Tips for Beach Feet

If you are planning on going to the beach this summer and walking around barefoot, follow these tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

1. Puncture Wounds and Cuts.

Wear protective shoes so your foot does not get cut by broken glass, sea shells, and other sharp objects that may be on the beach. If you do get a cut, do not go into the water, as bacteria already present in lakes and oceans can cause infections. A serious puncture wound on the foot should be treated by a podiatrist within twenty-four hours of occurrence.

2. Jellyfish Stings

Even if the jellyfish has washed ashore it can still sting you if you get too close. If tenacles stick to your foot or ankle, remove them, taking caution not to sting your hands as well. Jellyfish stings can be treated with vinegar, meat tenderizer, or baking soda to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Sunscreen

Skin cancer can appear on the foot and ankle like any part of your body. Take precautions and apply sunscreen to your feet and ankles on the top and bottom.

4. Burns

Hot pavement, concrete, or asphalt can cause severe burns on the bottom of your foot. Remember to wear protective shoes when you are walking on all kinds of surfaces.

5. Ankle Injuries, Arch and Heel Pain

While playing a game of beach volleyball or running on the sand, you can accidentally twist your ankle. Performing athletics on uneven surfaces can cause arch and heel pain , especially if you are wearing flimsy flip-flops or sandals. If you injury yourself, remember to RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

6. Diabetic Risks

People with diabetes shoul be especially careful since they often do not feel when they get a cut or if something is lodged in their foot. If you have diabetes, never go to the beach without protective shoes and if you take them off, have someone check for foreign objects.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM

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

Capsulitis and Your Foot

In our second toe, there are ligaments that surround the joints at the base of the toe, forming what are called capsules. Capsulitis is an inflammation of these capsules. While capsulitis can affect your third or fourth toes, it most commonly affects the second toe. Capsulitis can also be known as predislocation syndrome, due to the fact that if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to a weakening of surrounding ligaments and cause a dislocation of the toe.
Capsulitis in your foot is thought to be caused by abnormal foot mechanics, especially when the ball of the foot takes a great deal of weight-bearing pressure. Other conditions may predispose you to capsulitis, including bunion deformities, your second toe being longer than your big toe, an unstable arch of your foot, or a tight calf muscle.
Capsulitis is a degenerative disease and therefore should be treated as soon as you notice the condition. Symptoms in the early stages may include:
1. Pain in the ball of your foot, almost like there is a bunched up sock .
2. Swelling in the area.
3. Difficulty wearing or putting on your normal shoes.
4. Pain when in barefeet.
In more advanced cases, the affected toe may start to drift over to the big toe and cross over.
This condition may often be confused with Morton's Neuroma, which has similar symptoms, so it is crucial that you get an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. Your podiatrist will manipulate the affected area to produce symptoms and X-rays will be ordered.
Will you need surgery? Not if it is caught in the early stages before it crosses over. Once it has crossed over, the toe will never go back to its original place and will need to be surgically corrected. Things that can be done prior to that are:
1. Rest and Ice.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen.
3. Taping and splinting.
4. Stretching.
5. Shoe modifications.
6. Orthotic devices.
Always contact your podiatrist first when you think you have capsulitis in your foot!
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Meriden, CT Podiatrist
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your copy of our free books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Shoe of the Month: Flip Flops

Here at Central Connecticut Foot Care Center, we are not generally fans of the flip flop. Every September and October we see an amazing amount of patients with symptoms of heel pain because they have worn flip flops all summer. For the most part, flip flops should not be part of your shoe wardrobe because they have no arch support and damage your feet.
Even the most intuitive person may have trouble deciding between the countless flip-flop color and style choices. Select a pair that has some support and is unable to bend in half to minimize foot pain often caused by flip-flops. Blisters are typically caused by poor-fitting straps, so choose a style made of natural materials, such as soft leather, and make sure the foot does not hang off the edge. Heel pain sufferers should avoid flip-flops.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Moszkito flip flops are one of the brands we recommend and sell in our office. We also recommend the Aetrex Montserrat flip-flop, available for purchase soon in our office as part of the Aetrex Foot Wear System.

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

Product of the Month: Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish

It is summer and your digits on your feet want to show off. But what do you do if you have ugly fungus toe nails? One product you can use is Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish. The polish acts as a anti-fungal medication for your diseased nails and as a way to cover up those unsightly nails as well. Dr.'s Remedy is made with Vitamins C and E to promote healthier skin and nails, and wheat protein which contains protein and amino acids. It is a natural polish with tea tree oil and garlic bulb extract, which are naturally occurring anti-fungal ingredients. What's not in this product is formaldehyde, a chemical that has been proven to cause cancer, DBPs, a potential development and reproductive toxin that may cause birth defects (it is even banned in Europe!), and toluene, a chemical that the EPA restricts in our drinking water; it can cause nervous system disorders and damage to the liver and kidneys.
We sell Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish in many colors, including their 2010 line: Vigor (Violet), Brilliant (Blue), Lively (Lilac), as well as reds and pinks. Visit www.remedynails.com to check out their complete line of nail polishes. Now through July 31, 2010, get $2 off the price of each Dr.’s Remedy Nail Polish in our office only. You must mention this newsletter in order to get the discount. You can also save yourself a trip to our office and purchase this nail polish through our Dr. Store, located on our website, www.centralctfootcare.com.

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