When Can I Drive After Breaking My Foot?

It's that time of year when a lot of people fall, slip, and crash land on the snow and ice, breaking an ankle, foot, or toe. Of all the times of year to be laid up with a broken bone, winter is perhaps the least busy, compared to summer with outdoor activities. 
But if you're like most people, you're likely to get a serious case of cabin fever, as you spend days on the couch recovering, watching television or reading a good book. So when you finally decide to venture outside, is it safe for you to drive a car? How long should you wait?
Unfortunately, there are no concrete guidelines as to when you can drive again after breaking a major bone in your lower limbs. Several recent articles have attempted to summarize contrasting findings of postoperative driving studies. Most studies say that normal braking function returns nine weeks after surgery for an ankle fracture and six weeks after breaking a bone in either the ankle or foot. 
One point all the studies agree on is that the patient should never drive with a cast or brace on the right ankle or foot.
The goal of these studies was to see how long it takes recuperating patients to make an emergency stop and to encourage doctors to have conversations with their patients about safety behind the wheel. Doctors have often been hesitant to give any advice with regards to driving and broken bones, for fear of getting sued if the patient got into an accident or if driving aggravated the injury. One study shows that 35% of doctors never even talk about safe driving after an injury. Even if doctors have the conversation with their patients, many times the advice goes unheeded.
"As surgeons, we can't clear someone for driving, but we can educate them," said Dr. Geoffrey S. Marecek, co-author of one review, which was recently published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. "I tell my patients, 'No immobilization, full range of motion without pain, and then we'll talk about it.'
"But that's common sense and not science," Dr. Marecek, an assistant professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine added.
However, most physicians would tailor the advice to the patient and procedure, factoring in pain tolerance, medications, postoperative mobility, and mental acuity. With no gold-standard in place, it's difficult to make a blanket statement.
If you break a bone in your foot or ankle, make sure you speak with your podiatrist about how long you should wait before getting behind the wheel.
Reference: New York Times
If you believe have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

A Bee Stung My Foot!

When it is summertime, all we want to do is go barefoot, on grass, on sandy beaches, and in theme parks. However, our bare feet often attract unwelcome bees, who can sting us!
If you are stung by a bee on your foot or ankle, do not try to pinch the stinger out with your fingers. Try squeezing the stinger sac instead and push more venom in. 
If you are at home, grab some tape, lay it across the stinger, and pull up the tape, letting the adhesive of the tape remove the stinger. You can also try using a credit card or fingernail to scrape the stinger off. 
If you are unable to get to the stinger using these methods, use your fingernail to press into your skin about a half inch away. When none of these techniques call a foot or ankle specialist, or proceed to an emergency room immediately if you are having an allergic reaction. 
Once the bee stinger has been removed from your foot or ankle, wash your foot with cold water and soap. If you are experiencing pain apply a cold pack for 5 to 15 minutes, until the affected area feels numb. Repeat with cold packs until you no longer feel discomfort. 
Common signs of an allergic reaction to a bee sting are hives, abnormal swelling around the sting area, and difficulty breathing. If you already know you are allergic to bee stings, head to the emergency room, as some people can die. Your bee sting kit, which includes your medication, will help save your life. 
To avoid attracting bees:

• Avoid wearing hair spray, scented lotions and sprays, and oils. You smell like a flower to a bee when you wear these things, so avoid them if you know you will be outside.
• Like humans, bees see in ultraviolet, and when you wear brightly colored clothing, you look like a flower to them. 
• Be careful with food that you eat outside. Bees love anything that smells sweet, so cover up any food not being eaten.

