foot and ankle pathology with orthotics

WeTreatFeet Podiatry: Treating Golf Related Foot and Ankle Pathology with Orthotics

 

Happy golf feet

Happy feet from WeTreatFeet

 

As a golfer, you rely heavily on your feet and ankles to perform at your best. Unfortunately, the repetitive nature of the sport can lead to injuries and conditions that affect your ability to play. WeTreatFeet Podiatry is a clinic that specializes in treating foot and ankle pathologies related to golfing. In this article, we will discuss how orthotics can help with a golfer’s slice and the importance of proper balance in driving the ball.

Introduction

Golf is a sport that requires a great deal of skill and precision. A golfer’s swing is the foundation of their game, and any issues with their feet and ankles can greatly impact their ability to perform. WeTreatFeet Podiatry understands the unique needs of golfers and offers specialized treatment options to address foot and ankle pathologies related to the sport.

What is WeTreatFeet Podiatry?

WeTreatFeet Podiatry is a specialized clinic that focuses on the treatment of foot and ankle conditions related to golfing. The clinic is staffed by experienced podiatrists who understand the unique demands of the sport and are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of golf-related foot and ankle pathologies.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are specialized shoe inserts designed to correct foot and ankle imbalances and provide support and stability to the foot. They can be custom-made to fit the individual needs of a golfer and address specific issues such as pronation, supination, and flat feet.

How Can Orthotics Help with a Golfer’s Slice?

A golfer’s slice is a common problem that can be caused by several factors, including poor balance and an incorrect swing. Orthotics can help address these issues by providing the necessary support and stability to the foot, improving balance, and allowing for a smoother, more accurate swing.

The Importance of Proper Balance in Driving the Ball

Proper balance is essential for a golfer to drive the ball with accuracy and power. A golfer’s weight should be evenly distributed between their feet, with their hips and shoulders aligned with their target. Poor balance can lead to an unstable swing and inconsistent results.

How WeTreatFeet Podiatry Can Help

WeTreatFeet Podiatry offers a range of treatment options to help golfers improve their foot and ankle health and optimize their performance on the course. From custom orthotics to physical therapy and laser therapy, the clinic provides comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of foot and ankle pain and pathology.

Custom Orthotics for Golfers

Custom orthotics are an excellent option for golfers looking to improve their foot and ankle health and optimize their performance on the course. At WeTreatFeet Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists can evaluate your specific needs and create custom orthotics designed to correct any imbalances and provide the necessary support and stability for a smooth, accurate swing.

Physical Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain

Physical therapy is another treatment option offered by WeTreatFeet Podiatry. Our experienced doctors work with local physical therapist to develop a personalized plan of care that addresses your specific foot and ankle pain and helps you achieve your goals on the course.

Laser Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses low-level laser light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in the foot and ankle. At WeTreatFeet Podiatry, our laser therapy treatments are safe, painless, and highly effective at reducing pain and improving mobility.

Conclusion

At WeTreatFeet Podiatry, we understand the unique needs of golfers and the importance of foot and ankle health for optimal performance on the course. Our experienced podiatrists and therapists offer a range of treatment options, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and laser therapy, to help golfers address foot and ankle pathologies related to the sport.

If you’re a golfer experiencing foot or ankle pain or looking to improve your game, WeTreatFeet Podiatry can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better foot and ankle health.

FAQs

  1. What is WeTreatFeet Podiatry?

WeTreatFeet Podiatry is a specialized clinic that focuses on the treatment of foot and ankle conditions related to golfing.

  1. How can orthotics help with a golfer’s slice?

Orthotics can provide the necessary support and stability to the foot, improving balance and allowing for a smoother, more accurate swing.

  1. What is the importance of proper balance in driving the ball?

Proper balance is essential for a golfer to drive the ball with accuracy and power.

  1. What treatment options does WeTreatFeet Podiatry offer?

#WeTreatFeet #Podiatry #FootHealth #AnkleHealth #Golfers #Golfing #CustomOrthotics #PhysicalTherapy #LaserTherapy #FootPain #AnklePain #Balance #Performance #OptimalHealth #BetterHealth

wetreatfeet

WeTreatFeet Podiatry, foot and ankle surgery and wound care

kidney disease affectyour feet

How Dialysis and Kidney Disease Affect Your Feet

If you’re dealing with kidney disease, you may be surprised to learn that it can have an impact on your feet. This is because the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body, and when they aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including foot-related issues. Here’s what you need to know.

