Showing posts with label Sarasota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarasota. Show all posts
Monday, July 23, 2012
Special Report on Athlete’s Foot, Black Toenails and Sweaty Feet
The eyes of the world will soon be on London and the Summer Olympics. With that in mind, this is a special report on a few common problems that athletes have with their feet. So join us in cheering on Team USA and if you have any of these problems let us help to keep you working at peak performance.
Athlete's Foot:
Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by fungus. A fungal infection may occur on any part of the body; on the foot it is called athlete's foot, or tinea pedis. Fungus commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a dark, moist, warm environment such as a shoe.
Fungal infections are more common in warm weather when feet tend to sweat more (see below). Fungus thrives in damp areas such as swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. Athletes commonly have sweaty feet and use the facilities where fungus is commonly found, thus the term "athlete's foot."
Athlete's foot usually produces itchy, dry, scaling skin. It is commonly seen on the soles of the feet and in between the toes. In advanced cases, inflammation, cracks, and blisters may form; an infection caused by bacteria can also result. The fungus can spread to other areas of the body, including toenails. Toenail fungus is the same exact fungus as athlete’s foot, so the infection can go both ways. The skin infection can spread to the nails and the nail infection can spread to the skin. This is one reason for treatment failure.
Avoiding walking barefoot combined with good foot hygiene can help reduce the spread of the fungus. Feet should be washed every day with soap and water and thoroughly dried, including between the toes. Feet should be kept as dry as possible. Anti-fungal powders, sprays, and/or creams are often utilized to treat athlete's foot. Shoes should also be treated to kill the fungus that lives there. Your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend the best treatment for you.
Sweaty Feet:
The number of sweat glands is most dense at the feet and hands. Sweaty feet, or hyperhidrosis, is a common disorder in which the sweat glands of the feet produce excessive sweat. Persons with this condition usually have a genetic predisposition or are under stress, which activates the brain to produce more sweat to keep the body cool.
Athlete's foot or smelly feet may accompany sweaty feet. Frequent changing of socks, use of acrylic socks or use of antiperspirants often cures this sometimes embarrassing condition. Your foot and ankle surgeon can recommend one of a variety of treatments for this condition.
Black Toenails or Runner's Toe:
A black, purple, or brownish discoloration under or involving a toenail is frequently due to trauma to the toe nail, such as when something is dropped on the toe. The color results from a blood clot or bleeding under the nail, and may involve the entire nail or just a small portion of it. This can be very painful when the entire nail is involved, and may need medical attention to relieve the pressure caused by bleeding under the toenail.
Although it is very rare, a more serious cause of black toenails is malignant melanoma. Since early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma improves the chances for a good outcome, it is important that all black toenails be evaluated by a qualified foot and ankle surgeon to rule out this cause.
Other rare causes of black toenails include fungal infections, chronic ingrown nails, or health problems affecting the rest of the body. This condition is sometimes called Runner’s toe because it is so common in runners or long distance walkers. Longer shoes with soft mesh uppers are often all it takes to prevent this painful issue and keep you on the road.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Special Report on Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Hello fellow weekend warriors. Today, I am writing about a subject that makes me worry just a little bit. I am 33 years old now and the prospect of an Achilles tendon rupture is all too real. Luckily, I know a few good foot doctors!
What is the Achilles Tendon?
A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the "heel cord," the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.
What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.
Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in "weekend warriors" - typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures.
Symptoms
A person with a ruptured Achilles tendon may experience one or more of the following:
•Sudden pain (which feels like a kick or a stab) in the back of the ankle or calf - often subsiding into a dull ache
•A popping or snapping sensation
•Swelling on the back of the leg between the heel and the calf
•Difficulty walking (especially upstairs or uphill) and difficulty rising up on the toes
These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage. Until the patient is able to see a doctor, the "R.I.C.E." method should be used. This involves:
•Rest. Stay off the injured foot and ankle, since walking can cause pain or further damage.
•Ice. Apply a bag of ice covered with a thin towel to reduce swelling and pain. Do not put ice directly against the skin.
•Compression. Wrap the foot and ankle in an elastic bandage to prevent further swelling.
•Elevation. Keep the leg elevated to reduce the swelling. It should be even with or slightly above heart level.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how and when the injury occurred and whether the patient has previously injured the tendon or experienced similar symptoms. The surgeon will examine the foot and ankle, feeling for a defect in the tendon that suggests a tear. Range of motion and muscle strength will be evaluated and compared to the uninjured foot and ankle. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, the patient will have less strength in pushing down (as on a gas pedal) and will have difficulty rising on the toes.
The diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture is typically straightforward and can be made through this type of examination. In some cases, however, the surgeon may order an MRI or other advanced imaging tests.
Treatment
Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches. The decision of whether to proceed with surgery or non-surgical treatment is based on the severity of the rupture and the patient's health status and activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment, which is generally associated with a higher rate of re-rupture, is selected for minor ruptures, less active patients, and those with medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing surgery. Non-surgical treatment involves use of a cast, walking boot, or brace to restrict motion and allow the torn tendon to heal.
Surgery
Surgery offers important potential benefits. Besides decreasing the likelihood of re-rupturing the Achilles tendon, surgery often increases the patient's push-off strength and improves muscle function and movement of the ankle.
Various surgical techniques are available to repair the rupture, and the surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the patient. Following surgery, the foot and ankle are initially immobilized in a cast or walking boot. The surgeon will determine when the patient can begin weightbearing.
Complications such as incision-healing difficulties, re-rupture of the tendon, or nerve pain can arise after surgery.
Physical Therapy
Whether an Achilles tendon rupture is treated surgically or non-surgically, physical therapy is an important component of the healing process. Physical therapy involves exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion of the foot and ankle.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Special Report on “Fallen Arches” Otherwise Known as Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
What is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)?
Seemingly overnight, one or both of your arches have flattened. You don’t remember your foot looking like this in the past. What has happened? What is going on? You probably have a condition called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) commonly called “fallen arches.” PTTD is an inflammation and/or overstretching of the posterior tibial tendon in the foot. An important function of the posterior tibial tendon is to help support the arch. But in PTTD, the tendon's ability to perform that job is impaired, often resulting in a flattening of the foot. The posterior tibial tendon is a fibrous cord that extends from a muscle in the leg. It descends the leg and runs along the inside of the ankle, down the side of the foot, and into the arch. This tendon serves as one of the major supporting structures of the foot and helps the foot to function while walking.
PTTD is often called "adult-acquired flatfoot" or “fallen arches” because it is the most common type of flatfoot developed during adulthood. Although this condition typically occurs in only one foot, some people may develop it in both feet. PTTD is usually progressive, which means it will keep getting worse -- especially if it isn't treated early.
Symptoms of PTTD
The symptoms of PTTD may include pain, swelling, a flattening of the arch, and an inward rolling of the ankle. As the condition progresses, the symptoms will change:
• When PTTD initially develops, typically there is pain on the inside of the foot and ankle (along the course of the tendon). In addition, the area may be red, warm, and swollen.
• Later, as the arch begins to flatten, there may still be pain on the inside of the foot and ankle. But at this point, the foot and toes begin to turn outward and the ankle rolls inward.
• As PTTD becomes more advanced, the arch flattens even more and the pain often shifts to the outside of the foot, below the ankle. The tendon has deteriorated considerably and arthritis often develops in the foot. In more severe cases, arthritis may also develop in the ankle.
What Causes PTTD?
Overuse of the posterior tibial tendon is frequently the cause of PTTD. In fact, the symptoms usually occur after activities that involve the tendon, such as running, walking, hiking, or climbing stairs.
Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches
Because of the progressive nature of PTTD, it's best to see your foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible. If treated early enough, your symptoms may resolve without the need for surgery and progression of your condition can be arrested. In contrast, untreated PTTD could leave you with an extremely flat foot, painful arthritis in the foot and ankle, and increasing limitations on walking, running, or other activities.
In many cases of PTTD, treatment can begin with non-surgical approaches that may include:
• Orthotic devices or bracing. To give your arch the support it needs, your foot and ankle surgeon may provide you with an ankle stirrup brace or a custom orthotic device that fits into the shoe.
• Immobilization. Sometimes a short-leg cast or boot is worn to immobilize the foot and allow the tendon to heal, or you may need to completely avoid all weight bearing for a while.
• Physical therapy. Ultrasound therapy and exercises may help rehabilitate the tendon and muscle following immobilization.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Shoe modifications. Your foot and ankle surgeon may advise you on changes to make with your shoes and may provide special inserts designed to improve arch support.
