Alcoholic Neuropathy

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There is much research and controversy around the consumption of alcohol. Some camps provide the justification side with studies that indicate moderation can have heart health benefits. Others highlight the risks of drinking including pancreatitis, blood pressure problems, depression and nerve damage.

If you can say that you have engaged in prolonged use of alcoholic beverages, listen up – nerve damage, also called alcoholic neuropathy, is a serious risk that can significantly impact your quality of life. An ingredient found in alcohol called ethanol is toxic to your nerve tissue. When you go beyond drinking in moderation, the nerves in your feet and hands can become damaged, meaning you can lose sensation in these limbs. The nerve damage is often permanent.

Pain in your legs, feeling a “pins and needles” sensation in your feet, muscle spasms and weakness are symptoms of neuropathy that you need to monitor. It may be a loved one complaining of these that can alarm you of a problem that needs to be addressed before serious complications occur.

If caught early, symptoms can be treated before complications such as disability result. Medications, physical therapy, dietary changes and nerve stimulation are just a few of the treatment options podiatrist Dr. Tina Boucher uses to help patients with this condition. Call Central Connecticut Footcare Center today if you or someone you know needs diagnosis and treatment for symptoms described here. Neuropathy is not something to take lightly – call us at (203) 238-3668 to make an appointment today.

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Arthritis in the Feet

Are you dealing with pain and inflammation in your joints?

Arthritis affects around 40 million Americans so you if you suffer from this painful disease, please know you are not alone! Our job at Central Connecticut Foot Care Center is to give patients relief from their foot and ankle pain. Foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher, treats patients with arthritis in their feet on a regular basis.

More specifically, it is osteoarthritis that develops in the joints of the foot and ankle. It is the most common type of arthritis and is degenerative in nature. This means that it gets worse over time as you age. The cartilage in your feet breaks down over time and because each foot has 33 joints, the result can be significant pain and loss of mobility.

How do I know if I have arthritis in my feet?

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age but typically those over 50 years of age are more susceptible. Early diagnosis can significantly limit and slow down the damage that this disease can cause. For this reason, please pay close attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in your feet and ankles in the morning

• Recurring pain or tenderness

• Inability to move your foot or ankle, walk or bear weight

• Redness or heat

• Changes in your skin

• Swelling

Please contact our office if you have any of these symptoms. Dr. Boucher can diagnose if arthritis has set in and start you on the right path of treatment. This may involve pain relievers, arch supports, physical therapy or special shoes. Don’t allow joint pain to affect your life any longer. Call us today (203) 238-3668 to make an appointment or visit us online.

Osteoporosis Might First be Found in Feet!

Did you know that your bones are actually made of living, growing tissue? There are several components that make bones strong and flexible. Until about the age of 25, your bones continue to become more dense until they reach their peak bone mass. At this point, you have the most bone that you will ever have and more bone mass reduces your chances of breaks and osteoporosis as you get older.

Do you have an unexplained foot fracture?

As we age, we can lose bone and when you lose too much bone or don’t make enough, the condition is called osteoporosis. There are many risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Some you can’t control such as age, menopause and family history. Others factors such as poor diet, inactivity, smoking and weight loss are within your boundaries to control.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher continually reminds her patients that foot pain is not normal. This bone condition is one reason you should always get symptoms looked at. Foot pain can be due to a stress fracture and the fracture could be indicative of osteoporosis. Unexplained stress fractures are often the first sign of the condition. Catching the condition early will provide time to respond with appropriate diet or lifestyle changes to slow down its progression.

Since your feet can provide valuable clues to your health such as whether you may have osteoporosis, please contact us with any unusual pain or symptoms. Call Central Connecticut Footcare Center at (203) 238-3668 and make an appointment with Dr. Boucher today.