Swelling and Edema

One of the most common foot-related issues associated with kidney disease is swelling and edema. This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the feet and ankles, causing them to become swollen and puffy. In some cases, the skin may even become stretched and shiny, and pressing on the affected area may leave a visible indentation.

Nerve Damage

Kidney disease can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This occurs when the nerves that carry signals to and from the feet and legs become damaged, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to loss of sensation in the feet, which can increase the risk of injury and infection.

Dry Skin and Itching

Another foot-related issue that can be caused by kidney disease is dry skin and itching. This occurs when the kidneys aren’t able to remove waste and toxins from the body as efficiently, leading to a buildup of these substances in the bloodstream. This can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated, which can be particularly uncomfortable on the feet.

Infections

Finally, people with kidney disease are also at an increased risk of developing infections, including those that affect the feet. This is because the immune system is weakened when the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Common foot infections that can occur in people with kidney disease include athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, and foot ulcers.

If  you’re dealing with kidney disease, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact it can have on your feet. If you notice any changes or symptoms, such as swelling, numbness, or dryness, it’s important to talk to your WeTreatFeet doctor right away. With the right treatment and care, you can help minimize the impact of kidney disease on your feet and improve your overall quality of life.

 

If you have a foot problem, call us 410-363-4343 or visit us online at www.WeTreatFeet.com

 

#KidneyDisease #Dialysis #FootProblems #FootHealth #Symptoms #Causes #Treatments #Prevention #Diagnosis #TopicalTreatments #LifestyleChanges #MedicalHelp #HealthCare #Wellness #ChronicKidneyDisease #Nephrology #Podiatry #HealthyFeet #HealthyLiving #WeTreatFeet #Orioles

Get Rid of Plantar Warts Once and For All with Dr. Francisco Pizarro at WeTreatFeet Podiatry.

Dr. Francisco Pizarro

Podiatrist DR. Francisco Pizarro

 

Have you ever had an unsightly and uncomfortable plantar wart on the sole of your foot that just won’t go away no matter what you try? If so, you’re not alone. Plantar warts are a common foot ailment that can be frustrating to treat. Fortunately, WeTreatFeet Podiatry is here to help, and Dr. Francisco Pizarro is an expert in treating plantar warts.

What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are small growths that typically appear on the sole of the foot. They are caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through small cuts or breaks and causes the cells to grow abnormally, resulting in a wart. Plantar warts can be painful and can make it difficult to walk or stand.

How Can You Get Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are highly contagious and can be contracted in a variety of ways. The virus can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces such as locker room floors, swimming pools, or public showers.

Traditional Remedies for Plantar Warts That Do Not Work.

There are several traditional remedies for plantar warts that do not work, such as home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and wart removal kits. These treatments can be ineffective and may even cause harm to the skin. It’s important to seek treatment from a podiatrist like Dr. Francisco Pizarro to ensure the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Francisco Pizarro to Treat Your Plantar Warts?

Dr. Francisco Pizarro is a highly skilled and experienced podiatrist who specializes in treating plantar warts. He uses the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcome for his patients. Dr. Pizarro is known for his compassionate and personalized care, and he takes the time to listen to his patients’ concerns and develop a customized treatment plan.

Dr. Francisco Pizarro’s Expertise in Treating Plantar Warts.

Dr. Francisco Pizarro has years of experience treating plantar warts and has helped countless patients get relief from their symptoms. He uses a variety of treatments, including immunotherapy, topical medications, and laser therapy, to remove warts safely and effectively. Dr. Pizarro’s expertise in podiatry and his commitment to patient care have earned him a reputation as one of the best podiatrists in the area.

After treatment for plantar warts, patients may experience some discomfort or soreness, which is normal. It’s important to follow Dr. Pizarro’s post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding certain activities such as swimming, and wearing comfortable shoes that do not irritate the area.

In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to completely remove the wart. Dr. Pizarro will work closely with his patients to monitor their progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Tips to Prevent Plantar Warts.

Preventing plantar warts is not always possible, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the virus. These include:

  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers.
  • Wear shower shoes or flip flops in public areas to reduce your risk of infection.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks and shoes regularly.
  • Avoid touching other people’s warts, and do not share towels, shoes, or socks with others.
  • If you have a cut or break in the skin on your foot, keep it clean and covered with a bandage until it heals.

