March 21, 2013

Why Are My Toenails Black?

Black Toenails

Black toenail polish may be cool, but black toenails are not!

This week marks the beginning of spring and it’s a good time to make sure those feet are ready to make an appearance in sandals & flip flops!

No matter what you color you ‘paint’ your toenails, their natural color should be pink! But sometimes toenails turn black…here are a few reasons why!

Why Are My Toenails Black?

Good question! Black toenails can result from a variety of things. Athletes will often have a problem with their toenails turning dark. This is often known as Runner’s Toe. Darkened nails can occur from the toe hitting the end or the top of the shoe toe area. The darkened nail is essentially a bruised nail, or a subungual hematoma. This doesn’t look very ‘springy’…

Trauma to the toe can also lead to a blackened toe nail as well, such as slamming your toe in a door or a heavy object falling on your toe.

Sometimes, the bruise can lead to an infection. The pressure, which caused the bruising of the nail, can cause a small sore under the toenail, and the sore can become infected.

If you’re a diabetic and experiences changes in the color of your toenails, you should get it checked out immediately as this could cause a much more serious problem for you.

Remember, your natural toenail color should be pink. Any color other than this may indicate a problem!

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us on Facebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

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March 15, 2013

Why Isn’t My Foot Wound Healing?

Are you diabetic and have a foot wound that isn’t healing? It’s critical you take action to prevent a catastrophic outcome, so read on to learn more!

Diabetics face special challenges when it comes to wound healing. Due to decreased circulation problems and decreased blood flow, wounds take much longer to heal. Diabetics  also have decreased ability to fight infection.

West Coast Podiatry is uniquely positioned to help you achieve the best outcome possible. We are on the cutting edge of  all the latest wound healing products and techniques. And we are the only podiatry group in the Sarasota-Bradenton area that has privileges in all of the local hospitals that have wound centers, which includes Manatee Memorial Hospital, Doctor’s Hospital, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 

We know the quicker a diabetic wound is healed, the greater the patient’s chances are preventing amputation. Listen to the video below to learn more and how you can save your feet. 

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us on Facebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

 

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March 8, 2013

Diabetes and Your Feet

Diabetic Foot

Diabetics should inspect their feet daily!

If you suffer from diabetes, proper foot care is critical! Diabetics are prone to a variety of foot problems and need to pay special attention to their feet. In fact, ignoring even the smallest cut or nick could lead to a catastrophic outcome, like amputation.

If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. This is the first step in your arsenal for keeping those feet healthy. 

In addition to inspecting your feet, here are some basic, but helpful ways to care for your feet and lower your risk of problems.

Diabetic Foot Care Tips:

  • Always keep your feet warm.
  • Don’t get your feet wet in snow (not too hard to avoid here in Florida) or rain.
  • Don’t smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
  • Don’t soak your feet, unless using a special solution specifically designed for diabetics.
  • Don’t use antiseptic solutions, drugstore medications, heating pads or sharp instruments on your feet.
  • Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you have an ingrown toenail, contact your podiatrist immediately.
  • Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don’t put any lotion between your toes.
  • Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
  • Wear loose socks to bed.
  • Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
  • When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel and be careful between your toes.
  • Don’t lace your shoes too tightly or loosely.
  • Choose socks and stockings carefully. Wear clean, dry socks every day. Avoid socks with holes or wrinkles. Thin cotton socks are more absorbent for summer wear. Square-toes socks will not squeeze your toes. Avoid stockings with elastic tops.

Faithfully following these simple steps can go a long way in decreasing your chance of major foot problems. And remember, one of the best things you can do for your feet and overall health as a diabetic is watch your blood sugar! Living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean a death sentence for you or your feet!

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us on Facebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

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March 1, 2013

What Kind of Running Shoes Are Best?

What kind of running shoes do you need? Last week we shared some great general tips for helping you buy shoes…we want to help you take care of your feet! 

 We thought we would spend some time this week getting a little more specific and helping the runners out there. So, all you runners… listen up!

I know you love running and all the endorphins that go along with it, but running and jogging exert brute force on your feet, legs, hips and spine, and if you’re not wearing the proper running shoes, you could end up with some pretty bad injuries!  

Proper shoe selection is critical to protect yourself from possible injuries and long-term problems! 

So, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for your next pair of running shoes:

  • Fit the shoe to your longest toe, which is often your second toe.
  • Shoes should be comfortable when you first try them on. Don’t buy shoes and plan to “break them in” by wearing them.
  • Take the same socks you’ll use for jogging. They should fit well, be made without seams, which could cause irritation to the foot. If you use extra-thick socks while running, select shoes with enough room. Socks should be made mostly out of synthetic materials which “wick” moisture away from the foot. This reduces the chance of developing blisters.
  • The shoe should grip your heel firmly.
  • While the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to wiggle all your toes.
  • You should have at least 1/4 inch of space beyond your longest toe.