Clubfoot

English: children foot - plantar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having anything wrong with your child, big or small, can be scary and if your child has clubfoot you may be full of fear of what this might mean. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats children of all ages. There are many foot problems that can affect children and clubfoot is a very common condition that is not life threatening and often responds very well to effective treatment methods.

How did my child’s clubfoot happen?
Clubfoot is a common birth defect in which the foot is abnormally twisted at a sharp angle near the ankle. There is no known cause for this condition other than the foot turns during the development in the womb. There are some conditions such as spina bifida that can cause clubfoot as well.

Ultrasounds can show clubfoot in the womb and it can be diagnosed immediately at birth. X-rays are often taken to fully assess the severity of the defect. When it is detected at birth, the good news is that it is not painful for your child and it is correctable.

For patients with clubfoot, Dr. Boucher will treat with a goal to restore function to the foot or feet by the time the patient is ready to walk. Depending on the nature of the clubfoot condition, she may implement serial casting to move the bones into alignment, special shoes and braces. Surgery is required at times if tendons, ligaments and joints need to be adjusting but more conservative methods are often effective. They require patience as treatment may take several months and symptoms can last until the age of seven. With the expert care of Dr. Boucher, your child will be in great hands and will be given tailored care specific to his or her needs.

If you have any questions about clubfoot or concerns about the care your child is receiving, please contact our podiatric office today. Call Dr. Boucher at (203) 238-3668 or visit www.centralctfootcare.com.

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How Do You Balance Exercise in a Busy Life?

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Are you being pulled every which way these days and find that exercise often falls to the bottom of the to-do list, or doesn’t even make it at all? The benefits of exercise are many: lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, keeps your heart healthy and your bones strong, keeps weight steady and relieves stress. So, what can you do when your life is busy? If your life is full with things that can’t necessarily be done away with, keep reading for some tips to get maximum benefit out of short workout windows.

Forget the idea that you need to be in the gym every day for a couple of hours. This just isn’t necessary and for most people, not even possible. Modify the way you workout and go for a maximum intensity session of circuit or interval training. Work on your upper and lower body in the same workout and reduce rest periods to cut down on the time. A trainer at a reputable gym can help you create a circuit to target all muscle groups, burn calories and give a good cardiovascular workout. You can build strength by adding weights as you progress and work up to completing the circuit two to four times. Write up a weekly schedule and create a time slot for a quick but effective workout 3-5 times a week.

Another common pitfall for busy people is bad eating habits. This isn’t going to help your exercise efforts so take the time to plan ahead. Pack your meals the night before so you aren’t tempted to stop for fast food. If you are busy, then you also need your sleep so make adjustments if you are lagging behind because of lack of sleep.

It is not always easy to manage a busy life but small adjustments will have a big pay off and staying healthy and fit will enable you to keep up. Make sure to call foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher if you have any concerns about your foot health or if foot pain is interrupting your ability to keep up with your life. Call our Meriden, CT podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Benefits of Cycling & How to Protect Your Feet!

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What are the benefits of cycling?

From the start, when cycling was first invented in the early 1900s, it has been a sport embraced by all ages. More than 100 million Americans enjoy cycling and are reaping the benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are biking to work, running errands or joining a road race, hopping on a bike is good for your body!

As far as burned calories go, cycling at a moderate to fast pace for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 300 calories. Biking is a great cardiovascular exercise that also helps strengthen your muscles. It is also a lower-impact form of exercise, which spares joints some of the stress that other types of exercise can put on your body. 

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT is all about helping her active patients protect their feet. Some of the common cycling injuries she treats are: shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis and foot numbness and pain. Over activity, lack of proper body alignment and poor footwear can each cause injury.

Your feet are transferring energy to the pedals in every push making proper shoes essential, even for a casual stroll through your neighborhood. If you are going to do more serious cycling, your shoes should have a stiff sole and fit snugly around your heel and the bridge of your foot. Look for ventilated uppers and avoid any shoes with loose straps or laces that could be hazardous. Also, bring your socks with you when you go to try on shoes to ensure you get the right fit.

