05/21/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Suggests Ways to Deal with Hyperhydrosis
Robert Conenello, DPM, a practicing podiatrist in Orangeburg, New York, says moisture-wicking materials draw sweat away from your skin and transfer it to the outer layer of the sock. This helps them dry quicker without irritating your skin or causing a fungal infection. Dr. Conenello says that if your shoes are well-ventilated, you’re much less likely to have sweaty feet and associated problems like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
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Dr. Robert Conenello |
If your feet need a little extra help, Dr. Conenello says, “soaking your feet in saltwater or using astringents, like tea tree oil, can aid in drying them.” These liquids draw moisture out of your skin, making your feet less likely to sweat. Fill a bowl or basin with tepid water, then add 1/2 cup Epsom salts or 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil and soak your feet for 10 minutes. In a rush? Use a blow dryer to dry between your toes. Dr. Conenello says this is an easy and effective way to maintain dryness.
Source: Chad Birt, Charlotte Observer [5/17/24]
05/14/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
NY Podiatrist Recommends Home Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
Elevate and rest your aching foot when it gets aggravated. Applying ice, with an ice pack or just ice wrapped in a towel, can help lower inflammation and pain. "Rolling the bottom of the foot on a foam roller or frozen bottle of water is also therapeutic," says Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and foot surgeon in New York and suburban Maryland.
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Dr. Yolanda Ragland |
Another recommended method by Ragland: "While seated, take a towel or a flat-resistance band wrap under the ball of the foot, and pull the ends of the towel or band so that your toes are being pulled toward the body to keep the plantar fascia lengthened." Plantar fasciectomy, a type of foot surgery, is quick and typically offers a permanent solution, Dr. Ragland says. However, surgery is usually the last option because the vast majority of patients with this condition get better with non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatments.
Source: Vanessa Caceres, msn.com
05/14/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
Sweat Alone Doesn't Cause Bromhidrosis: OH Podiatrist
Stinky feet are normal, especially for people who sweat a lot as a result of exercise, hot weather, or shoes that don’t breathe. A mix of bacteria and sweat are likely to blame, experts say. But small changes can go a long way in reducing odors. “I see it all the time,” said Nicholas Butler, DPM, a podiatrist in Beachwood, Ohio. “People will even be embarrassed to come see me about it.”
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Dr. Nicholas Butler |
If someone has bromhidrosis, the technical term for smelly feet and general body odor, sweat and bacteria are probably to blame, he said. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature, and we have more of them in places like armpits, palms, and the soles of the feet. But sweat alone doesn’t have an odor, Dr. Butler said. Bacteria feed off perspiration, producing acids that can make feet smell like cheese, sulfur, or vinegar.
Source: The New York Times [5/8/23]
05/13/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
CO Podiatrist Receives Inaugural Dr. Sam Mendicino Lifetime Achievement Award
Alan Ng, DPM of Orthopedic Centers of Colorado is the recipient of the first Dr. Sam Mendicino Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Mendicino was an innovator and educator committed to the podiatric profession whose contributions to podiatry include being a residency director and Founder of the Greater Texas Educational Foundation, lecturer, and Past President of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS).
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Dr. Alan Ng |
Dr. Ng, a 2001 Alumni and Fellow of the West Houston program, took to heart the direction from Dr. Mendicino to get involved and serve the profession. Dr. Ng is Past President and current member of the Continuous Certification Committee and Exam Oversight Committee for the ABFAS. He is also the President-Elect for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, as well as Director for the Rocky Mountain Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Fellowship and serves on the residency committee for Highlands/Presbyterian St. Luke’s Podiatric Surgical Residency Program.
05/13/2024
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
IL Podiatrist Joins Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital has announced the addition of Richard Sowlles, DPM to its medical team. Dr. Sowlles earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago, IL.
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Dr. Richard Sowlles |
Prior to joining Memorial Hospital, Dr. Sowlles served as a dedicated practitioner in Hamilton, IL, for over three decades. He also contributed significantly to the Wound Clinic at Keokuk Area Hospital from 2006 until 2022. Additionally, he worked for Blessing Hospital in Keokuk, IA, from 2022 to 2024.
