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Tips for a Safe Pedicure

Feeling the need for some rest, relaxation and a little pampering? A visit to a pedicure salon may be on your list of things to do. If so, you need to read the following 10 tips before you go.

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Podiatry Spotlight10

Podiatry

New Ankle Arthritis Treatments Help Boomers Stay Active

Wednesday February 24, 2010

Baby boomers with arthritic ankles may soon see relief. According to reports from PRNewswire, surgeons presenting at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas are re-thinking treatment approaches for end-stage ankle arthritis.

New surgical techniques including arthroscopic ankle surgery, total ankle joint replacements and bone or cartilage replacement are offering hope for those wanting to remain active. These advancements come at an opportune time since foot and ankle surgeons are seeing more patients with end-stage ankle arthritis as the population of older adults increases.

According to foot and ankle surgeon Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, FACFAS, end-stage ankle arthritis is a painful condition and most often occurs after a traumatic injury, history of chronic sprains, or in patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

"A decade ago treatment options were limited; patients either lived with the pain or underwent an ankle fusion," he said. "But today, because of the medical advancements and new surgical techniques, Baby Boomers suffering from arthritis have additional, viable treatment options to keep them on their feet and enjoying their active lifestyle."

High Heels for Babies?

Tuesday September 16, 2008
Have you heard about the latest fashion trend for babies? It is high heels. That's right, you read that correctly. Two moms from Bellevue, Washington have designed soft and squishy high heels that babies (0-6 months) can wear. They are called Heelarious. As long as the baby does not stand in the shoes, I think it is okay. I know that they are soft, but even a soft heel will affect balance when trying to stand. I would recommend the mothers, of the babies, read more about high-heeled shoes and the effects on the body. Photo © Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M.

Ouch! I Scraped My Big Toe

Monday September 8, 2008
Abrasions/scrapes are very common on the feet and toes. Initial treatment should be to stop the bleeding. Luckily, abrasions do not usually bleed a lot. Next, you want to clean the area with soap and water. Now, there are a couple options for what to do next. You can leave the area uncovered and allow a scab to form. Some people refer to a scab as nature's band-aid. The other option is to apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the abrasion/scrape. You should continue to monitor the area and watch for signs of infection such as redness, drainage, pus or swelling. If you see any of these, you should see a podiatrist. Photo © Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M.

Toenail Fungus

Friday August 29, 2008
Fungus is all around us. Perhaps not the most pleasant thought, but it is true. The thought of fungus becomes even more unpleasant when it gets in your toenails. Fungus usually invades the toenails after a trauma to the nails. The toenail lifts slightly from the nail bed and then the fungus seizes the moment and invades the toenail. There are various treatments available including topical and oral (pills) antifungals. Unfortunately, fungus in the toenails can reoccur after treatment, so you need to decrease the environment that the fungus likes. Photo © Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M.
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