If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Most Americans Have Foot Pain, But Don't Go To Podiatrist

The American Podiatric Medical Association announced last month the results of its Today's Podiatrist survey, which investigates the public's attitudes towards foot health. The study surveyed 1,000 Americans aged 18 and older and found that the majority of Americans have experienced foot pain (77%), but only one third of them would go to a podiatrist for medical help.
Foot pain is not just a nuisance. It affects how you walk, exercise, work, or play with your children. Foot pain can greatly reduce your involvement with all of these activities, especially when you have chronic foot pain. Half of those surveyed said they had to stop or reduce an activity because of foot pain and that number rose to 83% for those with chronic foot pain. Respondents said they would exercise more (39%) and be more involved with activities (41%) if they were foot pain free.
"It's not surprising to see how many people are affected by foot pain," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "when survey results show that we view our feet as the least important body part in terms of our overall health and wellbeing. Our feet are literally and figuratively the furthest thing from our minds."
While many people have foot ailments, most do not know to go to a podiatrist for help. The majority of adults speak with their primary care physician (60%) or do a Web search (48%) to seek answers for their foot problem before seeing a podiatrist. 
"Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons, and specialists. They're ready and able to treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the foot and ankle, as well as the foot problems Americans experience most often: heel pain, plantar fasciitis, nail fungus, and foot odor," said. Dr. Spinosa. "They can also catch signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders, all of which can be detected in the feet."
When people go to see a podiatrist, they get the help they need. 88% reported that their podiatrist provided a quick and clear diagnosis and 76% said their podiatrist prescribed an effective treatment regimen and/or medication that solved their foot or ankle condition. 
As well, 34% said their podiatrist was able to diagnose and identify another condition they have, like diabetes, circulatory problems, or nerve issues. Most who visited a podiatrist were extremely pleased with the level of service and care they received; more were happy with the care they received from their podiatrist than their primary care physician.
"Foot pain is never normal, and it's critical that anyone experiencing chronic pain seeks care from an expert," said Dr. Spinosa. "We hope these findings encourage Americans to fight foot pain with the help of today's podiatrist."
Reference: News Medical
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Getting A Pedicure? Look For These Things

It is that time year again when our feet come out from their winter shoe hiding place and are free in flip flops, sandals, and open toed shoes. You may look down at your naked toenails and think "This will not do!" 
But you may be concerned about going to a nail salon to get a pedicure because of the horror stories you have heard from friends, family, and co-workers. Most people know about the dangers dirty salons can cause: fungus, cuts, and mishaps. 
It is crucial therefore that you go to a salon that uses clean practices. You can assume that there is always a chance for exposure to these fungi, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. We see the effects of a pedicure gone wrong all the time in our offices- from patients who have had toenail fungus for years, botched cuticle cutting, and various other viruses. 
Don't become another victim of a foot condition from the salon. Here are some things you should look for in a good nail salon:

• Get to the salon 15 minutes early. It may be a pain in the neck to arrive 15 minutes early before your appointment, but the point is to give yourself time to check out the salon, even if you have been there before. Does the salon look professional and clean? Trash bins should never be overflowing, and neither should dust be collecting on shelves. 
• Find licenses. Each of the nail technician's, along with the salon's license, should be posted near the entrance so everyone can see them. Don't see the licenses? Ask your technician.
• How do they sanitize their tools? Tools should either be sterilized in an autoclave, a big device that sanitizes tools, or in liquid disinfectant. The solution should not be cloudy; if the solution is cloudy, it needs to be changed. Ask if they use test strips to make sure the disinfectant is working. 
• Look at the pedicure area. Are the footbaths being cleaned after every pedicure? After every pedicure the footbaths should be disinfected with hot, soapy water, filled with water again, along with disinfectant. The spa should run at least 10 minutes before being emptied out again and wiped down. 
• Check out the manicure area. Is your manicurist cleaning and disinfecting after every single client? new towels, cotton balls, disposable nail files, and wooden tools should all be replaced and thrown out.
• Watch out if you are getting acrylic nails or fillings. The manicurist should wash her hands before getting started and apply an antibacterial gel or spray to yours. Every tool should be sterilized. 
• Avoid cuticles. Cuticles should be pushed back but not cut. Your cuticles provide protection for your nail bed, so they should be kept. 
• Bring your own manicure kit. Many nail salons will let you bring your own manicure kit, as well as your own polish. But- you need to make sure they are cleaned and sterilized after each visit. 
• Visit a med spa. Still have doubts? Visit a med spa, where a physician is on staff and oversees the environment, tools, and equipment. 

