It's World No-Tobacco Day! Horrible Foot Problems Caused by Smoking:

In honour of World No-Tobacco Day, we thought we’d shed some light on how smoking cigarettes can affect the health of your feet.   You’ve heard how smoking can affect your lungs and heart, causes your fingernails and teeth to turn yellow, and even causes bad breath, but no one ever mentions how it seriously affects your feet.

In our clinics, we see some heart breaking problems caused by smoking.  Sometimes chiropodists at our clinics can tell just by looking at a patient’s feet that they smoke!  Surprised?  The skin on their feet is often thinner, shinier, and reddish in colour.

Your feet are the furthest body part from your heart, which means that even under the best of circumstances, they don't receive as much blood circulation as other parts of your body. And if you smoke, your body is definitely not working under peak conditions.

Smoking causes poor circulation, or more technically, peripheral arterial disease. Arteries are the blood vessels that bring fresh oxygenated blood to all tissues of the body.  The further the arteries are from the heart, the smaller they are.  The best arteries are wide open.  Smoking causes a substance called plaque to build up in the arteries, causing them to become stiff and narrowed (and sometimes plugged), often affecting the arteries that run down your legs to your feet, which in turn, reduces the ability for blood to reach your feet.  Peripheral arterial disease can be a painful and debilitating disease, often leading to infection, gangrene and eventually , amputation.  Smoking is the leading cause of lower extremity amputations, which is ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE!

Here is a list of signs and symptoms of Peripheral arterial disease, and some problems it can cause:

1.      The development of peripheral artery disease will make you 5 times as likely to die from a cardiovascular heart disease

2.      Pain in your legs and/or feet when walking or standing

3.      Numbness and tingling in your feet are the beginning affects of neuropathy, generally caused by poor circulation.  This nerve damage makes your feet numb or unable to feel sensations, and can reduce your ability to feel your feet, or pain, heat, or cold.  Foot injury is more likely if you suffer from neuropathy.

4.      An inability to fight foot infections

5.      Wounds, cuts, and lacerations heal slowly or poorly

6.      Cold feet

7.      Possible changes in the shape or structure of your foot

8.      Foot Ulcers on the foot, and toes

9.      Feet turn blue or reddish in color

10.  May develop Beurger’s disease – a painful disorder that involves leg pain and gangrene of the hands and feet that are very are painful, and is a result of smoking

11.  Amputation of your toes or foot

 

Smoking can also cause the growth of your toenails to slow down.  It  can cause the texture of your nails to change, and a certain shape of the nail can indicate lung cancer,  often caused by smoking.  Clubbing of the nails (Hippocratic nails), often indicates lung problems.

If you notice any of the signs noted above, please book and appointment to be thoroughly assessed by our chiropodists.

Later, we’ll discuss how researchers have discovered that taking toenail samples from a person who smokes, can identify their risk of lung cancer! 

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Mosquitoes Bite Because of Your Smelly Feet!

 

 If being embarrassed by your stinky feet, or having your spouse complain about them, isn't enough of a reason to do something about it, here is one more reason:  Your smelly feet attract mosquitoes!

Yep, according to recent research, mosquitoes may be attracted to the bacteria in sweaty, moist, sinky feet.  So, it may mean that if you can get rid of that nasty odour, you will be able to lower their nuisance level!

Here are the specs:

Remco Suer worked with the African mosquito Anopheles gambiae, one of the primary vectors for the spread malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, and tested them against the smells in his lab:

Suer tested their sense of smell in the labratory by pumping additional Carbon Dioxide into a container to simulate human breath, then added a high concentration of five different foot odors and found that the mosquitoes were unable to react to the carbon dioxide for several seconds. The sole-ful odors actually stopped mosquitoes from sensing carbon dioxide from breathing — which could be a reason why malarial mosquitoes divert when honing in on a person and move instead to the feet at close ranges.

