Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Tour of Our Office

We can't believe we've been in our new office a year! Happy Anniversary to our new office!
 Get coffee while you are in our waiting room.
 Our waiting room, with a new tv system coming soon.
 Our shoe and product room.
 Shoe and product room view 2.
 Copper socks, a popular product.
 Our newest room, the procedure room.
 One of our two non-handicapped exam rooms.
Our digital x-ray machine.

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ankle Sprains and Fractures

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue- like rubber bands- that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-by-side movement. However, not all ankle injuries are sprains; they can be fractures of bone, fractures of cartilage, or even torn tendons or ligaments.
In children, ankle injuries can be growth plate injuries. Ankle injuries often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle out of its normal position. Anke sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface. The signs and symptoms of ankle sprains may include: pain or soreness, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and stiffness in the joint. All ankle injuries need professional attention; neglecting them can lead to more serious problems. These problems can be avoided by prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Not treating an acute ankle sprain can lead to problems. When one sprains their ankle, the ligaments stretch. In fact, there are micro-tears of the ligament fibers. If not treated immediately, scar tissue can form between these torn fibers. This will lead to a very tight and painful ankle and makes it more difficult to treat.
In evaluating your injury, your podiatrist will obtain a thorough history of your pain and examine your foot. You will likely have X-Rays taken as well. Your podiatrist will also recommend R.I.C.E- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for your treatment, as well as physical therapy and pain medications. Surgery is only typically required in very extreme cases.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order Your Free Copy of "Why Do My Feet Hurt" or "Heal My Heel" today!

Spring Running Shoe Guide

Fitness Magazine recently surveyed women on the latest running shoes for spring. Nine shoes were finalists.

1. The Best Neutral Running Shoes: Adidas Supernova Glide 3. This shoes is best for people with high arches because it provides maximum cushioning and minimal support. Testers found it to be an overwhelmingly soft shoe with tons of cushioning that takes the pounding for you. The shoe has a two-part heel design with subtle arch support and strategic flex grooves on the outsole. Supportive and responsive with every step, the breathable open-mesh upper keeps your feet comfortable temperature-wise. Price: $110.
2. The Best Neutral Running Shoe Runner Up: Karhu Fast Fulcrum Ride. This shoe looks fast and feels light and quick on your feet. The outsole is relatively flexible, like a racing shoe's and special technology within the midsole uses greater firmness to create an efficient strike and encourage you to land on your midfoot. The mesh upper, welded lace eyelets, and seamless construction around the heel creates a bedroom slipper cushiness. Price: $130.
3. The Best Midstability Running Shoes: Nike LunarElite + 2. Designed for the average strider who slightly overpronates, this shoe has high marks for the wedge support that kicks in when you start to overpronate, providing you with better stability. These shoes are superlight, cushiony, and have strategically placed flex grooves on the outsoles that make you feel like you're running on air. Price: $100.
4. The Best Midstability Running Shoes Runner Up: Brooks Trance 10. Testers found it remarkably cushioned with a trampoline bounce effect with every stride. The shoe disperses impact evenly, leaving your joints feeling fine post-run. The midsole gets progressively denser toward the inner curve of your foot, offering a significant amount of support and prevents your arch from flattening and turning inward as you land. The mesh upper and sock liner make for a comfortable fit. Price: $140.
5. The Best Extra Stability Running Shoes: Asics Gel-Evolution 6. This shoe is for those with flat arches and have feet that turn inwards. If you are a flat-footed, over-pronator, then this shoe is going to feel like heaven. Its dense midsole provides good stability and great shock absorption, and details like a wider midfoot; a soft, wicking sock liner; and a stretchy upper that does not rub or irritate at all mean that the shoe cradles your foot in a comfy, pleasant way while you run. Price: $120.
6. The Best Extra Stability Running Shoes Runner-Up: New Balance 940. Testers state that they ran free with this shoe on and stability was fantastic. A special thermoplastic in the midsole provides smooth transitions through each step and extra shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and forefoot helps you feel like you've got a built-in spring. Its seamless sock liner and mesh upper hug your foot perfectly. Available in four widths to provide the best fit for your foot. Price: $120.
7. The Best Trail Running Shoes: Brooks Cascadia 6. This shoe is going to provide the best footing on uneven terrain. It is a flexible, yet stable, lightweight yet well cushioned shoes that makes it great on every type of terrain, including sand, snow, and loose rocks. Testimonials say that you'll feel like you can conquer the toughest trails with its incredible traction, breathable, water-resistant upper, thermoplastic rock shield beneath the forefoot, and stabilizing pivot posts in the midsole. Price: $110.
8. The Best Trail Running Shoes Runner-Up: Salomon XR CrossMax Neutral. This is a flashy, lightweight runner. Rocks beware! With this shoe, you won't even feel them. The durable outsole grips the trails, and the cushioning is wonderful thanks to molded EVA foam midsoles and orthotic-like (that's what we like to see!) foot beds. A very comfortable fit is what testers say, guaranteed by its airy mesh upper, gusseted tongue, and friction free eyelets. Price: $130.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" or "Heal My Heel!" today!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Product of the Month: Heel Fissure Packs

If you are looking to get your feet in tip-top shape for the spring and summer sandal season, or to get your feet feeling healthy again, try our new heel fissure packs. Designed for patients with deep cracks, callouses, and dry, scaly skin, this pack contains two products: Gormel Creme and Healthy Feet Buffing Pad. Gormel Creme is designed specifically for those with dry, cracked, and rough skin. It adds elasticity to your skin, making it feel smooth and soft. The Healthy Feet Buffing Pad breaks down the dry, cracked skin thus, helping the Gormel Creme work its best. Between the months of March and April, take $2 off. Must mention this blog post to get discount.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com

Shoe of the Month: Sling Backs

Dynamic and sexy, sling backs exude the confident energy of those who wear them. Find a sling back with a lower heel so they can be worn from day to night. Make sure straps aren't too tight, as that could lead to chafing on the back of the heel, and conversely, make sure they aren't too loose, so that straps are not constantly being pulled up. Foot Petals' Strappy Strips, approved by the APMA, can be placed on the inside of straps to prevent them from cutting into or sliding down the heel.

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