Rid Yourself of Stinky Feet

All this excessive heat is bound to make you sweat.  Unfortunately, we can't be at the pool all day everday cooling off.  The excess heat that causes your body to sweat may be taking an extra toll on your feet!  Feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands and each foot can produce up to one pint of sweat a day.  However, excess sweating in the feet is a condition called, plantar hyperhidrosis.  If you are suffering from excessively stinky feet during these summer months and think you should see the doctor, call our office(419-423-1888) or visit our website to request an appointment today. You can also try some of the products designed to combat foot odor in our product store, for example the SteriShoe.


The innovative SteriShoe® shoe sanitizer kills the germs that reside inside shoes with a special germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC). With the first treatment, SteriShoe destroys up to 99.9% of the microorganisms in shoes, including the bacteria and fungi that cause toenail fungus (onychomycosis), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and offensive foot odor. SteriShoe is also an excellent choice for those who have diabetes or are concerned about their feet's hygiene.

Don't let foot odor slow your summer down!

Arch Pain?

If summer sandals have your feet aching, help is on the way.  Our product store offers several products to relieve arch pain as well as stylish and supportive sandals from Aetrex.  Flat worn out flip flops can cause several problems in your body, not just foot pain so think before you slip into your favorite worn out pair. 
Sandals can cause heel pain, tendonitis, ankle problems, knee problems, and increase your risk for accidents. 

If sandals are causing you arch pain slip into our product store.  The store features several pain relieving and soothing products including the Thera-Band Foot Roller.  The site also features products like Orthaheel Orthotic Sandals for beach buffs who can't kick the sandals.

The Thera-Band® Foot Roller is used to provide temporary relief from pain associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and tired feet. Patients with plantar fasiciitis can use the roller as a device to stretch the plantar fascia and increase flexibility. Those experiencing soreness from tired feet will find the massaging benefits of the roller pleasant and therapeutic. In all applications, the Foot Roller can be chilled or frozen to help reduce inflammation.  It also includes instructions for foot massage and stretch.

Orthaheel unisex kinetic orthotic sandals are designed to provide orthotic treatment and comfort in a stylish and sporty Flip Flop Sandal. (Stylish & Healthy Flip Flops For Men and Women). Features a soft, padded fabric toe poes.  These sandals are made for walking in comfort.  The sandals have built in lightweight orthotic footbeds to help reduce pain and pronation along with soft EVA orthotic midsoles.  Replace your worn out sandals with these to reduce your arch pain.

If your feet are causing you pain, don't hesitate to call our office at 419-423-1888 and schedule an appointment.  You can also go to our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ to request an appointment.  No one should suffer through the summer with aching feet.

Neuroma

A neuroma is the swelling of nerve that is a result of a compression or trauma. They are often described as nerve tumors. However, they are not in the purest sense a tumor. They are a swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. The most common site for a neuroma is on the ball of the foot. The most common cause of neuroma in ball of the foot is the abnormal movement of the long bones behind the toes called metatarsal bones. A small nerve passes between the spaces of the metatarsals. At the base of the toes, the nerves split forming a "Y" and enter the toes. It is in this area the nerve gets pinched and swells, forming the neuroma. Burning pain, tingling, and numbness in one or two of the toes is a common symptom. Sometimes this pain can become so severe, it can bring tears to a patient's eyes. Removing the shoe and rubbing the ball of the foot helps to ease the pain. As the nerve swells, it can be felt as a popping sensation when walking. Pain is intermittent and is aggravated by anything that results in further pinching of the nerve. When the neuroma is present in the space between the third and fourth toes, it is called a Morton's Neuroma. This is the most common area for a neuroma to form. Another common area is between the second and third toes. Neuromas can occur in one or both of these areas and in one or both feet at the same time. Neuromas are very rare in the spaces between the big toe and second toe, and between the fourth and fifth toes. Neuromas have been identified in the heel area, resulting in heel pain.
A puncture wound or laceration that injures a nerve can cause a neuroma. These are called traumatic Neuromas. Neuromas can also result following a surgery that may result in the cutting of a nerve.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of Neuromas is made by a physical exam and a thorough history of the patient's complaint. Conditions that mimic the pain associated with Neuromas are stress fracture of the metatarsals, inflammation of the tendons in the bottom of the toes, arthritis of the joint between the metatarsal bone and the toe, or nerve compression or nerve damage further up on the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back. X-rays are generally taken to rule out a possible stress fracture or arthritis. Because nerve tissue is not seen on an x-ray, the x-ray will not show the neuroma. A skilled foot specialist will be able to actually feel the neuroma on his exam of the foot. Special studies such as MRI, CT Scan, and nerve conduction studies have little value in the diagnosis of a neuroma. Additionally, these studies can be very expensive and generally the results do not alter the doctor's treatment plan. If the doctor on his exam cannot feel the neuroma, and if the patient's symptoms are not what is commonly seen, then nerve compression at another level should be suspected. In this instance, one area to be examined is the ankle.
Just below the ankle bone on the inside of the ankle, a large nerve passes into the foot. At this level, the nerve can become inflamed. This condition is called Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Generally, there is not pain at this site of the inflamed nerve at the inside of the ankle. Pain may instead be experienced in the bottom of the foot or in the toes. This can be a difficult diagnosis to make in certain circumstances. Neuromas, however, occur more commonly than Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Treatment:

