A PAINFUL SITUATION

Joint inflammation, common in adults 65 and older, can manifest itself in the feet. Foot arthritis symptoms can vary, subject to whichever of the 30 joints and 28 bones in the foot are affected. Difficulty walking, stiffness, pain, and swelling can be symptoms of foot arthritis. Typically, arthritis is felt in and around the joints and therefore can adversely affect range of motion. Heredity, excessive weight, the repetitive use of a joint, or a previous injury may lead to foot arthritis. Although there is no cure for foot arthritis, the pain and limitations that it causes can be managed with an individualized treatment plan. Many plans include anti-inflammatory medications, shoe modifications, and a change of lifestyle.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Why Do People Need Orthotics?

 An orthotic is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many biomechanical (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain, and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function.

A podiatric physician can prescribe orthotics, or foot supports worn inside shoes, which are crafted for you and no one else; they match the contour of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move. Only prescription orthotics can accommodate your unique foot structure. Podiatric physicians use orthotics to treat foot problems such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain); bursitis; tendonitis; diabetic foot ulcers; and foot, ankle, and heel pain.

If orthotics are needed, your podiatric physician will capture a three-dimensional image of each of your feet. That image, as well as any measurements obtained by your podiatric physician, is used to create a set of unique foot supports that will improve your foot movement and lead to more comfort and mobility.

There are two categories of prescription orthotics. Functional orthotics are designed to control abnormal motion and may be used to treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion; they can also be used to treat injuries such as shin splints or tendonitis. These are usually crafted from a semi-rigid material such as plastic or graphite. Accommodative orthotics are softer and meant to provide additional cushioning and support. They can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, and other uncomfortable conditions.

If you have serious pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with a podiatric physician. He or she will assess your overall health and look at any other contributing factors. Podiatrists can examine your feet and ankles and can prescribe custom-made orthotics or suggest additional treatments to improve the comfort and function of your feet.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Is There a Rubbing Cream Designed to Relieve Foot Pain?

Foot pain may be relieved by selecting and wearing appropriate footwear or even receiving massage therapy that targets the feet. Sometimes traditional pain relievers (i.e., in pill form) will not work, and if you want another option to treat pain, topical medications may be for you.

Topical pain medications can be found in many forms such as balms, lotions, gels, creams, ointments, and patches. The benefit of topical medications is the ability to specifically target the area(s) of pain and treat it without any serious negative side effects.

The distinct types of topical medications fall into one of the following categories:

• Salicylates contain a chemical similar to aspirin and are designed to be absorbed into the skin to relieve pain. These creams are most commonly used for muscle soreness and aches. Common branded products include Ben Gay, Aspercreme, and Sportscreme.
• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen fight pain associated with swelling. They are produced in a gel or cream, like salicylates, and are designed to be absorbed into the skin. NSAIDs increase the body’s anti-inflammatory response, reducing pain and heat for the injured area. They are available over-the-counter and in prescription form.
• Analgesics are useful in reducing pain in those suffering from mild arthritis. If your pain is focused in your ankle, for example, you might consider the brand name products Capzasin-P, Menthacin, and Zostrix. The cream or ointment works by stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body.
• Counterirritants create a warm or cool sensation over a painful joint or sore muscle. Brand-name products include Icy Hot, JointFlex, and Flexall.
• Anesthetics are used to relieve “local pain” to a specific area by disabling the nerve endings in the skin. Brand-name anesthetic medications include Lanacane and Xylocaine.

Other topical medications include anti-fungals and corticosteroids. Antifungal topical medications come in various forms such as creams, powders, and sprays, and are used for treatment of athlete’s foot. Some common brand medicines are Lotrimin, Lamisil, and Desenex. See a podiatric physician if anti-fungal creams you’ve tried do not seem to work or if you have any other symptoms related to the infection, such as fever, rash, or sore throat.

Corticosteroids are most common topical treatment for psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth and build-up of skin cells. Applying topical creams on the infected areas will help soothe the itch and soften the hardened skin. If you have psoriasis on your feet, it is best to treat it as soon as possible to minimize the risk of spreading infection to your leg and even your toe nails. Consult with a podiatric physician immediately if you suspect you have psoriasis.

Topical pain medications are helpful in relieving the pain associated with foot problems but should never be used to “mask” pain. Consult a podiatric physician for suggestions and proper usage of topical medications.

