TODAY’S PODIATRIST

 

An astounding 81 percent of obese Americans say they suffer from foot pain and at times experience multiple foot and ankle conditions, according to a recent survey by our organization. An additional 60 percent of obese Americans said that foot pain restricts their regular activity.

Luckily, today’s podiatrists have specialized medical training and unique qualifications in treating the foot and ankle.

Learn more about how today’s podiatrist can help treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions. Whether it is heel pain, fungus, or a full ankle reconstruction, today’s podiatrist can do it all.

It is important to note that foot pain is never normal and will not go away on its own. Make an appointment with a podiatrist near you and get moving again.

 

Diabetes Awareness

 

Today’s Podiatrist is a critical part of your diabetes care team.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on your feet, so seeing a podiatrist at least once a year is an important part of managing your condition and preventing complications. If you do experience a problem with your feet, your podiatrist is the best-qualified physician to treat it.

When you add a podiatrist to your health-care team, he or she can provide you with important information so you’re better able to manage the effects of diabetes on your feet. Whether you’ve been diagnosed recently or have been fighting the disease for years, the resources below will help you to monitor your feet and prevent complications.

Patients

  • An Overview: What is diabetes? What is peripheral arterial disease? What is peripheral neuropathy? What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
  • How Diabetes Affects Your Health: Watch this short video to learn how diabetes can affect your overall health.
  • Diabetes Footwear and Products: View our podiatrist-approved products for managing and treating diabetes.
  • Outsmarting Diabetes: Take a look at this suite of videos that highlights how today’s podiatrists are developing and using smart medicine to help their patients with diabetes.

 

See original article https://www.apma.org/patients/content.cfm?ItemNumber=18807&navItemNumber=24201

Pedicure Pointers

Spring is finally here, which means pedicure season for women!

Follow these podiatrist verified dos and don’ts before heading to the nail salon to keep your feet looking and feeling fabulous.

Dos

  • If you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation in your feet, consult your podiatrist about a customized pedicure for optimal health.
  • Salon foot baths are usually cleanest earlier in the day, so try to schedule your pedicure in the morning. If this option isn’t feasible, make sure the salon filters and cleans the foot baths between clients.
  • If the salon does not practice proper sterilizing techniques for their instruments, bacteria can easily move from the last client to you. If possible, it is best to bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon.
  • Eliminating dead skin build up, known as calluses, on the heel, ball, and sides of the feet can be tricky. Start by soaking your feet in warm water for five minutes. Then use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub to gently smooth rough patches.
  • Manicure scissors and fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails due to their small, curved shape. When trimming nails, it is best to use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure the toenail is cut straight across.
  • If you want to smooth the edges of your nail, use an emery board to lightly file in one direction without using too much pressure.
  • Keep your nails clean by gently running a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails. This will help remove dirt and build-up you may or may not see.
  • Keep your soles soft by regularly applying emollient-enriched moisturizer.
  • Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
  • Always remove nail polish with non-acetone nail polish remover.

Don’ts

  • As embarrassing as it may be, resist the urge to shave your legs before a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.
  • Never use the same tools for a manicure and a pedicure because bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.
  • Never use a foot razor to remove dead skin because it can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly. If too much skin is removed, you can easily get an infection.
  • Never round the edges of your toenails because this increases risk of ingrown nails.
  • Don’t share nail files with friends because they are extremely porous, easily trapping germs, and are unable to be sterilized. If you are not positive that your nail salon uses a new nail file with each client, be sure to bring your own.
  • Don’t use sharp tools to clean under nails because even a small puncture can lead to infection.
  • Leaving behind any moisture between your toes can promote the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal infection.
  • Cuticles serve as a barrier against bacteria, so never cut them. Doing so increases the risk of infection.
  • Don’t apply nail polish over thick and discolored toenails because this could be a sign of a fungal infection. Nail polish locks out moisture and does not allow the nail bed to breathe.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to call our office at 254-300-7703.

If you believe you might have an ingrown toenail or an infection, please call our office to schedule an appointment with our doctor.

 

Hurt Runner

Ankle Implant

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We are proud to announce that Highlands Foot & Ankle is now using ankle implants (pictured left).

Nearly 6.5 million Americans suffer from ankle arthritis.

Arthritis is the inflammation & swelling of the cartilage & lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. The damaged cartilage causes the bones to grind on each other with movement. Arthritis can negatively affect the structure and function of the feet.


What is an Ankle Implant?

An ankle replacement is a surgical procedure where a prosthetic replaces the damaged cartilage and bone of the ankle. At Highlands Foot & Ankle, we use a device composed of titanium and cobalt chrome metals with a layer of polyethylene in between to prevent friction within the joint. The goal of the ankle implant is to reduce pain and maintain motion of the ankle.


When is an Ankle Implant Used?

The ankle implant is a fast growing option for patients enduring chronic ankle arthritis pain. This is a better alternative to an ankle fusion, where ankle motion is more limited. Surgery can become an option after non-surgical treatments fail to improve arthritis.

Surgical Procedure

  • Surgery generally takes 2-3 hours to complete. You may be required to remain at the hospital for 1-3 days post-surgery.
  • Two incisions will be made, one on the front & one on the top of the ankle.
  • Worn cartilage will be removed to make room for the implant.
  • The ankle implant will then be inserted into the joint.

Am I a Candidate?

The doctors at Highlands Foot & Ankle will determine if you are a candidate for an ankle implant. A few things doctors will consider are:

  • Patient is healthy & non-diabetic.
  • Patient exhibits painful ankle arthritis & has failed to improve with treatment.
  • Patient displays adequate ankle skin coverage.
  • Patient has full muscle control of the foot & ankle.

How is Recovery?

Most patients can return to normal daily activities within two weeks. Full recovery can take up to several months. Physical therapy is a requirement to achieve full recovery.

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If you have any questions please feel free to schedule a consultation.