What is a Pedicure and Why should I get One?

What is a pedicure you ask? A pedicure is a set of procedures that are performed on the feet to treat or prevent negative health conditions and to enhance their overall appearance.

This typically involves grooming the toenails, exfoliating dead skin that may have become dry and hard, tending to the cuticles, moisturizing and nail beautification usually through the application of nail enamels. It would make good sense though to also tend to other issues that affect the feet beauty or health wise instead of sticking to some predetermined list of procedures.

What sense would it make to adhere to a prescribed list of procedures of foot care and leave out addressing other issues such as discolored nails or corns that affect the beauty and/or health of the feet?

With these loose guidelines, this definition of what is a pedicure can possibly include any corrective, maintenance or beautification procedure done to the feet with the exception of foot surgery or professional medical attention. This makes for a good, thorough definition because many people perform pedicures on themselves and others and just don’t seek to correct serious issues that affect the feet.

So keep an open mind and treat all pedicure instructions as just guidelines. Take a serious look at your feet, research remedies for any problems you notice and insert those remedies sensibly into your foot care regimen. Many issues that can affect your feet though will most likely be included on this site with home remedies if any.

Some people find pedicures extremely relaxing, while others who are very ticklish can't stand to sit through one. The fact is that it all depends upon you if you will have a ticklish pedicure experience or not.

It is for this reason and others that some people prefer to give themselves at home pedicures as opposed to going to a salon

Interesting pedicures...

There are also different types of pedicures that have gained popularity and focus due to a particular ingredient or process. Some of these are listed below.

• The pumpkin pedicure is a pedicure that involves the use of pumpkin pulp to exfoliate the feet.

Doctor Fish are little fish that can aid in exfoliation because they feed on dead skin. Some spas have included doctor fish pedicures in their line up of foot care services.

Not only does a pedicure make your feet feel great, it’s also a great prevention method to avoid future foot complications.

  Did you know the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 1,115,000 miles over a lifetime! With that amount of wear and tear why wouldn’t we want to spoil our feet with a great cleansing and massage?

Cleaning, cutting, and clipping of the nails can prevent nails from growing inward and causing infection or ingrown toenails. The elimination of dirt and bacteria by cleansing your feet will also help prevent nail diseases and disorders and helps eliminate foot odor.

Exfoliation, or the sloughing off of dead skin cells, can prevent the cells from accumulating and causing corns or bunions, which if not treated are very painful. Removal of dead skins cells can also encourage newer skin cell growth which creates a smoother, more appealing foot.

Of course the most enjoyable part of a pedicure is the massage and/or oils used in the massage to moisturize the newly exfoliated skin. Massaging also promotes circulation in the calves and feet and also helps to promote the health and performance of the muscles. And of course this type of pampering is a great stress reducer because…. “When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!”

 For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact

Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website:

http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

*Don't forget to order your free copy of our book from the website!*

Walk your way to a longer life!

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association two major long-term studies confirm the beneficial effects of regular walking on a person's overall health and well-being. The first study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 707 nonsmoking retired men, 61 to 81 years of age, who were in the Honolulu Heart Program. The study revealed that regular exercise walking lowered the risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease and - in general - prolonged life. Increasing the walking distance from just one to two miles produced even greater results. The second study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked nearly 16,000 healthy men and women in a national registry of twins for an average of 19 years. Taking brisk half-hour walks just six times a month appeared to cut the risk of death by 44 percent among twins observed, and even occasional exercisers were 30 percent less likely to die than their sedentary twins.
In addition to the long-term benefit of prolonging life, seniors can experience many short-term benefits from walking. Walking:
* Controls weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per mile or 300 calories per hour. Walking is the perfect complement to a sensible diet to lose weight and keep it off.
* Improves cardiovascular fitness and circulation. Walking gets the heart beating faster to transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the muscles; and increases the size and improves the efficiency of tiny vessels that supply blood for cellular respiration.
* Facilitates medical rehabilitation and recovery from many ailments, including heart attack.
* Generates a sense of well-being, and can relieve depression, anxiety and stress by naturally producing endorphins, the body's natural tranquilizer.