If your feet are in pain at every turn of the pedal, take a break and come in and see Dr. Boucher. She can evaluate the cause of your foot pain and provide the right course of treatment. You can make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Feet on Fire

Are you being bothered by painful, burning feet?

Whether it is mild or severe, dealing with hot, painful feet can be frustrating. Burning feet can interrupt your daily activities, the ability to participate in sports or exercise, make wearing certain shoes difficult and hinder a good night of sleep.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT sees this condition regularly at her podiatric office. Patients often come in complaining of a burning sensation, numbness or a pins and needles feeling in their feet. If you have burning feet, it is really important to come in and have it checked out due to the fact that there are several reasons for why it is happening. It could be as simple as your feet are just tired but there may be an underlying cause that is serious and needs prompt intervention.

Some of the common causes for burning feet include:

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet)

• Athlete’s foot

• Alcoholism

• Hypothyroidism

• Vitamin deficiency anemia

• Chronic kidney failure

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

• HIV/AIDS

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

If you are dealing with burning feet today, you can try and elevate your feet or bathe your feet in cool water to see if symptoms are alleviated. Changing to a more comfortable pair of shoes may also help. If the burning came on suddenly, it developed and has continued despite home care measures or is becoming more intense and painful, it is time to seek help.

Contact Dr. Boucher for a full evaluation. She can pinpoint the cause of your burning feet and find a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit www.centralctfootcare.com.

Finding a Great Pair of Ice Skates

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Whether you are hitting the ice for leisure, exercise or competition, a great pair of skates that fit you well is important. Having the right skates will make it easier to learn, keep you more stable and lessen the chance of injury.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats athletes and sports enthusiasts on a regular basis. Your feet play the most important role in any activity you do and keeping them safe and healthy will keep you staying active.

Here are a few tips to follow when trying to find the right pair of ice skates:

• First of all, visit a reputable store with employees who know how to fit ice skates. They can help you find a pair appropriate to your level and answer any questions you may have.

• Look for skates made of good quality leather, as they will provide the most support. A more expensive pair will also provide a higher quality of boot and blade.

• If you are just going to skate, stay away from hockey or speed skates unless you plan on learning those sports.

• Avoid wearing bulky, thick socks as it can affect finding the proper fit.

• Keep in mind that skates often run a half-size smaller than shoes. Skates should fit snugly but you should be able to wiggle your toes.

• Lace them up in the store properly to get a true feel for how they fit. When you flex your foot forward, you should be able to fit two fingers into the back of the boot.

If you are dreaming of gliding and spinning on the ice but are sidelined with foot pain, let us help you. Make an appointment with Dr. Boucher today for expert advice, diagnosis and treatment. You can call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or find more information at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Talking About Turf Toe

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If you have stubbed your toe in the middle of the night or had it injured during a game, you can attest to the pain such a little thing can bring! Your big toe may be small when compared to other parts of your body but an injury such as turf toe can sideline any athlete or weekend warrior.

Turf toe is a big toe injury that occurs when the big toe joint is hyper-extended. It can happen when the toe is jammed suddenly or through a repetitive pushing off action such as what happens when running or jumping. It is a very common injury seen in football players who play on artificial turf, hence the name of the injury. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT sees turf toe occur in other as well such as: gymnastics, dance, basketball, soccer and wrestling.

Turf toe is actually a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Common symptoms associated with turf toe include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Limited movement of the big toe joint

Continuing to engage in activity or play sports with this injury will only cause it to worsen. It is important to treat turf toe at the onset to get you back in the game quickly. Dr. Boucher offers patients with turf toe several effective treatment options that include: anti-inflammatory medications, rest, icing, compression, elevation, taping and change of footwear.