When is Surgery Needed?
In cases of PTTD that have progressed substantially or have failed to improve with non-surgical treatment, surgery may be required. For some advanced cases, surgery may be the only option. Surgical treatment may include repairing the tendon, realigning the bones of the foot, or both. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the best approach for your specific case.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Special Report on Plantar Warts
What is a Plantar Wart?
A wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
There are two types of plantar warts:
•A solitary wart is a single wart. It often increases in size and may eventually multiply, forming additional "satellite" warts.
•Mosaic warts are a cluster of several small warts growing closely together in one area. Mosaic warts are more difficult to treat than solitary warts.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a plantar wart may include:
•Thickened skin. Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
•Pain. A plantar wart usually hurts during walking and standing, and there is pain when the sides of the wart are squeezed.
•Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the infected capillaries (tiny blood vessels).
Plantar warts grow deep into the skin. Usually this growth occurs slowly -- the wart starts off small and gets larger over time.
What Causes a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body. Typically, the plantar wart virus is acquired in public places where people go barefoot, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and karate classes. It can also be acquired at home if other family members have the virus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a plantar wart, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the patient's foot and look for signs and symptoms of a wart.
Although plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart.
The foot and ankle surgeon may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgery to remove the wart.
Regardless of the treatment approaches undertaken, it is important that the patient follow the surgeon's instructions, including all home care and medication that has been prescribed, as well as follow-up visits with the surgeon. Warts may return, requiring further treatment.
If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the surgeon can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.
Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove a wart themselves -- this can do more harm than good.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
A wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
There are two types of plantar warts:
•A solitary wart is a single wart. It often increases in size and may eventually multiply, forming additional "satellite" warts.
•Mosaic warts are a cluster of several small warts growing closely together in one area. Mosaic warts are more difficult to treat than solitary warts.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a plantar wart may include:
•Thickened skin. Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
•Pain. A plantar wart usually hurts during walking and standing, and there is pain when the sides of the wart are squeezed.
•Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the infected capillaries (tiny blood vessels).
Plantar warts grow deep into the skin. Usually this growth occurs slowly -- the wart starts off small and gets larger over time.
What Causes a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body. Typically, the plantar wart virus is acquired in public places where people go barefoot, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and karate classes. It can also be acquired at home if other family members have the virus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a plantar wart, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the patient's foot and look for signs and symptoms of a wart.
Although plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart.
The foot and ankle surgeon may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgery to remove the wart.
Regardless of the treatment approaches undertaken, it is important that the patient follow the surgeon's instructions, including all home care and medication that has been prescribed, as well as follow-up visits with the surgeon. Warts may return, requiring further treatment.
If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the surgeon can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.
Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove a wart themselves -- this can do more harm than good.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Friday, January 27, 2012
Special Report on Bunions
Although bunions are a common foot deformity, there are many misconceptions about them. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment.
What is a Bunion?
Bunions (hallux valgus) are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. With a bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's "bump." Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which continues to become increasingly prominent. Usually the symptoms of bunions appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
What Causes a Bunion?
Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause bunions in the first place, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. That means you may experience symptoms sooner.
Bunion Symptoms
Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes -- shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. In addition, spending long periods of time on your feet can aggravate the symptoms of bunions.
Symptoms that occur at the site of the bunion may include:
• Pain or soreness
• Inflammation and redness
• A burning sensation
• Perhaps some numbness
• Other conditions which may appear with bunions include calluses on the big toe, sores between the toes, ingrown toenail, and restricted motion of the toe.
Diagnosis
Bunions are readily apparent -- you can see the prominence at the base of the big toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon may take X-rays to determine the degree of the deformity and assess the changes that have occurred. Because bunions are progressive, they don't go away, and will usually get worse over time. But not all cases are alike--some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once your foot and ankle surgeon has evaluated your particular case, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.
Treatment
Sometimes observation of the bunion is all that's needed. A periodic office evaluation and X-ray examination can determine if your bunion deformity is advancing, thereby reducing your chance of irreversible damage to the joint. In many other cases, however, some type of treatment is needed.
Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won't reverse the deformity itself. These options include:
• Changes in footwear: Wearing the right kind of shoes is very important. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box and forgo those with pointed toes or high heels which may aggravate the condition.
• Padding: Pads placed over the area of the bunion can help minimize pain. You can get bunion pads from your foot and ankle surgeon or purchase them at a drug store.
• Activity modification: Avoid activity that causes bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain.
• Icing: Applying an ice pack several times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain.
• Injection therapy: Although rarely used in bunion treatment, injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions.
• Orthotic devices: In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the foot and ankle surgeon.
When is Surgery Needed?
When the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with your foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.Recent advances in surgical techniques have led to a very high success rate in treating bunions. A variety of surgical procedures are performed to treat bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the "bump" of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, as well as correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of these corrections is the elimination of pain.
In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the X-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
sarasotafootcarecenter.com
What is a Bunion?
Bunions (hallux valgus) are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. With a bunion, the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment, producing the bunion's "bump." Bunions are a progressive disorder. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which continues to become increasingly prominent. Usually the symptoms of bunions appear at later stages, although some people never have symptoms.
What Causes a Bunion?
Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types that make a person prone to developing a bunion. Although wearing shoes that crowd the toes won't actually cause bunions in the first place, it sometimes makes the deformity get progressively worse. That means you may experience symptoms sooner.
Bunion Symptoms
Symptoms occur most often when wearing shoes that crowd the toes -- shoes with a tight toe box or high heels. This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men. In addition, spending long periods of time on your feet can aggravate the symptoms of bunions.
Symptoms that occur at the site of the bunion may include:
• Pain or soreness
• Inflammation and redness
• A burning sensation
• Perhaps some numbness
• Other conditions which may appear with bunions include calluses on the big toe, sores between the toes, ingrown toenail, and restricted motion of the toe.
Diagnosis
Bunions are readily apparent -- you can see the prominence at the base of the big toe or side of the foot. However, to fully evaluate your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon may take X-rays to determine the degree of the deformity and assess the changes that have occurred. Because bunions are progressive, they don't go away, and will usually get worse over time. But not all cases are alike--some bunions progress more rapidly than others. Once your foot and ankle surgeon has evaluated your particular case, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.
Treatment
Sometimes observation of the bunion is all that's needed. A periodic office evaluation and X-ray examination can determine if your bunion deformity is advancing, thereby reducing your chance of irreversible damage to the joint. In many other cases, however, some type of treatment is needed.
Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions, but they won't reverse the deformity itself. These options include:
• Changes in footwear: Wearing the right kind of shoes is very important. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box and forgo those with pointed toes or high heels which may aggravate the condition.
• Padding: Pads placed over the area of the bunion can help minimize pain. You can get bunion pads from your foot and ankle surgeon or purchase them at a drug store.
• Activity modification: Avoid activity that causes bunion pain, including standing for long periods of time.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain.
• Icing: Applying an ice pack several times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain.
• Injection therapy: Although rarely used in bunion treatment, injections of corticosteroids may be useful in treating the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions.
• Orthotic devices: In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the foot and ankle surgeon.
When is Surgery Needed?
When the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with your foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.Recent advances in surgical techniques have led to a very high success rate in treating bunions. A variety of surgical procedures are performed to treat bunions. The procedures are designed to remove the "bump" of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot, as well as correct soft tissue changes that may also have occurred. The goal of these corrections is the elimination of pain.
In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the X-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Special Report on Hammertoes
What is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a contracture--or bending--of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop. Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
• Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.
• Corns (a buildup of skin) on the top, side, or end of the toe, or between two toes. Corns are caused by constant friction against the shoe. They may be soft or hard, depending upon their location.
• Calluses (another type of skin buildup) on the bottom of the toe or on the ball of the foot.
Corns and calluses can be painful and make it difficult to find a comfortable shoe. But even without corns and calluses, hammertoes can cause pain because the joint itself may become dislocated. Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with noninvasive measures. But if left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and will not respond to non-surgical treatment. Corns are more likely to develop as time goes on--and corns never really go away, even after trimming. In more severe cases of hammertoe, open sores may form. Because of the progressive nature of hammertoes, they should receive early attention. Hammertoes never get better without some kind of intervention.
What Causes Hammertoe?
