Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center -Goin Green!

The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Wounds

2011-06-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Chronic wounds can be extremely difficult to heal. Particularly in the diabetic patient, where a weakened immune system coupled with a loss of protective sensation, the risk of developing a chronic wound is compounded.

Diabetic foot ulcers have become a massive problem in the United States. Approximately 15% of diabetics are affected by chronic ulceration. They can become infected, and precede almost 90% of non-traumatic amputations. Because of the risks involved with open chronic ulcers in the diabetic patient, aggressive measures are often made at closing the wound. This generally involves at the very minimum a period of offloading the wound as well as strict control of blood sugars, in addition to local wound care.

Another area of concern that is often overlooked is the nutritional status of the patient. Simply managing the blood sugars of a diabetic patient is a good start, but many other nutrients are involved in the process of wound healing.

The single most important nutrient for healing is protein. A deficiency in protein has been linked to longer healing times, due to impaired steps in the healing process. In particular, the formation of new capillaries and the collagen fibers that assist in wound closure depend heavily on adequate supply of protein. Protein levels can be check with a blood test to look for albumin, the most abundant free protein in human blood. This level should be above 3.5g/dL for adequate levels. Protein deficiency can be the result of poor diet, or secondary to kidney disease or other metabolic dysfunction.

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been touted for their anti-inflammatory effects, and recent research suggests that they may play a role in the healing of chronic wounds. They may serve as building blocks for the healing wound, as well as control inflammation and promote the healing process.

Vitamins C, A, and E play an important role as antioxidants in the body, and contribute to wound healing as well. Vitamin C is particularly important in the formation of collagen. Without vitamin C, a crucial step in collagen synthesis is missed, and the resulting collagen is weaker than normal. This results in fragile capillaries, easy bleeding, and weakness of the newly synthesized collagen fibers that help the wound heal. Vitamin C deficiency was first described in Scurvy, a condition associated with poor wound healing. Vitamins A and E act as antioxidants, attacking free radicals in the wound that contribute to its chronicity.

The term micronutrients refers to minerals that are essential in small doses in the diet. This includes zinc, magnesium, copper, selenium, and iron. These nutrients all function as essential co-factors for enzymes that are critical for wound healing.

In summary, nutrition plays an essential and often overlooked role in the healing of chronic wounds. In diabetic patients susceptible to such wounds, or with those that have a chronic wound, their diet should be optimized for healing. Tight glycemic control is crucial to preventing the complications of diabetes, and proper nutrition is extremely important as well.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC

101 6th Street N.W.

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-299-4551

www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Socks, Socks, Socks!

2010-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

With so many different types of socks out there, it can be difficult to decide which ones to get. Socks come in a variety of thickness, length, material, brand, and can be specialized for all different activities. So how do you know which ones to get?

The single most important thing to consider when picking out socks for yourself or someone else is the material that the socks are made of. Socks that are made of 100% cotton are the “gold standard” which all other are compared to. All cotton socks will absorb moisture, pulling it away from the skin. This can prevent conditions of the foot such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). They are the most versatile sock, and come in a variety of thickness.

But what happens to all of that moisture that the cotton socks pull off of the foot? In a very active person, or someone that will be on their feet for an entire day, that moisture has a tendency to just sit in the sock, right up against the skin. This is especially true for those who wear cotton socks with leather shoes or other types of shoes that don’t breathe easily. For this group of people, or for this type of activity, a moisture-wicking sock will be a better option.

Moisture-wicking socks come in tons of different forms, but most are made out of either a synthetic, acrylic-based material or a natural wool fiber. These socks, rather than absorbing the moisture from the feet, will spread the moisture out so that it can evaporate at a faster rate. The socks do not prevent sweating – they simply allow the sweat that is produced in the feet to evaporate faster. Moisture-wicking socks may be marketed as running socks, hiking socks, or other sport socks. Be forewarned, though – not all brands of socks are created equal. Many companies will use an inferior moisture-wicking material that may not work as well, and will be very warm against the skin during activity. Brands such as Smartwool, Bridgedale, Drymax, Balega, and Wrightsock are all good choices, but there are a number of other brands that make good moisture-wicking socks as well.