That's pretty cool news. Keep in mind, though, that A. gambiae is only one variety of mosquito that is reacting to a specific cocktail of smells. How mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti that spread West Nile might respond in different ways. Still, there's at least promise in knowing what the effects of bad breath and a set of funky feet can do for your summertime health. [PhyOrg, Photo via Shutterstock]

This study is supported by results from a study performed by Entomologist Daniel L. Kline whose research determined that mosquitoes love smelly feet.  He experimented with using dirty socks as a mosquito lure, and found his 3-day-old socks were irresistible to them. Specifically, it's the bacteria that grow on human feet that seems to draw a crowd.

Want to know other sure-fire ways to get a mosquitoe bite?

1.  Keep breathing.  Mosquitoes detect carbon dioxide in the air, so the more you breathe, the more likely you are to become a blood meal.

2. Skip the shower.  Bring on the B.O.!  The more you stink, the easier it is for blood-thirsty mosquitoes to find you.

3. Run around. First, mosquitoes find you by using their sight, so if you're moving, they'll find you! If you run around, it's like you're telling the mosquitoes "Pick me, Pick me!"

4. Sweat a lot. Perspiration is the perfect combination of mosquito attractants – moisture and odors. Head outdoors on a hot, sticky summer evening, and work up a sweat. The mosquitoes will thank you.

6. Dress in dark colors.  We all know this, right?Research shows that mosquitoes respond best to dark colors, especially blue (I was always taught it is black!).

 7. Wear perfume or cologne.   Especially floral scents, which are especially attractive to mosquitoes.

8. Use alpha hydroxy products on your skin.Lactic acid, which our bodies produce naturally, is a big draw for mosquitoes. It just so happens that many skin care products contain lactic acid, too, and so might help boost your chemistry with these blood-seeking bugs.

10. Drink beer and eat limburger cheese.
Studies show people who've had a few beers score the most mosquito bites at the barbecue. Snack on some limburger cheese while enjoying a beer, and you will open yourself up to an all out assault. Limburger cheese is made with the same bacteria that makes your feet stink.

Argh, I am suddenly feeling very itchy, just writing this.  I'm on my way to buy a bug zapper!  Do this things really work???

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It's French Open Friday! GotTennis Elbow???

 

The Elbow and Forearm

Elbow Tendonitis

This is a very common condition involving inflammation of the tendons crossing the elbow. There are three groups of tendons which can be involved, the lateral, the medial, or the posterior compartments.

Symptoms that patient's experience are:

• Pain over the inside, outside, or back of the elbow, depending on which tendons are involved.
• The onset of pain is usually gradual. It may be related to wrist extension activities (lateral tendonitis) or wrist flexion and downward rotation (medial tendonitis).
• The pain varies from a dull ache or no pain at rest to sharp twinges or a straining sensation with activities.

Management- In acute cases ice, immobilization, and gentle range of motion is used to resolve the inflammation and progress the condition to a more treatable chronic state. Once the inflammation is controlled the condition is managed using advice as to the appropriate level and type of activity that may be preformed, ultrasound and friction massage, as well as a strengthening and mobility program.

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Cleaning House and Curing Cancer PLEASE SHARE!

YARD SALE - Come join us at NPFCC this Saturday 7am-2pm to raise funds for Relay for Life. Just SOME of the fun stuff you can expect... Bake Sale, Raffle, BBQ, hand painted pinstripe tattoos, car wash, lemonade stand, and much more!!!

Cleaning House and Curing Cancer!

PS - we still need your stuff! If you have items you wish to donate for our sale, please bring them to the clinic before 5pm on Friday.

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Cleaning House and Curing Cancer

YARD SALE - Come join us at NPFCC this Saturday 7am-2pm to raise funds for Relay for Life. Just SOME of the fun stuff you can expect... Bake Sale, Raffle, BBQ, hand painted pinstripe tattoos, car wash, lemonade stand, and much more!!!

Cleaning House and Curing Cancer!

PS - we still need your stuff! If you have items you wish to donate for our sale, please bring them to the clinic before 5pm on Friday.