In conclusion, plantar warts can be a frustrating and uncomfortable foot ailment, but with the help of an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Francisco Pizarro at WeTreatFeet Podiatry, they can be effectively treated. Whether you choose cryotherapy, topical medications, or laser therapy, Dr. Pizarro will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns. Don’t suffer from plantar warts any longer – make an appointment with Dr. Pizarro today and get on the path to healthier feet.  410-363-4343

#WeTreatFeetPodiatry #DrFranciscoPizarro #PlantarWartsTreatment #Cryotherapy #TopicalMedications #LaserTherapy #FootHealth #PreventPlantarWarts #HealthyFeet #PodiatryCare #FootCare #WartRemoval #FootInfections #HealthyLiving #FootTreatment #FootSpecialist #PatientCare #PodiatryExpertise #FootPainRelief #FootHealthTips

Can Foot Pain Hurt Productivity?

As a podiatrist, I understand the importance of taking care of your feet. But did you know that foot health is also crucial for overall business success? That’s right, healthy feet can help you stand your ground, move forward confidently, and stay on top of your game.

In fact, research shows that foot problems can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even lost revenue for businesses. That’s why it’s essential to invest in proper foot care, not just for yourself but also for your team.

As a business owner, consider offering your employees regular podiatry checkups and treatments as part of your wellness program. You might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on their overall health and job satisfaction.

If you’re looking for a trusted podiatrist for yourself or your team, I highly recommend our practice WeTreatFeet. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch foot care services that can help you put your best foot forward, both in and out of the workplace.

10 reasons why you should choose We Treat Feet

The We Treat Feet Podiatry group takes great pride in putting our patients’ feet and needs first. We pride ourselves on our expert clinicians and top-notch customer service.

Here are 10 reasons why you should choose We Treat Feet Podiatry for all your podiatric needs.

Read More

Report: Gout Vastly Undertreated in USA & UK

Gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide, is treatable but vastly undertreated, according to epidemiologic studies that now encompass three continents. The undertreatment problems previously reported in the United Kingdom and the United States also characterize gout in Taiwan, according to a nationwide population study.

Chang-Fu Kuo, MD, from the Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, and colleagues report the study results in an article published online January 23 in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Dr Kuo was also the lead author on the UK study.

In the new article, Dr Kuo and colleagues report, although gout incidence in Taiwan decreased during the course of the study, prevalence remained high and stable and gout management remained poor, with only about one quarter of patients receiving potentially curative urate-lowering therapy.

Jasvinder A. Singh, MD, MPH, who led the US study and who was not involved in either the Taiwan or UK studies, told Medscape Medical News, “The rates of undertreatment of gout in the US are also quite high and have been widely published, and many of the observations published in this study have also been seen in many other countries. Undertreatment includes not only lower rate of use of urate-lowering drugs but also infrequent monitoring of the serum urate and a low proportion reaching the target serum urate of less than 6 mg/dL due to use of suboptimal dose of urate-lowering drugs.” Dr Singh is professor of medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Dr Kuo and colleagues used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database for Taiwan, which covers the entire population of 23 million people, to identify gout patients, estimate prevalence and incidence for each year from 2005 to 2010, and examine patterns of gout treatment.

Gout prevalence was 1,458,569 (6.24%), and gout incidence was 56,595 (2.74/1000 person-years). Gout prevalence did not change significantly during the study, although gout incidence decreased 13.4% between 2005 and 2010 and 2.1% between 2007 and 2010. In comparison, estimates of annual incidence in US studies ranged from 0.45 to 1.73 per 1000 person-years.

Gout was most prevalent and had the highest incidence rates in eastern coast counties and offshore islets of Taiwan, which the authors note also have higher populations of indigenous Taiwanese. “However, genetic factors account for just one-third of phenotypic variation of gout in men and only one-fifth in women so environmental factors could also contribute to the variable geographical distribution of gout in Taiwan,” the authors write.

“To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report gout incidence in Asian populations. The incidence in Taiwan was much higher than other countries, suggesting significant racial and geographic variation in the aetiology of gout,” they add.

Dr Singh commented, “There are very few studies of gout risk in Asian patients in the US, so it’s not easy to say whether the problem is better, the same, or worse than Taiwan. There are no particular subgroups in the US that require particular attention, except that African-Americans have been shown to have poorer outcomes with gout compared to Caucasians, and lower rates of medication treatment.”