Source: The Daily Gate City [5/8/24]
05/10/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Foot Surgery by PA Podiatrist Restores Woman's Independence
After dealing with debilitating foot pain for years, Robin Freeman visited podiatrist John Dresser, DPM. MRI scans revealed Freeman had significant arthritic changes throughout her foot related to a longstanding flat foot deformity. Although she could manage the pain with a walking boot and cortisone shots, surgery was another option. She decided to move forward with the surgery.
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Dr. John Dresser |
The surgery required five incisions, multiple rods to fuse the damage, and more than two dozen stitches. After surgery, she had a 10-week recovery in which she couldn't initially put any pressure on her foot. Almost two years after her surgery, Freeman is pain-free. She gets stiff sometimes if she sits for too long, and she has balance problems if she walks barefoot. But she is feeling much better now, and she's back to driving, walking, shopping, and other activities.
Source The Bradford Era [5/7/24]
05/09/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
OTC Insoles May Help Even Those Without Arch Issues: NY Podiatrist
Even if you don’t have arch issues, insoles can provide more comfort as you walk. “They provide cushioning and support as it off-loads pressure points on the foot,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon in New York. “They can also improve the biomechanics of one’s feet and reduce pain in the feet.”
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Dr. Bruce Pinker |
Because of the extra cushioning, they can also be good for those dealing with plantar fasciitis, a condition where your plantar fascia gets inflamed. This can happen from working out in shoes with no support, tight calves, carrying excess weight, and more. While custom insoles (also called orthotics) can provide personalized support, over-the-counter insoles can also help. “They can provide cushioning and shock absorption and possibly reduce pain in the heel or arch,” says Dr. Pinker. “They aren’t harmful, though they may not be helpful to those with serious foot conditions.”
Source: Bethany Heitman, NBC [5/6/24]
05/07/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
NY Podiatrist Discusses How Toenails Should be Cut
If you’re prone to getting ingrown toenails or have fragile toenails that constantly break, simply trimming them to a specific shape can help. According to Miguel Cunha, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare, the best shape for toenails is flat across. “It’s important to avoid cutting your toenails round or angled to prevent the formation of ingrown nails,” says Cunha. “Once the nails are cut flat and straight across, the edges on either side can be filed down so that the corners are less pointy and slightly beveled to follow the shape of the toe.”
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Dr. Miguel Cunha |
Length is also important. Though you don’t want to cut your toenails too short, it’s important to cut them regularly. “When your nails are too long, they can become damaged due to micro trauma of the nail, which is caused by the repetitive stress of your nails hitting your shoes with every step,” says Cunha. “It’s one of the main reasons why runners develop bruised toenails,” he adds. “Toenails should all have roughly the same shape, color, and thickness. If something is abnormal in the appearance of the nails it is important to determine the reason why by going to a foot specialist,” says Dr. Cunha.
Source: Yahoo News [5/5/24]
05/07/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
MD Podiatrist Warns About Dangerous Ways to Remove Calluses
While calluses typically don’t create medical issues, they can be annoyingly stubborn, which is why dermatologists and podiatrists often see patients complaining about them. When looking to remove a callus quickly, many people reach for a physical exfoliator like a foot file or pumice stone. These work but it pays to be choosy and proceed with caution, our experts recommended. “The only physical exfoliation that I recommend is a gentle pumice stone in the shower — nothing like a cheese grater,” says Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, Maryland and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.
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Dr. Priya Parthasarathy |
“Some people get blades and try to remove the dead skin themselves. Those are all very dangerous.” Harsh files damage the skin, creating the risk of injury and infection and the potential to make the callus worse, according to Dr. Parthasarathy. “Causing that area to be traumatized, one can cause the calluses to come back worse because your body’s trying to keep protecting itself,” she says.
Source: Macaela MacKenzie, Today (NBC) [5/3/24]
05/06/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses Holistic Treatment of Tailor's Bunions
“Do not let pain persist for more than a week before seeking professional help,” says holistic podiatrist Robert Kornfeld, DPM, who practices in New York. “Unlike other parts of the body, when a pain syndrome begins in the foot, it is still going to be beaten against the ground thousands of steps every day.” Getting help sooner can ward off chronic inflammation.