Weight, foot structure, and running regimen are also variables to be keep in mind when choosing your shoe. And, you need to consider whether a special insert will be used in your shoe, and whether your running style is flat-footed or on the balls of the feet. This will further help you determine the best shoes for you!

And don’t forget, running shoes should provide good cushioning for shock absorption, and be able to fully bend at the ball of the foot area!

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us onFacebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

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February 24, 2013

For the Love of Shoes!

Love Your Feet? Wear Good Shoes!In continued celebration of “Love your Feet” month at the West Coast Podiatry Center, let’s talk about shoes. And all the women shouted, “Yes!”

We get it—shoes are fun! They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.  And of course, they are fun to shop for—but if you are wearing the wrong size or type of shoe—the fun will quickly come to an end.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying shoes…

  • Avoid shoes that have seams over areas of pain, such as a bunion.
  • Avoid shoes with heavy rubber soles that curl over the top of the toe area (such as seen on some running shoes), as they can catch on carpets and cause an accidental fall.
  • Flat shoes (with a heel height of one inch or less) are the healthiest shoes for your feet. If you must wear a high heel, keep to a heel height of two inches or less, limit them to three hours at a time and take them off coming to and from an activity.
  • Laced, rather than slip-on shoes, provide a more secure fit and can accommodate insoles, orthotic devices and braces.
  • Look for soles that are shock absorbing and skid resistant, such as rubber rather than smooth leather.
  • The shoe should be made of a soft material that has some give, like glove leathers.

So there you have it! If you want to love those feet, pay attention to the shoes you are buying and wearing.

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us on Facebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

 

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February 17, 2013

How to Give a Good Foot Massage

foot massage

A good foot massage is *good* for you!

Did you know it’s “Love Your Feet” month at West Coast Podiatry? It sure is! We love your feet and we want you to love ‘em too! Your feet are simply marvels of nature and engineering and they’ re worth taking care of.

In honor of this month and Valentine’s Day, why don’t you give your loved one a great foot massage?  It’s easy to do. Heck, you can even give yourself one!

A good massage, whether it’s a foot or full-body, has many healthy benefits. A few of these benefits include tranquility and relaxation, improved circulation and cleansing, rejuvenation, reduction of PMS symptoms, and enhancement of immunity. Massage can also help manage pain and promote deeper sleep.

Does this sound good to you? Yeah, we thought so! You can never go wrong with a foot massage. So, go grab the massage lotion and click here to find out how to massage those feet and get ready to relax! 

If you would like to learn more about taking care of your feet, or if you are experiencing ankle or heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Oh and one more thing—if you haven’t already— please like us on Facebook where we share foot tips, great pictures, and fun facts!

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February 9, 2013

Why Do I Have Heel Pain?

Why do I have Heel Pain?

There are many reasons for heel pain!

Heel pain, unfortunately, is a common complaint in our office. It’s not unusual to hear patients say, “My heels hurt in the morning!” or ask “Why do my heels hurt when I run?”

There are many reasons for heel problems. After a thorough examination, we can usually determine the cause of your heel pain based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Simple ultrasound lets us look at the deep structures together and see exactly what’s going on.

The two major causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinitis. The easiest way to figure out which one is causing your pain is by location.

Generally—and I stress that word because there are other reasons—if the pain is under your heel bone it is likely plantar fasciitis.  If the pain is found at the back of the heel or in the achilles area, then it is likely achilles tendinitis.

Treatments for heel pain may include rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, and the use of foot supports/inserts. Heel pain rarely requires surgery.

Check out this video to learn more about plantar fasciitis. Next week, we’ll talk more about achilles tendinitis.

If you are experiencing heel problems, Sarasota or Bradenton is the place to be! Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Photo courtesty of Stilfehler.

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February 1, 2013

Who Will Win Super Bowl XLVII?

Mercedes-Benz Superdome - Home of Super Bowl XLVII

Mercedes-Benz Superdome – Home of Super Bowl XLVII, Photo courtesy Nwill21

Super Bowl XLVII is almost here! New Orleans, the city of fun and debauchery, is set to host the big game between the 49ers and the Ravens. Tickets have been purchased, bets have been placed, and all the velveeta cheese in the known world has been purchased to make nacho dip for the special occasion.

Of course, the big story line is the Harbaugh showdown—two brothers, both coaches, facing off in the games of games… isn’t this what Hollywood movies are made of? Legend—and frankly, a little bit of a snoozefest now.

