Winter Boot Shopping

I posted a short video from a podiatrist in Michigan on my Facebook page today about winter boot shopping, and it made me think that a post might be in order. Now that it is cold (and the holiday season), many people are wondering what boots they should wear. Basically, we can think of boots as winter boots and fashion boots. When it is cold or wet, you should consider a winter boot that will keep your feet warm, has a good tread on the bottom to avoid slipping, and has stability around the heel and ankle. You should not be able to compress the heel or twist the boot excessively. Waterproof materials are best to keep the feet dry, along with socks that wick moisture away from the skin. It is important to keep feet dry for comfort but also to prevent infection, blisters, frostbite, warts, and other conditions. A large toe box that does not compress your toes will help to prevent too much friction on the toes. Your toes should be able to move in the boots to have adequate room. Generally, a good fitting boot is one thumb length longer than your longest toe. Fashionable boots are often not ideal for many winter activities. The tread may not be adequate for wet or icy surfaces. The material that the boots are made of may not keep the feet dry and warm. Finally, fashionable boots that have a heel or wedge may not stabilize the foot and ankle in the snow, rain, or ice and lead to sprains, tendon injuries, and fractures due to falls or twisting of the ankles. Happy Holidays, and Stay WARM! oakparkpodiatry.com

Pain in the back of your Heel?

Do you have continued pain in the back of your heel? This is a common complaint, whether a runner, soccer player, or average person. The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of our heel bone, and irritation of this tendon can cause pain in the back of the heel or on the back of the ankle. In most cases, the inflamed tendon is called and treated as tendinitis. When inflamed, the area can feel tight, achy, or painful with movement or activity. Also, there may be swelling of the area or thickening of the tendon. Sometimes, there can be micro-tears in the tendon, which can cause symptoms that are similar to tendinitis. Achilles tendon injuries can be caused by trauma or injury, overuse, diabetes and other health conditions, obesity, foot/ankle structure, poor shoe choices, or the way the person walks. Initial treatment of Achilles tendinitis involves ice, rest, heel lifts, orthotics, strapping of the ankle, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, physical therapy, and immobilization. If patients are not improving with these conventional treatments, an MRI may be ordered to check for tears in the tendon. Tendon tears can require casting, walking boots, or surgery depending on the severity. Some patients also rupture the Achilles tendon, which involves tearing it apart horizontally. This is an emergency and requires surgical intervention in almost all cases. Do you have pain in your heel? Come in for a visit to discuss your pain! oakparkpodiatry.com or 708-763-0580 By the way, I do not hire professional writers or marketers to write my blogs, email posts, or market my practice. I wrote this blog based on the types of patients I have seen this week. I hope you find it helpful!

Major League Baseball Player to have Neuroma Surgery

I was watching the news this morning and heard that Mike Trout, of the Los Angeles Angels, would be out for the remainder of the baseball season for surgery on a neuroma in his foot. Neuromas are something that I treat almost every day, but I know that many people have no idea what a Morton's Neuroma is and why it can cause such major foot pain. A Morton's Neuroma occurs when the nerve that passes between our metatarsal bones develops thick tissue around it and becomes painful. It often causes pain in the ball of the foot that can shoot to the toes. Additionally, many people say that it feels like they are walking on a pebble, scrunched up sock, or even a marble, but when they look, there is nothing in their shoe or on their foot. Diagnosis of this condition can often be made in the office with a clinical exam. Conventional X-Rays may also be used to look at the position of the metatarsal bones. If they are naturally close together, some patients are more likely to develop this condition. This condition is often successfully treated with shoe changes, as a wider toe box and thick, less flexible sole can help. Additionally, orthotic devices and steroid injections can manage this condition for most patients. Have burning, shooting, or aching pain in the ball of your foot? Have numbness to two of your toes? Are two of your toes starting to spread and look like a "V?" You may have a Neuroma, so please consider a podiatry appointment so that we can develop a plan to make your foot feel better! Dr. Bender 708-763-0580 By the way, I write my own blogs and do not hire professional writers! I try to write about things that are in the news or that I am seeing a lot of in the office!

