PedEgg

There is a new product that has recently gained a lot of popularity in the past few months and has been all over the media and television…the PedEgg™. This little gadget has become quite “the star” in temporarily removing calluses on the feet. But how safe is it? Find out more in my new article PedEgg...is this a potential hazard?

What You Wear Can Hurt You

When it comes to feet, we are often our own worst enemies. From high heels to pointy toes, our shoes often pinch, pressure, and bind. Bunions, corns, and calluses are just a few of the problems that can result. To avoid painful and potentially serious foot problems, make sure the shoes you buy fit in width, length, and overall shape. Even though the bones in our feet stop growing when we are in our late teens, our shoe size will change over our lifetime. Have your foot size measured at least once a year. There should be a thumbs width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Leave high heels to the fashion models-and let them deal with the consequences.

Although shoes are meant to protect our feet, too often we choose them for style rather than comfort and function. Whether shopping for sandals or hiking boots, let common sense dictate– if they aren’t comfortable, don’t buy them. If you do buy them, at the least you’ll end up not wearing them and wasting money; at the worst, they do damage and cost you even more.

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

The sinus tarsi is an opening on the outside of the foot between the ankle and heel bones. Sinus tarsi syndrome refers to localized pain, instability, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities. This condition commonly occurs after an inverted ankle sprain, (the foot rolls out), or it can be caused by a pinching of soft tissues in the area from a pronated (rolled inward) foot. Patients have trouble navigating uneven surfaces and feel pain when the area is touched. The ankle and foot joints often feel loose and unstable. Because treatment for sinus tarsi syndrome differs from that of other foot and ankle problems, an accurate diagnosis is important. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, injections, supportive shoes, immobilization of the area, and/or orthotics.

Pain may be one of the first signs of a foot problem, but it doesn’t always reveal the cause of the condition. The best way to determine the exact cause, location, and seriousness of foot pain is to have a podiatrist evaluation that includes medical history, examination, and tests. And at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY, complete instructions for follow-up care and prevention are also an integral part of any treatment plan we formulate.

Looking Forward To Meeting You!

Wow, it is hard to believe that it is almost May 1st. We have been working hard painting, cleaning, organizing and we are now ready to see you! If you need to see a podiatrist in Blacksburg, call us at 808-4343. We look forward to meeting you :)

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny


p.s. To schedule an appointment via Internet, visit our website www.Blacksburgfoot.com

Foot Fractures May Signal Osteoporosis

A small foot fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University researchers. The study also demonstrated that several men studied as part of the research showed signs of osteoporosis, previously considered a woman’s condition. Researchers studied 21 patients who had suffered a metatarsal insufficiency (non-traumatic) fracture. Nine patients were found to have osteoporosis despite having shown no other sign of the degenerative, progressive bone-thinning condition. Another 10 patients displayed significant bone loss. Because many patients do not discover they are osteoporotic until they break a hip, the study offers hope or earlier diagnosis and treatment. It also reinforces the importance of caring for feet and not neglecting foot pain.

People sometimes don’t realize that their feet mirror the state of their body’s health. Some of the first signs of osteoporosis, for example, are seen in foot and ankle fractures.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Experts estimate that more than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year.