Helping the Homeless During these COLD days!

Dr. Bender has a free foot clinic at Chicago's Pacific Garden Mission twice per month. During each visit, Dr. Bender and students at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine care for homeless patients in Chicago, treating simple conditions like nails and callouses and more complicated conditions like foot infections, ulcers, fractures, and frostbite. These patients have very few places to go for good healthcare, so the services provided by the Pacific Garden Mission are very important. The foot clinic is in need of new Men's socks for the many homeless people that are served there each month. To donate socks, please contact Dr. Bender at drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com or 708-763-0580. Thank you and stay warm!

Rasheed Wallace Being Treated for Jones Fracture

Rasheed Wallace, a New York Knicks player, has had an injury to his left foot since December, and recent X-Rays indicated that there is a Jones Fracture, which will require surgery. What is a Jone's Fracture? This is a break in the fifth metatarsal bone, on the outside of the foot. This area of the bone has a decreased supply of blood, which makes healing slower and more difficult than in other parts of the foot or body. X-Rays are necessary to diagnose this condition, along with a thorough clinical exam. Surgery is indicated if the fracture is out of alignment, there is a gap, there is delayed healing, or if the patient is very active. Many patients heal well with immobilization, but this often takes at least 8 weeks. Bone stimulators can be used to increase the rate of healing, if covered by insurance. If you have a foot problem that needs attention, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Bender by calling 708-763-0580 (Oak Park) or 773-776-3166 (Chicago/63rd).

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.