Emergency Appointments and your FEET

Every day, I have patients trip over their pet, slip on a step or curb, slide too hard into first base, get stepped on while playing basketball, or suddenly wake up with a red, swollen foot. Certainly, you should get help right away! A clinical exam by a health care professional is very important, and x-rays, MRI/CT scans, lab work, or other tests may be needed. Additionally, you need to feel more comfortable quickly, and this can range from walking boots, soft casts, medication, injections, and more! A foot and ankle specialist can focus their attention on not only relieving or lessening your pain, but also starting to solve the foot or ankle problem. My office is not open all the time, but if you do need to be seen right away, give us a call! If we are in the office or near the office, we will try to get you an appointment right away! Sometimes we cannot help, but if we can, why not see a foot and ankle specialist right away! Give us a call- 708-763-0580! This blog is created each time based on whatever conditions or situations I have encountered around the time when I am writing it. I am not a professional writer and do not hire outside companies to write generic blog posts. My office is a local, community based practice and not owned by a huge company. Questions? Contact us at oakparkpodiatry.com.

The Dangers of Barefoot Fun in the Summer

Finally, we are enjoying Summer weather...picnics, hiking, swimming, Block Parties, gardening, and more! It is time for many of us to kick off our shoes and enjoy the feel of barefoot activities. Walking barefoot on safe surfaces certainly has the benefit of strengthening the tiny muscles in our feet, as we do not always use these when our feet are secure and supported in our shoes. However, the lack of protection and support from shoes, can also make barefoot walking very dangerous. Why? I will discuss two of the major ways kicking off your shoes can endanger your feet. 1. It is very easy to step on something when our feet are not protected by shoes. Pet hair, splinters, glass, pebbles, nails, and other objects hiding in the grass or sidewalk can easily penetrate our feet when we are barefoot. An injury from stepping on a foreign object can cause pain, swelling, an open sore or ulcer, infection, and inability to walk. Thus, it is essential to go to Urgent Care, the Emergency Room, or see a podiatrist depending on the situation. X-rays or MRI tests may be needed to locate the object if it cannot be seen or felt during an exam. Under the best circumstances, the foot can be anesthetized, and the object can be removed in the office, surgical center, or hospital. Sometimes, antibiotics, tetanus shots, and surgery are needed in more severe cases. Thus, it is important to protect your feet and limit barefoot walking during the Summer. 2. Running or playing without shoes can increase your risk of injury. The foot is less stable outside of a shoe, especially in the United States, where we start shoes at a very your age. Thus, if you are playing soccer, basketball, tag, or anything similar in the yard, protect your feet and wear your shoes. Already this summer, I have treated many stubbed toes and twists of the foot and ankle due to playing in the yard with no shoes. Do you have foot pain? Please visit my website, oakparkpodiatry.com. By the way, the purpose of this blog is just to give very basic information. I write the blogs myself based on what conditions I am seeing in the office at the time of writing the blog. I am not a professional writer, and I do not pay an outside company for fancy blog posts. I just want to get information out about the feet and keep people thinking about keeping their feet healthy!

Get Your Feet Ready for SUMMER!