Contact our conveniently located podiatric office and make an appointment if you feel you may have suffered a turf toe injury. Call (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Staying Fit in Winter – Dangers in the Gym

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If you frequent a local gym, do you know of the hidden dangers that may be lurking? Here are a few important things Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT warns that you need to be aware of:

Contagious bacteria – Staph infections can spread from shared equipment, towels, mats and locker rooms. Even a small cut or scrape can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Cover any small injuries you may have, wipe down equipment before using it and always wear shoes in locker rooms.

Weight training woes – Most gyms offer some high intensity classes that draw people in who are eager to get fit. Problems can arise when you are not fit enough to keep up with the instructor or hold proper form when lifting weights. Straining your neck, shoulders and back can lead to serious injury. Find a class suitable to your fitness level and work your way up.

Mystery Machines – Walking into a gym and seeing all the equipment and machine options can be intimidating. Trying to pretend you know what you are doing when you don’t can lead to serious injury as well. Form and technique is very important to make exercise safe and effective so ask an employee or a veteran gym member how to use machines properly.

If going to the gym has exposed you to one of these dangers and you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or a fungal infection, get treatment from Dr. Boucher right away. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Following Up on Flatfeet

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feet are just one of those things that we often don’t pay any attention to. Until they hurt that is. Is that true with you? They take us everywhere we want to go, help us do every activity we are involved in, but are often neglected and taken for granted! When pain arises, it can literally stop us in our tracks and make us realize the importance of taking care of our feet.

A common foot problem that some people face is flatfeet. They are usually associated with pronation, which is when there is a leaning inward of the anklebones. Many have no pain or problems with their flatfeet. Flatfeet are also normal for infants and young children, as arches are not yet developed.

When pain is present

Painful flatfeet are also known as adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). The pain arises due to weakening or wear and tear on the posterior tibial tendon which helps support your arch. This tendon can become inflamed, stretched and even torn. Painful flatfeet can arise after an injury in some cases as well.

Interested to know if AAFD might be in your future? Aside from aging, the presence of obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, traumatic injury and high impact sports can all contribute to having AAFD. If you experience the symptoms of pain in your heel or arch and swelling on the inside of your ankle, it is time to get help. Toughing it out might feed your pride but it may also leave you with chronic pain and disability. No one wants that!

Good news!

There is help if you suffer with painful flatfeet. Dr. Tina Boucher at Central Connecticut Footcare Center can create a treatment tailored specifically for your flatfeet. There are many conservative options to treat your pain such as anti-inflammatory medicines, icing, taping, bracing and physical therapy. Custom orthotics may be very effective in alleviate your symptoms as well. Don’t suffer with pain from flatfeet any longer than you need to. Call Dr. Boucher (203) 238-3668 or visit our website at www.centralctfootcare.com and find relief.

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Don’t leave your toes out in the cold!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Colder temperatures can be cruel to your feet. We don’t often think about the risks associated with exposing our feet to the cold winter elements. Exposed feet means going barefoot, wearing heels or wearing any open toe shoe where skin is exposed. What’s considered winter weather? When most people hear the term they think snow, ice, sleet and wind. That’s not always the case! Even if none of these conditions exist, make sure to check the temperature outside so you can select the proper footwear to keep your toes warm and toasty!

One of the most well-known cold weather culprits is frostbite. If you expose your feet to cold weather for a prolonged period of time, you may be at risk for this serious condition. Frostbite’s first symptom is a painful, burning sensation in the exposed areas. Numbness in the toes or feet and changes in your skin color occur next. Your skin can change from a pale, red color to a bluish-gray or black. If you’ve had frostbite before, watch out! People with a history of this condition are more susceptible to suffer with it again in the same location on the body!

If you think you’re suffering from frostbite, first and foremost get yourself out of the cold as quickly as possible! However, keep in mind not to expose your feet to extremely hot temperatures. If you do this, you will just end up burning your flesh. Make sure to keep your feet dry and it’s important to gradually warm them. Most importantly, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible!

