What Holiday Weight?

Frustrated at those extra holiday pounds? Get on your feet!

"When women over age 40 increased their activity by an average of 3,520 steps (just over 1¾ miles) throughout the day, had a 5 pound weight loss in a year without changing their eating habits, reports a study in the journal Obesity. They also decreased dangerous belly fat by 12%."~ Prevention

Studies show that 30 minutes of brisk walking burns 150 calories (for the average person) and equals about 4,000 steps! Lace up those walking shoes and get moving! Those holiday pounds will be gone before you know it.

*To add steps to your day, try walking around the mall or grocery store before you begin shopping. At work, use a restroom on a different floor. When running errands, park in the furthest spot in the parking lot~ little changes can make a difference. You can also use a fitness tracker such as a fit bit or pedometer for better calculation and a little motivation too! 

Avoid New Year's 'Shoe-icide'

New Year's Eve planning is in full force. It's a great night to dress up, add some extra sparkle and take on the town, but before you buy those sky high heels to go with your perfect dress there are some things you should know.

- 42% of women admitted they'd wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort.
- 73% admitted already having a shoe-related foot issue.
- High heels don't cause bunions, but they can aggravate them.
- Feet change with age. Over the years a loss of fat in the bottom of the foot makes higher heels less comfortable than they were in your youth.
- The ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky, pinpointing weight on one area and creating a less stable stance.
- The average woman gets foot pain after a mere hour in pumps.
- Research shows four-inch stilettos can up the amount of pressure on the front of the foot by 30% or more.
- Any heels 3 inches or higher can shorten the Achilles tendon just by wearing them once or twice a week.

Football, Feet and More

Football season is in full swing, and whether it’s pro ball or pee-wee injuries are likely to occur. Even on the best day, with the most well trained athlete, accidents can happen, but we are here to help!

The most common injuries we see from team sports, like football, are plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, neuromas, stress fractures and capsulitis. One of the most important things for athletes of all levels to remember is not to over-do it. The majority of injuries in athletes are what we call ‘overuse injuries’. 

More often than not injuries start off as small problems, which are easy to self-heal, however these injuries become exaggerated when the proper time-off/rest time isn’t observed.  With team sports it is sometimes hard to sit on the sidelines, but it can be a vast difference in the severity of your injury and your recovery time. 

At the first sign of pain, impact, swelling or chronic soreness it is important to not only seek medical treatment, but to adhere to your recovery plan for the best outcome. This is especially vital in younger athletes in order to avoid chronic or long-term foot and ankle damage. 

Dr. Saffer and Dr. Brown are experts in the fields of sports podiatry, and love working with youth to establish healthy and successful plans for an active future. Come see us today! 

Say No to Sprains

Are you prone to sprains in your ankles? A sprained ankle occurs when your ankle ligaments are overstretched. Ankle sprains vary in their severity, from mild "twisted ankle" or "rolled ankle" sprain through to severe complete ligament ruptures, avulsion fractures or broken bones.

Sprains are a common injury in everyone, from your everyday Joe to professional athletes, however constant reoccurring sprains can be a sign of improper shoes, tight calves, a weak tibialis anterior muscle or overuse.

Almost half of all people who sprain their ankle once will experience additional ankle sprains and/or chronic pain. Having a rolled or sprained ankle in the past increases your future injury chance 40-70%. Many people don’t take a sprain as a serious injury, and in result do not allow for full healing and recovery time making ligaments loose and more prone to re-injury. Correct healing time and stretching/strengthening techniques are the key to lessen your chances of multiple injuries.

Visit us, at Carolina Foot Specialists, if you are suffering from any ankle or foot pain. Treatment and correct healing will ensure you a pain free future. Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer are both experts on sports injuries and helping you get back to your regular routine quickly and safely.

Myth: Warts are for Witches

Warts come with a stigma of being unclean and nasty. People tend relate warts to an ugly witch with a big wart on her nose, while warts are contagious they are a natural reaction caused by our body, and not always a sign of bad hygiene.

A wart is caused by a viral infection (HPV) which invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions; which is why you see warts more commonly on children and youth. The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, creating the wart.

