Blood under a toenail

If blood or a bruise develops under a toenail, it is important to get the condition checked out by a foot doctor. Usually, dropping something on the toe, hitting the toe, running (especially marathon runners), or shoegear can cause this condition, also called a subungual hematoma. The blood under the nail will slowly grow out as the nail grows out, over 9-12 months. Nails may loosen or fall off as the growth continues. It is important to make sure that there are no additional injuries other than the blood under the nail, such as a broken toe or ingrown/infected nail. Further, if the blood is not growing out with the nail (staying in one spot and not improving), it is necessary to get it checked out by a podiatrist. Keep your feet happy and healthy...See your foot doctor!! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Feb. 1, 2013 is National Wear Red Day!

Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 is National Wear Red Day. The point of this day is to remind people about the need to keep their hearts and bodies healthy. Exercise, healthy diets, maintaining a healthy weight, and knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke are all important for everyone. Additionally, many women do not realize that heart disease can affect women also, and this campaign brings awareness to everyone about the fact that heart disease can be a silent killer. Visit www.goredforwomen.org for great information and facts about keeping your heart, and the rest of your body, healthy. A healthy body keeps the circulation going to the feet and is part of keeping the feet in good working order! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302, 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com

Cold weather and your FEET

As the weather turns very cold in Chicago and throughout the country, it is important to protect your feet from the low temperatures. People with diabetes, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic illnesses, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others, are at higher risk for frostbite. Other people that are at risk for cold injuries are smokers, people that work outdoors, and the homeless. It is important to limit your time outside when the temperature drops. Also, protect yourself with warm socks and warm shoes or boots that are insulated. If you are stuck outside for a long period, it is important to seek shelter as soon as possible. Do not use an open oven to warm up when in the house. Also, do not put your feet directly on a heating source, like a space heater. If your toes change color or develop numbness that does not go away after warming up, it is critical that you seek medical attention. Further, if you develop open sores on your feet after being outside, it is essential to get medical care right away. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com

More about Blood Clots

Calf pain, redness, and swelling can be a result of a blood clot or DVT. This is a very dangerous condition, as the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs. When a blot clot travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. This is a life threatening condition. In the past blog, immobilization was discussed as a cause of DVT. Another cause is prolonged dependency of the leg, such as sitting for long periods in an airplane, train, or car without getting up to move around. The blood pools in the calf and is stagnant (not moving). This can cause the clot to form. Your chances are increased if you are over 60, on birth control pills, a smoker, or obese. When on an airplane or long car or train ride, it is important to get up and walk around. The muscles of the calf contract and help the veins to push blood out of the calves. This makes it less likely that a clot will develop. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL.

Hillary Clinton and Blood Clots

Recent reports state that Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has a blood clot. Although I am unaware of the specifics of her case or condition, this is an important topic from a podiatry perspective. Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop in the leg and potentially travel to the lungs, causing a life threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE). The next few blogs will focus on some causes of blood clots. The first is immobilization. Many podiatry patients have to be immobilized with hard or soft casts, walking boots, bandages, ace wraps, and walking boots. These forms of immobilization are often necessary after surgery or injury to the foot or ankle. If the calf becomes red, hot, swollen, or painful or shortness of breath develops, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department, as you may have a DVT or PE.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics are often diagnosed as children or young adults, but this disease can develop at any age. The body does not produce insulin which converts glucose into energy for the body. The glucose becomes elevated in the bloodstream, which can have serious health consequences. Type 2 diabetics are often diagnosed later in life and either do not produce enough insulin or it is not recognized by the body. Finally, gestational diabetes develops in women during prenancy. This form of diabetes goes away after delivery of the baby in most cases, but some women may remain diabetic. Diabetes can have a serious impact on our feet: delayed healing, increased risk of infection, nerve damage, muscle weakening and wasting, circulation or blood flow problems, dry skin, and nail changes. It is important to see a foot doctor regularly if you are diabetic! Diabetic Foot Checks can save your feet and your life! Dr. Bender is a foot doctor at Advanced Physical Medicine in Oak Park and Chicago/63rd Street. 708-763-0580 or 773-776-3166.

Side Effects of Medication

Antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or indocin are helpful at reducing the inflammation associated with foot and ankle injuries or surgeries. Additionally, they are useful for treating the inflammation associated with arthritis, whether rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, or gout. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications or NSAIDS can be harmful to the gastrointestinal tract and stomach, causing irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. Additionally, they may cause the following side effects with prolonged or inappropriate use over time: kidney or liver failure, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, rash, and constipation. It is important to discuss with your doctor your past medical history, current complaints and level of pain and swelling. NSAIDS may or may not work for your condition, and it is essential to know that there are side effects of these drugs. Dr. Bender is a foot and ankle specialist at Advanced Physical Medicine. She can be reached at 708-763-0580 for appointments at the Oak Park location.