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Dr. Robert Kornfeld |
“Warm soaks can be helpful,” says Dr. Kornfeld. The warmth relaxes tense, stiff muscles surrounding the affected joint, which can take some pressure off a tailor’s bunion. Plus it boosts healing blood flow to the area. Simply fill a large bowl or basin, add a scoop of muscle-relaxing Epsom salts (if desired), then soak your foot for 15 to 20 minutes as needed. Dr. Kornfeld says topical liniments designed to ease pain can tamp down the discomfort of a tailor’s bunion. Consider opting for a cream made with capsaicin, the compound that spicy peppers their heat. When applied topically, capsaicin helps block pain signals.
Source: Denise Maher, Woman's World [5/2/24]
05/02/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
IL Podiatrist Discusses Why Cholestasis Can Cause Itchy Feet During Prgenancy
There's almost nothing more annoying than feeling itchy. Just thinking about being itchy can make you itchier! Some people experience an uptick in itchy skin during pregnancy. The itching can happen all over the body or be confined to certain areas, such as the feet. Cholestasis, also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) or obstetric cholestasis, is a liver condition that affects about one or two of every 1,000 pregnant people. It’s also a potential cause of itching in pregnancy, particularly if you are experiencing itchiness of the feet and hands.
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Dr. Neha Jani |
Neha Singla Jani, DPM, a podiatrist practicing in Evanston, Illinois, explains that cholestasis occurs due to a disruption to the liver’s ability to process bile, the digestive fluid produced by the liver. “The pathogenesis of itching in cholestasis is unknown, but some hypotheses have been proposed, including bile acid accumulation in the skin that acts as agents that cause itching,” Dr. Jani explains.
Source: Wendy Wisner, Parents [4/29/24]
05/01/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
People Should Not Have to Endure Pain from Calluses: MI Podiatrist
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "Removing callus tissue is a time honored approach, although the methods for doing so can sometimes be brutal. The use of a razor blade is not recommended due to the high propensity for self-inflicted injury. Reducing the callus is an effective means of reducing pain, but the amount of relief will depend on the specifics of the tissues affected. Again, debriding the callus reduces the pressure to the living tissues and should lead to less pain. But the relief is only temporary since the situation producing the pressure remains."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"Many Americans live with chronic pain. A plethora of causes exist for this discomfort, but when it’s due to a simple digital callus, the discomfort is usually not disabling. Yet, living with pain affects gait, as well as quality of life. The former has serious repercussions, altering function and eventually leading to symptoms from some other body part(s). Solutions are numerous, but living with pain should not be one of your options," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [4/30/24]
05/01/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
People Need to Take Lawn Mowing Dangers Seriously: VA Podiatist
“Lawnmower blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Yet we see patients who’ve been hurt operating a mower barefoot,” said Matthew Dairman, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes. People need to take lawn mowing safety seriously because the injuries can, indeed, be very serious.”
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Dr. Matthew Dairman |
To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these sensible guidelines: Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers. Wear heavy shoes or work boots—no sneakers or sandals. Never pull a running mower backward.
Source: Gant News [4/28/24]
04/30/2024
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Indian Podiatrist Looks to Transform Footcare
In India, podiatric medicine is still in its infancy compared to Western countries. Awareness about foot health and the role of podiatric specialists is low among both the general population and healthcare professionals. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, the fast-rising recreational and competitive sports scenario, and accelerating lifestyle changes, especially post-COVID, all have given rise to situations that necessitate urgent attention to foot care.
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Dr. Sanjay Sharma |
Dr. Sanjay Sharma, podiatric surgeon, wound care specialist, and co-founder of Footsecure, said, “We established Footsecure with a mission to empower individuals to regain mobility through accessible podiatry and wound care solutions, guided by values of humanity, integrity, transparency, reliability, and competency.
Source: Outlook Money [4/28/24]
04/25/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
CA Podiatrist Discusses Bunion Surgery
More than 25% of people worldwide have bunions—and the deformity, which is particularly prevalent among older people, is more likely to affect women than men. But you wouldn’t know how common bunions are based on the level of discourse surrounding them; they’re not exactly considered dinner-party conversation. That should change, experts say. “It’s not talked about a lot…but it is an insecurity that patients have,” says Dana Brems, DPM, a podiatric foot and ankle surgery specialist in Los Angeles. “People say they feel uncomfortable wearing open-toed shoes or sandals because of the appearance of the bunion.”