If you have any questions regarding frostbite and your feet or general foot care, contact us at Central Connecticut Footcare Center, LLC by calling (203) 238-3668 or visiting our website!

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Healing Charcot Foot - The Need for Speed!

Of all the foot conditions that can affect your ability to lead a normal and active life, Charcot foot is probably one of the most difficult to deal with. This condition begins with peripheral neuropathy, which is loss of feeling in the feet. Your inability to feel pain allows this condition to worsen because without the pain sensation, you may not recognize that a problem exists. Continued weight bearing causes bones to begin to break and splinter, then heal improperly and causing deformity. It is possible for you to break bones and damage joints and not even be aware of it. Early diagnosis and treatment is the only way that the damaging effects of Charcot foot can be set right.

Never underestimate the importance of rest. Stopping weight bearing activity is crucial to successful treatment and in addition to total rest for the foot while it heals, your doctor may recommend a special device such as a cast, wheel chair, crutches, walker or brace. Listen to your doctor. The fact that you do not process pain is a major concern. You may feel fine and think you are well, but if the healing process is not complete, you will cause more damage.

Warning…
If you continue walking on your foot, the deformity may cause ulcers to develop. Infection or amputation is possible.

Dr. Boucher will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Call (203) 238-3668 for an appointment. If you seek early intervention, treatment methods may consist of elevation, icing, casts or braces. A delay may cause severe complications and result in the need for surgery or amputation. Stay on the winning side of foot health by learning to examine your feet daily, carefully looking for signs of warmth, swelling and redness. Hustle in to see your doctor if you notice something amiss.

References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3765/CharcotFoot.html
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
http://www.footandankledoctors.com/patient-library/articles-a-f/charcot-foot

Good Boots, Good Fit and Happy Feet!

Boot with wooden sole and leather upper, made by the Danish company Sanita. Colour wood and light blue. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As cooler weather approaches you are probably looking for that must have pair of boots to go with almost any outfit. You want something versatile, warm and outrageously sexy. You can get all three in one pair if you do some looking, but the important thing to keep in mind is function over fashion. You always want to consider the overall welfare of your feet.

When contemplating what would be the perfect pair to complement your winter wardrobe, you may want to consider the following:

• Color

• Shaft height

• Heel height

• Construction

• Heel and sole composition

The style that most adequately answers this call to duty is the leather riding style boot. They are well constructed and easily water-proof for protection against wet and salt. Also, it is easy to re-treat them as needed. The leather riding style boots are durable and function well.

If you are more of the cowboy boot type, they are a great boot for autumn, but don’t carry through to winter well because of the smooth leather soles. They come in an endless variety of colors and designs and are great with jeans, slacks and just about all casual wear. They are great for both guys and gals, but there are some fitting details you should be aware of.

• Make sure the shank fits your foot. The break in the boot should coincide with your arch.

• The ball of your foot needs to settle into the widest part of the boot.

• Try the pinch test for width. Try to pinch leather between your thumb and forefinger across the foot top of the boot. There should be a small allowance for movement, but not enough excess material to grasp.

Inappropriate and poor fitting shoes can cause a multitude of foot problems. Never force your foot to fit the boot. Boots needs to conform to your foot. Also, shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are apt to be a bit swollen. Don’t think footwear will feel better once they are broken in. If they don’t fit in the store, the situation will not improve at home. As heel height increases, so does the pressure on the ball of the foot and toes. Keep heel height to two inches or less. Dr. Boucher has other excellent shoe fitting advice on her website - http://www.centralctfootcare.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html.

If you have foot pain, call Dr. Boucher for an accurate diagnosis at (203)238-3668. She can send you home feeling better than when you walked in. Getting help for your foot pain is a first step in the right direction.

References:

http://www.ehow.com/info_8099480_types-make-legs-look-longer.html
http://houstonfootspecialists.blogspot.com/2012/03/correct-fit-in-cowboy-boots-lesson-in.html

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