So, who is going to win…the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens? Talk on the street is the Niners appear to have the more complete and dynamic defense. They also have a more varied offense. Both coaches are good, but Jim is a little better. Consensus is San Francisco has the edge.

Now, let’s look at the from a podiatric angle. Let’s get down to feet and football. Last year I looked at which team had healthier feet based on the NFL injury report and made my prediction. Looking at the report this year, there are no injuries keeping anyone from practicing or participating in the big game itself. There are a few nagging shoulder injuries on the Niners side, but nothing that is going to keep anyone from playing.

Whoa! Two mostly healthy teams heading into the Super Bowl? I guess I’m going to have to call it for who I’d like to see win and that is NEITHER! As a die-hard Steelers fan, this game is the pits!

I don’t want San Francisco winning because that will mean the 6th Super Bowl for them and they will tie the Steeler’s record, taking away our bragging rights as the most successful franchise in NFL history.  That is simply unacceptable…I am wringing my terrible towel as I write this. And I don’t want the Ravens to win because they are the Steeler’s most bitter rival. So maybe I’ll skip the game altogether and go sing Karoake.

If you are looking for a podiatrist in the Bradenton or Sarasota area (or looking for someone to sing karaoke with Sunday evening), please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

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January 25, 2013

Do I Need Foot Surgery?

Do I Need Foot Surgery?There are many reasons people need foot surgery.  Sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, diabetes…the list could go on and on.

And let’s face it…foot pain is a pain! It can interfere with your way of life and be quite debilitating. Some of the most common foot surgeries are…

Reasons for Foot Surgery

Bunions

A Bunionectomy is the removal of bone and soft tissue in the big toe due to a bump on the side of the big toe joint.  Bunions, also called a hallux valgus, are deformity characterized by the the great toe moving towards the second toe. Bunions often occur when the joint is stressed over time. The surgery realigns the joint and removes the boney prominence to relieve pressure.  There are over many different types of surgeries for bunions depending on the severity of the deformity.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma occurs when a nerve gets pinched between two bones.  It can cause a sharp and/or burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb. If there is no relief from conservative treatment such as shoes or inserts, surgical removal of the neuroma can be done.

Hammertoes

A  hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. The toe is bent at the middle joint, making it look like a hammer. Initially, hammer toes are flexible and can be remedied with simple measures. If left untreated, they can become fixed and need surgery. The initial treatment consists of shoe modification or padding.

If you need foot surgery, our surgeons are here for you. We specialize in the treatment and surgical intervention of the foot and ankle.

If you are looking for a foot surgeon in the Bradenton or Sarasota area, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

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January 18, 2013

Foot Care Tips for the Athlete!

Foot care for athletes

It’s almost time for the Super Bowl!

It’s play-off time for the NFL! Teams are duking it out on the field, vying for a coveted spot in the game of all games—the Super Bowl!

I often wonder if any foot and ankle injuries affect the  games. For example, did Marshawn Lynch’s foot ailment (running back for the Seattle Seahawks) affect the game against the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday? Maybe…not likely though.

It was an awesome game. The Falcons were ready to lose this game after blowing a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter against the Seahawks.

But…in the last 8 seconds and down by one point, Falcon kicker, Matt Bryant, landed a beautiful 49 yard field goal…alas, I’m getting distracted…back to podiatry.

Athletes need to take special care of their feet and body to ensure optimal physical condition on the field and off. Athletes can experience a wide variety of injuries ranging from something as minor as a blister to a more serious injury like the Lisfranc injury.

Several factors can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing an injury: running style, poor footwear, lack of proper conditioning, and even minor limb length differences.

So, whether you play for the best football team in history (Go Steelers!) or just enjoy shooting some hoops with the boys on the weekend, here are a few things you can do take care of your feet and help prevent injury.

Tips for Athletic Foot Care:

  • Always use the correct shoe for each sport and surface.
  • Get in shape. Being overweight or out of shape places added stress on the feet. Condition yourself gradually with stretching exercises for 15-20 minutes before starting and after any activity (“warm-up” and “warm-down”).
  • Wear correct shoes. Footwear should be given the same consideration as any other piece of sporting equipment. Sports shoes should protect as much as possible, be durable, and should be right for the sport and surface. If running, the shoe should have adequate cushioning in the mid-sole and a flared heel for stability.

Hope these tips help get you ready for your next game!

If you are looking for a podiatrist in the Bradenton or Sarasota area, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Lasday, Dr. Zdancewicz, or Dr. Goecker for a thorough and professional evaluation, either in their Bradenton Podiatry office or Sarasota Podiatry office.

Photo courtesy of BrokenSphere.

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