The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance, which leads to a bending of the toe, results from mechanical (structural) changes in the foot that occur over time in some people. Hammertoes are often aggravated by shoes that don't fit properly -- for example, shoes that crowd the toes. And in some cases, ill-fitting shoes can actually cause the contracture that defines hammertoe. For example, a hammertoe may develop if a toe is too long and is forced into a cramped position when a tight shoe is worn. Occasionally, hammertoe is caused by some kind of trauma, such as a previously broken toe. In some people, hammertoes are inherited.
Treatment: Non-Surgical Approaches
There are a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. The treatment your foot and ankle surgeon selects will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe and other factors.
A number of non-surgical measures can be undertaken:
• Trimming corns and calluses. This should be done by a healthcare professional. Never attempt to do this yourself, because you run the risk of cuts and infection. Your foot and ankle surgeon knows the proper way to trim corns to bring you the greatest benefit.
• Padding corns and calluses. Your foot and ankle surgeon can provide or prescribe pads designed to shield corns from irritation. If you want to try over-the-counter pads, avoid the medicated types. Medicated pads are generally not recommended because they may contain a small amount of acid that can be harmful. Consult your foot and ankle surgeon about this option.
• Changes in shoewear. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels -- conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe. Instead, choose comfortable shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches.
• Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.
• Injection therapy. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation caused by hammertoe.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splinting/strapping. Splints or small straps may be applied by the foot and ankle surgeon to realign the bent toe.
When is Surgery Needed?
In some cases, usually when the hammertoe has become more rigid, surgery is needed to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the deformity. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the options and select a plan tailored to your needs. Among other concerns, he or she will take into consideration the type of shoes you want to wear, the number of toes involved, your activity level, your age, and the severity of the hammertoe.
The most common surgical procedure performed to correct a hammertoe is called arthroplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a small section of the bone from the affected joint.
Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which is usually reserved for more rigid toes or severe cases, such as when there are multiple joints or toes involved. Arthrodesis is a procedure that involves a fusing of a small joint in the toe to straighten it. A pin or other small fixation device is typically used to hold the toe in position while the bones are healing.
It is possible that a patient may require other procedures, as well -- especially when the hammertoe condition is severe. Some of these procedures include skin wedging (the removal of wedges of skin), tendon/muscle rebalancing or lengthening, small tendon transfers, or relocation of surrounding joints.
Often patients with hammertoe have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Hammertoe is a contracture--or bending--of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop. Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
• Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.
• Corns (a buildup of skin) on the top, side, or end of the toe, or between two toes. Corns are caused by constant friction against the shoe. They may be soft or hard, depending upon their location.
• Calluses (another type of skin buildup) on the bottom of the toe or on the ball of the foot.
Corns and calluses can be painful and make it difficult to find a comfortable shoe. But even without corns and calluses, hammertoes can cause pain because the joint itself may become dislocated. Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with noninvasive measures. But if left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and will not respond to non-surgical treatment. Corns are more likely to develop as time goes on--and corns never really go away, even after trimming. In more severe cases of hammertoe, open sores may form. Because of the progressive nature of hammertoes, they should receive early attention. Hammertoes never get better without some kind of intervention.
What Causes Hammertoe?
The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance, which leads to a bending of the toe, results from mechanical (structural) changes in the foot that occur over time in some people. Hammertoes are often aggravated by shoes that don't fit properly -- for example, shoes that crowd the toes. And in some cases, ill-fitting shoes can actually cause the contracture that defines hammertoe. For example, a hammertoe may develop if a toe is too long and is forced into a cramped position when a tight shoe is worn. Occasionally, hammertoe is caused by some kind of trauma, such as a previously broken toe. In some people, hammertoes are inherited.
Treatment: Non-Surgical Approaches
There are a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. The treatment your foot and ankle surgeon selects will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe and other factors.
A number of non-surgical measures can be undertaken:
• Trimming corns and calluses. This should be done by a healthcare professional. Never attempt to do this yourself, because you run the risk of cuts and infection. Your foot and ankle surgeon knows the proper way to trim corns to bring you the greatest benefit.
• Padding corns and calluses. Your foot and ankle surgeon can provide or prescribe pads designed to shield corns from irritation. If you want to try over-the-counter pads, avoid the medicated types. Medicated pads are generally not recommended because they may contain a small amount of acid that can be harmful. Consult your foot and ankle surgeon about this option.
• Changes in shoewear. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels -- conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe. Instead, choose comfortable shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches.
• Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.
• Injection therapy. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation caused by hammertoe.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splinting/strapping. Splints or small straps may be applied by the foot and ankle surgeon to realign the bent toe.
When is Surgery Needed?
In some cases, usually when the hammertoe has become more rigid, surgery is needed to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the deformity. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the options and select a plan tailored to your needs. Among other concerns, he or she will take into consideration the type of shoes you want to wear, the number of toes involved, your activity level, your age, and the severity of the hammertoe.
The most common surgical procedure performed to correct a hammertoe is called arthroplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a small section of the bone from the affected joint.
Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which is usually reserved for more rigid toes or severe cases, such as when there are multiple joints or toes involved. Arthrodesis is a procedure that involves a fusing of a small joint in the toe to straighten it. A pin or other small fixation device is typically used to hold the toe in position while the bones are healing.
It is possible that a patient may require other procedures, as well -- especially when the hammertoe condition is severe. Some of these procedures include skin wedging (the removal of wedges of skin), tendon/muscle rebalancing or lengthening, small tendon transfers, or relocation of surrounding joints.
Often patients with hammertoe have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Special Report on Neuromas
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. "Intermetatarsal" describes its location - in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot). Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot. The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates swelling of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma
If you have a Morton''s neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage in occurring:
• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot, or that there's a rise in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
The progression of a Morton's neuroma often follows this pattern:
• The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
What Causes a Neuroma?
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. People with certain foot deformities -- bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet -- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or racquet sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests may be performed. The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.
Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you've had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.
For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:
• Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Changes in shoewear. It's important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Regardless of whether you've undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. "Intermetatarsal" describes its location - in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot). Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot. The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates swelling of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma
If you have a Morton''s neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage in occurring:
• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot, or that there's a rise in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
The progression of a Morton's neuroma often follows this pattern:
• The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
What Causes a Neuroma?
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. People with certain foot deformities -- bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet -- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or racquet sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests may be performed. The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.
Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you've had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.
For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:
• Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Changes in shoewear. It's important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Regardless of whether you've undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Special Report on Ankle Sprains
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue -- like rubber bands -- that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.
Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
What Causes a Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. Ankle sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.
Sometimes ankle sprains occur because of weak ankles, a condition that some people are born with. Previous ankle or foot injuries can also weaken the ankle and lead to sprains.
What are the Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of ankle sprains may include:
• Pain or soreness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty walking
• Stiffness in the joint
These symptoms may vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. Sometimes pain and swelling are absent in people with previous ankle sprains -- instead, they may simply feel the ankle is wobbly and unsteady when they walk. Even if you don't have pain or swelling with a sprained ankle, treatment is crucial. Any ankle sprain -- whether it's your first or your fifth -- requires prompt medical attention.
If you think you've sprained your ankle, contact your foot and ankle surgeon for an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, immediately begin using the "R.I.C.E." method -- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation -- to help reduce swelling, pain, and further injury.
Why is Prompt Medical Attention Needed?
There are four key reasons why an ankle sprain should be promptly evaluated and treated by a foot and ankle surgeon:
1. An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition marked by persistent discomfort and a "giving way" of the ankle.
2. You may also develop weakness in the leg.
3. You may have suffered a more severe ankle injury along with the sprain. This might include a serious bone fracture that could lead to troubling complications if it goes untreated.
4. An ankle sprain may be accompanied by a foot injury that causes discomfort but has gone unnoticed thus far.
Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly.
In evaluating your injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will take your history to learn more about the injury. He or she will examine the injured area, and may order x-rays, an MRI study, or a CT scan to help determine the severity of the injury.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation
When you have an ankle sprain, rehabilitation is crucial -- and it starts the moment your treatment begins. Your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
• Immobilization. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive a short-leg cast, a walking boot, or a brace to keep your ankle from moving. You may also need crutches.
• Early Physical Therapy. Your doctor will start you on a rehabilitation program as soon as possible to promote healing and increase your range of motion. This includes doing prescribed exercises.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain medications are needed to provide adequate relief.
• Icing. You may be advised to ice your injury several times a day until the pain and swelling resolves. Wrap ice cubes, or a bag of frozen peas or corn, in a thin towel. Do not put ice directly on your skin.
• Compression Wraps. To prevent further swelling, you may need to keep your ankle wrapped in an elastic bandage or stocking.