Treatment for the neuroma consists of cortisone injections, orthotics, chemical destruction of the nerve, or surgery. Cortisone injections are generally used as an initial form of treatment. Cortisone is useful when injected around the nerve, because is can shrink the swelling of the nerve. This relieves the pressure on the nerve. Up to three cortisone injections can be given over a twelve-month period. Cortisone may provide relief for many months, but is often not a cure for the condition. The abnormal movements of the metatarsal bones continue to aggravate the condition over a period of time.
To address the abnormal movement of the metatarsal bones, a functional foot orthotic can be used (pictured below is a noncustom foot orthotic). These devices are custom-made inserts for the shoes that correct abnormal function of the foot. The combination treatment of cortisone injections and orthotics can be a very successful form of treatment. If, however, there is significant damage to the nerve, then failure to this treatment can occur. When there is permanent nerve damage, the patient is left with three choices: live with the pain, chemical destruction of the nerve, or surgical removal of the nerve. So if you have having any simial symptoms if is important to see your podiatrist. Our office can be reached at 419-423-1888 or you can visit us on the web at www.vailfoot.com . Our website has a link to our online store where you can find the Powerstep foot orthotics.

Care for your feet this winter

The cold weather can really take its toll on your feet and hands.  Most of us tend to ignore our feet during the winter months.  When it's cold outside, we tend to cover our feet with warm comfy socks and thick winter boots.  The dry air in our homes and work places also tend to be hard on our skin as well.  This tends to make our skin dry, itchy and flaky.  Here are some tips to help keep your feet happy and healthy all winter long.

Maintain a steady temperature and don't expose your feet to any extreme heat or cold.  This is very important for people who are diabetic and frequently develop neuropathy in their feet and are unable to feel pain.  Even if you are just running outside to pick up the mail or to take the dog outside, you need to make sure you wear both socks and shoes.

It is also recommended that you only wear dry footwear.  If your socks or shoes get wet, take them off immediately.  Dry your feet completely and put clean and dry ones on.  When your shoes are wet, leave them to set out and dry for a couple of days before putting them back on.

You should also get in a good routine everyday to take care of your feet.  Look at it as a way to pamper yourself in these long winter months. 

First, you should exfoliate your feet everyday.  A good product to use for this is the Footbuffer Pro.  This double sided buffer sponge effectively exfoliates and removes dry dead skin and moisturizes the underlying normal skin.  Plus, it is available in two invigorating scents:  Lavender tea-tree or citron-eucalyptus.

Next, choose your favorite lotion.  You will want one with a kind of moisturizer in it.  Apply liberally to each foot.  Then put your socks on.  When you put socks on your feet, this helps lock the moisture from the lotion and keeps your feet smooth and silky.

Now if you have the time, you should purchase a foot soak.  Soaking your feet before you exfoliate and lotion will help keep the moisture in.

Try doing this routine every morning and night, and don't forget your hands.  If you are only doing this at night and can't sleep with socks on, do your routine an hour prior to bedtime. When you are ready for bed, you can then take the socks off. This should give plenty of time to allow the lotion to soak into the skin.

Before you know it, your feet will be soft and smooth.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your feet during the winter months, call 419-423-1888 or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/ to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vail.

Protect your ankles while you walk.

The ankle is actually a joint that's made up of bones and held together by ligaments, which allow motion within a certain range.  When the ligaments are stretched beyond their range of motion, this is when a sprain occurs.

Sprains are relatively common and typically occur when there is a sudden change in direction or when a person is running, jumping, or steps on an uneven surface.  Generally, more ankle sprains occur in the springtime when people are more engaged in physical activity, but they can occur anytime.

There are three degrees of sprains.  A first degree sprain, most commonly known as a "twisted ankle", is when the ligament can be stretched or weakened but not actually torn.  A second degree sprain is when the ligament is partially torn, but without significant or chronic instability.  A third degree sprain is when the ligament is completely torn with significant ligament damage and chronic instability.  A third degree sprain may require surgery depending on the extent of the injury.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your ankles protected from injury.

