Is it good to have hair on my feet?

During a podiatry exam, one of the things that the physician looks for is hair growth to the toes and feet. This is a sign that there is good blood flow or circulation to the feet. Thus, it is a great thing to see. In patients with poor circulation, there may be decreased or no hair to the feet, and other findings include color changes to the feet, cold feet, thin skin, nail changes, sores on the toes, no or reduced pulses (the podiatrist feels these on the feet), and pain. If you have any of these changes to your feet, it is important to see a foot doctor. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580

Dr. Mary Ann Bender presents.......What is a phalanx?

A phalanx is one of the small bones that makes up a toe. For the big toe (also known as the hallux), there are two phalanges, and for the lesser toes, there are typically three phalanges per toe. Thus, a phalanx is a very small bone. These bones are easy to break or injure if they are stepped on, bumped, or traumatized in any other way. The best way to see if a phalanx has been injured is through a clinical exam with your podiatrist and with an x-ray. Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

What are these blisters on my feet?

The weather is improving, and all of the sudden, you notice blisters on your feet, with itching and scaling. As the temperatures go up, our feet get warmer and more sweaty. Fungi love warm, moist environments like our shoes and socks, so it is easy to develop athlete's foot (also known as tinea pedis). It is important to see a foot doctor for this condition, as a cream or gel is needed to kill the fungi and stop them from multiplying. Additionally, it is important to keep the feet dry (changing socks frequently) and to spray your shoes out with Lysol each day. Finally, it is essential that shower shoes are worn in locker rooms or around the pool to avoid getting athlete's foot from these locations. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580