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Dr. Dana Brems |
More discussion about bunions, including how they affect quality of life and what to do about them, could help alleviate that stigma, she adds. People can generally walk immediately after bunion surgery, but they need to wear a special post-surgery shoe, like a boot, for at least a few weeks. “That’s just unavoidable—solid bone takes six to eight weeks to heal,” Dr. Brem says. “You’ll probably be back to full activity after around three months, running and jumping and that sort of thing.”
Source: Angela Haupt, Time [4/14/24]
04/24/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Orthotics Can Prevent Knee Replacement in Some Cases of Flatfoot: MI Podiatrist
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "One of the more common consequences of the flatter foot type is the performance of many knee replacement procedures, secondary to walking with a collapsed arch. Experts believe most of these operations could have been prevented if, years earlier, these individuals had utilized prescription foot supports (e.g. foot orthotics) which help to maintain a more efficient, less deviated position of the many joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments, which function inappropriately in the presence of a flatfoot deformity."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"Clearly, there can be significant consequences to the flat foot type. Although many Americans have no real problems living with a lower arch, who can predict the occurrence of these many complications? Familial history provides only tendencies. A physician trained in the nuances of lower extremity mechanics is a good place to start. With a thorough and multi-faceted evaluation, many of these painful conditions can be prevented," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [4/23/24]
04/23/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrists Discuss Athlete’s Foot
“Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet,” explains Mohammad Rimawi, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist in New York City. It’s not too difficult to tell if you have athlete’s foot — the symptoms are usually quite obvious. “Signs of athlete’s foot include scaling, dryness, blistering, redness, burning or stinging,” says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon in New York. It often occurs on the bottom of the foot, especially on heels or between the toes. Some people may only experience a few of these things, while others may experience all the symptoms simultaneously. It’s also not unusual for symptoms to start fairly mild and then get worse as time goes on.
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(L-R) Drs. Bruce Pinker and Mohammad Rimawi |
“Fungi are opportunistic organisms that take advantage of you at your weakest.” Dr. Pinker says that those who suffer from hyperhidrosis—meaning they sweat excessively—are also more likely to encounter athlete’s foot. If you tend to sweat, changing your shoes and socks regularly can help.” Beyond this, you’ll likely also need some sort of medication. Over-the-counter, topical creams work very well in most cases, adds Dr. Rimawi. If you have a bad case of athlete’s foot, you may need a doctor to prescribe you oral medication.
Source: Bethany Heitman, NBC News [4/17/24]
04/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: PM News Subscriber
The feet can provide a window to one’s health if you look. A 48 year old female patient came to me for an issue with her feet... bunions. Upon examination of her feet, she presented mottling, with black and blue discolorations to a few digits. There was no pain or history related to the discoloration.
I referred her to a vascular specialist and told her to go the next day. The vascular surgeon called me to ask how I knew to refer this patient. The patient had 98% blockage to her carotid arteries and he did not know how she survived. She was throwing clots to her extremities. Sometimes you have to think "outside the box.”
PM News Subscriber
04/22/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
MIS Foot Surgery by CO Podiatrist Returns Hiker to Trail
Stephanie Klipple was unable to hike because of bunion pain. Last year, she decided that the time was right to take a break from hiking and seek relief from Mark Maurer, DPM at UCHealth Foot and Ankle Clinic in Pueblo. Klipple’s surgery consisted of a left bunionectomy with metatarsal osteotomy and a left hallux proximal phalangeal osteotomy.
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Dr. Mark Maurer |
Dr. Maurer cut and, using a screw, realigned Klipple’s phalanx bone of the big toe. This was done to correct the angle of the big toe, which had become misaligned due to the bunion. This newer bunion correction technique has allowed Klipple to recover faster with less scarring and stiffness compared to traditional bunion surgery. Seven weeks after the surgery, she was back on the trail and going on easy hikes in Red Rock Canyon open space.
Source: Todd Seip, UCHealth Today [4/19/24]
04/19/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
MI Podiatrist Discusses the Benefits of MIS Surgery
According to Conway McLean, DPM, "The progress we have made in many facets of operative intervention is remarkable, from our abilities to fix and alter bone tissue, to the implantation of prosthetic joints. But clearly some of the greatest advances are in regards to minimally invasive surgical techniques, in which surgeons use specialized instrumentation to perform some task internally with less damage externally. As the name implies, the openings performed for this general style of surgery involves dramatically smaller incisions. This is a great benefit to the patient since the larger incision, the more trauma produced."
