Check It Out!

The Advanced Footcare Clinic is excited to announce the launch of our new website, Step Alive Center.  The website features information about Our Nail Laser Center, Step Alive Spa, Step Alive Shoes, and the Ohio Heel Pain Center. 

Visit the website to learn about the Noveon Laser, the latest treatment for fungal nail infection.   It is safe, painless, doesn't harm your skin, shoes can be worn immediately after treatment, and it is highly effective.

You can also learn about the new treatments at our Step Alive Spa.  This spa provides you with all of the perks of a full salon in a safe, clean environment.  Treatments include manicures, pedicures, facials, and much more.  You can even purchase gift certificates for a loved one.  It is the perfect gift or stocking stuffer!

The website also offers valuable information about Step Alive Shoes and our Top Shoe List.  Learn about how a properly fitting shoe can affect the rest of your body and change how you feel at the end of each day. 

The website also offers a list and explanation of the services we provide.  It is a very informative sight and is worth a glance, you may learn something new!

Peripheral Neuropathy

According to mayoclinic.com peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve damage that often results in numbness and pain in the hands and feet.  It may be a result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, and exposure to toxins.  If you notice any unusual tingling or numbness, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet you should seek medical attention. 

Relief™ is formulated with a powerful blend of traditional medicines, each containing the purest herbal extracts such as L-Arginine, MSM, Eucalyptus Oil, Vitamin E, and Menthol. Doctor tested and prescribed—use when fast pain relief is needed.  Relief is prescribed by doctors to relieve diabetic neuropathy symptoms, restless leg syndrome, arthritis joint pain, deep muscle pains, fibromyalgia, shingles, back and shoulder pain, sprains and strains, stiffness, and every day aches. 

Gently massage a small amount where it hurts and let it dry.  Results can be achieved within five to ten minutes and a second application may be used to maximize results. Relief is available through our online product store.

 Stop use if your feet begin to itch, symptoms worsen, or if feet become red a swollen.  If you have diabetes or problems with circulation check with a doctor before use.  Schedule an appointment with us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website if you are experiencing any pain in your feet that could be related to peripheral neuropathy.  Remember, foot pain is not normal! Your feet do a lot of work and deserve proper care.

 

Bunion Blues?

A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). Bunions form when the toe moves out of place. The enlargement and its protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear. Over time, the movement of the big toe angles in toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping a third toe (known as Hallux Valgus). The growing enlargement or protuberance then causes more irritation or inflammation. In some cases, the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, which is known as Hallus Abducto Valgus. Bunions can also lead to other toe deformities, such as hammertoe.

Many people with bunions suffer from discomfort and pain from the constant irritation, rubbing, and friction of the enlargement against shoes. The skin over the toe becomes red and tender. Because this joint flexes with every step, the bigger the bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Over time, bursitis or arthritis may set in, the skin on the bottom of the foot may become thicker, and everyday walking may become difficult—all contributing to chronic pain.

Wearing shoes that are too tight is the leading cause of bunions. Bunions are not hereditary, but they do tend to run in families, usually because of a faulty foot structure. Foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, flat feet, and pronated feet can contribute to their formation. It is estimated that bunions occur in 33 percent of the population in Western countries.

Treatment for Bunions

Because they are bone deformities, bunions do not resolve by themselves. The goal for bunion treatment is twofold: first, to relieve the pressure and pain cause by irritations, and second to stop any progressive growth of the enlargement. Commonly used methods for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions include:

• The use of protective padding, often made from felt material, to eliminate the friction against shoes and help alleviate inflammation and skin problems.
• Removal of corns and calluses on the foot.
• Changing to carefully-fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion and not contribute toward its growth.
• Orthotic devices—both over-the-counter and custom made—to help stabilize the joint and place the foot in the correct position for walking and standing.
• Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis.
• Splints for nighttime wear to help the toes and joint align properly. This is often recommended for adolescents with bunions, because their bone development may still be adaptable.
• Toe Spacers may alleviate pain from bunions, like the Pedifix GelSmart Toe Spacer pictured above.  The spacer helps minimize pain and friction while the bunion is in shoes. It separates and aligns the first and second toes that rub while the gel guard cushions and protects the bunion.

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the size of the enlargement, misalignment of the toe, and pain experienced, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive damage from bunions. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be advised to remove the bunion and realign the toe.