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Get Rid of Nasty Fungal Nails

Depending on the stage of involvement, fungal nails can be very difficult to cure, however there are many options available at our clinics to help rid your toes of the embarrassing discoloration appearance that fungal nails are known for.  Here are two conservative and painless options:

 

Formula 3 anti-fungal medication-  Our first line approach to treating fungal toenails.  It is a great option for complimentary treatment in your own home that is as simple as painting your nails.  Formula 3 is available at our clinics.

 

Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish - With an expanding variety of gorgeous colours, Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish is a fantastic alternative to typical nail polishes, which contain unhealthy damaging chemicals.  Think:  TOXINS.  Specific chemicals found in nail polish (formaldehyde to name one) damage the nail and render it at-risk for fungal invasion.  Want your feet to look pretty in your sandals?  Dr.'s Remedy is free of those nasty chemicals, and contains natural anti-fungal, nail strengthening ingredients.  Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish is available at our clinics.  View this link to choose your favorite colour:  http://www.remedynails.com/

Keep in mind that if left untreated, fungal nail infections can affect the entire nail and the surrounding skin, but with these simple options, having to find new ways to hide your toenails due to this unsightly infection shouldn’t be a problem!  Visit www.we-fix-u to find a clinic near you.  Book an appointment today and let us help you slip into some summer sandals without feeling embarrassed

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Services provided by Chiropodists and physiotherapists are usually covered by health insurance. You don't need a doctor's referral.

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MBT™ footwear: A chiropodist’s view of the “Physiological” footwear

Over the past year,  I have been asked on several occasions to express my opinion on the benefits and risks of wearing  unconventional footwear such as  MBT™ (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes , Sketchers “Shape Up”™ shoes and other similar shoes.  

I have reviewed research presented at scientific seminars, talked to a MBT footwear medical representative and I have also received feedback from a few patients over the past year who have used MBT shoes or other similar shoes.  In this blog I will discuss the design of MBT footwear and its effects on the thigh and lower leg muscles while standing and walking in MBT footwear.  I will also discuss the effects on ankle joint motion while walking in MBT footwear.

MBT footwear was developed in Switzerland in 1996 and came to North America in 2003.  The unstable MBT shoe has been promoted as the original “barefoot” function shoe. This shoe has a rounded sole starting from the heel and continues to the toe and a cushioned sensor under the heel area that creates a natural degree of instability. This instability is felt from both the back to front directions and from inside to outside directions. The basic concept behind the unstable shoe is to transform flat and hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks into uneven surfaces such as grass or sand. The design of the MBT footwear has been promoted to provide some of the benefits of barefoot walking.

The features of MBT footwear are thought to specifically activate, strengthen and condition the smaller neglected extrinsic foot muscles that originate in the lower leg and attach via tendons into the foot.  This muscle activation is thought to occur while standing or walking in MBT footwear.  By activating these neglected muscles, posture and gait could be improved and the loads or stresses on the lower limb joints may be reduced to help prevent injuries and reduce pain.

MBT footwear has been studied by a few university based biomechanics research laboratories. It is important to note the findings of these research papers can only be applied to MBT shoes and cannot be compared to similar type shoes such as Sketcher™ “Shape Up” shoes because of the shoe design differences.   

In 2005, the University of Calgary Biomechanics laboratory conducted one study observing the effect on muscle activity while subjects just stood while wearing MBT shoes. When we stand, the muscles in our legs and thighs are active to prevent us from buckling at our hips, knees and ankles. The results of this study demonstrated an increase in the activity of many of the lower leg and thigh muscles while subjects stood wearing MBT shoes.  These results seem to be consistent with the muscle activation benefits as promoted by the makers of MBT shoes.  The researchers also measured postural sway of the upper body while standing and wearing a MBT shoe.  Postural sway is the phenomenon of constant displacement and correction of the position of the center of gravity within the base of support.  In layman’s terms this describes our ability to keep balanced without falling over. Using a MBT shoe is similar to balancing on a wobble board.  Wobble boards are used for rehab after an ankle sprain which helps to strengthen muscles around an injured ankle joint and promote balance.  Postural sway increased while wearing MBT shoes compared to a New Balance shoe. 