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Dr. Conway McLean |
"One of the most common concerns with any surgery is the development of a post-operative infection. Despite the sterile environment created for surgery, post-operative infections continue to occur. But this contagion is more likely when there is greater trauma, as well as greater exposure of the tissues beneath the skin, as with an open procedure. With MIS techniques, the skin incisions are dramatically smaller, exposing less tissue. This would help to explain the reduced incidence of infection developing after these surgeries," says Dr. McLean.
Source: Marquette Mining Journal [4/16/24]
04/19/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Feet Can Help Diagnose Poor Circulation, Diabetes: OH Podiatrist
If you’re feeling pain in your feet, it may be something more than just feeling sore. Joy Rowland, DPM from the Cleveland Clinic said she can also tell if someone has poor circulation or even diabetes, based on the appearance of their feet. People may have thought their pain was isolated to their feet and then discover it’s actually due to another medical condition. For example, someone experiencing numbness or tingling in their feet could have nerve damage from perhaps a back injury. In those situations, Dr. Rowland said she will order any needed tests to help confirm the suspected diagnosis.
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Dr. Joy Rowland |
It’s not just your feet that can indicate something is wrong. Your toenails can too. If you have thickened toenails that are crumbly and brittle, a podiatrist can evaluate you and take a culture. Then they can determine if you have psoriasis, a fungal nail infection in your toenails, or also something called nail dystrophy, which is related to repetitive injury to the toenail. Sometimes people will endure foot pain or discomfort for years before finally coming in to get examined, Dr. Rowland said. She urges you not to delay as it could impact the type of treatments available.
Source: Faith King, WNYT [4/16/24]
04/18/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Night Cramps Can Signal Loss of Bone: FL Podiatrist
Aches and pains come with aging—we all expect that. But they can signal more than just your body getting older. Frequent aches and pains are a warning sign of a vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to bone loss. If you also find yourself getting frequent muscle cramps, it can be a sign of vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
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Dr. Vishnu Seecharan |
“Muscle cramps are especially common in feet and legs,” says Vishnu Seecharan, DPM, a podiatrist in Palm Beach, Florida. “Leg cramps that occur at night are often a sign that your calcium, magnesium, and/or potassium blood levels are too low.” He says that if these deficiencies continue over a long period of time it may lead to bone loss.
Source: Sarah Madaus, The Healthy [4/16/24]
04/16/2024
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Increase Spring Exercise Level Gradually: PA Podiatrist
According to Christine Nolan, DPM, "High-impact exercise can help strengthen the muscles and bones of our lower extremities, which can improve balance and stability. It also increases blood flow to the feet and improves overall cardiovascular health. However, high-impact exercise may put too much stress on our ankles and feet, particularly the plantar fascia and the bones and joints in the feet. This can lead to injuries such as stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, as well as several Achilles tendon disorders."
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Dr. Christine Nolan |
"To avoid injury, it’s important to gradually increase the intensity of your activities to avoid overuse injuries. Low-impact exercise, such as walking, is great exercise for your feet and can help improve your overall health. As you work up to your summer activity goals, mix up your routine so that days with high-impact activity are balanced out by days with low-impact activity. This will provide your body with the rest it needs to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Resting is important for reducing fatigue, improving circulation, preventing injuries, and alleviating pain," says Dr. Nolan.
Source: northcentralpa.com [4/11/24]
04/15/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Paul Betschart, DPM
Surgeons should also check with their malpractice policy to make sure they are covered for cosmetic procedures as some policies do not.
Paul Betschart, DPM, Danbury, CT
04/12/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Steven Mazer, DPM
Dr. Jill Berkowitz-Berliner is confused about not being allowed to treat bunions cosmetically with possibly not being reimbursed by an insurance company. A podiatrist may, with informed consent of the patient, perform a bunionectomy for cosmetic reasons in the state of New York. The patient would need to be made aware of the fact that his or her insurance may not pay for the procedure and that the patient would be responsible for any fees associated with that procedure.
Steven Mazer, DPM (retired), Woodbury, NY
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