When is Surgery Needed?
In more severe cases, surgery may be required to adequately treat an ankle sprain. Surgery often involves repairing the damaged ligament or ligaments. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case based on the type and severity of your injury as well as your activity level.
After surgery, rehabilitation is extremely important. Completing your rehabilitation program is crucial to a successful outcome. Be sure to continue to see your foot and ankle surgeon during this period to ensure that your ankle heals properly and function is restored.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue -- like rubber bands -- that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.
Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
What Causes a Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. Ankle sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.
Sometimes ankle sprains occur because of weak ankles, a condition that some people are born with. Previous ankle or foot injuries can also weaken the ankle and lead to sprains.
What are the Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of ankle sprains may include:
• Pain or soreness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty walking
• Stiffness in the joint
These symptoms may vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. Sometimes pain and swelling are absent in people with previous ankle sprains -- instead, they may simply feel the ankle is wobbly and unsteady when they walk. Even if you don't have pain or swelling with a sprained ankle, treatment is crucial. Any ankle sprain -- whether it's your first or your fifth -- requires prompt medical attention.
If you think you've sprained your ankle, contact your foot and ankle surgeon for an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, immediately begin using the "R.I.C.E." method -- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation -- to help reduce swelling, pain, and further injury.
Why is Prompt Medical Attention Needed?
There are four key reasons why an ankle sprain should be promptly evaluated and treated by a foot and ankle surgeon:
1. An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition marked by persistent discomfort and a "giving way" of the ankle.
2. You may also develop weakness in the leg.
3. You may have suffered a more severe ankle injury along with the sprain. This might include a serious bone fracture that could lead to troubling complications if it goes untreated.
4. An ankle sprain may be accompanied by a foot injury that causes discomfort but has gone unnoticed thus far.
Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly.
In evaluating your injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will take your history to learn more about the injury. He or she will examine the injured area, and may order x-rays, an MRI study, or a CT scan to help determine the severity of the injury.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation
When you have an ankle sprain, rehabilitation is crucial -- and it starts the moment your treatment begins. Your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
• Immobilization. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive a short-leg cast, a walking boot, or a brace to keep your ankle from moving. You may also need crutches.
• Early Physical Therapy. Your doctor will start you on a rehabilitation program as soon as possible to promote healing and increase your range of motion. This includes doing prescribed exercises.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain medications are needed to provide adequate relief.
• Icing. You may be advised to ice your injury several times a day until the pain and swelling resolves. Wrap ice cubes, or a bag of frozen peas or corn, in a thin towel. Do not put ice directly on your skin.
• Compression Wraps. To prevent further swelling, you may need to keep your ankle wrapped in an elastic bandage or stocking.
When is Surgery Needed?
In more severe cases, surgery may be required to adequately treat an ankle sprain. Surgery often involves repairing the damaged ligament or ligaments. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case based on the type and severity of your injury as well as your activity level.
After surgery, rehabilitation is extremely important. Completing your rehabilitation program is crucial to a successful outcome. Be sure to continue to see your foot and ankle surgeon during this period to ensure that your ankle heals properly and function is restored.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Special Report on Ingrown Toenails
Special Report on Ingrown Nails
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know the feeling. All of a sudden you have this sharp pain at the side of your toe. If you are like me and have had a few ingrown nails, the pain in your toe immediately creates a sickness in your stomach. You think, “Oh no! Not again.” The pain is amazing. You wonder how it is possible for something so seemingly small to hurt so much.
What is an ingrown nail? When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This "digging in" of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if your toe isn't painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail? Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons. In many people, the tendency to have this common disorder is inherited. In other cases, an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming. Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are tight or short. Certain nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails. For example, if you have had a fungal toenail infection or if you have lost a nail through trauma, you are at greater risk for developing an ingrown toenail.
What is the treatment for an ingrown nail? Home treatment is strongly discouraged if you suspect you have an infection, or if you have a medical condition that puts your feet at high risk -- for example, diabetes, nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation.
If you don't have an infection or any of the above conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (add Epsom's salt if you wish), and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation. Avoid attempting "bathroom surgery." Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it's time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
Physician care:
The foot and ankle surgeon will examine your toe and select the treatment best suited for you. Treatment may include:
• Oral antibiotics. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
• Surgery. A simple procedure, performed in the office, is needed to ease the pain and remove the offending nail. Surgery will involve numbing the toe and removing a corner of the nail, a larger portion of the nail, or the entire nail.
• Permanent removal. Various techniques may be used to destroy or remove the nail root. This treatment prevents the recurrence of an ingrown toenail. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the most appropriate procedure for you. Following nail surgery, a light bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your foot and ankle surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails? Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by following these two important tips:
• Trim your nails properly. Cut your toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail.
• Avoid poorly-fitting shoes. Don't wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe box. Also avoid shoes that are loose, because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when you run or walk briskly.
But what about cotton, or the “v” cut in my nail? Unfortunately there are many myths concerning ingrown nails and their treatment. These myths cause people to delay care or to believe that must simply live with ingrown toenails.
Myth 1: Cutting a notch (a "V") in the nail will reduce the tendency for the nail to curve downward.
Truth: Cutting a "V" does not affect the growth of the toenail. New nail growth will continue to curve downward.
Myth 2: Repeated trimming of the nail borders is a good way to treat ingrown toenails.
Truth: Repeated nail trimming fails to correct future nail growth and can make the condition worse.
Myth 3: Cotton placed under the nail will relieve the pain.
Truth: Cotton placed under the nail can be harmful. It can easily harbor bacteria and encourage infection.
Myth 4: You can buy effective ingrown toenail treatments at the drug store.
Truth: Over-the-counter topical medications may mask the pain, but they fail to address the underlying problem.
Myth 5: There is no long term cure for ingrown toenails.
Truth: Permanent removal is possible. There is no need to suffer with ingrown nails!
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know the feeling. All of a sudden you have this sharp pain at the side of your toe. If you are like me and have had a few ingrown nails, the pain in your toe immediately creates a sickness in your stomach. You think, “Oh no! Not again.” The pain is amazing. You wonder how it is possible for something so seemingly small to hurt so much.
What is an ingrown nail? When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This "digging in" of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if your toe isn't painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail? Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons. In many people, the tendency to have this common disorder is inherited. In other cases, an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming. Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are tight or short. Certain nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails. For example, if you have had a fungal toenail infection or if you have lost a nail through trauma, you are at greater risk for developing an ingrown toenail.
What is the treatment for an ingrown nail? Home treatment is strongly discouraged if you suspect you have an infection, or if you have a medical condition that puts your feet at high risk -- for example, diabetes, nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation.
If you don't have an infection or any of the above conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (add Epsom's salt if you wish), and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation. Avoid attempting "bathroom surgery." Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it's time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
Physician care:
The foot and ankle surgeon will examine your toe and select the treatment best suited for you. Treatment may include:
• Oral antibiotics. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
• Surgery. A simple procedure, performed in the office, is needed to ease the pain and remove the offending nail. Surgery will involve numbing the toe and removing a corner of the nail, a larger portion of the nail, or the entire nail.
• Permanent removal. Various techniques may be used to destroy or remove the nail root. This treatment prevents the recurrence of an ingrown toenail. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the most appropriate procedure for you. Following nail surgery, a light bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your foot and ankle surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails? Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by following these two important tips:
• Trim your nails properly. Cut your toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail.
• Avoid poorly-fitting shoes. Don't wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe box. Also avoid shoes that are loose, because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when you run or walk briskly.
But what about cotton, or the “v” cut in my nail? Unfortunately there are many myths concerning ingrown nails and their treatment. These myths cause people to delay care or to believe that must simply live with ingrown toenails.
Myth 1: Cutting a notch (a "V") in the nail will reduce the tendency for the nail to curve downward.
Truth: Cutting a "V" does not affect the growth of the toenail. New nail growth will continue to curve downward.
Myth 2: Repeated trimming of the nail borders is a good way to treat ingrown toenails.
Truth: Repeated nail trimming fails to correct future nail growth and can make the condition worse.
Myth 3: Cotton placed under the nail will relieve the pain.
Truth: Cotton placed under the nail can be harmful. It can easily harbor bacteria and encourage infection.
Myth 4: You can buy effective ingrown toenail treatments at the drug store.
Truth: Over-the-counter topical medications may mask the pain, but they fail to address the underlying problem.
Myth 5: There is no long term cure for ingrown toenails.
