Diabetes and Foot care
Posted on 28. Nov, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Blog
Diabetes & Foot Care:
Must Know Tips:
When it comes to diabetes, foot care is a priority.The American Diabetes Association explains that by inspecting your feet daily and taking appropriate precautions, you can reduce risk of complications. With over 80,000 limb amputations a year, that should be an incentive to make foot care a priority. Follow these tips for proper diabetic foot care:
1. Control your blood sugar to lessen your chance of foot complications:A study by the Diabetic Control Complications Trial has shown that strict control of blood sugars will decrease the risk of foot complications. Increased blood sugar levels lead to higher risk of infections and other complications for patients with diabetes.
2. Have your shoes fitted by a foot care specialist: Make sure the shoes feel comfortable at the time of purchase. Trained specialists can help you find the proper shoe for your needs, especially if you have numbness in your feet. There are approved providers for Medicare’s Therapeutic Shoe Bill, and eligible clients can receive diabetic appropriate shoes and insoles. Properly fitted shoes may help reduce pain and prevent future problems. Ask your podiatrist if you are a candidate for diabetic shoes. Once you receive your shoes, follow your doctors instructions on the break-in period and check your feet for any changes such as redness which may be an indication of a pressure point from the shoes.
3. Do not walk barefoot: (use a shoe or slipper Even at home)
Diabetes affects the neurologic system, you may experience loss of sensation in your feet (referred to as peripheral neuropathy). If you have diabetes, you should not walk barefoot because it can lead to injuries such as stepping on sharp objects without realizing that you have. As a result, this could lead to a wound, infection(local or systemic), trauma, and ultimately an amputation.Diabetics may also have poor wound healing potential. Vascular system may be affected in diabetic patients; microvascular system usually being the first system to be affected. Therefore having palpable pedal pulses is a good sign but it does not mean that the wound would heal without complications. There are many factors that affect wound healing in diabetics. I will address wound healing in a seperate topic of discussion.
4. Inspect your feet daily:checking your feet every evening before bedtime is a simple way to see changes or new injuries to your feet. You want to check for things that weren’t there the day before: redness, bleeding, sores, etc. If you have trouble picking your feet up to see the bottom, try a using mirrored scale, allowing you to see the underside of your foot. Wear white socks and inspect your socks once you take them off; you may notice fluid (yellow/blood stained) which may be a sign of an open wound.
This way if you notice a problem, you will know it is no more than 24 hours old and you can call your podiatrist immediately.
Decreasing lower limb amputations
Posted on 26. Nov, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Blog
Research Results Presented at APMA’s 98th Annual Scientific Meeting
Bethesda, MD – Essential foot care by a podiatrist has now been statistically proven to reduce hospitalization and amputation in adults with diabetes, according to a first of its kind study conducted by Thomson Reuters. The study was presented by Vickie R. Driver, MS, DPM, during the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) 98th Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle, July 15-18, 2010. The presentation highlighted the dramatic impact that even a single visit to a podiatrist can have on patients with diabetes.
The study, which was sponsored by APMA, examined records for more than 32,000 patients with diabetes, ages 18-64, and compared health and risk factors for those who had podiatry visits to those who did not. Researchers found that care by a podiatric physician (defined as at least one preventative, pre-ulcer visit) was associated with a nearly 29 percent lower risk of amputation and 24 percent lower risk of hospitalization. Diabetic foot complications are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in the U.S.
“The results of this study undeniably support visits to a podiatrist being critical to a diabetes patient’s health and well being,” said APMA member Dr. Driver. “No longer can care by a podiatrist be considered optional for those with diabetes, and the earlier a podiatrist is included in the diabetes management team, the better quality of life for the patient and greater health-care cost savings for all involved. This study clearly allows us to understand both the clinical and economic value of a podiatrist, in the team approach to saving diabetic patients’ feet.”
The study was conducted using Thomson Reuters’ MarketScan Research Databases, which house fully integrated, de-identified health-care claims data extensively used by researchers to understand health economics and outcomes. Studies based on MarketScan data have been published in more than 130 peer-reviewed articles in the past five years.
Lead researcher Teresa Gibson, PhD, director of health outcomes research at Thomson Reuters said, “Using the MarketScan Databases, we statistically matched patients with diabetes and foot ulcers who had visited a podiatrist with like patients who had not. The analysis of the data indicates that patients who had seen a podiatrist in the year prior to the onset of a foot ulcer had significantly lower rates of any amputation and hospitalization than those who had not.”
For additional information on the study, visit www.apma.org/diabetesstudy.
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation’s leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.
Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Thomson Reuters combines industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted on 07. Aug, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Blog, Internal Medicine
This chronic inflammation of the joints is most often felt in the feet, ankles, hands wrists, knees and elbows. Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Learn more. With better fitting, more comfortable shoes and/or orthotics you may better live with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Testimonials
“After visiting my orthopedic doctor who said I needed surgery for my arthritis toe joints, I was down in the dumps! I had to find another “solution” to my problem- I heard the ad on radio, and come to the nearest Foot Solution store in West Bloomfield. There I was taken care of by knowledgeable people with a personal and caring way about them. I trusted their judgment- bought a pair of MBT’s and I’m loving them! They have helped my toes and also the way I feel. Jim showed me how to “walk” in the MBT. I have referred many people, who have asked me about my shoes at work, to go to Foot Solutions.”