If you are experiencing any pain associated with your feet, including bunion pain, don't hesitate to call our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment.

What is PAD?

PADnet Circulation Testing at our Facility

What is PAD?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when there is a build up of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries  of the lower extremities, causing decreased blood flow to the legs and feet. More than 10 million Americans, most over the age of 50, have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Without proper treatment 30% of these people are likely to die in the next five years due to PAD-related heart attack or stroke. In addition, patients can lose limbs due to poor circulation.

Are You At Risk?
• Do you have foot, calf, or thigh discomfort?

• Do you experience pain when resting your legs/feet?

• Do you experience foot or toe pain that disturbs your sleep?

• Are your toes/feet pale or discolored?

• Do you have skin wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal?

• Has your doctor ever told you that you have diminished or absent pedal pulses?

• Do you have infection that may be gangrenous?



If you answer yes to any of the above questions then you may be at risk and a test for PAD should be considered. Don’t allow an under diagnosed disease increase your chances of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stoke! 80% of the people who have this disease aren't even aware they have it and patients with diabetes are five times more likely to have PAD and have twice the risk for having a stroke than non-diabetics.

Fortunately, a simple 20 minute, noninvasive PADnet test can provide early detection of PAD and allow treatment and we’re bringing this innovative technology in our office for your convenience.

We would like to help you with your leg discomfort. There are answers and we can help you find them. We invite you to set up an appointment at your convenience and get a leg up on improving your quality and length of life.

What is a PADnet+ Test?

A PADnet+ Arterial test is a device used by our medical technicians which can provide early detection of PAD when treatment options are broadest (incorporating both lifestyle modification, and non-invasive and invasive therapeutic options). The PADnet+ detects blockages in arteries and the quality of blood flow using pulse volume recordings and segmental blood pressure measurements.

The test takes only 15-20 minutes in the convenience and privacy of our own facility. The test will record pressure measurements (ankle-brachial index exams and pulse volume recordings) by placing cuffs around your arms, above knees, calves, and ankles. The technician will record your pulse and monitor your heart rate. It also includes a plethysmograph, technology which produces PVR waveforms, an indication of the functional status of the limb. Combining segmental pressure (ABI index) and plethysmography (PVR waveforms), physicians can quickly assess both the quality and quantity of blood flow.

After your test, you will be able to return to your normal routine. Using the information gathered from these tests, a vascular specialist will read the test results and asses the presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease. Our doctor will then notify you of your results within 72 hours and review this with you at our office and also discussed with your primary care physician. If any pertinent information/blockage is found you may be referred to a vascular specialist for further evaluation.

For more information about the PADnet+ device, go to the BioMedix website.

Social Media for your Feet!

Your feet are one of the coolest parts of your body.  Keep them hip by getting following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.  Learn how to take care of them by following The Advanced Footcare Clinic on Facebook and Twitter! Don't miss a beat in what's new at the Advanced Footcare Clinic and how to care for your feet.  You can also share the information with your friends, tweet at us, or write on our wall!

Twitter: @Thomas F. Vail

Facebook: Advanced Footcare Clinic

Get Clear Toenails and Love Your Feet

Summer is a great time of year.  Warm weather means sun, sand, fun, and sandals.  Everyone loves being out in the sun but not everyone loves getting their feet out of those clunky winter shoes.  Fortunately, there is a way to put an end to sandal-phobia.  The Advanced Footcare Clinic offers laser therapy as a treatment for fungal nails.  The Noveon Laser is a safe, new type of laser that is highly effective and poses no significant risk.  The treatment is painless and causes no damage to your nail or skin.  The Noveon Laser treatment is simply 3 treatments at day 1, 14, and 60 and shoes can be worn immediately after treatment.

The results have been clinically validated and received clearance from the Federal Drug Administration for use in contact and non-contact surgical procedures of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and nasal passages in dermatology, plastic surgery, podiatry, and otolaryngology.

The Noveon Laser is a great way to kick your fear of sandals and get clear toenails for the summer.  The treatment is affordable as we accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover as well as offer payment plans through CareCredit. 

Check out these ORTHAHEEL/Vasyli Men’s & Women’s Kinetic Orthotic Flip Flop Sandals are designed to provide orthotic treatment and comfort in a stylish and sporty Flip Flop Sandal. (Stylish & Healthy Flip Flops For Men and Women).