In the Taiwan study, in 2010, only about one third of patients with gout had contact with health services in relation to gout, and only one in five were prescribed urate-lowering therapy. Of those treated, 60.08% (95% confidence interval, 59.91% – 60.25%) received uricosuric agents alone, 28.54% (95% confidence interval, 28.39% – 28.69%) received a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and 11.38% (95% confidence interval, 11.27% – 11.49%) received both. The authors add, “Unfortunately, this suboptimal care has not changed over the study period, despite the publication of national and international guidelines on gout management during this period.”

The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Dr Singh reported no financial conflicts related directly to this study but has received research and travel grants from Takeda and Savient and consultant fees from Savient, Takeda, Regeneron, Allergan, and Novartis.

Source: Janis C. Kelly, Medscape

Foot Injury Focus: Heel Pain

The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and its ability to keep us on our feet. Heel pain, sometimes disabling, can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel.

Causes
Heel pain has many causes. Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear (such as flimsy flip-flops); or being overweight.

Common causes of heel pain include:
Heel Spurs: A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X-ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as “heel spur syndrome.” Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, by stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot, and by repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. These conditions may result from biomechanical imbalance, running or jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity.
Plantar Fasciitis: Both heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. It is common among athletes who run and jump a lot, and it can be quite painful.

The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length; this leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an athletic lifestyle.

Resting provides only temporary relief. When you resume walking, particularly after a night’s sleep, you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band, which stretches and pulls on the heel. As you walk, the heel pain may lessen or even disappear, but that may be just a false sense of relief. The pain often returns after prolonged rest or extensive walking.

Excessive Pronation: Heel pain sometimes results from excessive pronation. Pronation is the normal flexible motion and flattening of the arch of the foot that allows it to adapt to ground surfaces and absorb shock in the normal walking pattern.

As you walk, the heel contacts the ground first; the weight shifts first to the outside of the foot, then moves toward the big toe. The arch rises, the foot generally rolls upward and outward, becoming rigid and stable in order to lift the body and move it forward. Excessive pronation—excessive inward motion—can create an abnormal amount of stretching and pulling on the ligaments and tendons attaching to the bottom back of the heel bone. Excessive pronation may also contribute to injury to the hip, knee, and lower back.

Achilles Tendinitis: Pain at the back of the heel is associated with Achilles tendinitis, which is inflammation of the Achilles tendon as it runs behind the ankle and inserts on the back surface of the heel bone. It is common among people who run and walk a lot and have tight tendons. The condition occurs when the tendon is strained over time, causing the fibers to tear or stretch along its length, or at its insertion on to the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the possible growth of a bone spur on the back of the heel bone. The inflammation is aggravated by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an active lifestyle and certain activities that strain an already tight tendon.

Other possible causes of heel pain include:
rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis, including gout, which usually manifests itself in the big toe joint; an inflamed bursa (bursitis), a small, irritated sac of fluid; a neuroma (a nerve growth); or other soft-tissue growth. Such heel pain may be associated with a heel spur or may mimic the pain of a heel spur;
Haglund’s deformity (“pump bump”), a bone enlargement at the back of the heel bone in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. This sometimes painful deformity generally is the result of bursitis caused by pressure against the shoe and can be aggravated by the height or stitching of a heel counter of a particular shoe; a bone bruise or contusion, which is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the heel bone. A bone bruise is a sharply painful injury caused by the direct impact of a hard object or surface on the foot.

When to Visit a Podiatrist
If pain and other symptoms of inflammation—redness, swelling, heat—persist, limit normal daily activities and contact a doctor of podiatric medicine.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The podiatric physician will examine the area and may perform diagnostic X-rays to rule out problems of the bone.

Early treatment might involve oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medication, exercise and shoe recommendations, taping or strapping, or use of shoe inserts or orthotic devices. Taping or strapping supports the foot, placing stressed muscles and tendons in a physiologically restful state. Physical therapy may be used in conjunction with such treatments.

A functional orthotic device may be prescribed for correcting biomechanical imbalance, controlling excessive pronation, and supporting the ligaments and tendons attaching to the heel bone. It will effectively treat the majority of heel and arch pain without the need for surgery.

Only a relatively few cases of heel pain require more advanced treatments or surgery. If surgery is necessary, it may involve the release of the plantar fascia, removal of a spur, removal of a bursa, or removal of a neuroma or other soft-tissue growth.