Walking Tips for Seniors

TIP WHY HOW
Warm up and cool down. Stretching improves circulation and decreases build-up of lactic acid - the chemical by-product that causes muscles to ache. It also helps alleviate any muscle stiffness and prevents future muscle strain. As a result, you can walk further, longer and injury free. Before and after walking allow ample time to perform a few simple movements, stretching the hamstrings, calves, Achilles tendons and shins.

TIP WHY HOW
Choose proper footgear. Buying shoes is the only real expenditure necessary for walking, so don't cut corners on your shoe budget; treat your feet well! If you experience swelling in your feet, try on athletic shoes in the afternoon - when your feet are most swollen - to ensure an accurate fit. Look for a shoe that is stable from side to side; well-cushioned; enables you to walk smoothly and comfortably; and gives you enough room to wiggle your toes, yet be snug in the heel. Also, look for shoes that carry the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Approval.

TIP WHY HOW
Pay attention to your feet. Changes and/or pain in the feet and ankles are not normal and could indicate a serious foot ailment or circulatory problem. Warning: Self-treatment can turn a minor problem into a major one, making fitness more difficult. Become familiar with your feet and ankles by examining them - before and after - walking. If you notice red spots, swelling, or other abnormalities, including numbness, tingling or burning, consult a podiatric physician as soon as possible.

TIP WHY HOW
Walk on soft ground. With age, the natural shock absorbers (or "fat padding") in your feet deteriorate, as does bone density, particularly in women. These factors combined make seniors prone to stress fractures. Softer ground is more foot-friendly, producing less shock than harder surfaces. If possible, walk on grass or dirt paths that are flat, even and well-manicured.
TIP WHY HOW
Avoid walking in cold weather. Cold weather causes numbness, limiting your ability to detect trauma or wounds to the feet. It also makes surfaces harder, exerting undue shock on the feet and ankles. Head to the local mall or walk at an indoor track or exercise facility.

TIP WHY HOW
If you have diabetes, use extra precaution. If you suffer from diabetes, you are prone to infection from even minor injuries. Many people with diabetes experience a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injury. Untreated or improper self-treatment of ailments could lead to serious, permanent damage or possible amputation. Check your feet daily for redness, blisters or injury. If you experience any numbness, tingling or have wounds or abnormalities of any kind, see a podiatric physician immediately.

TIP WHY HOW
Exercise smart. Establishing an exercise program is a huge undertaking, and even the most minimal injury could "sideline" you for days - even months. Knowing your limit and exercising with caution can ward off injuries and frustration. Set appropriate and realistic goals. Pace yourself, choose an activity you like, increase your exercise program gradually and pay attention to what your body, including your feet, tells you. Drink fluids on hot days or during very strenuous activities, to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc.
at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

*Don't forget to order a free copy of our book from the website!*

And Remember........."When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

Getting Ready to Trade those Uggs in for Sandals?

Getting ready for that warmer weather to come? Getting tired of having your feet feeling toasty and sweaty in those terrrible Uggs?

I think we are all ready to stick our toes in the sand! But before you have your Beach Boys Bash you might want to consider what a tropical vacation can do to your feet.

Just lying on your back soaking up rays can still put your feet at risk for sun burn. Athletes foot certainly will be soaking up the rays next to those public pools.

Here are some tips to avoid collecting doctor's when you should be collecting sea shells!

 1. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ring worm and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.

2. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.

3. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.

4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.

5. Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches.

6. Some activities at the beach, lake or river may require different types of footwear to be worn so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe,

always pack an extra pair of sneakers or protective water shoes. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried out completely before your next wear to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.

7. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home. You can find an American Podiat­ric Medical Association podiatrist in your travel area by calling 1-800-FOOTCARE or by logging on to www.apma.org.