Truth: Permanent removal is possible. There is no need to suffer with ingrown nails!
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
More Than Just Foot Care
We at Sarasota Foot Care Center believe that you not only treat the foot and ankle, but the person attached to that foot and ankle. As such, we just want to remind our patients that we are involved in ALL ASPECTS of your lower extremity health. We not only treat skin, nail and bone deformities of the foot and leg, but we also treat sprains, fractures, diagnose blood flow and neurologic problems and treat wounds.
We have the latest technology to diagnose and treat fractures using digital x-rays in our office. As you may have noticed, we use computers in the treatment room as part of an electronic medical record. Not only is this more accurate but it also cuts down on paper and helps save the environment. We also have one of the few cutting –edge lasers in the area to treat fungal nail infections.
Finally, we are a center of excellence for diabetic foot care. We follow all of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines with regard to blood flow testing and nerve testing and we perform the tests in our office. We offer electrical stimulation therapy for the treatment of painful, tingling neuropathy in your feet. We even offer diabetic shoes for those who qualify.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center we are more than just foot care, we are total patient care.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
We have the latest technology to diagnose and treat fractures using digital x-rays in our office. As you may have noticed, we use computers in the treatment room as part of an electronic medical record. Not only is this more accurate but it also cuts down on paper and helps save the environment. We also have one of the few cutting –edge lasers in the area to treat fungal nail infections.
Finally, we are a center of excellence for diabetic foot care. We follow all of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines with regard to blood flow testing and nerve testing and we perform the tests in our office. We offer electrical stimulation therapy for the treatment of painful, tingling neuropathy in your feet. We even offer diabetic shoes for those who qualify.
At Sarasota Foot Care Center we are more than just foot care, we are total patient care.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Monday, August 29, 2011
Special Report on Orthotics
First of all, what are orthotics? Orthotics are custom made devices that fit inside your shoes and improve the function of your feet and ankles. You can think of them as “glasses for your feet.” Just like a pair of glasses causes your eyes to function in the proper way, a pair of orthotics improves the function of your feet and ankles. It also decreases pressure on the bones and skin of the foot, decreases pain and aligns the joints of the foot, ankle and knee.
What aren’t orthotics? Orthotics are not soft, gel or foam things that you can bend with your fingers. For an orthotic to work it must put your foot into a position that your foot does not want to go. During walking, all your weight is on one foot at a time. Imagine all of your weight on a soft, gel or foam device. It will flatten to nothing and will not improve the function of your foot.
Are orthotics comfortable? Absolutely, when they are made properly you don’t even feel them in your shoes. The only way that a pair of orthotics will be strong enough to work and yet comfortable enough that you will actually wear them, is to have them custom molded exactly to your foot.
But what about the ones you can get at the drug store from “the machine” or from the “foot store?” Collectively, the doctors of Sarasota Foot Care Center have been practicing medicine for well over 65 years. Not only do we know how to get you the true orthotic you need, but we will be there to help you down the road if anything happens and adjustments are needed. Try that with the “machine” or the “foot store.”
But aren’t they expensive? Expensive is when you pay good money for something and get no results. We don’t care if the so-called orthotics you can get at the shoe store only cost $60 dollars, they won’t help you. So is $60 dollars for a worthless pad a good deal? I don’t think so.
A pair of custom orthotics will last for about 3-5 years. It will improve your foot function and decrease your pain. Is that worth two installments of $225? How much does your heel hurt? How much would you pay to get out of the bed in the morning without that stabbing, shooting pain? How much would you pay to be able to exercise and finally lose those pounds you need to?
In these very sensitive economic times we completely understand priorities. If the decision is food or orthotics…that is a very simple decision. Another question you have to ask yourself is if you can afford not to get orthotics? Can you afford to miss more work because of your foot pain? Can you afford to take 6 weeks off because of a possibly avoidable surgery? There is not one golfer we know that would not pay that cost to shave a few strokes off of their game. How much easier would tennis be without the pain in the ball of your foot?
What foot conditions do orthotics treat? Orthotics treat a large group of conditions that all stem from the movement of the muscles and bones of the foot. These conditions include, but are not limited to: heel pain, heel spurs, flat feet, “fallen arches,” bunions, neuromas (pinched nerve in the foot), painful corns and calluses under the ball of the foot, sore feet and ankles, tendonitis and joint pain.
What will happen if I need orthotics but I don’t get them, can I do permanent damage to myself? Yes you can. Flat feet are genetic and are usually noticed early in life. If untreated, the excess pressure and abnormal wear and tear on the joints can lead to severe arthritic conditions and loss of function. Heel pain is ultimately a problem with alignment and no amount of stretching or cortisone shots will cure the problem with out addressing the underlying alignment issues. In fact, all the conditions that are treated with orthotics have a major alignment component to them. Leaving this alignment uncorrected only leads to further pain and loss of function. It is critical to correct the root cause of these conditions and the root cause is the deranged alignment. Orthotics are the only thing that can correct this alignment problem.
Will I have to get bigger shoes to fit the orthotics? No, you should not need a larger size to fit your orthotics. Most athletic shoes have a removable foot bed that will create the room needed to fit the orthotics. The same goes for most lace-up loafers or boots. In fact, there are some sandals that have a removable foot bed and work with orthotics as well. There are, of course some shoes that will not work with orthotics. High heels and flip-flops come to mind immediately. Have no fear. If you wear the orthotics when you are most active, occasional flip-flops and high heels are acceptable.
If you have been experiencing pain or soreness in your foot, what are you waiting for? Biomechanical problems, which is to say bone, muscle and joint problems, do not just heal themselves. You would never expect your vision to miraculously improve and you should not ask for miracles with your feet either. If your feet have been hurting you, or you have been watching someone you care about suffer with foot pain, stop waiting and get the pair of orthotics you need, today.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
What aren’t orthotics? Orthotics are not soft, gel or foam things that you can bend with your fingers. For an orthotic to work it must put your foot into a position that your foot does not want to go. During walking, all your weight is on one foot at a time. Imagine all of your weight on a soft, gel or foam device. It will flatten to nothing and will not improve the function of your foot.
Are orthotics comfortable? Absolutely, when they are made properly you don’t even feel them in your shoes. The only way that a pair of orthotics will be strong enough to work and yet comfortable enough that you will actually wear them, is to have them custom molded exactly to your foot.
But what about the ones you can get at the drug store from “the machine” or from the “foot store?” Collectively, the doctors of Sarasota Foot Care Center have been practicing medicine for well over 65 years. Not only do we know how to get you the true orthotic you need, but we will be there to help you down the road if anything happens and adjustments are needed. Try that with the “machine” or the “foot store.”
But aren’t they expensive? Expensive is when you pay good money for something and get no results. We don’t care if the so-called orthotics you can get at the shoe store only cost $60 dollars, they won’t help you. So is $60 dollars for a worthless pad a good deal? I don’t think so.
A pair of custom orthotics will last for about 3-5 years. It will improve your foot function and decrease your pain. Is that worth two installments of $225? How much does your heel hurt? How much would you pay to get out of the bed in the morning without that stabbing, shooting pain? How much would you pay to be able to exercise and finally lose those pounds you need to?
In these very sensitive economic times we completely understand priorities. If the decision is food or orthotics…that is a very simple decision. Another question you have to ask yourself is if you can afford not to get orthotics? Can you afford to miss more work because of your foot pain? Can you afford to take 6 weeks off because of a possibly avoidable surgery? There is not one golfer we know that would not pay that cost to shave a few strokes off of their game. How much easier would tennis be without the pain in the ball of your foot?
What foot conditions do orthotics treat? Orthotics treat a large group of conditions that all stem from the movement of the muscles and bones of the foot. These conditions include, but are not limited to: heel pain, heel spurs, flat feet, “fallen arches,” bunions, neuromas (pinched nerve in the foot), painful corns and calluses under the ball of the foot, sore feet and ankles, tendonitis and joint pain.
What will happen if I need orthotics but I don’t get them, can I do permanent damage to myself? Yes you can. Flat feet are genetic and are usually noticed early in life. If untreated, the excess pressure and abnormal wear and tear on the joints can lead to severe arthritic conditions and loss of function. Heel pain is ultimately a problem with alignment and no amount of stretching or cortisone shots will cure the problem with out addressing the underlying alignment issues. In fact, all the conditions that are treated with orthotics have a major alignment component to them. Leaving this alignment uncorrected only leads to further pain and loss of function. It is critical to correct the root cause of these conditions and the root cause is the deranged alignment. Orthotics are the only thing that can correct this alignment problem.