For additional questions please contact: Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

THE "OUCH" FACTOR: What to Do about Splinters

The feeling of being foot loose and fancy free on the weekend is an invitation for us to shed our shoes and socks and run barefoot. However, running or walking (both inside and outside) barefoot places us a risk of splinters.
When you have a splinter in your foot, you will feel pain or discomfort and the sensation that something is embedded in the skin. Although wood splinters are most common, tiny bits of plastic, shards of metal or even broken glass can penetrate an unprotected foot.

While small splinters can be removed at home, any large or deep splinters in the foot should be removed by a podiatric physician. Anyone with diabetes should be especially vigilant, because a small splinter can grow quickly into a serious infection.

There are numerous home remedies that can help make removing splinters simple and fairly painless. Here are steps you can follow to safely remove a splinter from the foot:

1.  Start by soaking the foot in warm water to soften the skin.
2. Wash your hands and gently clean the area of your foot in which the splinter is lodged.
3. Once the skin is soft, try to squeeze out the splinter by putting your fingers on either side of  the splinter and pinching gently.
4. If the splinter won't come out by squeezing, disinfect a pair of tweezers and a needle with rubbing  alcohol, iodine, or boiling water and let them dry. If the splinter is still sticking out of the skin, use the tweezers to grasp the end and pull gently but firmly.
5. You want to avoid breaking the splinter, which would leave the tail end in the skin. To remove the entire splinter, pull it out at the same angle that it entered the body. Most splinters will come out easily.
6. If you can't grasp the splinter with the tweezers, use the very tip of a sterile needle to slightly open the skin where the splinter is lodged. Grasp the end of the splinter with the tweezers and pull firmly. DO NOT dig for the splinter.
7. Disclaimer: Use of a needle can assist with the removal of a splinter. However, use with caution to prevent further injury.
8. Remember to gently wash your foot once you're done.

Contact a podiatric physician if you're having trouble reaching the splinter, if you are making the wound worse, or if the area becomes red, swollen, or hot to the touch, either after you remove the splinter or you cannot see any foreign body under the skin. Whatever is embedded in your foot will determine how the podiatric physician will treat you. Deeply embedded foreign bodies may require a surgical procedure. Sometimes a local anesthetic is needed to completely remove a foreign body.

One good way to avoid splinters is to wear shoes both in the house and outside. There are many great options for summer besides bare feet, so keep feet healthy and happy by making good choices and avoiding splinters.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at
http://www.familyfootcare.info/

CHECK, PLEASE (Melanoma)

Early detection is critical when it comes to melanoma of the foot. This type of cancer is easy to overlook but can have deadly consequences if allowed to go untreated. When checking for any signs of this disease, be sure to notice the soles, the area in between the toes, and the skin around or under the toenails for any freckles or spots that have changed over time. Any alteration in the border, color, diameter, or elevation of a freckle or spot should be immediately reported to your podiatrist since those are the main indicators of melanoma of the foot. Routine self-exams are the keys to ensuring early identification of this potentially deadly disease.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

NOT SO NICE

Blame it on bacteria‒foot odor is a reality for ten to fifteen percent of the population. Bacteria digest sweat and release a gas that can produce a foul odor. Although enclosing the feet in shoes can exacerbate the problem, exposing them during the weather can make the odor even more obvious.
To eliminate or help reduce foot odor, following a regimen to conquer the bacteria can help.

• Feet should be washed daily with antibacterial soap and dried thoroughly.
• When socks are worn, they should be of a natural fiber that will absorb any sweat.
• Shoes should be allowed to dry out in between wearing, and insoles should be cleaned using hot, soapy water.

For additional questions please contact:

Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

HAMMERTOES

A bend in the first joint of a small toe can result in a hammertoe. If addressed early on, the condition may be alleviated. If not, rigidity will set in, and even the ball of the foot can become dislocated, causing the toes to point upwards. Typically, trauma, an injury to the foot, or wearing high-heeled or ill-fitting shoes can result in the development of hammertoes. Those individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can tend to develop hammertoes. The condition is painful and can result in the development of corns and calluses as well as swelling and redness of the affected areas. Walking can become a challenge, and the sufferer can be at a high risk of falling.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

ROADMAPS (Spider Veins)

If you see thread-like veins close to the surface of the skin on your feet, you are looking at spider veins, or telangectasias. Weakening of the valves in your leg veins can cause blood flow to become sluggish and pool, creating spider veins. Resembling tree branches, they can appear in small or large patches. Heredity, exposure to the sum, and hormonal changes can trigger the onset of spider veins in the feet. Added causes are pregnancy, prolonged standing, and a sedentary lifestyle. Treatments to rid the feet of the clusters include laser therapy, which can shrink and even eradicate spider veins entirely, and injections of sodium chloride, referred to as sclerotherapy.
For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/