Thanks Foot Solutions!!
-Pauline H., West Bloomfield, IN
“I never write “fan letters”, but, for the Chung Shi Shoes you sold me last fall — I will make an exception. I have flatfeet, with some arthritis. I wear custom orthotics but could never find comfortable shoes. I looked constantly for good shoes and spent a lot of money on different types of shoes. Now I will only wear Chung Shi Shoes. I prefer the comfort 15 degree shoes. I can now walk without pain. A side benefit is that my knees no long hurt. When I first put them on, it felt so weird. I thought I was going to fall over, but after 30 minutes walking in your store,—– sweet beautiful pain-free walking. I will be coming to the coast in May and before I come, I will call you to make sure you have my size in stock. I am now a dedicated customer. Again thank you.”
– Adele Haines-Pasco
“Hi everyone, today I went downtown Victoria and happened to be by a shoe store that they have been advertising. Arthritis shoe heaven! It is called Foot Solutions and had things like shoes for orthotics, sandals that fit orthotics and they will specially adjust your orthotics to the shoe, really wide toe boxes but narrow heels, shoes with extra depth deerskin inside, and fairly nice looking dress pumps which fit bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis feet with orthotics. It was like dying and going to heaven! The shoes I liked are guaranteed to fit perfectly. He said to come in when I had about an hour to spare and they would find shoes to fit that looked good. Some of the shoes were from New Zealand, Germany etc. He said no break-in period, minor adjustments done on site to assure right shoes and fit and 100% satisfaction with the shoes so long as they have not been worn i.e. outside. You can take them home and try them at different times of the day. They had slippers that would have fit me, which your orthotics fit into when my feet were balloons and no one (even the other specialty med place) would even look at.”
-Kelly, Victoria, BC
A Fashionista’s Solution for High Heel Pain
Posted on 07. Aug, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Blog, Shoes
Women…we love our high heels, pain or no pain. Stilettos and other wonderfully beautiful high heels can cause major (and sometimes long-term) damage to your fee
t, possibly keeping you from wearing heels ever again. So let’s put a stop to it before it starts!
I just read a wonderful article from MyGloss.com every woman should familiarize herself with: How To Curb High Heel Pain. Author Aly Walansky gives great tips any fashionista will love. My favorite tip from the article? Invest in good heels… yep- shoe shop ’til your heart (or feet) are content!
No more excuses, ladies- get out there and find heels that are good for your feet! They do exist (visit one of our stores to see) and your feet will thank you by staying healthy.
We want to hear from you… what’s your secret for curbing high heel pain? Source
Preventing athletic injuries
Posted on 24. May, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Sports medicine
- Proper nutrition: increased need for water, sports drinks, nutritious meals. Prevent dehydration.
- Attire: in warm weather use light loose-fitting clothing; in cold weather use layer of clothing to conserve body heat. (prevent hypothermia and dehydration).
- proper technique of the activity performed to reduce injury. Integrate adequate rest and recovery periods. Increase activity level gradually to allow adaptation to stress on the muscle groups.
- Strengthening exercises: prevent body fatigue, alternate days to allow sufficient muscle recovery. It improves musculoskeletal function, maintains stability to protects joints from injury.
- stretching exercises are important in enhancing joint flexibility and resistance against stress. Maintains joint and muscle flexibility. Proper stretching is done pre and post exercise, is eased into; held for approximately 30 seconds and released. It should not be painful. Avoid bouncing ( it causes reflexive muscle contracture and strain injury. Stretch all muscle groups expected to be used during the sports activity intended.
- Warm up: the body’s core temperature is gradually increased, prepares muscles for the increased demands and increases muscle elasticity.
- 5-10 minutes of cool down activity allows heart rate to return gradually to pre-exercise rate.
- remember a competitive athlete is a well coached and informed athlete with regular exercise program. Be attuned to body signals.
- Proper shoe gear and biomechanical control (topic will be addressed soon)
- Finally a few words on running:
Downhill running stresses the knees, anterior compartments of the legs, quadriceps and the heels.
Uphill running stresses the low back, Achilles tendons and hamstrings.
Best surfaces to run on are compacted dirt and synthetic track and worst surfaces are those that can not dissipate shock such as concrete. Banked surfaces produce a functional limb length discrepancy; so alternate direction of laps (clockwise and counter clock wise directions every couple of laps). Conditions such as ankle instability deserve special attention specially when running on uneven grounds.