In 2005, the University of Calgary Biomechanics Laboratory conducted a second study where they compared subjects wearing a New Balance 756 running shoe and subjects wearing MBT shoes while walking.  The investigators measured the differences in muscle activity and ankle joint motion.  They found increased muscle activity in the subjects in the MBT shoe group versus the subjects in the New Balance shoe group. Again these results were consistent with the muscle activation benefits as promoted by the makers of MBT shoes.  

Wearing MBT shoes while walking caused an increase in ankle joint dorsiflexion (dorsiflexion of the ankle happens when you move your foot towards your leg) from initial heel contact through to midstance (midstance is the time when your swinging leg is even to your weight bearing foot and leg). Increased ankle dorsiflexion at contact to midstance makes your calf muscle stretch more while walking as compared to subjects wearing the New Balance shoe.

In 2009 researchers at Stanford University conducted a study examining what happened when individuals ran in MBT shoes versus New Balance 658 running shoes.  They found running in MBT footwear led to a greater amount of ankle dorsiflexion from initial heel contact through to midstance.  If you have tight calf muscles the use of MBT footwear while walking or running may cause strain on the tendo Achilles leading to tendinitis.

These increases in muscular activity that have been reported in these studies have led to the “Toning or Physiological” footwear category. A number of shoe companies have developed their own Toning or Physiological footwear to capitalize on the popularity of MBT footwear.  Until research has been conducted on these other “Toning and Physiological” shoe brands you can not apply the MBT research findings to these other shoe brands.

In my next blog, I will outline the lower leg and foot problems that can be relieved by wearing MBT footwear and the lower leg and foot problems that will be aggravated if you wear MBT footwear.

 

Source & Written By:  Peter Guy, B.Sc., D.Ch., www.painfreefeet.ca

 

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What are the benefits and risks of wearing MBT™ footwear?

MBT Download this file

In this blog, I will discuss the benefits and risks of wearing MBT™ footwear if you have a specific foot and lower leg problem.  To help answer this question, I have summarized feedback from various chiropodists and podiatrists from Canada and the USA gathered by Dr. Chris MacLean, Director of Biomechanics at Paris Orthotics Ltd in Vancouver, BC.

Some of the benefits of wearing MBT shoes are definitely due to the rocker shaped outer sole.  A pilot study in 2005 by Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary used pressure sensing insoles inside of MBT footwear while the study participants were either standing or walking. They compared the pressure readings in the MBT™ shoes to pressure readings inside of a flat soled running shoe. The study specifically compared the peak pressures of the heel, midfoot, ball of the foot (forefoot) and toes between the two shoe groups.

Results of this study showed:

1.       MBT’s decreased peak pressures in the forefoot and midfoot when walking,

2.       MBT’s decreased peak pressures and in the midfoot and heel when standing,

3.       Peak pressure was raised in the toes in MBT’s in both standing and walking conditions,

4.       The most dramatic difference was during standing, where the MBT shoes increased peak pressure in the toes by 76%, and lowered peak pressure in the midfoot and heels by 21% and 11% respectively and

5.       The most consistent finding, when both standing and walking, was decreased pressures in the midfoot in MBT’s.

These results of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary study are consistent with the feedback that Chris MacLean gathered on the benefits of wearing MBT footwear. 

What foot problems can benefit from MBT footwear?

1.       Stiffness in the big toe joint(hallux limitus)

2.       Bunions

3.       Heel pain or plantar fasciitis

4.       Pain in the forefoot( metatarsalagia)

5.       Decreasing weight away from the ball of the foot

6.       Painful callus on the ball of the foot

7.       Inflammation of the joint capsule in the forefoot

8.       Neuroma ( irritation of nerves between the metatarsal bones of the foot)

9.       Foot osteoarthritis

10.   Someone who mostly stands while they work.

In my last blog, I discussed the effects of wearing MBT footwear. I have summarized these effects.

1.       Wearing MBT shoes increased the activity of many of the lower leg and thigh muscles while subjects stood or walked wearing MBT shoes. 

