What is this bump on my foot?

All of the sudden, you notice a little bump with a callous over it on your foot. To make matters worse, it hurts! This could be a wart. A wart is caused by a virus, and warts develop in warm and moist environments like our feet. Pools, locker rooms, and sweaty shoes or boots are great locations for wart growth, and a single wart can spread into a big patch of warts if the environment is right. Thus, it is important to seek treatment by a podiatrist if you notice one of these pesky bumps on your foot. Further, it is essential to keep your feet dry by changing your socks frequently, changing shoes each day if possible, and using foot spray or powder to reduce sweating. Warts are treated in my office by a chemical that I apply every two weeks, and sometimes a home prescription medication is added. Occasionally, the wart may need to be surgically removed or removed by laser. Happy Walking! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

What is a Subungual Hematoma?

A subungual hematoma is a condition where the toenail is injured and blood accumulates between the nail plate and nail bed. Thus, the toenail appears to be red, purple, or black due to the injury. Usually this happens when an object is dropped on the toe or the toe is bumped. Additionally, it can happen during certain sports that involve kicking, running, or jumping. It is important to determine if the bone under the toenail(the distal phalanx) is injured, and an x-ray may be needed to see if there is a fracture or break. If the injury is new, the toenail may need to be removed or holes may need to be placed into the nail to drain the blood. If the toenail injury is old, the blood under the nail will be dry and will gradually grow out with the nail (9-12 months is the growth period for the nail). Of concern, also, is that the nail plate may loosen due to the blood underneath it. Therefore, it is important to watch the nail for total or partial lifting. If the nail rips off, it can create an open sore on the toe. Therefore, if you injure your toenail, it is important to see a podiatrist. Visit us at Advanced Physical Medicine, and Dr. Bender will make your feet feel better! 708-763-0580

Prediabetes-Is it useful a useful term?

This is an interesting article about the term "pre-diabetes" and whether it is a good term to use. Additionally, it discusses whether treating people who are pre-diabetic with medication is really useful. Diet and exercise are great ways of controlling your blood sugar! http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-07-pre-diabetes-unhelpful-unnecessary.html

What is a tendon?

Frequently, we hear of athletes with tendon injuries or see a friend who is being treated for tendonitis. What exactly is a tendon? A tendon is a type of soft tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. It is usually tough and strong, but it can change over time from injuries, disease, aging, or repetitive trauma (continuous and repeated use). Tendonitis is acute inflammation of a tendon. Overtime, tendonitis can escalate to what is known as tendonosis, which is a chronic irritation of a tendon that can result in changes to the make up of the tendon and can cause small tears in the tendon. Either way, it is essential to seek medical help if you have a tendon issue that is not resolving. There are several tendons in the foot and ankle which can be injured, and there are many conservative, non-surgical treatments that can help! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Sunscreen on the Feet

As vacations and summer fun approach, it is essential to remember our sunscreen! Often, we forget about our feet when at the pool or beach. A terrible sunburn on the feet can make wearing our fun summer sandals impossible and can ruin the rest of the trip! Thus, it is important to lather the feet with sunscreen, even the heels if they will be exposed to the sun. It is also important to remember to apply more sunscreen the longer you are outside, as it wears off when outside for prolonged periods. Plus, using sunscreen can help protect the body from the sun's dangerous rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Happy Summer! Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580.

Malignant Melanoma-Lentigo Maligna

Another form of malignant melanoma is lentigo maligna melanoma. This form is often caused by sun exposure, and the ears, nose, arms, and face are common areas that is will develop in. This form of melanoma is more common in the elderly. The lesions can start as flat spots that gradually may become malignant. This is why it is important to check any moles or spots on your skin and alert your doctor to any changes. Asymmetry, abnormal borders, color changes in the lesion, diameter thicker than a pencil eraser, and any lesion that is changing (itching, draining, or any other changes) are all important things to watch for when evaluating a mole. It is important to keep an eye on your skin and watch for any changes. The skin is the biggest organ in our bodies, so keeping it healthy is essential. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Reduced Office Hours

Dr. Bender will be working a reduced schedule this week due to an illness in the family. Please call Kasia to check her schedule at 708-763-0580. Happy Sunday to all!