Archive for February, 2012

Is Foot Pain Linked to Obesity?

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Is foot pain making you fat? Well, it actually could be.

According to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 72% of Americans say they do not exercise because of their foot pain. The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, 18 years of age and older.

It is probably not far fetched to draw a connection between the frequency of foot pain in Americans and the soaring rates of US obesity as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.

Other Findings

•      Americans view their feet as the least important body part in terms of their health and well-being.

•      Feet were the number one body part to experience pain, even more so than the teeth or skin. 

The survey results support the launch of the Today’s Podiatrist campaign, which increases awareness about the specialized medical training and unique qualifications a podiatrist has in treating the foot and ankle.

Foot pain contributes to several health issues. Signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders can all be detected in the feet. That is why it is important to seek podiatric care immediately if any problems arise.

“Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons and specialists who treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the foot and ankle,” said APMA president Kathleen Stone, DPM. “We should be part of everyone’s health-care team, but it is especially important for those experiencing regular foot pain to seek care from a podiatrist.”

If you have any questions about Foot Pain or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Laser Treatments NOW FDA APPROVED!

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

The Q-Clear Laser, which is essentially two lasers in one, was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for use in general and plastic surgery, dermatology, and podiatry, for the incision, excision, and vaporization of soft tissues. In the field of podiatry, this means the Q-Clear Laser is approved for the following uses:

  • Matrixectomy: The process of surgically, chemically, or electrically destroying all or part of the base nail portion called the nail matrix.
  • Removal of Warts: Including periungal, subungal, and plantar warts.
  • Treatment of Foot Fungus.
  • Radical Nail Excision: A simple method of treatment for Ingrowing toenails by radical excision of the affected nailfold.
  • Neuromas: A painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
  • And More!

The Q-Clear Laser can provide superior effect with exceptional patient comfort.

If you have any questions about We Treat Feet’s use of the Q-Clear Laser or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Q-Clear Laser

We Treat Feet in the Community: Partnering with Health Care for the Homeless

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

We Treat Feet has recently partnered with Health Care for the Homeless (HCH), an organization dedicated to providing health-related services, education, and advocacy to reduce the incidence and burdens of homelessness.

Established in Baltimore in 1985, HCH has grown to become a nationally recognized model for the delivery of care to underserved populations.

HCH is Maryland’s leading provider of comprehensive health-related services – pediatric, adult, and geriatric medical care, mental health services, social work and case management, addiction treatment, dental care, podiatric care, and HIV services – for adults and children experiencing homelessness. HCH ensures similar services statewide through grants and technical assistance to partner agencies in the City of Frederick and Montgomery, Harford, and Baltimore Counties.

With strong public and private support, HCH is guided by a vision of a future without homelessness in which all Marylanders have access to comprehensive health care, affordable housing, and livable incomes.

We at We Treat Feet would like to encourage you to make an Online Gift. And even if you can’t give a lot, remember, every little bit helps. If you have any questions about We Treat Feet’s involvement with HCH or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Health Care for the Homeless Inc.

What is Causing my Heel Pain?

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Your heel pain may be caused by any number of different conditions, including tendinitis, stress fractures, neuritis, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and fat pad thinning. However, the number one cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused, making it painful to walk.

Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors

•      Obesity or sudden weight gain

•      Foot arch problems, like flat feet and high arches

•      Long-distance running

•      Tight Achilles tendon

•      Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

•      Walking barefoot

•      Walking on hard surfaces without proper support

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

•      Pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel

•     Tenderness on the bottom of your foot

•     Flat feet or high arches

•     Foot swelling

•     Redness

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Once your podiatrist examines your feet and determines the cause of your pain, you may be treated immediately with options such as custom orthotics, steroid injections, prescription medications, physical therapy, and immobilization. Depending on your response to treatment, your pain may require more advanced treatments or surgery. Talk to your podiatrist about what avenue of treatment is best for you.

Please contact We Treat Feet if you think you may have a heel disorder.

If you have any questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Plantar Fasciitis