Features a soft, padded fabric toe post. These Unisex Flip Flop Sandals are created for walking comfort with built in lightweight orthotic footbeds to help reduce foot pain and pronation. With the added comfort of soft EVA orthotic midsoles, these are the orthotic sandals you will enjoy wearing, especially with your new clear toenails. So, what are you waiting for?

Take Care of Your Feet for the New Year

As the new year is approaching, many people are thinking about what they can do to improve themselves.  The top ten most popular resolutions include spending more time with loved ones, losing weight, exercising regularly, quiting smoking, quit drinking, get out of debt, learn a new skill, getting organized, and helping others.  Although as these resolutions are great and can be very beneficial, why not think about caring for your feet this upcoming year.

Use this guide below from the American Podiatric Medical Association to learn what your feet are telling you and what you can do to achieve healthy feet for the new year.

Tendinitis

Reason: Overuse due to increase in physical activity such as in increase in walking time or distance. May also be cause by wearing worn out or improperly fitted shoes.

Response: Rest and ice provide relieve however in some cases over-the-counter supports and anti-inflammatories may need to be prescribed. APMA-approved Bio-freeze is the industry's most used topical pain relieving gel. Ask a podiatrist if this is an appropriate treatment.

*Bio-freeze  is available through our online product store.  It can be purchased in gel, roll-on, or spray form. Biofreeze Pain Reliever breaks the cycle of pain with Cryotheraphy, The Cold Method.  Its cold application reduces the sensation of pain and inflammation, while the cold and re-warming stimulates the healing of tissue.
 

Fungal Nail
Response: Consult a podiatrist to prescribe the medication and treatment that will safely and effectively treat the problem. Keralac Gel and Lamasil tablets, both of which hold the APMA Seal of Approval, have proved effective in combating this problem and can be prescribed by a podiatrist. Blisters

Reason: Friction from shoes that don't fit right or are too stiff.

Response: Keep feet dry and wear socks with properly-fitted shoes.  Never pop a blister. If painful, carefully open a corner of the blister closest to the bottom of the foot with a sterilized instrument, like a sewing needle, drain and immediately apply antibiotic cream and a bandage.  Bromohidrosis (Foot Odor) Reason: Increased perspiration from the more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot due to increased body temperature. Results in sweaty, smelly feet that do not itch or appear to have a rash.
 Response: Rub cornstarch or spray antiperspirant directly onto the soles of the feet and spray Lysol into shoes.  Keep shoes and socks dry and change shoes regularly.  Wear socks that wick away moisture.
Ingrown Toenails
 Reason: Improper trimming or too much pressure on feet in tight-fitting shoes, resulting in redness, pain or swelling around the nail.  Can also result from poor foot structure, heredity, trauma or foot deformities.

Response: Do not use nail polish to cover discoloration.  Instead, visit a podiatrist at the first sign of a problem to see what treatment may be necessary. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks and inspect nails daily. Be sure to trim nails straight across using toenail clipper, making sure not to round edges.
Plantar Fasciitis

Reason: Excessive weight gain resulting in pain on the bottom of the heel or in the arch.  May also be cause by bony overgrowth on the heel, muscle imbalance, high or low arched feet, improper shoe gear, excessive activity or trauma. Response: Exercise and stretch feet daily and wear strong and supportive shoes that don't put undue stress on the ball or heel.  Visit a podiatrist who can examine and see if medications or orthotics are necessary.  Bunions

Reason: A bump at the base of the big toe that is swollen, tender or painful when in the shoes, often cause by misalignment of the joints.  Ill-fitting shoes, heredity, trauma, biomedical abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, inflammatory joint disease, congenital deformities or arthritis can also be culprits.
Response: Avoid pointy and narrow shoes or shoes with stitching or seams that rub bony areas of the foot.  If painful, bunions can be surgically removed by a podiatrist.

So when you are making your New Year's Resolutions, don't neglect your feet! If you have any of these symptoms start healing today and make an appointment with The Advanced Footcare Clinic by calling 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.  If your feet are in good shape, you can vow to  continue to take preventative measure to keep them healthy.

Reason: Trauma or infection to the nail that makes it thickened, discolored, loose or deformed.  Often caused by the spread of athlete's foot, but may also be an indication of conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.