As June rapidly approaches, most of us are thinking of getting outside and enjoying the weather. After months of having our feet warm and cozy in our socks, boots, and shoes, there are several things to think about before we put on our sandals and flip flops! Nail issues- One of the big things that people notice after not looking at their feet all winter, is that their toenails are thick, discolored, or irregular. This may be due to a fungus, and it is important to be seen by a podiatrist for this. One of the most common ways to get toenail fungus is from your own skin if you have had Athlete's Foot or a fungal infection of the skin. Our feet can get sweaty over the winter while in boots for many hours each day, and Athlete's foot can commonly develop as itchy, blistered, scaling skin. If you had this over the winter, and now have toenail issues, you have have developed fungal nails from this skin infection. Further, pedicures are another cause for fungal nails. I suggest that people keep nail polish off their nails for the cold weather months to prevent toenail dryness. However, many people keep the nails painted and are shocked when they finally look at them without polish. When the cuticle is cut or pushed back, small tears can occur in the cuticle that allow normal fungi that reside in our socks and shoes to invade the nail. Additionally, it is possible that nail polish may have fungus in it from being used to on so many different clients. Thus, it is good to use your own nail polish for the toenails rather than picking something off of the shelf at your local salon. Skin issues- As mentioned in the last section, Athlete's Foot is common in the cold weather months. Warts are a virus that also love warm sweaty feet that have been in socks and boots all winter. If you see raised bumps on your feet or callouses that have black or red dots inside them, it is important to get your feet checked and treated (warts can spread!). Conventional corns and callouses occur in areas of pressure or friction on the feet, so they can also be painful reminders of winter shoe and boot season. There are treatment, padding, and shoe gear changes that can help with these too. Finally, soft tissue aches and pains and bone injuries can occur during every season when people change their shoe gear or activities. Going from boots and supportive winter shoes to sandals can create new aches and pains. The levels of heel and tendon pain always increase in my office during this transition. Flip flops and sandals without support contribute to this increase in foot pain. Also, people get much more active outside when the weather improves. This leads to an increased number of stress fractures from running and similar sports, and heel pain with cleat use for soccer, baseball, and softball. Get your feet feeling and looking great for the summer! oakparkpodiatry.com

Teenagers and Shoes

Many teenagers visit my office with their parents each day. No matter what has brought them into the office, whether warts, an ingrown nail, or an ankle sprain, our conversation almost always leads to shoes. Sometimes the reason the teen has foot pain is directly related to their shoes! Also, locally, many of our teens walk to school and then spend all day walking around their schools. Thus, a supportive and comfortable shoe is essential to keep the feet safe and pain-free! A supportive shoe is one that cannot be bent or twisted into a ball. Also, a solid heel is essential for stabilizing the foot. For example, supportive walking, cross training, or running shoes are good choices for everyday use by teens. The other important factor to consider is size, as the toes should not be hitting the end of the shoe. There should be one thumb length from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. If your teen, has toe problems, a shoe with a wider toe box (square or round shaped) allows the toes to have more space. Many teens are still growing until they are 18, so it is important to make sure their shoes are the proper size! Even within one school year, a teen may need a new pair of larger shoes. Finally, make sure you check your teen's shoes to make sure the tread has not worn out on the bottom. This can cause falls or may increase pain since the sole is starting to break down. Because many teens walk so much during the day, their shoes may wear out sooner than when they were younger. Questions? oakparkpodiatry.com

Fifth Annual OPRF Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Fair, 3/10/19

Several years ago, a couple of members of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, along with our previous Executive Director, came up with the idea of a health and wellness fair to highlight the unique and local health and wellness offerings in our area. This small project has now grown to the point that it is at its third location (we outgrew the other two) and is expected to draw over 900 visitors. One hundred vendors, free classes, snacks, children's activities, and screenings will all be offered this Sunday. This include the Foot and Ankle Screenings that I will be offering again this year! Come visit us, this Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 11-3 at FFC Oak Park. Please see the press release below for more information! January 22, 2019 Oak Park, IL, January 16, 2019 - The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce will present the 5th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair taking place at Fitness Formula Club (FFC) of Oak Park on March 10, 2019, featuring more than 75 local vendors and service providers, complimentary fitness classes, screenings, activities and more. The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring the Community Health & Wellness Fair to FFC for the first. At this new location, there will be space for more vendors, new kids activities, elevator access and nearby free parking (in the ramp directly behind FFC). “Rush Oak Park Hospital is proud to again be the main sponsor of the Health and Wellness Fair,” said Karen Mayer, vice president of Patient Care Services at Rush Oak Park Hospital. “This free event is a great opportunity for community members to not only learn more about the kind of quality services our hospital provides, but to gather information about what our community partners have to offer. It’s a great resource for improving health, and we’re excited to be a part of it every year.” Community members who would like to attend the fair are invited to pre-register for the event by visiting our Eventbrite page. The FREE advance registration includes: Admission to the 5th Annual Community Health + Wellness Fair and opportunity to interact and consult with 80+ health & wellness providers Free 20 minute fitness classes Complimentary screenings Fun family activities Healthy snacks Automatic entry to raffle to win one of six gift baskets (valued at $300+) overflowing with gifts from our vendors Post-event virtual goody bag filled with GREAT offers from our vendors “As one of the biggest events in Oak Park, the Community Health and Wellness Fair brings needed resources and community together in one place,” says Kim Cepak, owner of Ashland Vine Senior Home Care, “We are super excited about the new venue and looking forward to the many new faces we will be meeting.” ABOUT OPRF CHAMBER The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce is a member organization proud to serve businesses in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and the surrounding areas. We provide leadership, information, events, workshops and opportunities for networking and relationship-building. We are passionate about our community and all it offers – and committed to helping you find what you need to thrive here. Contact: Diana Shea, Media Contact 443-955-1704 (dir), dianas@tenandfit.com