2.       Wearing MBT shoes is similar to balancing on a wobble board.  Wobble boards are used for rehab after an ankle sprain which helps to strengthen muscles around an injured ankle joint and promote balance.  Postural sway increased while wearing MBT shoes. 

3.       Wearing MBT a shoes while walking caused an increase in ankle joint dorsiflexion (dorsiflexion of the ankle happens when you move your foot towards your leg) from initial heel contact through to midstance (midstance is the time when your swinging leg is even to your weight bearing foot and leg). Increased ankle dorsiflexion at contact to midstance makes your calf muscle stretch more while walking as compared to subjects wearing the New Balance shoe.  If you have tight calf muscles the use of MBT footwear may cause strain on the tendo Achilles resulting in tendinitis.

If you are considering MBT footwear you probably should have good balance, good muscle flexibility and an intact nervous system.  

These are problems that are considered too risky to use MBT footwear:

1.       Achilles tendinitis or peroneal tendinitis(these tendons are found on the outside of the foot and are damaged during ankle sprain),

2.       Poor balance,

3.       History of ankle sprains,

4.       Loss of nerve transmission to the lower extremities such as diabetic neuropathy,

5.       Neurological deficits such as multiple sclerosis,

6.       Stress fractures especially while standing and

7.       Knee problems

Before you consider buying a pair of “Toning or Physiological shoes you should be aware of the risks and benefits of wearing these types of shoes.  Most if not all of the research has been conducted using MBT footwear, therefore, the MBT footwear benefit and risk profile cannot be applied to the other “Toning and Physiological” brands of footwear.

In my next blog entry I will discuss the topic of minimalist running shoes used for barefoot running.

 

Source:  Peter Guy, B.Sc., D.Ch - www.painfreefeet.ca

www.painfreefeet.ca

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85% of amputations resulting from Diabetes are PREVENTABLE!

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Don't Bend at the Knees!

The well-known phrase that most people hear is "bend at the knees, not at the back".

 

However, in many cases bending at the knees may not be the best advice.

 

Bending the knees to squat all the way down to pick up something has been described as "impractical"...and may potentially be harmul to knees.

 

SOLUTION:P  "Bend at the hips, not at the back" may be more efective advice.

 

Flexing at the hips while maintaining a neutral curve in your lower spine is the "natural" way we were meant to lift. 

 

Source:  www.aptei.com

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Ice Therapy???

Ice, Compression and elevation are basic principals that all Physiotherapists and Chiropodists are aware of, however the "type" of ice used and the method of application is always debatable. 

 

The evidence from this research paper* suggests that melting ice applied through a wet towel for repeated periods of 10 minutes is most effective at reducing deep tissue temperature.

 

Applying the ice repeatedly versus continuously (i.e. 20 minutes) helps reduce deep muscle/tissue temperature with less risk of damaging the superficial skin. 

 

*Reference:  Mac Auley D. 2001 Ice therapy: how good is the evidence?  International Journal of Sports Medicine 22(5):379-384

Source:  www.aptei.com

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Is It A Wart or a Callus?

This time of year people are often barefoot and can easily pick up a virus known as a wart.  A wart is commonly seen on the foot, especially in children 7 to 16 years of age.  It can spread from one area of the foot to another, as well as from person to person.  Unlike a callus that is uncomfortable from direct pressure, a wart is painful when pressure is applied from side to side.  In many cases people seek treatment from over the counter redmedies with very little success.  For options on how to deal with plantar warts, contact our offices:  www.we-fix-u.com

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Heel Pain: Plantar Fasciitis...GET INFORMED!

Plantar Fasciitis is severe heel pain that occurs when weight is applied to the foot.  Commonly the first several steps in the morning are the worst.  Heel pain may decrease as the foot becomes warmed up or with rest, only to reoccur when activity resumes.  In most cases people associate this pain with heel spurs.  Calf stretching, kneeling, crouching, and wearing flat shoes can aggravate this condition.  Without proper treatment Plantar Fasciitis can last years.

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