Foot warts are generally raised and fleshy and can appear anywhere on the foot or toes. Occasionally, warts can spontaneously disappear after a short time, and then, just as frequently, they recur in the same location. It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to reoccur. Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually ineffective because their use can inadvertently destroy surrounding healthy tissue.

 Please contact our office for help in effectively treating warts. Our practice is expert in recommending the best treatment for each patient, ranging from prescription ointments or medications to, in the most severe cases, laser cautery.

Foot Health for Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers are the largest generation, and our healthcare is beginning to majorly center around their needs. Taking care of an aged foot is essential to overall health. What problems do feet endure with time? An article from the 'Oregonian' explains...

Age-linked woes 
Andy Dworkin
"Fallen arches are just one of many age-related foot problems. Time can also twist lesser toes, said Dr. Michael Kennedy, an Oregon Health & Science University orthopedist. Opposing muscles usually balance to hold the toes in place, Kennedy said. But over the years, the bigger, outer muscles can overpower the weaker, inner muscles, causing toes to bend up at the first joint (hammertoe) or last (mallet toe), or even curl into a claw toe.

Age can also bring arthritis, especially in ankles and big toes, and thin the padding of the sole, worsening corns, Kennedy said. Years of wearing too-tight shoes can also worsen the common foot woe called bunions -- genetically inherited flaws which make
bony bumps that misalign the big toe. Extra weight courts a few serious foot problems. One is plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of heel pain commonly seen in people just 20 or 30 pounds overweight, Bookwalter said. In that ailment, a heel-to-toe band of tissue called the plantar fascia gets inflamed, causing pain, especially in the morning. Women, runners and people who stand for work are at extra risk."

As you can see the feet can hinder your health in many ways. If you are having any pain or signs of the above come see us today. Age can be just a number! 

Diabetes And Your Podiatrist

If you're diabetic you have a lot on your plate. Monitoring your insulin, watching your diet, finding time for exercise and regular check ups with your physician. We know it can be hard to stay on top of your health, but the importance of adding regular visits (every 3-4 months) to your trusted podiatrist can make a world of difference.

Diabetics are more prone to various foot problems than those without diabetes due to the development of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. This damage to your nerves can cause the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect extreme temperatures and pain as easily, or readily, as someone who does not have diabetes. As a result, you could sustain a serious cut or wound and not even notice your foot is injured until an infection begins.

A podiatrist can provide a more thorough exam and detect any signs of changes, such as broken skin or ulcers that can be detrimental to the health of your feet and body. Your podiatrist can also check for areas of high pressure or loss of blood circulation.

Give us a call today to start taking charge of your health: 843-654-8250.

Blisters: Your Body's way of Healing

Blisters. We’ve all dealt with them. Whether it’s due to incorrectly fitted footwear, prolonged rubbing or sweating, these pesky little bubbles are a pain in the … foot! 

Blisters result from a hot spot, a place on your skin that is irritated from rubbing, friction or pressure. In the summer your feet tends to sweat more creating increased opportunities for blisters to form. This continual focused irritation causes actual tiny tears in your epidermis (outermost layer of skin). As a healing mechanism your body sends fluids to fill the gap between the layers of skin, to protect the sensitive skin now exposed.

Ideally you want to leave a blister alone to heal. Your body is an amazing organism and sufficiently takes care of itself when allowed to do so. The bubble a blister forms is actually protecting your irritated skin from bacteria and infection, as well as from pain. When left alone new, healthy skin will form under the blister and the fluid will absorb back into the body.  For a normal everyday blister- there is no immediate need to seek medical help.

*Occasionally one can develop blood blisters, where the blister is filled with blood not plasma, or a blister can be filled with thicker, discolored fluid indicating infection. If you notice these signs please seek medical help. 

If the blister is in a particularly nagging area or is very painful you may need to pop the blister. While we do not recommend this, we understand sometimes it cannot be avoided. Taking proper steps and precautions can make all the difference.

• Wash hands with soap and warm water
• Wash blister and surrounding area with antibacterial soap and water
• Dry area completely
• Sterilize a thin, pin sized, needle with alcohol
• Gentley poke a hole in the side of the blister
• Squeeze out all fluid (If the fluid is not clear it may be sign of infection and you need to see a medical professional)
• Do NOT remove extra skin from blister, this provides a protective barrier from infection
• Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment
• If needed apply bandage, loosely, over area

 We also recommend you clean and check affected area often to catch any signs of infection early.