Protecting your feet in slush and ice

Today, after a night of snow, sleet, and ice, we have wet, slippery conditions on the roads and sidewalks in Chicagoland. These conditions can, obviously, leads to slips and falls when people are trying to go to work, school, or run their errands. Take care when moving around outside by wearing boots or shoes with good tread on the bottoms to try to stabilize the foot when walking on uneven or slick surfaces. Additionally, the heel and ankle portions of your boots or shoes should be solid and supportive to make the ankle more secure. Compressive and flexible shoegear makes it much easier to loose your balance and fall. Be safe, and have a great day! oakparkpodiatry.com

Winter Running and your FEET

I treat athletes all year long. However, winter running presents its own challenges in Chicagoland. First, the feet should be warm and dry when running in the winter, not only for comfort but also to prevent cold injuries (like frostbite). Thus, our sock and shoe choices are important in the winter. Socks should wick moisture away from the feet. Wool, polyester, and Dry-Max or Cool-Max technologies are incorporated into a lot of popular running socks. Wicking socks are the best choice and can minimize the risk of warts and Athlete's Foot (both of which thrive in warm, moist environments like our sweaty socks and shoes). Cotton socks do not pull moisture away and are not the best choice for winter running as the foot can become moist and cold. Some runners like to wear two pairs of socks when running in the winter, but this can affect shoe fit. Doubling the socks and making the shoe tighter may increase the risk of blisters, numbness/burning, and pain. Thus, if you prefer to do this, make sure you have a specific shoe that can accommodate the addition of a second sock. Next, shoes need to have good support to stabilize the foot when running in ice and snow. Trail type running shoes are a good choice for the irregular surfaces that winter runners may encounter as they have better traction for the varied surfaces. Additionally, their construction offers more support and stability, as off road runners need the foot to be stable in the shoe (with less slippage). These shoes tend to have a better and more secure fit in the heel and a wider toe box. Mesh shoes should be avoided in the winter, as they are not as warm. The next blog will focus on common foot injuries that happen with Winter Running! oakparkpodiatry.com