Socks with a nylon blend or polyester fabrics should be avoided at all costs. These socks tend to be very hot, and make the feet sweat excessively. This can be a very uncomfortable situation, and will lead to hyperhidrosis, which can then lead to fungal infections of the nail and foot.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC

101 6th Street N.W.

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-299-4551

www.FLFootandAnkle.com

USDA To Release New Dietary Guidelines

2010-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced plans to update dietary guidelines for Americans for 2010. The report is currently open to the public for comment, and a public hearing is to be held in Washington, D.C. on July 8. Written comments are being accepted at www.DietaryGuidelines.gov until July 15, 2010.

As expected, the new guidelines emphasize a plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. Also included are low-fat dairy products and more seafood, and moderate consumption of lean meats, eggs, and poultry. The reduction of fats, oils, and refined sugars has been emphasized as well.

The guidelines are something that many are already familiar with, but is based on the findings of the report provided by the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services. In this report, it was found that although Amercians continue to eat calorie-rich foods, many of these foods are low in nutrients, and resultant deficits in essential nutrients has been observed. In particular, low intake of calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin D has been reported.

The report addresses supplementation of these nutrients as being insufficient, except for in cases of known risk factors for disease, such as osteoporosis, pregnancy, and other conditions involving an increased need of nutrients.

As a solution to obesity and nutrition-related health problems, the report calls for more education in the areas of nutrition and fitness, as well as an advancement of cooking skills. In particular, this education is to be provided in schools, preferably at a young age. Improved access to healthy and fresh foods as well as financial incentives to purchase these foods is seen as essential to the guidelines and their implementation.

The report also calls upon the food industry to improve the nutrition of the foods produced, including low-sodium and low-fat foods, as well as a reduction in the use of refined sugars. Smaller portions are also encouraged, as well as a move towards environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture techniques.

These guidelines, according to the USDA and HHS, are seen as essential to the well-being of the American people. The way that these guidelines have evolved over the years is a far cry from the original food pyramid that was established in 1994, and the four essential food groups that were used in the 1950’s. Over the years, these different variations have been deemed obsolete, due to flaws in their presentation and interpretation. To read more about the 2010 guidelines and to leave your comments, visit www.DietaryGuidelines.gov

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC

101 6th Street N.W.

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-299-4551

www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Go Green With Your Socks

2010-03-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Looking for eco-friendly socks? They can be hard to come by, especially when compared to how easy it is to find eco-friendly t-shirts, pants, shoes and other clothing articles. Here are a few brands that we found on the Internet:

· Devmir – These socks are made in North Carolina, and are endorsed by the Sierra Club. The socks are made from organic cotton and bamboo, and serve a social cause too. For every pair purchased, Devmir will donate a pair to the homeless. Also, 10% of the proceeds go right back to the not-for-profit Sierra Club.

· Teko Socks – This brand specializes in highly functional, highly earth-conscious socks made from either merino wool or from recycled polyester. They offer a number of different styles, from hiking and backpacking socks to running socks to skiing socks. You can read all about their commitment to the environment at their website, http://www.tekosocks.com

· Patagonia – one of the first outdoor clothing brands to have a strong eco-friendly mission, Patagonia socks are not only good for the environment, but good for your feet, too. They offer a number of different moisture-wicking socks made with organic and recycled synthetic materials. The company also donates a large amount of money to sustainability projects throughout the world. Check out their website, www.patagonia.com

· SmartWool – known for their luxurious yet durable socks, SmartWool uses merino wool from free range New Zealand sheep. The socks can be quite expensive, but do hold up well under pressure. The natural fibers make great wicking material, and the company invests not only in sustainability projects, but in advocacy programs such as breast cancer awareness. Their website is https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#

· REI – the outdoor gear co-op makes some great eco-friendly socks that are usually about half the price of other brands. Their hiking socks are mostly made of merino wool, and running socks are made with synthetic, earth-conscious materials.