The Solution for Heel Pain
Posted on 07. Apr, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Foot Care
Heel pain is a common foot problem that can be caused by abnormal sprains and strains of the plantar tissue of the foot (which runs along the bottom of the feet) or by a bony prominence on the heel. The most common symptom is pain the heel when applying pressure or when walking; even upon rising from bed. Conservative treatments consist of padding of the heel, steroid injections to the inflamed area, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and orthotics. However, if conservative therapy does not relieve your pain, there is a NEW surgical treatment that Dr. Amiri and Dr. Collis have successfully used to treat many patients. This new surgical treatment is called ENDOSCOPIC PLANTAR FASCIATOMY. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Two tiny ½ inch incisions are make on either sides of your heel, and endoscope video camera is used to visualize the plantar fascia (tissue), which is the source of the heel pain. The tissue is partially severed to relieve tightness and tension to YOUR HEEL THEREBY RELIEVING THE PAIN. Only one suture is used to close the incision site. Patients are walking immediately after surgery and often back to shoes within one week. Call our center for more information. There is a short video, which can be viewed on this very successful pain relieving procedure. Our friendly staff will be glad to help you with any questions you may have. 1-800-FOOT911
When Stretching, Take It Easy, Don’t Simply Let ‘er Rip
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Health
For those of us who consider stretching a necessary evil, the recent finding by federal researchers that the practice falls short of preventing sports injuries was a welcome, albeit temporary, reprieve. Tugging on tight muscles can eat up tremendous amounts of time. It’s painstakingly boring. And though Bikram, or “heated” yoga, instructors like to promise that even steel melts if you get it hot enough, stretching never seems to get easier for chronically inelastic bodies. The study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that stretchers were no more or less likely to suffer injuries such as pulled muscles. The injuries that researchers looked at typically struck within a muscle’s normal range of motion, meaning that stretching would not have made a difference, according to the research published last month in an American College of Sports Medicine journal. The authors also concluded that there isn’t sufficient evidence to endorse or discourage stretching to prevent injury. Further research is “urgently” needed to determine the proper role of stretching in sports for competitive athletes and weekend warriors, they said. Forget sports. We need stretching in daily life, especially those of us trapped in front of computer monitors and then stuck in cars during rush hour. Like many of these studies, the research was not designed to address the value of a limber, pliant person. Stretching, now so fashionable it has spawned “How To” guides for Complete Idiots and Dummies, improves flexibility, which increases the range of motion, and is recommended by the National Institutes of Health and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Health practitioners laud its ability to get the blood circulating, get the chi flowing and improve balance and posture. Some physical therapists call stretching the best anti-aging medicine around. The ongoing debate is not over whether we should stretch but how, when and for how long. Most people forget to breathe or target specific muscles such as hamstrings or quadriceps rather than the whole body, and they exacerbate injuries by yanking on already strained ligaments. Often, stretching is a rushed, 5- to 15-minute ordeal. Although that might be fine if you’re working out creaks at the copying machine, it isn’t the best approach in conjunction with exercise, said Miranda Esmonde-White, the creator of the “Classical Stretch” video series. “I don’t call that stretching,” said Esmonde-White, who has programs for everyone, including Olympic-caliber athletes, back pain sufferers and breast cancer survivors who want to regain pre-surgical range of motion. “That’s warming up or cooling down after a workout.” Esmonde-White’s integrated approach is time-consuming but effective and a workout in its own right. She targets the entire body by combining dance, yoga, pilates and tai chi. She also utilizes a system called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF. Essentially, PNF combines passive stretching with isometric stretching and involves contracting a muscle, relaxing and releasing it. “You can’t just stretch one part of your body,” she said. “The whole thing is linked.” I didn’t figure that out until I tried yoga, a comprehensive system of stretching and strengthening using physical poses and the breath. Once I finally learned how to stretch my hips and other hard-to-reach areas, sitting at a desk all day became a breeze. But yoga can be deceptively dangerous for the inexperienced and overzealous. Convinced that a strained hamstring just needed to “let go,” I stretched my injured leg as much as possible. A year later, not surprisingly, I was still hurt. But yoga, done wisely, works well. So does NIA, or neuromuscular integrative action. The 20-year-old method, which is popping up in health clubs, is a little more upbeat than yoga. The choreographed routine, set to music, mixes jazz dance, aerobics, martial arts, yoga and other movements. Then there are Esmonde-White’s DVDs, which I’ve grown to love because the former Canadian ballerina takes stretching far more seriously than she takes herself. When a cat wanders onto the set or she slips on beach sand, she simply laughs and keeps going. But when it comes to stretching, she’s clearly on a crusade. Her system, she believes, is the answer to injury prevention. The CDC research “only helps the cause of `let’s do it right,’” said Esmonde-White. “The benefits of correct stretching and freeing every joint are overwhelming.”
Spotlight: Parkinson’s Disease
Posted on 05. Apr, 2010 by Mariam Amiri in Health
British scientists said Thursday they have identified a gene which causes some cases of Parkinson’s Disease. The researchers, from London’s Institute of Neurology, said the findings could open up new avenues of research into other genetic factors that can predispose people to develop the disease, BBC News Online reported. Parkinson’s is a degenerative, neurological condition which has no cure. It is not usually a genetic condition, but there are some cases where it does run in families. The researchers studied three families from Italy and Spain with several members suffering from the disease. When they analyzed the families’ DNA, they found mutations in a gene called PINK, which provides coded instructions for a protein that affects chemical reactions within cells. They said they hope the finding might lead to research into other genetic factors that affect the chances of developing Parkinson’s.