Cold Temperatures and the FEET

My office will be closed tomorrow, 1/30/19 and possibly 1/31/19, due to the extreme cold temperatures. With these record breaking cold temperatures, exposed skin can develop frostbite in 5-10 minutes. The skin and tissues under it actually freeze, and this can result in long term complications: nerve damage, ulcerations, infection, gangrene, loss of limbs, and loss of life. The toes (along with the fingertips, ears, and nose) are prime areas that can develop frostbite. This is of great concern for our homeless population, as many of these people walk or stand outside for prolonged periods of time. When I treated patients at Pacific Garden Mission, I saw several cases of frostbite each year. However, anyone who spends too much time out in these cold temperatures can also develop frostbite. For example, if your car breaks down, if you are walking to work, or waiting for the bus, you may be exposed to the frigid air for too long. The exposed areas of skin can feel initially very cold and have numbness and burning. As the condition persists, the skin will feel harder and change colors (purple, blue, red, grey, white). After rewarming, blisters can appear, along with pain. More serious frostbite can result in loss of sensation, difficulty moving, large blisters with rewarming, and tissue loss. If you feel that you have frostbite, please report to the nearest ER. Certain populations are more prone to frostbite: people with chronic disease, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, mental illness, people with a history of frostbite, smokers, and alcoholics. As mentioned, however, anyone who is exposed to the cold weather for too long can develop frostbite, even when perfectly healthy. What can you do to be safe? Stay inside during these cold temperatures, either at your home or at a warming center. Other tips: wear several layers of clothes, wear socks that wick moisture away (not cotton), wear waterproof boots or shoes, wear warm mittens, avoid alcohol, and keep moving if outside. Again, if you feel like you have developed frostbite, report to the ER! Please visit oakparkpodiatry.com to schedule an appointment.

Your feet and the Snowy Day

Snow in November? Blizzard conditions in November? Some people may not be ready for this cold and snowy day since it arrived early. Not only do you need to worry about your coat, gloves, and hat, but you also need to give some thought to your winter boots. Winter boots should be warm, waterproof and supportive. Nothing is worse than trekking through the snow in boots that do not offer support of the arch, heel and ankle, as this can lead to pain. Pain in the feet and ankles but also in the hips, knees, and back. The skeleton consists of bones that connect with each other, so disrupting one part of the entity can cause pain or problems in another area. Waterproof boots that keep the feet warm and dry can protect against frostbite. In addition to support, it is also good if the boots protect you from falling or sliding by being slip resistant. Obviously, serious injuries can occur when you fall in the winter: sprains, broken bones, abrasions (skin injuries), and contusions. Enjoy the warm weather, but do not forget to protect your feet! Questions? Schedule an appointment at oakparkpodiatry.com or 708-763-0580.

Stress Fractures and Female Runners and Athletes

The Chicago Marathon just took place, and along with the various other races that people are training for, I have seen an increase in stress fractures in the feet. Stress fractures are very small, hairline cracks in one of both sides of a bone that can occur from repetitive trauma, as with running. These are the biggest cause of pain and swelling in the forefoot and top of the foot for women over age 35 that come into my office. Bone density starts to decrease at age 35, and that contributes to this issue, along with the repeated trauma of running and other sports on the feet. Other factors such as obesity, improper shoegear, improper diet, various health conditions and diseases, and improper training can contribute to stress fractures in female recreational athletes. Stress fractures do not always show up on x-rays and additional tests may be necessary. Sometimes, the diagnosis is purely a clinical one based on the office exam. Do you have foot pain and swelling? Give us a call for an appointment, 708-763-0580, or visit oakparkpodiatry.com for more information or to schedule online.

Warm Weather Flip Flop Foot injuries!

Over the summer, I have had an increase in patient injuries caused by flip flops. It is very easy to slip these on to your feet and walk the dog, run an errand, or hang out with friends. However, flip flops generally offer little or no support to the foot, and they also offer no protection to the foot. For example, when out walking the dog, the flip flop can turn under the foot, causing abrasions, blisters, and broken toes. More serious injuries can occur, such as broken bones to other areas of the foot and sprained ankles due to sidewalk cracks, curbs, dogs that suddenly walk or run faster, or irregularities in other surfaces like grass, rocks, or dirt paths. Obviously, there is no protection to the toes with flip flops, and it is easier to bump them against objects, have them get stepped on, or for objects to drop on them. A closed toe shoe offers significantly more protect to the toes. Most of the toe injuries that I treat in the office are due to flip flops, sandals, and barefoot walking. Additionally, I have seen an increase in heel pain, arch pain and tendon injuries with prolonged flip flop use over the summer. These can include swelling in some cases, but often just present with pain. Interestingly, the pain can be after rest or when you get up in the morning or after walking. Treatment can include better shoes, strapping and taping, ice, medication, physical therapy, orthotic devices, immobilization, and injections depending on the location of the pain and other factors. If you do like flip flops or sandals, consider using a pair that cups the heel and supports the arch. These are somewhat better for supporting and stabilizing the foot but still do not offer the protection and support of a gym shoe. Ideally, if you are walking your dog or walking for long periods of time, it is better to wear a gym shoe. Questions? Come visit us! 708-763-0580 or oakparkpodiatry.com

Does your Heel Hurt when you Wake Up in the Morning?