If you’re into earth-friendly products, there are plenty of items to look at. Many brands are creating socks and other clothing products that are both earth-friendly and functional. If you’re looking for cotton socks and want to find something sustainable, look for something made with organic cotton. Organic cottons aren’t treated with harsh chemicals, so the impact on the environment is reduced.

You can also look at the packaging that the socks come in. Is the paper or cardboard made from recycled material? If it is, it will say so right on the packaging.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Nutrition and Health Care

2009-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Many of the most common health problems have a strong correlation with a poor diet. There is a very strong link between obesity and the incidence of type-two diabetes, and many cardiac problems can be attributed to a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Nutrition can play a vital role in the health of a patient, down to the details of wound care and post-operative healing.

The focus of nutrition and its impact on health care has come into the national spotlight recently because of the connection between the two. Several documentaries have addressed the issue. Robert Kenner’s documentary “Food, Inc.”, which came out this summer, addresses the issue. On a related note, the documentary “The Future of Food” discusses the ramifications of genetically engineered crops, and the impact that it has on the food industry. The landmark film “Super Size Me” also tackles the issue of health and the fast food industry. There are dozens of books written on the subject of nutrition and its impact on our health, including Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma.

With the state of food prices and availability of fresh food in America, unfortunately, many go without proper nutrition. This situation can exacerbate the problems associated with diabetes and heart disease, ultimately adding to the cost of health care. This issue of poor nutrition and prevention of disease is at the very core of the health care reform bill, which is still under heavy assault from its opponents.

In Detroit, a city that has been described as a “Nutritional Desert”, one company has tried to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to areas that do not have a grocery store nearby. That company is Peaches and Greens, a fresh food delivery service. The concept is simple; much like an ice cream truck brings sweets to kids with a carnival music-playing van, Peaches and Greens brings around fresh veggies and fruit in a green painted delivery van.

The neighborhoods that Peaches and Greens delivers to in Detroit are much like the urban neighborhoods found across the country. They are areas where the residents may pass several convenience stores before finding a market that sells fresh foods. This is a common problem in poor urban areas, and many feel as though it contributes to a significant increase in health problems in the populations of these areas.

So far, the reception of Peaches and Greens has been very positive. The community appreciates the availability of fresh foods, and many outside of the community are impressed with the efforts of the company’s owners.

The issue of nutritional foods often being more expensive and less convenient than junk food for urban residents is a serious and multifaceted issue. If proper nutrition is made available to everyone at a reasonable price, and education is included in the classroom at an early age about the advantages of proper nutrition, it may be possible to ward off a great deal of preventable disease.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Smoking vs. Circulation

2009-09-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

The process of smoking directly involves your respiratory tract: nose, mouth, throat, and lungs – you inhale the smoke and exhale it out; so it makes sense when you hear that smoking causes breathing and lung-related problems such as cough, wheezing, emphysema, and lung cancer. However, smoking also affects circulatory ability and hence the body’s process to heal!

In a non-smoker, healing of a bone fracture by growing 1 cm of new bone takes 69.6 days. Yet, that same physiological process takes 89.4 days in smokers. Why is there a difference in healing rates? Healing rates are directly affected by blood flow and in smokers blood flow is impaired.

Smoking-induced circulatory disease (which is essentially damage to the blood flow systems of the body) actually causes more deaths than lung-associated diseases. Another alarming fact is that circulatory system damage starts early on in the course of smoking!

What is the circulatory system? The circulatory system is composed of our heart and all the associated pipelines that transport blood to tissues of the body and then bring them back to the heart (arteries, veins and capillaries). Blood is an important component because it carries oxygen and vital nutrients to tissues and organs. The blood vessels (pipelines) need to be clean and unobstructed on the inside to transport blood through them.