Prevention

A variety of steps can be taken to avoid heel pain and accompanying afflictions:
-Wear shoes that fit well—front, back, and sides—and have shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters
-Wear the proper shoes for each activity
-Do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles
-Prepare properly before exercising. Warm up and do stretching exercises before and after running.
-Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities
-Don’t underestimate your body’s need for rest and good nutrition
-If obese, lose weight

New Year’s Resolution for Healthy Feet

If taking better care of your health is one of your New Year’s resolutions, start from the bottom up. We often don’t think of our foot health until there’s a problem with our feet. This year, promise yourself you’ll take better care of your entire body. Here are a few simple healthy foot habits to stick to in the new year.

Healthy Feet Resolution #1: Walk More

Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise; it doesn’t require any special equipment, it can be done in almost any weather, and it’s good for your overall health – including your feet. Even in small 15-20 minute doses, walking will help keep your feet and your body in shape.

Healthy Feet Resolution #2: Shed a Few Pounds

If this isn’t already on your New Year’s resolution list, here’s one reason you should consider adding it. Less weight means less stress on feet, which is especially important if you play sports or work on your feet all day. If you’re already at a healthy weight, keep up the good work! Your feet are one step closer to staying healthy in 2015.

Healthy Feet Resolution #3: Have Regular Check-ups

Your feet help you get around even more than your car does, so you should definitely be taking them in for regular check-ups. Regular visits to the podiatrist will let you know if there’s anything you should be paying closer attention to. If you already have a foot condition or other condition that affects your feet (e.g., diabetes), skipping foot check-ups is bad for your health.

Healthy Feet Resolution #4: Eat for Your Feet

What goes in your mouth affects your body – even all the way down to your feet. In general, you should avoid or cut back on foods that cause inflammation in the body. If you have gout, maintaining a healthy eating plan can reduce your symptoms. Once you know which foods to avoid, you can find healthy alternatives that won’t trigger your symptoms.

Healthy Feet Resolution #5: Shape Up Your Shoes

When it comes to improving foot health, 2 quick-fix recommendations for improving your shoe collection are:

Ditch the super high heels and flip-flops. Both of these types of shoes can be hazardous to your foot health. High heels force the foot into an unnatural position, and can damage the foot’s structure, resulting in corns, calluses, and bunions. Flip-flops offer no support for the foot, and the open design leaves your foot more susceptible to injury and infections, like athlete’s foot.
Replace old athletic shoes. Over time, even the best athletic shoe loses its ability to adequately support your feet when you’re engaging in your favorite activity. If you continue wearing them, you could end up throwing off the alignment of your foot. Worn-out shoes also put you at greater risk for sports-related injuries. In the long run, the potential cost of wearing old athletic shoes is much greater than the cost to replace them every 300-500 miles of use.

The path to achieving your New Year’s resolutions awaits you, don’t forget to make sure your feet can take you there. Now’s the perfect time to schedule your New Year’s appointment.

Original Source: http://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/best-foot-forward-new-years-resolutions-healthy-feet/

Winter Foot Care Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy

Whether you’re slogging through deep snow and sub-zero temperatures in the north, or contending with dampness, chill, and muddy conditions in the south, it’s important to take care of your feet all winter long. You’ll want them to be healthy and ready for action when spring finally arrives.
Most Americans will have walked 75,000 miles by the time they turn 50. Is it little wonder, then, that APMA’s 2010 foot health survey found that foot pain affects the daily activities—walking, exercising, or standing for long periods of time—of a majority of Americans?

“Each season presents unique challenges to foot health,” said Matthew Garoufalis, DPM, a podiatrist and APMA president. “Surveys and research tell us that foot health is intrinsic to overall health, so protecting feet all year long is vital to our overall well-being.”

APMA offers some advice for keeping feet healthy in common winter scenarios:

Winter is skiing and snowboarding season, activities enjoyed by nearly 10 million Americans, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Never ski or snowboard in footwear other than ski boots specifically designed for that purpose. Make sure your boots fit properly; you should be able to wiggle your toes, but the boots should immobilize the heel, instep, and ball of your foot. You can use orthotics (support devices that go inside shoes) to help control the foot’s movement inside ski boots or ice skates.

Committed runners don’t need to let the cold stop them. A variety of warm, light-weight, moisture-wicking active wear available at most running or sporting goods stores helps ensure runners stay warm and dry in bitter temperatures. However, some runners may compensate for icy conditions by altering how their foot strikes the ground. Instead of changing your footstrike pattern, shorten your stride to help maintain stability. And remember, it’s more important than ever to stretch before you begin your run. Cold weather can make you less flexible in winter than you are in summer, so it’s important to warm muscles up before running.