One of the most common things patients say to me in the office is that their heel hurts when they wake up in the morning. They hobble around or have great difficulty putting their weight on the heel for a few minutes. What is going on? This is typically plantar fasciitis, which is a common condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a structure on the bottom of the foot. It often hurts on the bottom of the heel but can also hurt in the arch area of the foot. If this is something you suffer with, come visit us! You can schedule on oakparkpodiatry.com or by calling 708-763-0580.

Why should you wear shoes around the pool?

Now that the outdoor pools are open in our community, I am writing to remind people that it is important to wear shoes around the pool area and in the locker rooms. There are a variety of important reasons why this will keep your feet safe! 1. Warts are caused by a virus that inhabits warm, moist environments like the pool and changing rooms. Warts are painful areas on the feet that can multiply and cause pain with shoes, walking, and sports. After swimming, it is helpful to dry the feet thoroughly. If you noticed a new area on your foot that looks like a corn or callous and hurts, it is important to get it assessed, as it may be a wart. Warts are often treated with acid and topical medications. 2. Athlete's foot or tinea pedis is a fungal skin infection that also thrives in wet, hot locations, like sweaty feet or the floors of locker rooms. It is also very easy to pass on to other people. The feet may get itchy, red, or develop small painful blisters. Athlete's foot needs to be treated typically with a cream, gel, or ointment that is prescribed by a physician. To prevent this condition, it is important to keep the feet dry by changing socks frequently, spraying the feet with anti-fungal spray, and wearing shoes in locker rooms. 3. Walking barefoot in locker rooms or around the pool can cause you to step on a foreign object like glass, splinters, tiny rocks, and other small items. These can cut the skin or become lodged in the skin. It is important to get proper treatment if you step on something outside to avoid infection or development of a sore that will not heal. Foot Problem? Give us a call, 708-763-0580, or visit oakparkpodiatry.com.

Seniors and Proper Shoegear

As the weather improves, people are outside more, and today, I had the opportunity to see many people walking around the community due to the weather. Specifically, I noticed two senior citizens outside walking with their canes, and both had shoegear that was not adequately supporting their feet. Especially with seniors, a supportive walking shoe that cannot bend, collapse, or twist is ideal. This allows the muscles and tendons to work more efficiently when the person is walking by supporting and stabilizing the foot and ankle. If you watch someone walking from behind with a flexible shoe, their ankles and sometimes knees collapse inward, and their toes often point outward. When that same type of foot goes in a supportive walking shoe, the ankle does not collapse in as much and the toes or forefoot are in a better position. Not only do good shoes prevent falls, but they also allow senior citizens to have a better quality of life. The feet will feel more comfortable, less fatigued, and can function better. Feel free to schedule an appointment with me if you have additional questions about your feet and what shoes would be best! oakparkpodiatry.com

Stress Fractures in Women

The most common reason a woman over the age of thirty-five comes into my office with a swollen, sore area on the top of the foot is a stress fracture. Stress fractures are hairline breaks in a bone that may be through one or both sides or cotices of the bone and develop for a variety of reasons, including reduced bone density, age, obesity, various health conditions, repetitive movements (like marching, running, or jumping), poor circulation, trauma, and other causes. The metatarsal bones of the foot area common locations for stress fractures, but any bone in the foot can develop a stress fracture. Often, there is pain, swelling, and difficulty walking when the bones of the foot develop this type of fracture. X-rays are ordered when a stress fracture is suspected. However, x-rays are frequently negative for a stress fracture, and more advanced modalities like CT scans or MRI or repeat x-rays at a later date may be needed to see the fracture. A stress fracture needs to be immobilized in order to heal properly. Unprotected walking with a regular shoe can cause the stress fracture to shift out of place, not heal properly, or cause continued pain and swelling in the foot. Thus, proper treatment with a physician is necessary. Other considerations for healing of a stress fracture of the foot include reducing standing and walking (delays healing), controlling other health conditions (like blood sugar for diabetics), and assessing and treating reduced bone density (increasing Vitamin D intake if low). Do you have a painful, swollen foot? Give us a call, 708-763-0580, or visit oakparkpodiatry.com.