Have a problem with a blister? Come see us for the appropriate treatment for you! 

Pools: a Podiatrist's Nightmare

Like us, we are sure many of you are already enjoying pool days or perhaps an outing or two to Whirlin’ Waters. As much as we love water days in Charleston these activities can result in unwanted foot problems such as warts, nail fungus, athlete’s foot and more.

The most common cause for these issues are the bacteria infested, damp areas surrounding public swimming areas, locker rooms and showers. In the instance of public pools hundreds of people trample through this bacteria thriving environment unintentionally spreading fungus and giving it an ample place to grow...and in result, others pick up these conditions. We suggest wearing water shoes to avoid most problems and making sure to clean and dry feet well after exposure to these areas.

If you are concerned about any of the following please see our office for the most effective treatments. Recent studies show increased evidence of how easily conditions can spread among family members as well as to public. 

- Discolored Toenails (resulting from Onychomycosis)

- Thickened or Flaking Nails

- Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot (itching, scaling, inflammation)

- Newly formed warts

Children's Feet Are Worth It

We spend countless dollars and time choosing the right shoes for our feet. Whether day-to-day, running or sport specific, shoes are an integral part of our comfort, and ultimately, our health. Do you put the same effort in when choosing shoes for your children?

The foot's bone structure isn’t fully formed until your child reaches age 7 or 8. Foot care and correct shoes in the younger years are crucial to preventing injury to a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins), which can cause the bone to grow abnormally. More than 80% of foot problems, bunions and injuries are a result of misshaped and inflexible shoes. It’s vital that kid’s shoes allow enough room for natural growth, until the foot bones mature.

Remember to check your child's shoe size often. Make sure there is space between the toes and the end of the shoe and that the shoes are roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely.  When it comes to sports shoes are even more important for your kids, as they allow for increased opportunities for injuries. Make sure they are beginning with the correct footwear to be healthy and safe for years to come.

*Extra Tip: make sure your child’s cleats have a sufficient amount of cleats on the heel, no more than half and inch long, to give proper support.

Join Carolina Foot Specialists at the 5th Annual We Know Women Event

Did you know women have about forty times as many foot problems as men?
Join Dr. Andrew Saffer at East Cooper Medical's 5th annual We Know Women Event and learn how to prevent chronic problems, injuries and more. The evening will consists of great products, information, demonstrations and consults- including a free foot screening with us! 

We are very excited to have our practice be a part such a great event in the lowcountry. 

The event is free, but make sure to register soon, as space is filling up- 

Call 843-884-7031 or visit East Cooper Medical Center. 

May is Melanoma Awareness Month!

Have you ever suffered a severe sunburn? How about on your feet? Since May 1^st kicks off Melanoma Awareness month we thought it only fitting to discuss the affects of Sunburn, on your feet of course.

Many of us spend days outside in the warmer months, lathering sunscreen on our faces, shoulders, chests and other sensitive and exposed areas, but what about your feet? We have seen many instances where patients forget to cover their feet with sunscreen and end up severely burned.

Though it may not seem so, your feet are covered in delicate skin. When exposed to intense UV rays your feet can go from fine to fried in a matter of minuets. Opposed to only embarrassing redness, severe burns on your feet can easily cause blisters and swelling (not to mention long-term damage and risk of skin cancer).

If burned take an anti inflammatory regularly, use an aloe vera product containing at least 90% aloe (or use your own aloe plant), and elevate your burnt foot or feet.

Prevent future incidents by wearing shoes, opposed to sandals, when exposed to prolonged sun, and always include your feet in your sunscreen application (hands too!).

*When choosing sunscreen look for broad spectrum products with a SPF of 15 or higher, and remember to reapply!

Tips For Your Toes

Medical Professionals, and athletes alike, are constantly stressing the importance of fitness and stretching, but what we don't hear enough of is how important it is to stretch and exercise our toes. Toes take a lot of abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day.

Simple movements like pointing the toes, curling the toes and even walking barefoot in the sand can help relieve foot pain and strengthen your toes. Visit our website for a complete list of ways to keep your toes in tip-top shape for years to come. 