Will I have to get bigger shoes to fit the orthotics? No, you should not need a larger size to fit your orthotics. Most athletic shoes have a removable foot bed that will create the room needed to fit the orthotics. The same goes for most lace-up loafers or boots. In fact, there are some sandals that have a removable foot bed and work with orthotics as well. There are, of course some shoes that will not work with orthotics. High heels and flip-flops come to mind immediately. Have no fear. If you wear the orthotics when you are most active, occasional flip-flops and high heels are acceptable.
If you have been experiencing pain or soreness in your foot, what are you waiting for? Biomechanical problems, which is to say bone, muscle and joint problems, do not just heal themselves. You would never expect your vision to miraculously improve and you should not ask for miracles with your feet either. If your feet have been hurting you, or you have been watching someone you care about suffer with foot pain, stop waiting and get the pair of orthotics you need, today.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Truths and Lies About Nail Fungus
Do you remember the Lamisil commercials with the yellow little creature that lived under the toenails? The ad campaign was very popular and the little yellow creature was called Digger the dermatophyte. A dermatophyte is a fungus that lives on skin or nails and if you have thick, yellow, crumbly toenails than you have dermatophytes living on your nails right now.
There are millions of Americans who suffer with nail fungus. It is embarrassing and sometimes painful but there are solutions for this disease. My job in this article is to sift through all the information that is out there and separate the facts from the fiction.
First off, who gets nail fungus? Anyone with nails. Men and women are equally at risk. There is no bias based on race. Why does it seem like older people have more nail fungus? The reason is because the longer you live the longer your nails are exposed to nail fungus. You don't have to be a senior citizen to have nail fungus. I treat many people in their 20's and 30's with the condition.
What causes nail fungus? The truth is that nail fungus is genetic. Our genes determine so many things about us, height, hair color and susceptibility to certain infections. The people whose genes just so happen to have difficulty killing this fungus are the ones that ultimately wind up with the infection. Make no mistake, nail fungus is an infection. It is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
OK, so what doesn't cause nail fungus? Pedicures, high heeled shoes and nail polish have all been implicated in the cause of nail fungus. This is simply not true. The vast majority of men have never had a pedicure, worn high heels or used nail polish and yet men are just as likely to have nail fungus as women.
What doesn't treat nail fungus? Vick's vapor rub, bleach, Epsom salt, vinegar and just about any other household cleaning product have been discussed as treatments to nail fungus. This is absolute fiction. I don't care what Dr. Oz or Oprah says. There has never been a study to prove than any of these cleaners do anything to nail fungus. I know, but you heard that a guy at work had a friend that had a sister-in-law that used Vick's on her nails and it worked like a charm. Trust me; if any of these products really worked they would be marketed as such. I am a foot doctor that treats this stuff every day and even when we use FDA approved topical medications on nail fungus the rate of improvement is less than 25%.
This leads me to the final question, what does treat nail fungus? As I said, there is an FDA approved topical medication and it is called Ciclopirox. It must be applied every day for a year and it has about a 15-25% rate of improvement. You could take Lamisil pills, now generic and called Terbinifine, once a day for 90 days. The drug is filtered through your liver, just like most drugs, so you must have a simple screening blood test prior to starting the medication to make sure your liver is healthy. This therapy has about a 75% rate of improvement. The final therapy is light therapy or Laser therapy. This treatment consists of amplified light applied to the nail to kill the fungus. The treatment is painless, it takes 15 minutes for 3 sessions and it does not interact with any medications at all. It is the safest therapy available. This light therapy is the newest on the market and unfortunately is not covered by insurances. The cost is between $600 and $1300 depending on the number of nails affected. The rate of improvement is 85% which makes it the most effective treatment available.
Whether you need topical treatments, pills or the new laser is up to you and your foot doctor to decide, but at least now you know the truths and the lies about nail fungus.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
There are millions of Americans who suffer with nail fungus. It is embarrassing and sometimes painful but there are solutions for this disease. My job in this article is to sift through all the information that is out there and separate the facts from the fiction.
First off, who gets nail fungus? Anyone with nails. Men and women are equally at risk. There is no bias based on race. Why does it seem like older people have more nail fungus? The reason is because the longer you live the longer your nails are exposed to nail fungus. You don't have to be a senior citizen to have nail fungus. I treat many people in their 20's and 30's with the condition.
What causes nail fungus? The truth is that nail fungus is genetic. Our genes determine so many things about us, height, hair color and susceptibility to certain infections. The people whose genes just so happen to have difficulty killing this fungus are the ones that ultimately wind up with the infection. Make no mistake, nail fungus is an infection. It is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot.
OK, so what doesn't cause nail fungus? Pedicures, high heeled shoes and nail polish have all been implicated in the cause of nail fungus. This is simply not true. The vast majority of men have never had a pedicure, worn high heels or used nail polish and yet men are just as likely to have nail fungus as women.
What doesn't treat nail fungus? Vick's vapor rub, bleach, Epsom salt, vinegar and just about any other household cleaning product have been discussed as treatments to nail fungus. This is absolute fiction. I don't care what Dr. Oz or Oprah says. There has never been a study to prove than any of these cleaners do anything to nail fungus. I know, but you heard that a guy at work had a friend that had a sister-in-law that used Vick's on her nails and it worked like a charm. Trust me; if any of these products really worked they would be marketed as such. I am a foot doctor that treats this stuff every day and even when we use FDA approved topical medications on nail fungus the rate of improvement is less than 25%.
This leads me to the final question, what does treat nail fungus? As I said, there is an FDA approved topical medication and it is called Ciclopirox. It must be applied every day for a year and it has about a 15-25% rate of improvement. You could take Lamisil pills, now generic and called Terbinifine, once a day for 90 days. The drug is filtered through your liver, just like most drugs, so you must have a simple screening blood test prior to starting the medication to make sure your liver is healthy. This therapy has about a 75% rate of improvement. The final therapy is light therapy or Laser therapy. This treatment consists of amplified light applied to the nail to kill the fungus. The treatment is painless, it takes 15 minutes for 3 sessions and it does not interact with any medications at all. It is the safest therapy available. This light therapy is the newest on the market and unfortunately is not covered by insurances. The cost is between $600 and $1300 depending on the number of nails affected. The rate of improvement is 85% which makes it the most effective treatment available.
Whether you need topical treatments, pills or the new laser is up to you and your foot doctor to decide, but at least now you know the truths and the lies about nail fungus.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Friday, September 24, 2010
Do You Have Thick, Yellow, Ugly Toenails?
If you are one of the 35 million Americans that have thick, yellow, ugly toenails than this information is for you. A new and exciting treatment option is finally available. No more will you have to hide your toenails. No more will you have to take a pill that may interact with other medicines and must be filtered through your liver.
Now the Noveon Laser has entered the market. A recent study published in a major podiatric medical journal reports 85% improvement in appearance of nails 6 months after treatment. The laser is safe, painless and takes as little as 3 separate 15 minute sessions, spread out over 2 months. Just like any technological breakthrough the Noveon Laser is not covered by medical insurance. The cost of treatment depends on the number of toenails involved and the severity of the infection. To give you an estimate of the cost, it ranges from $600-$1400. Remember that Lamisil pills used to cost over $1000 dollars and topical treatments cost several hundred dollars over the course of the year, not to mention the time and aggravation.
For years people have been clamoring for a new and effective treatment to this embarrassing condition and now it has arrived. Be one of the first to have your nail fungus safely, effectively and painlessly treated with the most modern of technologies.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Now the Noveon Laser has entered the market. A recent study published in a major podiatric medical journal reports 85% improvement in appearance of nails 6 months after treatment. The laser is safe, painless and takes as little as 3 separate 15 minute sessions, spread out over 2 months. Just like any technological breakthrough the Noveon Laser is not covered by medical insurance. The cost of treatment depends on the number of toenails involved and the severity of the infection. To give you an estimate of the cost, it ranges from $600-$1400. Remember that Lamisil pills used to cost over $1000 dollars and topical treatments cost several hundred dollars over the course of the year, not to mention the time and aggravation.
For years people have been clamoring for a new and effective treatment to this embarrassing condition and now it has arrived. Be one of the first to have your nail fungus safely, effectively and painlessly treated with the most modern of technologies.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?