Care of the skin of the feet during the Winter

As temperatures drop in Chicagoland, the skin of the feet can suffer. Dryness, itching, pain, redness, sores, cracks, and warts can develop. How do we prevent these conditions and keep our feet healthy? What needs to be done if we develop one of these problems with the feet? Colder temperatures often mean dry, cracked, and sometimes, itchy feet for many people. Additionally, our waterproof winter shoe gear and boots, can keep our feet dry but can also cause hot, sweaty feet that are more prone to problems like Athlete's Foot, warts, and bacterial infections. Easy Tips for Healthy Winter Feet. 1. Moisturize the tops and bottoms of the feet but not between the toes. First, it is essential to keep the feet moisturized during the colder months. I prefer to have patients use vaseline or a thick foot cream twice per day, but never between the toes. This keeps the feet, and especially the heels, soft and can ward off cracks or fissures in the skin that can be painful and get infected. The areas between the toes can get too moist in our shoes or boots, so adding additional cream between the toes can lead to cracks, sores, and pain. Thus, I recommend anti-fungal spray or powder between the toes to prevent Athlete's Foot and keep these areas drier than the rest of the foot. 2. Wear waterproof boots but beware of hot, sweaty feet! Waterproof boots and shoes are excellent for keeping our feet warm and dry. However, they can also make our feet sweaty and hot. I recommend removing boots when you get to work or school and wearing other shoes during the day when indoors. Especially for children and teens, wearing snow boots all day in school and gym class can lead to very moist and sweaty feet. Additionally, it is important to change socks daily or even a few times a day when wearing winter boots. Warm, sweaty socks allow bacteria, viruses, and fungi to thrive and grow on our feet, as they need warm, moist environments for growth. These organisms can cause fungal and bacterial infections and warts, all of which will require a visit to a podiatrist. Additionally, spraying the shoes or boots out with lysol daily is a good way to stop colonization of organisms in the boots if they are moist from the sweaty feet at the end of the day. If you do develop warts (hard, painful areas on the feet), Athlete's Foot (scaling, redness, blisters, and itching), or an open sore, schedule a podiatry appointment! Question about your feet during the winter months? Schedule a podiatry appointment, 708-763-0580, or oakparkpodiatry.com. As always, you can email the office directly if you have trouble scheduling, drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com.

Gout, the Feet, and the Holiday Season!

It seems that every winter around this time, I write a blog about Gout. Why, and what is gout? Gout is an arthritic condition that flares up in a joint, most commonly the big toe of the foot, when the uric acid in the blood stream is elevated. During the holidays, we invest things that can cause elevated uric acid: red meat, cheese, shrimp, leafy green vegetables, beer, and wine. Thus, gout flare ups of the feet tend to occur more frequently around this time of year. Gout often presents as a red, hot, very tender, and swollen joint. Sometimes, it can cause the entire foot to appear this way, and rarely, it can affect more than one joint at a time. Even the sheets touching the area can cause extreme pain. This condition is more common in men, but post-menopausal women can also get this condition. Injuries, recent surgeries, obesity, medical conditions, medications, and family history can also be factors with a gouty attack. If you think you are experiencing a gouty attack of the foot, it is important to see a podiatrist to make sure this is exactly what is going on. Other things can also have a similar presentation, especially infections, so a proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Often, a blood test is helpful to differentiate between infection and gout. There are a variety of treatment options for gout: medication, injections, strapping, soft casting, surgery shoes or boots, and other things. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com