• Give your body a good stretch.  Stretching is one of the best ways to prevent ankle injuries.  It helps to increase blood circulation, warms up the muscles and reduces tension on the tendons that connect to the ankles.  The stretching exercises you should perform in order to protect your ankles include:  calf and hamstring stretches as well as arm, quad and groin stretches to protect the rest of your body.  Remember to drink plenty of water before you stretch as well as warm up.  You should give yourself at least 5 minutes of warm-up time by doing jumping jacks, jump rope or run in place before you begin.
• Wear proper footwear.  Wearing the proper shoes will not only protect your feet and ankles, but your legs and back as well.  Make sure your shoes are in good condition, once they start to break down you should replace them.  You need shoes with the proper arch and ankle support since your feet hold the weight of your entire body.  If you are prone to ankle twisting, you may want to consider a pair of high-top sports shoes.  They will give you more support where you need it most.



CMO Figure of Eight Ankle Brace

• A brace can be your new best friend.  If you have suffered an ankle sprain or tend to have weak ankles, an ankle brace will add further support where your shoes cannot.  When putting on your brace, make sure it is on tight but not too tight that it will stop or inhibit circulation.  Signs that your brace is on too tight are your toes become either red in color or they become numb.  If you do not feel comfortable in a brace, try using a cotton-elastic wrap for your foot and ankle.
• Walk heel to toe.  When you walk, make sure your steps land heel to toe and roll your foot gently to the ground.  Rolling your foot as you walk ensures a stable landing and increases your body's ability to sense any obstacles you may encounter such as rocks or divots which may cause you to turn your ankle.  Don't always rely on the heel to toe method for averting hazards, you also need to keep an eye on your surroundings.
• R.I.C.E.  This acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  If you have suffered from an ankle injury, you can protect yourself from further damage by following these techniques.  When walking, take a break and apply ice for 20 minutes at a time every 2 to 3 hours.  In between icing, wrap your ankle tightly with a cotton-elastic bandage and keep your foot elevated above your heart.  This will ensure proper healing of the ankle tendons and prevent future sprains.

If you are encountering any ankle or foot problems that are hindering your daily walks, please contact our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Vail, or visit our website at www.vailfoot.com for more information.

Lederhose's Disease

Did You Know?
Lederhose's disease is a condition that can cause the formation of painful bumps on the bottom of the foot. Lederhose's disease is often confused with other problems involving the sole of the foot, such as corns or benign tumors, all of which can cause nodules to form in the sole of the foot. In the case of Lederhose's disease, the layer of tissue beneath the skin forms tight nodules of tissue called fascia. No one knows exactly why the nodules form, but the condition is closely related to Dupuytren's contracture in the hand.

The Finest Quality Diabetic Sock

This by far is the greatest sock invented ..Period!

I can tell you on experience, that this sock is truly worth the buy. I play in many different sports activities, but with Basketball I was always enduring blisters every sunday. I was never able to play at 100% because of the blisters that would develop by the end of my 40 minute game. Until I was told here in the office to try these comfortable, extra roomy, enjoyable Dr. Comfort diabetic socks, I had no idea the difference it would make. These diabetic socks are the finest on the market. 

We do not offer these socks on our online store, however, we have an entire room full of  Dr. Comfort Socks and we encourage you to come check that out at our office.

Nano Bamboo Charcoal Fibers is what this fine product is made out of. This was discovered during the Ming Dynasty in 1486 AD. Today Molecular Nano Bamboo Charcoal is made when bamboo charcoal powder is refined by temperatures over 700 degrees. Nano Bamboo Charcoal Fiber is able to release Far Infrared Rays that may promote blood circulation and increase Anion production, which is very good for physical health. This is also a natural deodorizer, has innumerable hole structures and can absorb and decompose benzene, phenol, methanol, sulfides, nitrides, etc. It helps reduce odors from NH3 gas, adjusts moisture. Another benefit is its ability to regulate skin temperature. This will keep your feet cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter, more so than traditional materials. I found that during my basketball events my feet would sweat less, and that was just one of the many reasons my blisters reduced in size and numbers. This product is great for long trips, people with Edema, and someone with oversized legs. Those are just a few of the special qualities this Dr. Comfort sock has to offer.

If you would like to view another material of socks at our online web store, click here! 

6 Tips To Protect Kids in Fall Sports

Back-to-school sports season linked to ankle injuries

If your children are playing sports this fall, pay attention to five tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.

Every fall, foot and ankle surgeon Thomas Vail, DPM, notices an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, basketball, and soccer are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems.

Our top recommendation for parents is to make sure our kids get ankle injuries treated right away.

What may seem like a sprain, is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. You should have a qualified doctor examine the injury. The sooner your rehabilitation starts, the sooner we can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition.

As parents you should also follow these additional tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Website at http://www.footphysicians.com/

- Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition

- Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

- Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

* Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

* Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.