For a long time now, scientists have know that there are certain genetic variants that increase the likelyhood of obesity. One of those gene clusters, the FTO gene, is affectionately called the "fatso" gene. This genetic variant is very common. In fact, 1 in 6 people have the FTO gene variant and these people weigh an average of 7 pounds more than people with the regular variant.
Many experiments with animals have proven that specifically inhibiting these genes will cause rapid weight loss, yet no magic pill has come out yet that can help the millions of overweight and obese Americans.
In a recent study, just published in the April addition of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine scientists discovered some very encouraging news. We do not have to be slaves to our genes. In the study of over 700 teens it was found that those teens with a high genetic tendency for obesity could compensate with one hour of moderate exercise a day. Those teens who did one hour of exercise a day were found to have statistically similar waist measurments, body mass index scores and body fat levels as their peers with regular genes. Playing sports, running, jumping rope and cycling were all forms of exercise that qualify.
So if you or your children are one of the over 200 million overweight Americans, the time is now to start getting active.
In the process of getting active make sure you have the proper shoes for your exercise program. If you do have foot or leg pain that is stopping you from reaching your exercise goals, see a foot doctor and learn what you need to do to exercise safely and efficently. Your genes do not have to determine your destiny. You have control over your life.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Many experiments with animals have proven that specifically inhibiting these genes will cause rapid weight loss, yet no magic pill has come out yet that can help the millions of overweight and obese Americans.
In a recent study, just published in the April addition of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine scientists discovered some very encouraging news. We do not have to be slaves to our genes. In the study of over 700 teens it was found that those teens with a high genetic tendency for obesity could compensate with one hour of moderate exercise a day. Those teens who did one hour of exercise a day were found to have statistically similar waist measurments, body mass index scores and body fat levels as their peers with regular genes. Playing sports, running, jumping rope and cycling were all forms of exercise that qualify.
So if you or your children are one of the over 200 million overweight Americans, the time is now to start getting active.
In the process of getting active make sure you have the proper shoes for your exercise program. If you do have foot or leg pain that is stopping you from reaching your exercise goals, see a foot doctor and learn what you need to do to exercise safely and efficently. Your genes do not have to determine your destiny. You have control over your life.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Why Do Football Players Heal Faster Than Us?
In case you missed it, Dwight Freeney, the All-Pro defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts had a very good game during the Superbowl, despite a torn ligament in his right ankle. But wait, he only injured his ankle 2 weeks ago...how is he playing football when my doctor told me that my ankle sprain would sideline me for 3-6 weeks? In short, why do football players heal faster than regular people like you and me? The answer is that they don't heal faster than we do. Ligaments take 3-6 weeks to heal in anyone. Elite athletes just so happen to be in incredible physical shape as well as an ability to tolerate pain that is beyond the average person. Dwight Freeney is a professional football player. He has played countless games in high school, college and the pro's. He has played through pain.
On Sunday you can bet that his ankle was heavily braced with tape and strappings to limit the motion of his injured ankle. He was also most likely injected with a drug called Marcaine which is very similar to the Novacaine used in a dental office. This type of medicine causes a few hours of painless numbness, but it does not repair or heal tendons or ligaments.
Dwight Freeney had a great game. He even sacked New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in the second quarter. He is not a superhuman. He is a professional athlete with the best medical care at his disposal and he may have made it through the game, but his ankle is not healed. He does not heal faster than you or me. He just knows that Superbowls are once in a lifetime and he can heal in the offseason.
If you sprain your ankle, don't expect to get back to full activity for 3-6 weeks. You will need to ice, elevate and rest your ankle as well as taking anti-inflammatory pills and wearing a brace. But don't worry, if by some chance you need to play in the Superbowl in 2 weeks...we could get you ready.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
On Sunday you can bet that his ankle was heavily braced with tape and strappings to limit the motion of his injured ankle. He was also most likely injected with a drug called Marcaine which is very similar to the Novacaine used in a dental office. This type of medicine causes a few hours of painless numbness, but it does not repair or heal tendons or ligaments.
Dwight Freeney had a great game. He even sacked New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in the second quarter. He is not a superhuman. He is a professional athlete with the best medical care at his disposal and he may have made it through the game, but his ankle is not healed. He does not heal faster than you or me. He just knows that Superbowls are once in a lifetime and he can heal in the offseason.
If you sprain your ankle, don't expect to get back to full activity for 3-6 weeks. You will need to ice, elevate and rest your ankle as well as taking anti-inflammatory pills and wearing a brace. But don't worry, if by some chance you need to play in the Superbowl in 2 weeks...we could get you ready.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Coffee and Tea Can Reduce Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Good news for all you Starbucks fanatics out there. A recent analysis of several studies has shown something of a protective effect of coffee and tea when concerning Type 2 Diabetes. The researches are not exactly sure what is garnishing this protective effect. It is not specifically caffine because decaf coffee also showed reduced risk for diabetes.
One theory is that some of the chemical compounds in coffee and tea affect sugar metabolism. Green tea, black tea and oolong tea have shown the ability to boost the effect of insulin. Now the headlines are going to read, "each cup of coffee a day gives you a 7% less chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes." Not so fast. This particular kind of analysis can skew statistics a little because it adds many studies together to make predictions. Some of those studies have very small sample sizes and others are not exactly the most controlled studies. Also, this is talking about coffee and tea, not a 20 oz. carmel-mocha-choca-latte. Those dessert-type drinks have hundreds of calories and tons of sugar.
Bottom line, just like one or two glasses of red wine can have a protective effect against heart disease, coffee and tea can have a similar effect on Type 2 Diabetes. In both of these cases we are talking about supplemental effects. A healthy lifestyle based on diet and exercise can not be overstated. There are no shortcuts on the path to health, but a glass of wine and cup of tea sure can make the journey a little more enjoyable.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
One theory is that some of the chemical compounds in coffee and tea affect sugar metabolism. Green tea, black tea and oolong tea have shown the ability to boost the effect of insulin. Now the headlines are going to read, "each cup of coffee a day gives you a 7% less chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes." Not so fast. This particular kind of analysis can skew statistics a little because it adds many studies together to make predictions. Some of those studies have very small sample sizes and others are not exactly the most controlled studies. Also, this is talking about coffee and tea, not a 20 oz. carmel-mocha-choca-latte. Those dessert-type drinks have hundreds of calories and tons of sugar.
Bottom line, just like one or two glasses of red wine can have a protective effect against heart disease, coffee and tea can have a similar effect on Type 2 Diabetes. In both of these cases we are talking about supplemental effects. A healthy lifestyle based on diet and exercise can not be overstated. There are no shortcuts on the path to health, but a glass of wine and cup of tea sure can make the journey a little more enjoyable.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
What is a Stress Reaction
Previously reported on this blog, I am both a foot doctor in Sarasota, Florida and a New York Giants football fan. The latest out of New York is that Eli Manning has more to worry about than his long suffering plantar fasciitis. Now it has been reported that Eli has a "stress reaction" in a bone called the cuboid bone of his foot.
Well, what is a "stress reaction?" In order to explain that I want you to think of a dimmer switch on a light. You see, a bone can be either broken or not, just like a light can either be on or off. That said, there are also the dimmer options. Using an MRI (a special medical device that takes images of the bones and soft tissues and feeds the results into a computer) a radiologist can add more options to the mix. Thinking of a spectrum, where one end is normal bone and the other is a broken bone, now we can add stress reaction and stress fracture.
Eli has a stress reaction. The treatment for this is rest, stiffer shoes and time. If he continues to play on this foot he can end up with a stress fracture (the next phase on the dimmer switch) or ultimately a fracture of his cuboid bone. If he does fracture the bone he is looking at 6 weeks of healing time, which basically means the season is over for him.
With Eli hurt and the Giants on a 5-game-out-of-6 losing streak the stress is affecting all Giants fans.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
Sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Well, what is a "stress reaction?" In order to explain that I want you to think of a dimmer switch on a light. You see, a bone can be either broken or not, just like a light can either be on or off. That said, there are also the dimmer options. Using an MRI (a special medical device that takes images of the bones and soft tissues and feeds the results into a computer) a radiologist can add more options to the mix. Thinking of a spectrum, where one end is normal bone and the other is a broken bone, now we can add stress reaction and stress fracture.
Eli has a stress reaction. The treatment for this is rest, stiffer shoes and time. If he continues to play on this foot he can end up with a stress fracture (the next phase on the dimmer switch) or ultimately a fracture of his cuboid bone. If he does fracture the bone he is looking at 6 weeks of healing time, which basically means the season is over for him.