8. In case of minor foot problems, be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:

Flip Flops – for the pool, spa, hotel room, and air­port security check points

Sterile bandages – for covering minor cuts and scrapes

Antibiotic Cream – to treat any skin injury

Emollient-enriched cream – to hydrate feet

Blister pads or Moleskin – to protect against blisters

Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory) – to ease tired, swollen feet

Toenail Clippers – to keep toenails trim

Emery board – to smooth rough edges or broken nails

Pumice Stone – to soften callused skin

Sunscreen – to protect against the scorching sun

Aloe Vera or Silvadene cream – to relieve sunburns

Of course if you have questions on proper foot care while on vacation please contact your podiatrist!

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

*Don't forget to order a free copy of our book from our website!*

And Remember....." When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

Loss of protective sensation

Diabetic foot ulcers are sores on the feet that occur in 15% of diabetic patients some time during their lifetime.

The causes of diabetic foot ulcers are neuropathic and vascular complications of the disease.

Nerve damage caused by diabetes can alter or complete loss of feeling in the foot or leg. This is known as periphal neuropathy. The loss of protective sensation stops the patient from being warned that the skin is being injured from for example pressure feelings from shoes, cuts, bruises, or any injury. This may result in skin loss, blisters and ulcers.

Vascular disease is also a major problem in diabetes and especially affects very small blood vessels feeding the skin. In this situattion normal pulses in the feet may be found because the arteries are unaffected. But in some cases in diabetic patients that have narrowed arteries a pulse can not be found at the feet. The lack of healthy blood flow may lead to ulceration. Wound healing then becomes impaired.

In most cases patients who have ulcers may take their time before presenting it to a doctor because they are frequently painless.

Depending on the severity foot ulcers may be rated between 0 and 3

0- at risk foot with no ulceration
1- superficial ulceration with no infection
2- deep ulceration exposing tendons and joints
3- extensive ulceration or absceses

The tissue around the ulcer may become black due to the lack of healthy blood flow to the foot. In severe cases partial or complete gangreene may occur.

Of course if you feel you may have a foot ulcer please see your podaitrists!

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

*Don't forget to order your FREE copy of  our book off our website

Think You Need Custom Orthotics?

Dr. Rosenstein,

     I think I may need orthotics, but I'm not sure what they are or what they do? Also what can cause someone to need orthotics?


The common signs and symptoms that may indicate misalignment of the feet that may indicate the use of orthotics are as follows:

• Abnormal shoe wear (one side of the shoe wears out faster than the other)
• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Shin pain
• Chronic heel pain
• Frequent ankle sprains
• Gait abnormalities-feet pointed inward or excessively outward during walking.

Orhtotics are orthopedic devices that are used to alter or modify foot function and are designed to treat, adjust, and support various biomechanical foot disorders. Some orthotics can be simple, commercially made devices that are sold over the counter eg. Dr Scholls (which I do not reccomend)

The best and most effective orthotics, are custom-made devices that are crafted and designed to meet the specific needs of an individuals feet. Custom orthotics are created by using an impression of the foot called a cast, this cast can duplicate any misalignments in your foot structure. With the cast we have technicians in an orthotic labratory design a device that can balance out deformities and correct misalignments.

After the orthotic is created we then place it in the patient's shoe to support the foot and elminate abnormal foot biomechanics by keeping the foot properly aligned.

Depending on the patient's need, the orthotic may have padding to cushion the foot and make it more comfortable.

In general orthotics are grouped into theses categories:

1. Functional Orthotics- they allow the foot to become a mobile adapter and a rigid lever. They support the rear foot or subtaylor joints, as well as the midfoot or midtarsal joints. Functional orthotics are used to correct many foot deformities.

2. Accommodative Orthotics- these typically frature a soft supportive device that is designed to relieve mild foot pain and correct minor foot problems. Accommodative orthotics include splints, gait plates, and night-bars-devices used to hold a child's feet and legs at a proper angle while sleeping.