Secrets to Protecting Yourself from Fungi

Fungal infections on your feet are one of the most unsightly foot ailments. These infections can affect the skin of your feet as well as your nails. A fungal infection is even the cause of athlete's foot. And when it affects your nails, it can cause them to crack, break, splinter and yellow. Fungal nails are usually pretty easy to spot and look anything but healthy. So how do you protect yourself from the fungi that are responsible for these unsightly infections? Follow these tips.

1. Keep your feet dry. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, moist environments. This means your shoes are a fertile location for fungi to grow. Once your feet are exposed to the fungi, your shoes will not prevent the fungi from growing. But ensuring that your feet stays dry helps prevent fungi from ever taking hold. You should always alternate shoes every other day at the minimum to allow them the proper amount of time to air out. Don't store your shoes in your gym bag or locker if they will not get enough air to dry out. If you sweat a lot, you should consider using a foot powder to absorb excess moisture. You may also want to change your socks in the middle of the day.

2. Avoid places where fungi thrive. Fungi thrive in public showers, like the ones found in locker rooms, pools, public beaches and at camp grounds. Do not think that you should limit your activity and never visit these places, and don't sacrifice your hygiene for fear of foot fungi. Simply wear a pair of flip flops or other shower sandals in public showers and locker rooms. This will limit your contact with these fungi and help prevent their further spread. If someone in your family has foot fungi, try to keep the shower they are using clean, or ask them to use a different shower than the rest of the family. Consider a spray disinfectant that you can leave in the shower and ask them to use it after every shower.

3. Keep your feet clean. Clean feet are less susceptible to fungal infections, as you are likely to knock out the fungi before it can take hold on your feet. Wash your feet every time you take a shower or bath. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between your toes. This is also a good time to check your feet daily for any changes in shape or color- usual indicators of a problem.

4. Keep your feet healthy. Healthy feet are less susceptible to fungal infections. Not only should you keep them clean, but you should condition your skin as well, especially if you spend time barefoot. Skin that receives regular attention will be healthier, and thus less susceptible to fungal infections. Treat your calluses by trimming them. Moisturize your feet, except for in between your toes, where your feet are already moisture rich. These two steps will help prevent your skin from cracking. Cracking leads to open skin which is more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infection than healthy skin. you should use antibiotic cream on all cuts and abrasions on your feet to help them stay clean and heal faster.

If you think you are beginning to develop a fungal infection of the skin or nails of your feet please don't hesitate to contact your podiatrist. We have a number of treatment options and the sooner we start your treatment, the higher your chances of success and the less time it will take to return your skin or nails to normal. Also, try FungaSoap, a product from our online store. FungaSoap is specially formulated to help kill fungus. Using it before fungi have the chance to take hold will help prevent infections from even starting. Visit http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=504 to learn more or order this product.

Secret to Beautiful Feet

Are you looking for ways to improve the look of your feet this summer? Perhaps you want your feet to look their best during trips to the beach or pool, or when you're out in sandals. Then try the Gilden Tree Terra Cotta 2-Sided Footscrubber and Callus Remover to improve the look of your feet. We recommend soaking your feet for 10-20 minutes in warm (but not hot, as this dries out your skin) water. You can add salts or soaking crystals to your foot soak. Then use the terra cotta scrubber to work away unsightly calluses and corns. Not only till this improve the look of your skin, but it helps prevent your calluses from cracking, which leaves you susceptible to bacterial and fungal infection.

This amazing Two-sided Footscrubber® leaves feet incredibly soft, smooth and touchable. Use the Footscrubber® to cleanse, exfoliate and polish feet. Used regularly, it helps remove calluses, and reduces dry, cracked heels. They are made by a women's cottage industry in Pakistan, and it's so effective that Seventeen Magazine called it "the Arnold Schwarzenegger of pumice stones." It can even be heated or chilled before use. A portion of each sale is used to help educate children in Pakistan.

We recommend that you follow your treatment with a moisturizer. This will help improve the health and look of your skin, and the warm water soak will help open up your pores to absorb more of the moisturizer.

Visit our online store at http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=632&DEPARTMENT_ID=54 for more on this product or to order.

Eccentric Exercise for Plantar Fasciitis

Directions:
1. Standing on an elevated surface or a slant board, bend the left knee so that it is parallel to the floor. This knee should be bent and flexed. Drop the heel down on the right leg. Raise the right heel to neutral and then drop down. Repeat for opposite extremity. Do this with the knee extended and flexed as shown in photos.
2. This exercise should be done to 'fatigue' but not create increased pain. Gradually add weight to a backpack in .5 lb increments every 4 days as your strength and pain endurance increases.
3. It is very important to add weight slowly as it can make the difference between having success or failure.
4. Do three sets of fifteen reps two times per day for twelve weeks
5. It is very important to keep a daily log book including the number of repetitions, the amount of weight used and a pain score.