With Eli hurt and the Giants on a 5-game-out-of-6 losing streak the stress is affecting all Giants fans.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
Sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
Should Kids Wear High Heels?
Recently there has been a lot of press about Suri Cruise and her little silver high heels. There is nothing quite like a celebrity (or the child of one) to bring these types of things to the forefront of the public consiousness. So, should kids wear high heels? My answer is no, they SHOULD not wear high heels. That said, they certainly CAN wear high heels. The question is similar to should kids eat cheeseburgers and fries. No they shoud not, but they can, in moderation with adult supervision without any major disasters.
Many of my female patients in Sarasota, Florida are afraid that I am going to tell them that they can never wear high heels again. The truth is that high heels do increase pressue on the balls of the feet(what we call the metatarsal heads), can cause shortening of the Achilles tendon and increase the chances for falling or spraining an ankle. That said, many of the sports that I enjoy can possibly lead to all kinds of injuries. Tennis, basketball, skateboarding, roller blading, marathon running etc, can all possibly cause injury to the foot and ankle. All of these activities have the same warnings as high heels. Where is the outcry to stop kids from doing any of these?
Do I think it is a little silly for a kid to wear high heels, I guess. What I find even more silly is that it has become such a big news item in the complex world we live in.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Many of my female patients in Sarasota, Florida are afraid that I am going to tell them that they can never wear high heels again. The truth is that high heels do increase pressue on the balls of the feet(what we call the metatarsal heads), can cause shortening of the Achilles tendon and increase the chances for falling or spraining an ankle. That said, many of the sports that I enjoy can possibly lead to all kinds of injuries. Tennis, basketball, skateboarding, roller blading, marathon running etc, can all possibly cause injury to the foot and ankle. All of these activities have the same warnings as high heels. Where is the outcry to stop kids from doing any of these?
Do I think it is a little silly for a kid to wear high heels, I guess. What I find even more silly is that it has become such a big news item in the complex world we live in.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Diabetes Awareness Month Is Upon Us
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Kind of ironic when you think that you have most of the major holidays in this time of year. The average American gains several pounds and for a diabetic and their family, this can be a very challenging time of year. Staying consistent with your eating habits, limiting the simple sugars and indulgence in alcohol can help to protect the almost 40 million diabetic feet in this country.
For many years we have seen our own patient population in Sarasota, Florida suffer ill affects of this dangerous time of year. Ulcerations, gout attacks, leg swelling all increase as the New Year begins. I know there is a lot of fear and denial about infections, ulcerations and amputations. In order to avoid these horrible complications of diabetes we need to do some simple things and apply some basic discipline.
Step 1: check your sugar frequently and keep your Hemoglobin A1C ( a lab value that your primary care doctor or endocrinologist tests to get an average of your blood sugar over a few month period) in the proper range.
Step 2: see a foot doctor at least yearly and have a neurological test (a test of feeling and sensation in your feet) and vascular test (a test of blood flow to the feet and legs) as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Step 3: wear comfortable, well fit shoes with protective inserts when needed. The Medicare Diabetic Shoe Bill allows for one pair of diabetic shoes with 3 pairs of inserts, annually, for those patients who are diabetic with complications and on medicare.
Step 4: check your feet every day for redness, blisters, wounds etc. If you find any of these things on your feet you need to contact your podiatrist right away and take the situation very seriously. Delaying treatment is major obstacle to healing.
This year's theme for Diabetes Awareness month is "it's a family affair." I could not agree more. I would like to extend that definition to your medical "family" as well. Diabetic patients are very complex with many issues that blur the lines of medical specialty. Often a team approach is needed to treat these complicated situations. If we all do our part we can control the disease and take care of all of our loved ones. After all, it is a family affair.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com/
For many years we have seen our own patient population in Sarasota, Florida suffer ill affects of this dangerous time of year. Ulcerations, gout attacks, leg swelling all increase as the New Year begins. I know there is a lot of fear and denial about infections, ulcerations and amputations. In order to avoid these horrible complications of diabetes we need to do some simple things and apply some basic discipline.
Step 1: check your sugar frequently and keep your Hemoglobin A1C ( a lab value that your primary care doctor or endocrinologist tests to get an average of your blood sugar over a few month period) in the proper range.
Step 2: see a foot doctor at least yearly and have a neurological test (a test of feeling and sensation in your feet) and vascular test (a test of blood flow to the feet and legs) as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Step 3: wear comfortable, well fit shoes with protective inserts when needed. The Medicare Diabetic Shoe Bill allows for one pair of diabetic shoes with 3 pairs of inserts, annually, for those patients who are diabetic with complications and on medicare.
Step 4: check your feet every day for redness, blisters, wounds etc. If you find any of these things on your feet you need to contact your podiatrist right away and take the situation very seriously. Delaying treatment is major obstacle to healing.
This year's theme for Diabetes Awareness month is "it's a family affair." I could not agree more. I would like to extend that definition to your medical "family" as well. Diabetic patients are very complex with many issues that blur the lines of medical specialty. Often a team approach is needed to treat these complicated situations. If we all do our part we can control the disease and take care of all of our loved ones. After all, it is a family affair.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com/
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Real Risks of Marathon Running
Unfortunately, three people died recently in the Detroit Marathon. The news media has made a very big deal of this. Are marathons "death races?" It is very risky to run a marathon? Let's look at the facts and stay away from the sensational news headlines.
The deaths are certainly very sad, but they must be taken in context. While this is tragic it is not a reason to avoid marathons. Several studies have been done on the risks of marathon running and the evidence is that running a marathon has a very low risk of death. In fact, the British Medical Journal, (BMJ) published an article in 2007 that looked at 750 marathon days. It accounted for over 3 million runners and over 14 million hours of running. In that very large sample there were 26 deaths. That is equal to an overall risk of 0.8 deaths per 100,000 runners, or 2 deaths per million hours of vigorous exercise. The authors of the study went one step further. They actually looked at the motor vehicle deaths that were avoided due to the roads being closed on race day. What they found was that 46 deaths, statistically speaking, were avoided due to the closed roads.
Amazingly, we drive everyday and think nothing of it. Many of us talk on the phone, drink coffee, play with the radio and check email all while driving. This is much more deadly than any marathon...ever. The media does not really report car accidents the same way as they do deaths in a marathon. Car accidents are so common that fail to register as "news."
Now for the positive side, let's look at all the good that comes from running marathons and training for them. The number one cause of death in this country is heart disease followed by cancer and stroke. All of these top 3 killers can be avoided, to some extent, by regular aerobic exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight. Though it is impossible to say how many lives a marathon saves, it is easy to see that it contributes to the overall health of thousands. To say nothing of the joy, friendship, sense of accomplishment and good old fashioned fun these races add to your life.
If you have never run a marathon and you want to, educate yourself. Learn how to train and how to keep yourself properly hydrated. Make sure you ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to take on that kind of challenge. Don't let fear get in your way and don't believe everything you read in the headlines.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
The deaths are certainly very sad, but they must be taken in context. While this is tragic it is not a reason to avoid marathons. Several studies have been done on the risks of marathon running and the evidence is that running a marathon has a very low risk of death. In fact, the British Medical Journal, (BMJ) published an article in 2007 that looked at 750 marathon days. It accounted for over 3 million runners and over 14 million hours of running. In that very large sample there were 26 deaths. That is equal to an overall risk of 0.8 deaths per 100,000 runners, or 2 deaths per million hours of vigorous exercise. The authors of the study went one step further. They actually looked at the motor vehicle deaths that were avoided due to the roads being closed on race day. What they found was that 46 deaths, statistically speaking, were avoided due to the closed roads.
Amazingly, we drive everyday and think nothing of it. Many of us talk on the phone, drink coffee, play with the radio and check email all while driving. This is much more deadly than any marathon...ever. The media does not really report car accidents the same way as they do deaths in a marathon. Car accidents are so common that fail to register as "news."
Now for the positive side, let's look at all the good that comes from running marathons and training for them. The number one cause of death in this country is heart disease followed by cancer and stroke. All of these top 3 killers can be avoided, to some extent, by regular aerobic exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight. Though it is impossible to say how many lives a marathon saves, it is easy to see that it contributes to the overall health of thousands. To say nothing of the joy, friendship, sense of accomplishment and good old fashioned fun these races add to your life.
If you have never run a marathon and you want to, educate yourself. Learn how to train and how to keep yourself properly hydrated. Make sure you ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to take on that kind of challenge. Don't let fear get in your way and don't believe everything you read in the headlines.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
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