Awareness Month.  According to the Center for Disease Control, over 30 million Americans are living with diabetes and 100 million US adults are living with diabetes and prediabetes.  Diabetes is a condition that causes your body to use insulin ineffectively or to not produce enough insulin.  Insulin is responsible for taking sugar from food and moving it into cells for energy.  Without insulin the sugar from food stays in your bloodstream and results in high blood sugar. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels and organs, potentially causing more serious… Continue Reading

Enjoy the Snow but Mind your Feet!

Thursday November 12, 2020 / Foot Doctor Blog

Cold weather brings a variety of fun outside extended weather activities, but poses several risks to our feet.  The severity of ailments depends largely on both environmental and individual factors.  From an environmental standpoint, the weather conditions and the amount of time our extremities are subjected to the elements increase our risk of injury.  Wetness and wind conditions may play a large factor in the extent of injury.  Individual risk factors include age, nutritional status, and physical status.  Specific physical conditions such as poor circulation and perfusion to the feet, and a positive smoking history, may create healing complications if… Continue Reading