Frozen Toes

Cold feet are certainly uncomfortable- whether they're your own or your mate's bumping your leg in the night. Brr! If you've ever allowed your feet to get really cold, you know that it can feel like they'll never be warm again.

But what about feet that feel cold even when the air temperature is a comfortable 74 degrees F? Cold feet aren't necessarily a concern, but they can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease. That's why persistently cold feet should be examine by a qualified podiatrist.

Often, cold feet are a sign of poor circulation. When circulation is adequate, the arterial blood supply to the feet keeps them warm and comfortable. However, when circulation is compromised, feet may feel colder. When this is the case, the feet should be kept warm using natural fiber socks and leather footwear that holds heat in. Because poor circulation, like diabetes, can interfere with healing properties, care should be taken to protect feet from cuts or hot spots that can lead to sores or infections.

Cold feet may also be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by loss of sensation in the feet, and is often a sign of diabetes. Other problems for which cold feet may be a symptom include heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and Raynaud's disease.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your feet copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Ouch! Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures result when the ankle is forced inward or outward past its normal range of motion. Fractures result from the same causes as sprains. This can occur when a jumping or running athlete lands on an uneven surface. It may also occur when the foot is firmly planted and the body gets twisted. Equipment and surface conditions may also play a role. Sports most commonly associated with ankle fractures include: Basketball, Football, Baseball and Soccer. An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these signs and symptoms:
Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by your surgeon.
Bruising, which develops soon after the injury.
Inability to walk—however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether a bone has been fractured.
Change in the appearance of the ankle so that it differs from the other ankle.
Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed! Fractures that pierce the skin require urgent attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.
How to prevent ankle fractures
Taping, bracing, and high top shoes may help prevent some ankle fractures. Maintaining excellent ankle muscle strength and balance, and wearing the Proper footwear when participating in sports also may reduce your risk.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Gifts for the Foot Lover

If you're having trouble thinking of the perfect gift for that special someone in your life or that person you just never know what to buy them, what better way to show that you care than to purchase an item that is dedicated to their foot and ankle health? There are many products on the market for pedicures, foot health, keeping your tootsies warm, and more! Check out a couple of our favorites!

• Sole Savior’s SOS Safe Salon Pedicure Kit – Give this great kit to any pedicure enthusiast and you’ll ensure their comfort and their safety as well. http://www.solesavior.com/
• Heaven4Toes’ Products – Make every step a walk in the clouds and enjoy your favorite activities in divine comfort. http://www.heaven4toes.com/
• Injinji Footwear, Inc.’s Performance Series Tetratsok – For the athlete on your list, these socks protect, prevent blisters, and out-perform any ordinary tube closed sport sock. http://www.injinji.com/
• See Kai Run’s toddler footwear – For baby gifts, these little shoes can’t be beat. They come in hip, urban styles and modern color palettes. http://www.seekairun.com/
• FitFlops – For vacation or those living in warmer climates, these flip flops are all the rage this year. Get them before they disappear. http://www.thefitflop.com/

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!
http://www.centralctfootcare.com

November is Diabetes Month

With Thanksgiving just a week away, it is tempting to think of all the tasty treats that the holiday offers. However, if you are a diabetic, a holiday without pies, cookies, and cakes is not nearly as fun. As well as hosting one of America's most popular holidays, November also marks National Diabetes Month.
People with diabetes also need to check their feet on a daily basis. Small problems, if left untreated, can turn into big problems that require major medical interventions. To prevent this, it’s a good idea for diabetics to get regular check—ups at our office.
If you have diabetes and feel leg pain at night, or after exercising or walking, that could indicate a blocked artery. Get medical attention right away.
To protect your feet, wear socks that aren’t tight or constricting. Always wear shoes or slippers, and shake them out before you put them on. People with diabetes may have nerve damage and may not be able to feel sharp objects, which could cut them. Because diabetes causes poor circulation, it reduces the body’s ability to heal from even a tiny cut.
You can also support a family member who has diabetes by encouraging them to do the following check, or offering to help them:
· Inspect diabetic feet daily for cuts, redness, and drainage. Watch to see if toe nails have become deformed, discolored, or are not growing.
· Look for toes which appear pink, red, or purplish, which may be a sign of poor circulation.
· Notice any corns or calluses caused by shoe friction, but don’t trim these due to the risk of injury or infection. Make an appointment with our office instead.
Call our office if you notice any signs of trouble, and, if you have diabetes, remember to keep a healthy eating plan in mind when you smell that pumpkin pie.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist
http://www.centralctfootcare.com

Welcome to our blog!

Central Connecticut Foot Care Center, LLC is located at 440 West Main Street in Meriden, CT. Owned by Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM, CCFC treats people of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Dr. Boucher was born and raised on the west side of Meriden, CT and was a Platt High School graduate. She returned to her hometown after being away for many years to open her own podiatry practice.

Where can you turn when your feet hurt? If like many people, you are afraid to visit the doctor, we can assure you that your deepest fears are usually unfounded. Dr. Boucher goes through all conservative treatment options before deciding on surgery. From ingrown toe nails, to bunions, to heel pain, and diabetic foot care, CCFC can treat all of your foot and ankle ailments. Visit our website, http://www.centralctfootcare.com/ for a complete list and description of everything that is treated.

Worried your insurance won't cover the treatment done by Dr. Boucher? Dr. Boucher takes most insurance plans, but if you are concerned that yours may not be accepted, please call our office at 203-238-FOOT (3668) to see if your plan is covered.

Dr. Boucher and members of her staff speak French and Spanish and same day appointments can be made. New patient forms can be found at our website to be filled out prior to your first visit.

Do not be afraid to make that phone call to make an appointment. We will do everything we can to ensure that your visit is comfortable, convenient, and help solve your medical problem.