Boots are must-have footwear in winter climates, especially when dealing with winter precipitation. Between the waterproof material of the boots themselves and the warm socks you wear to keep toes toasty, you may find your feet sweat a lot. Damp, sweaty feet can chill more easily and are more prone to bacterial infections. To keep feet clean and dry, consider using foot powder inside socks and incorporating extra foot baths into your foot care regimen this winter.

Be size smart. It may be tempting to buy pricey specialty footwear (like winter boots or ski boots) for kids in a slightly larger size, thinking they’ll be able to get two seasons of wear out of them. But unlike coats that kids can grow into, footwear needs to fit properly right away. Properly fitted skates and boots can help prevent blisters, chafing, and ankle or foot injuries. Likewise, if socks are too small, they can force toes to bunch together, and that friction can cause painful blisters or corns.

Finally—and although this one seems like it should go without saying, it bears spelling out—don’t try to tip-toe through winter snow, ice, and temperatures in summer-appropriate footwear. “More than one news show across the country aired images of people in sneakers, sandals, and even flip-flops during the severe cold snap that hit the country in early January,” Dr. Garoufalis said. “Exposing feet to extreme temperatures means risking frostbite and injury. Choose winter footwear that will keep your feet warm, dry, and well-supported.”

Source: APMA

What is driving a physician shortage and how can it be stopped?

As its name insists, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is supposed to give more American access to reasonably-price healthcare, but this affordability would prove fruitless if the number of primary care physicians in the United States continues to decrease.

Recent findings from the likes of SERMO, the largest online community of physicians, show that amongst all provider specialties family and internal medicine are two of three unhappiest groups of physicians, 62 percent and 60 percent, respectively. Only obstetricians and gynecologists come in lower at 59 percent. For internists and family physicians, dissatisfaction with lifestyle was a common factor leading many to rethink their choice of specialty, 25 and 23 percent, respectively.

“These are the doctors on the front lines in medicine who are seeing the increase pressure and in particular now with the ACA in play and a higher stream of patients coming in,” SERMO CEO Peter Kirk tells EHRIntelligence.com. “It is still a challenging work environment and they are at the lower end of the pay scale. Those are the ones looking to change whereas those on the higher end of the pay scale — orthopedists, physiatrists, oncologists, etc. — are happiest with their professions.”

Although these physicians admit to dissatisfaction with their choice of specialty, it does not mean that they are leaving it for another. So then why is this problematic? The answer to that question is seen in the choices made by the next waves of physicians, residents, who are opting more lucrative and less stressful professional positions.

“Based on some of the conversations on the site, you can build a sense of how much there is a drive toward specialty right off,” Kirk explains. “Having your own private practice as a primary care physician is not the dream anymore. It doesn’t pay the bills. There’s too much complexity, too much involved in running a business. This is driving residents into searching for the best-paid specialties in order to help pay of their debt and have a nice head start moving forward.”

Here lies the basis on predictions that physician shortages are only a matter of time. The ACA and increase of insured Americans should only serve to exacerbate the stresses associated with primary care.

“There will not be enough real doctors at the front lines of primary care to handle the workload, especially with the ACA adding 30 million additional patients to the system,” maintains SERMO’s CEO. “More pressure and more of the primary care are being assigned to non-physicians. The NPs and PAs are likely to do more of the work. That’s going to play out over the next five to ten years.”

A solution to the problem?

The physician shortage problem is real, but what can be done about it? Both the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and American Medical Association (AMA) believe the solution to be found in graduate medical education.
Crediting medical schools for increasing enrollments and students for responding with an increasing number of applications, the AAMC is placing the onus on lawmakers:

Now Congress must do its part by lifting the cap on the number of federally supported residency training positions. Lawmakers have responded with proposals in the House and Senate to increase the number of residency positions. But they must act now in order to ensure that there are enough physicians for our growing and aging population.

Meanwhile, the AMA has developed a new policy to encourage state and federal legislators and private payers help fund residents in training with an emphasis on promoting the teaching of team-based and patient-centered care models by accrediting associations.

Through its Accelerating Change in Medical Education initiative, the AMA has convened nearly a dozen medical schools to decrease disparities in medical education. “As more patients continue to receive health care coverage, it is essential that the next generation of physicians is sufficiently trained,” said AMA Board Member Stephen Permut, MD.

Health information technology (IT) has a role to play in easing the burdens on providers if developed, implemented, and used properly. But it is still only a support and no substitute for the skill and expertise of physicians using it.

Source:
Kyle Murphy, PhD
EHR Intelligence

1 2