Training Safely for the Cooper River Bridge Run PART 3

Hopefully these last three videos have helped you safely train for the upcoming Cooper River Bridge Run. Both Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer know the importance of you training properly. If you have any questions about an injury you many have, you can make an appointment online HERE. 

Kids Run & Wonderfest

WOW! The Cooper River Bridge Run is just around the corner on April 5th. The night before they host a fabulous event for the kids, the Kid's Run and Wonderfest. This event helps make fitness fun for kids and benefits local charities. Be sure that if your children are running that their shoes are ready for the run! If they experience any foot pain, call us at 843-225-5575 or 843-654-8250 to schedule an appointment. 

KID'S RUN & WONDERFEST BENEFITING CHARITIES

Hugs for Harper:

http://www.active.com/donate/hugsforharper

 

Happy Wheels:

http://www.active.com/donate/happywheels

 

Abby’s Friends:

http://www.active.com/donate/abbysfriends

 

Keys for Hope:

http://www.active.com/donate/keysforhope

Here are some tips when purchasing shoes for children:

Both feet should be measured every time you shop for new shoes since those little feet are growing. If, as is common, the feet are two different sizes, shoes should be fitted to the larger foot.

The child's foot should be sized while he or she is standing up with full weight-bearing.

There should be about one-half inch of space (or a thumb's width) between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. The child should be able to comfortably wiggle his or her toes in the shoe.

Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she feels any pressure spots in the shoe. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is tested.

Put your hand inside the shoe and feel around for any staples or irregularities in the glue that could cause irritation. Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot.

Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.

Never try to force your child's feet to fit a pair of shoes.

Shoes should not slip off at the heels. Children who have a tendency to sprain their ankles will do better with high-top shoes or boots.

www.carolinafootspecialists.net 

State of the Art healing options for Chronic Plantar Fasciosis

We at Carolina Foot Specialists are keeping up with the latest techniques for conservative and surgical treatment for chronic heel pain (Plantar Fasciosis).
Our Doctors over the next few months will be attending foot and ankle conferences in Utah, Orlando, and Atlanta to become educated and trained in some of the latest techniques for treatment of chronic recalcitrant heel pain as well as other foot and ankle disorders.
Heel pain is the most common foot complaint that we see in our offices. Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer both have the same philosophy with regards to an aggressive conservative treatment plan for acute and chronic heel pain. They both come up with a treatment plan that still allows each patient to be active while undergoing treatment.
We are going to explore over the next few weeks minimally invasive surgical options for chronic heel pain more specifically "Topaz." Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer both utilize the Topaz technique which is a quick outpatient procedure that allows the patient to go back into running shoes within two to three days after the procedure. No sutures are needed with this procedure and the recovery time is fast.
Our next blog we will discuss Topaz in more detail as well as in future blogs discuss a newer technique called "PRP."

Bridge Run 2014 TIP

Try to slightly lean forward into the up slope as you run up the bridge. Running shorter strides makes your running technique more efficient. Keep your head and eyes focused ahead, but not all the way up.

Make sure you don't lean over at the waist which may cause strain on the lower back and overworks the hamstrings. When you run up hill on the bridge try to stand tall which will engage your glutes to help power you up more efficiently. www.carolinafootspecialists.net 

Run that Extra Stuffing off with the Right Shoe

Heading out to exercise off that extra stuffing you might gain after Thanksgiving. Make sure your walking or running shoes are in good shape. Dr. Adam Brown is an avid runner and always has tips. Here's what to look for.

Athletic shoes need to be replaced after one year, whether or not they are worn, and after a certain amount of repetitive load is placed on them and wears them down.

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine advises replacing running or walking shoes after 300 to 500 miles of wear, and replacing aerobic, basketball, and tennis shoes after 45 to 60 hours of wear.

Athletic shoes should also be replaced if they show signs of unevenness when placed on a flat surface, display noticeable creasing, and/or when the heel counter breaks down.

Dr. Adam Brown, Podiatrist, Carolina Foot Specialists 

Women and Bunions

Women suffer with bunions more frequently than men because of tight, pointed, high-heeled shoes that confine and restrict the foot. Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer accurately diagnose and treat bunions by recommending steps to slow their progress or to repair the joint. If more conservative measures don’t bring relief, Dr. Brown or Dr. Saffer may suggest surgery.


Check out more at our website at www.Carolinafootspecialists.net