How we can check your sensation

If blood sugars are high over long periods of time, it can disrupt the function of the nerves. One may lose feeling in their hands and feet. This may cause a tingling sensation in these areas. At worse it can be very painful and keep people up at night. One initial test that we can begin with is with a small object called a Semmes-Weinstein. It is used for early detection of peripheral neuropathy in patients with Diabetes. Its a noninvasive and a NON-PAINFUL test. There are areas we press on the skin with this monofilament to check if a patient can feel it or not. The areas an red in the picture are common areas we will check on the feet. If they are unable to feel it this may be an early sign of neuropathy or loss of sensation. It is important to check because if you are unable to feel the bottom of your feet, you may be more susceptible to stepping on something you are unaware of or developing a skin ulcer that you cannot feel and become infected. As always it is very important to see your Podiatrist for a daily check on your feet if you are diabetic.  For more information please visit our website:

Chad Friedman, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Checking your feet

If you are Diabetic, or even Borderline Diabetic, it is very important to check your feet regularly during the day. Its also important to check inside of the shoes/sneakers you wear for any foreign objects in there. Its important to check them midday and at night before you go to bed. If this is difficult to inspect the bottom of your feet, use a mirror to look at the bottom. Things you want to be on the look out for are any new cuts, red areas, rough areas, cracks, and fissures. Even though they might not be a problem or cause pain, they are potential areas that can lead to this. Its a good idea to get a baseline look at your feet form a Podiatrist to educate you on things that can be done to prevent ulcers or amputations from happening. Please visit our webpage for more information or call for an appointment.

Chad Friedman, DPM

Ingrown Nails

Are you suffering from a painful ingrown nail? The best treatment that you can do is see your Podiatrist right away. NEVER use over the counter products as this can make your nail more infected and painful. Early treatment that one can do is soak the toe that is painful in warm water with Epsom Salt ( 1 tbs. Epsom salt to 1 quart of warm water) for 15 minutes. After this apply an antiobiotic cream such as Polysporin with a bandaid. Typically the earlier you seek treatment for this painful condition the easier it may be to remove the offending nail border and not have to be on oral antibiotics. A lot of times people will get immediate relief once the corner of the nail is removed.

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/


By, Chad J. Friedman, DPM

Barefoot Running Part 2

We briefly mentioned last week about the potential hazards and dangers of barefoot running. I thought that I would just add a few more interesting things about it. A study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness said that barefoot runners had less impact than runners in shoes. On the flip side to this, there has been no documented studies that show running with sneakers can cause foot problems or lead you to an injury. But if you can think about some of the stuff that I had posted last wee I will not recommmend doing it.  This is because it can lead to stepping on something, lacerations, increase in pain, and blisters just to mention a few.

Happy Running/Walking, but of course with sneakers on :)

Chad J. Friedman, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Barefoot Running

There has been a lot of talk in the literature recently on barefoot running. In fact there was even a book written on the topic (Born to Run). Its going to be something that many people will begin to try or continue to do. For me, I will not be recommending it. Some of the reasons for this is the risk of stepping on something, contusions, sprains, strains, and possible fractures. Depending on your foot type, the foot should be constantly supported through all phases of gait. If not, it can cause other muscles to compensate for other muscles and lead to tendon problems or other stresses in the feet. The feet need good support to support the rest of the body. Think about this as well; could you imagine running on a track, concrete, or gravel barefoot? Imagine this even on a hot sunny day. Your feet would burn and increase your chance of developing blisters. And of course this would never be good in a diabetic or someone who has developed neuropathy of their feet(loss of sensation). We will continue to update you on more information that will come out with the topic, but for the time being it is something that I will not recommend.


Happy Running/Walking, but of course with sneakers on :)
Chad J Friedman, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Happy New Year

Podiatry Care Specialists, would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New year!

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Happy Thanksgiving

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Please keep in mind if you are doing a lot of cooking or running around this holiday season to be in good supportive shoe gear and to avoid as much as possible going barefoot or just having socks on

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/