If email not displaying correctly? View online version.


In this Issue:

  • Bunions: What are They and What to Do About Them
  • Why are My Nails Discolored ?
  • What is the Best Shoe?





Bunions: What are They and What to Do About Them

    Bunions are bumps of bone that can be present not only on the first toe joint but also the last. The excess bone sometimes forms on the sides and sometimes the top of the joint.

    You may or may not experience pain with the bump. When pain is present it can be from the stretching of the joint tissues (capsule) and/or the actual rubbing of bone upon bone.

    Bunions are a form of arthritis and do well with treatments designed to realign the joint and remove pressure from the bumps. Other problems may also be present that contribute to the bunions. This may include a “flat foot” which worsens the stretch occurring at the great toe joint.

    When a bunion forms, over time it may worsen and cause other toes to rotate or contract leading to bent or overlapping toes (hammertoes). This pain can be worsened depending upon the shoes that are worn.



January 2012 www.PodiatryandWoundCare.com Page 1


 


Visit our website for detailed information through our library about bunions and other contributing problems at www.podiatryandwoundcare.com.



Call us for an appointment to discuss options for care of your bunions as many options are available!

 

        Treatment is determined based upon reducing the stress across the joint. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen give temporary relief to the pain but will not resolve the problem.

        The most common surgeries allow you to walk right after surgery and get back into a shoe as soon as three weeks. Your doctor may send you for physical therapy to quicken your recovery.

        The sooner you are checked for your bunion, the better your chances to minimize your problems!






1-877-889-6863


    •   Palmerton

    •   Hazleton

    •   Wilkes-Barre

    •   Pottsville


Why are My Nails Discolored?

  If the appearance of your toenails make you want to keep them stuck in the sand , than you are among the estimated 8% of adults who feel the same way.

  The discoloration, thickening and crumbling of toenails is often brought about by a fungal infection of the toenails. Trauma to the toenails can cause similar symptoms but the thickness is often a sure sign of fungus.
 

Celebrity feet have bunions too!

Can you guess who suffers from this bunion?

She gained her posh life singing with her spicy friends.

Her bunion is likely progressing from her love of wearing narrow high heels. Looking at her feet, a surgery as shown above could help set her straight.

Answer on page 4



  
 
January 2012 www.PodiatryandWoundCare.com Page 2


 

Treatment of the discolored nail depends upon the cause. A nail sample can be taken and tested for the presence of fungus as certain condition can look like fungus but are not. Fungal nails may respond to topical antifungal medication if the nails are still thin. A thick nail may respond to oral antifungal medication or laser treatment to resolve the fungus. Nail restoration procedures such as Keryflex can make the nail look beautiful and free of discoloration.



What is the Best Shoe?

Believe it or not it may not be a flat shoe!

Your feet are unique to you and everyone has to evaluate what their problem parts are.

A flat foot is often doomed in a flat shoe as it stresses the arch further. This foot needs a lift which is often helped in a sneaker with an arch like a running shoe. This foot type can get away with a flip-flop if it has an arch in it.

If you have hammertoes, be sure to look at shoes that have some height at the toe box area. A rounded toe box or one that has flexible or no fabric also helps prevent pressure to the toes.

A high arch foot needs cushion because it absorbs the shock of walking poorly. Again, a running sneaker is very good but may press upon the top of the foot. A shoe for this foot type also needs to be flexible at the top of the foot or pressure to the nerves may cause numbness to develop.

Ultimately, be sure to give your toes the room they deserve. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily. An everyday shoe that is older than 6 months may need to be tossed out as it may no longer have the support it once did. Varying your shoes frequently also prevents fatigue to the foot.



 







January 2012 www.PodiatryandWoundCare.com Page 3


 

Sometimes an orthotic may be needed to create your best pair of shoes. This device helps to bring the surface to your foot and can help relieve pain from your feet to your back.


          Call us to make an appointment to help keep your feet healthy and you happy!


1-877-889-6863


 


February 2012 Featured Topics:

How to Avoid a Winter Break

The Unloved Hammertoe Transformed

How a Light Could Save Your Life






January 2012 www.PodiatryandWoundCare.com Page 4


Mailing List
 
Unsubscribe From
Our Mailing List
Please Click Here
Sign up for
Newsletter
Please Click Here
Forward to
Friend
Please Click Here
Comment on
Newsletter
Please Click Here

Thanks for reading!