Reference: Elle
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Former Costa Rican President Has Foot Surgery

Costa Rica's former president Oscar Arias Sanchez (1986-1990, 2006-2010) underwent surgery on his right foot last Sunday to repair a ruptured tendon. 
The surgery was performed at the Clinica Biblica, a private hospital in downtown San Jose, per instructions from Arias' personal physician. The former president and Noble Peace laureate said he has been suffering from recurring pain and discomfort for several weeks.
Arias' daughter, Silvia Aria, spoke with members of the media after the surgery, stating that the surgery began at 10:30 AM and lasted two hours.
Arias was accompanied to the hospital by his wife Suzanne Fischel and other relatives. The first medical report after surgery found Arias, 73, in good health.
Arias was president of Costa Rica twice and won the Noble Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to end and negotiate peace accords for years of civil wars in Central America. 
Reference: Tico Times
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

Liam Hemsworth Injured On Set of Mockingjay

Liam Hemsworth fans across the world are hoping for a speedy recovery for the popular Australian actor.
Hemsworth injured his right ankle while filming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2 in Berlin this weekend. Production stopped on Saturday and resumed today. 
The actor was seen with his driver and two people from his entourage for a second-round check-up at the doctor's today, where he was for an hour and a half. Even though he was limping, Hemsworth was all smiles and was in good spirits. 
The rumor is that Hemsworth sustained the injury when he kicked a styrofoam stone dummy, but it has not been confirmed. 
Before getting injured, Hemsworth was showing off his dance moves at the Cannes Film Festival. The cast of Mockingjay 2 got dance fever at the 67th Festival, with Hemsworth the first to hit the dance floor. The crew boogied out to songs by Beyonce, Michael Jackson, and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. 
References: E! Online and Perez Hilton
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.

New Technology Designed To Kill Athlete's Foot

IBM researchers and a team in Singapore have taken a common plastic and turned it into a nanomedicine that is 1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand and can be used to kill fungus that is resistant to antibiotics.
So for everyone who suffers from athlete's foot and toenail fungus, this is good news.
This new nanomedicine represents technology that was created in 2011 at the IBM Almaden research facility in San Jose, California, and at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore to attack bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics. The researchers believe they can take this nanomedicine and use it to only attack the bad cells within a body. This breakthrough in anti-fungal treatment will likely be commercialized, and has large ramifications for infections that affect over a billion people each year. 
They were able to have precise targeting because the researchers can create an electrical charge on the nano particles that is only attracted to fungi cells. The nano particles then attach themselves to the fungi cells and chemically combine with them, wiping them out.
Researchers are hopeful for this treatment option because it physically attacks the membrane wall of the fungus, and kills the cells before they become immune.
James Hedrick, an advanced organic materials scientist at IBM's Almaden center, said in an interview with VentureBeat that the nanomedicine can be made from plastic materials like polyethylene terephthalate and turned into non-toxic biocompatible materials that are made especially to attack fungal infection. 
"This was a continuation of work in the antimicrobial space," Hendrick said. "It's a new molecule that fights fungal infections, which are similar to mammal cells in that they are very hard to target. Normally, drugs indiscriminately attack fungi and healthy cells together."
Hedrick reiterated that the new nano particles are pathogen-specific and target set fungi, not healthy cells. IBM has labeled this research as a battle of Ninjas vs. Superbugs.
Over 1 billion people each year are affected by a fungal infection of some sort, not just on the feet. The body is more susceptible to these infections when it has an illness like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or when taking antibiotics. Traditional antifungal drugs get inside a cell to attack the infection, but have a difficult time breaking down the membrane wall. As well, drugs cannot differentiate between fungi cells and mammal cells.
Reference: Venture Beat
If you believe you have a foot problem and do not currently see a podiatrist, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.