Of course if you have foot pain or think you may need custom orthotics, please see your podaitrists!

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc.
at 440-946-5858 or visit our website: www.DrRobertRosenstein.com

*Don't forget to order a free copy of our book on our website*

The Chicken or the Egg.....Plantar Fasciitis or the Heel Spur?

Patients and doctors often confuse the terms heel spur and plantar fasciitis. While these two diagnoses are related, they are not the same.

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar-fascia (the tissue that forms the arch of the foot. A heel spur is a hook of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus) and is associated with plantar fasciitis.

About 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur that can be seen on an X-ray. However, many patients without symptoms of pain can have a heel spur. The exact relationship between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is not entirely understood.

When a patient has plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia becomes inflammed and degenerative (Worn-out) - these abnormalities can make normal activities quite painful. Symptoms typically worsen early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the plantar fasci is tight so even simple movements stretch the contracted plantar fascia. As you begin to losen the plantar fascia, the pain usually subsides , but often returns with prolonged standing or walking.

Heel spurs form in some patients who have plantar fasciitis, and tend to occur in patients who have had the problem for a prolonged period of time. While about 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur, X-rays also show about 50 percent of patients with no symptoms of plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur.

Of course if you think you may have symptoms of either plantar fasciitis or heel spur please see your podiatrists!

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

*Don't Forget to order your free copy of our book on our website!*

And Remember......"When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!"

Common Running Injuries

Running is a great way to both get healthy and stay healthy. However, without proper precautions, foot and ankle injuries can occur. Below are some common foot and ankle-related running injuries that you must be aware of so you don't get stopped in your tracks.

Plantar Fasciitis- is an inflammation of a fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel bone to the toes. This tissue can become inflamed for many reasons, most commonly from irritation by placing too much stress on the bottom of the foot.

This can be prevented by stretching both before and after you run. The proper stretching should be gentle and should not be painful. Wearing supportive running shoes that are appropiate for your foot type, as well as shoe inserts, can also be effective.

Morton's Neuroma- is often described by runners as a burning, stinging pain in the forefoot. Other symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot and a feeling of "pins and needles" and nubness to the toe. Runners who wear tight-fitting footwear often experience this condition.

A podiatrists may administer a cortisone injection to provide relief for a Morton's Neuroma, and recommend a wider pair of running footwear. A professional  gait anlysis, paired with customized foot orthotics, can often prevent the condition from reoccurring. Occasionally, surgical removal of the neuroma is necessary.

Shin Splints- also referred to as "tibial stress syndrome," shin splints affect runners of all ages and are commonly experienced as a shooting pain felt near the front or sides of one or both tibia bones.

Shin splints can be treated immeadiately with ice and anti-inflammatory medications. A podiatrists may also recommend a physical therapy program, as well as testing to determine if prescription orthotic inserts could prevent further injury.

Stress Fractures- in the lower limbs are common among athletes in general, and are commonly caused by repetitive forces on these areas. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling that grows worse nd worse over time. Stress fractures can occur over a period of days, weeks, or even months.

Stress fractures are like any other fracture in the body and require 8-10 weeks to heal completely. Treatments may include complete rest icing, immobilization using casting or bracing of the affected area.

Achilles Tendonitis- An ailment that accounts for a large number of running injuries, Achilles tendonitis is an irritation or inflammation of the large tendon in the back of the lower calf that attaches to the back of the heel. The condition is often caused by lack of flexibility and overpronation.

Ice and OTC anit- inflammatory medications can be taken in the short term. Resting the affected limb is vital for quick recovery. A podiatrists may recommend immobilization in more severe cases to allow the area to heel faster.

Don't let these scare you from running, just be aware to take the proper precautions if running is a common hobby or sport. And of course if you if you think you may have one of these injuries please see your podiatrists right away.

If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment please contact Affilaited Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/

Don't forget to order your free copy of Dr. Rosenstein's book off our website!

And Remember.........."When Your Feet Hurt, You Hurt All Over!"