Yuck! My feet Smell!

As the temperatures go up, our feet tend to get more sweaty, and this can lead to foot odor. Why is this? Where does the odor come from? How do we make it go away? There are many sweat glands on the bottoms of our feet. The combination of socks, shoes, and increased temperatures can lead to sweaty feet. Many organisms that are around us each day (fungi, bacteria, viruses) love warm, moist environments, such as showers, pools, and our FEET! They colonize or live on the warm, moist surfaces, and this is what often creates the foot odor. Thus, drying out the feet with sprays and powders (some by prescription) often helps. Additionally, changing socks frequently and spraying the shoes out with lysol also help. If you have a foot problem, give us a call! We can find a solution! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. 708-763-0580.

What is Uric Acid and GOUT?

Gout is an arthritic condition where uric acid builds up in our bodies and causes pain, redness, swelling, and heat in joints of the body. The big toe joint is one of the most common locations in the body for a flare up of gout. Uric acid levels should remain under 6 mg/dL in the body, but when the levels increase, gout may develop. Flare ups of gout are caused when crystals from the uric acid build up in a joint or the surrounding soft tissues. If this condition does occur, it is important to see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Certain foods and drinks can cause a gouty flare up: beer, wine, shrimp, organ meat (liver), red meat, cheese, and green leafy vegetables. These should all be consumed in moderation to prevent an attack. Additionally, certain medications, infection, trauma, and illnesses can cause a gouty attack. Men are more predisposed to gout, but post menopausal women can also develop gout. If you think you have gout, call us at Advanced Physical Medicine for relief of your foot pain! 708-763-0580

What is Foot Drop?

Foot Drop occurs when the foot does not move upward when we step and almost flops with each step. This requires using the thigh to more aggressively lift the foot and ankle (like climbing a stair) because the foot does not lift up when stepping. This can also involve inability to move the toes or other parts of the foot voluntarily, dragging of the foot with walking, pain, weakness, nerve symptoms (burning, tingling, and numbness), and increased falls. Foot Drop is typically caused by a nerve or muscle injury. Common causes include the following: knee injuries, knee surgery, injury to the common peroneal nerve, multiple sclerosis, diabetes with nerve damage or neuropathy, strokes, muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal stenosis, and spinal injuries. A clinical exam with a doctor and certain tests (MRI, EMG/NCV) are often used to diagnose the condition with details of the patient's medical history. Successful treatment or control of the underlying medical condition that is causing the foot drop may make the condition temporary. However, in some patients, this condition is permanent. If this is permanent, physical therapy, special shoes and braces are used to control the condition and make the patient more functional. Additionally, regular foot exams are important for patients with foot drop, as foot drop can lead to callouses, blisters, pain, and other issues with the feet. Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL, 60302. 708-763-0580.