Thursday, July 28, 2011

Who Is the Destroyer of Evil?

Answer: Alex Trebek!
The 71 year old host of Jeopardy was in California to open the National Geographic World Championship's final round near Google's Mountain View headquarters when during the night, a burglar broke into his downtown Marriott hotel room around 2:30AM. Trebek and his wife were in bed asleep, but Trebek was awakened by the burglar, 56 year old Lucinda Moyers. Moyers allegedly stole his wallet, cell phone, and a bracelet from his mother and stashed them in an ice machine. Trebek chased Moyers down the hall, where he snapped his Achilles tendon and bruised his other leg. Trebek was slated for surgery on July 29th.
It is not uncommon for Achilles tendon rupture patients to be older, like Trebek, due to the sudden increase in activity. The tendon may have also been degenerating due to his age, or been the symptom of an overuse injury. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the bone. It crucial in any movement that involves the foot and ankle. 
Conservative treatment was originally used in Trebek's case but studies show that surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture is the best method of treatment as the risk of rerepturing is lower. Side effects from the surgery may include infection.
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! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Summer Foot Fixes: Fungal Toenails

Nine percent of men and women have suffered from nail problems. Fungal toenails are thickened, discolored, loose or deformed toenails, typically the result of trauma to the toenail. They are caused by an infection that starts in the skin, like athlete's foot, which can spread to the nails. Fungal toenails are sometimes an indication of other medical problems such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and psoriasis. Shoes and socks create a warm, dark, and humid environment, which fungus loves to grow and spread in. It may also be caused by heredity. To prevent fungal toenails, keep shoes and socks dry as a preventative measure. Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying to feet carefully, especially between the toes. Change shoes regularly and wear acrylic or moisturing wicking shoes, like Aetrex's Copper Socks. Inspect toenails and trim them straight across on a regular basis. Do not use nail polish to cover discoloration. A podiatrist will recommend either Lamisil, a prescription tablet, or Formula 3, a topical remedy.
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! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Summer Foot Fixes: Foot Odor

Foot odor is an embarrassing condition that can be easily treated. Bromohidrosis, or foot odor, is sweaty, smelly feet that do not itch or appear to have a rash. It is also an increase of perspiration from the more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot as a result of increased body temperature (hello summer heat!). Foot odor is cuased by closed shoes that aggravate sweaty feet and set up the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to more odor and more sweat, as well as an increased bacterial count on the skin. To prevent foot odor, rub cornstarch or spray antiperspirant directly on the soles of the feet and spray Lysol into shoes. Keep your shoes and socks dry as a preventative measure. Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying feet carefully, espcially between the toes. Change shoes regularly and wear socks that wick away moisture, like Aetrex's Copper Socks.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copies of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Summer Foot Fixes: Calluses or Corns

Calluses or corns are a painful thickening and build up of skin that forms at points of pressure, over bony prominences, or on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Calluses and corns can also be caused by your heredity, tight stockings, and tendon imbalances. To prevent calluses and corns, wear supportive shoes with a wide, roomy toe box and a low heel. You can use over-the-counter creams, but avoid medicated callus-corn remover pads. Make sure to read the label on any over-the-counter products thoroughly to avoid serious complications. If you do not have diabetes, soak feet in warm water, and use a pumice stone or file to treat. Talk to a podiatrist about products such as Pedinol's Ureacin-20 Cream and AmLactin Moisturizing Lotion. Avoid tight-fitting shoes, socks, and hosiery. Do not use heating devices on feet; instead soak in cool water and ice.
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! Copies will be sent to Connecticut residents only.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Summer Foot Fixes: Blisters

Blisters are painful, fluid filled lesions that are caused by ill-fitting or stiff shoes, wrinkled socks against the skin, excessive moisture, and foot deformities. To avoid blisters, keep your feet dry and always wear socks as a cushion between your feet and shoes. Wear properly fitting shoes. Never pop a blister. Carefully open a corner of the blister closest to the bottom of te foot with a sterilized utensil like a sewing needle, drain, apply antibiotic cream, and cover with a bandage immediately. Treat a mild blister with soap and water; cover it with an antiseptic ointment and protective dressing. Check the blister regularly to ensure it doesn't get infected. Remove the blister surface if needed. Use padding, such as moleskin to reduce friction.
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! Copies will only be sent to Connecticut residents.