The smoke from cigarettes has a molecule called carbon monoxide that damages the smooth inside walls of these vessels and as a result substances such as plaques and fat can start to stick onto them. These adherent substances start to build up in the vessels and slow the transport of blood. However, carbon monoxide is not the only culprit in smoking causing circulatory disease. Nicotine is another compound that worsens circulatory disease.

Nicotine plays two roles that can greatly exacerbate circulatory disease. 1) It activates the sympathetic nervous system which is the “fight or flight” mode in our bodies – this increases blood flow and now this blood has to be forced through the clogged vessels and 2) the “fight or flight” mode triggers a release of stored fats as a mechanism for instant energy. This increase in fats has a greater probability of attaching themselves into our blood vessels damaged by carbon monoxide and further impeding blood flow!

If only the damage to the circulatory system caused by smoking stopped here! Not only does nicotine increase blood flow and mobilization of fats into the bloodstream, nicotine has been found to promote angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) to supply nutrients and oxygen to the blobs of fat that have attached themselves to our blood vessels! In other words, nicotine basically causes growth of vessels within vessels!

What is the outcome of this vessel growth phenomenon? The arteries and veins of a smoker become more clogged, narrowed and now become less elastic. The damage becomes more profound when these events occur within the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply the muscles of the heart). Remember, the heart is a muscle that also requires oxygen and nutrients so that it can pump blood to oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues to other areas of the body. If the muscles of the heart do not receive enough oxygen, they will start to die and this causes heart attacks (also known as a myocardial infarction). If a certain area of the brain is deprived of oxygen due to impaired blood flow, a stroke can occur!

Smokers are always considered risky surgical candidates because of their poor healing ability. In terms of healing, an injury such as a cut or fracture at the foot is less likely to heal completely with there is circulatory disease present. So many signs and symptoms of smoking can be attributed to the impaired blood vessel flow: tooth loss, hair loss, wrinkles in the skin and early aging.

The foot is affected by poor circulation because medical conditions such as ulcerations, sores or infections and has reduced ability to heal. In some cases, circulatory disease is so bad special intervention is required for proper healing. Your podiatrist can assess your circulation status by evaluating your health and habits. In addition, your doctor will advise you on proper footwear to prevent trauma and accidents. If footwear produces excess pressure in an area, your skin can breakdown causing more problems. Your podiatrist will also provide foot care such as trimming calluses and toenails! Prevention of injury is of the utmost importance in a smoker since healing is a challenge due to circulatory disease.

Remember, the best way to stop circulatory disease is to stop smoking!

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC

101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

2009-08-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Greening Your Footwear

2009-07-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Having trouble going green and maintaining your wardrobe? Want to add some eco-friendliness to your routine? Try swapping out your old kicks for a new pair of earth-friendly shoes!

Now that sustainability is the focus of many consumers, it is easier than you may realize to find footwear that is not only comfortable and cool, but earth-friendly as well. Brands like Keen and Patagonia have been at it for a long time, using sustainable products and manufacturing processes, as well as resource-saving packaging as well. Now, mainstream companies are getting with the program, too.

Earlier this year, Payless released a new line of green footwear. The shoes feature organic cotton and linen, hemp, recycled outsoles, and eco-friendly packaging. With over four-thousand stores across the United States, that makes the largest shoe retailer in the country a purveyor of the green movement.

Sustainability and environmentalism are growing concerns for everyone, and this is apparent from the response from the business sector. Companies are more than ever focusing on reducing emissions, and limiting pollutants from manufacturing.

Brands like Patagonia were early to the punch. In 1985, the company started the 1% For the Planet campaign in an effort to draw attention to the issue. Patagonia donated 1% of all total sales to programs that brought awareness to environmentalism and projects that helped clean up and preserve wildlife. Since 1985, the company has raised over $34 million for the campaign. Other businesses, many of which are small and local, have joined the club.

Even running shoes are getting an earth-friendly makeover. An industry that was once dominated by synthetic materials is becoming more earth-conscious through design. We’ve mentioned Brooks’ Green Silence in past posts – it’s the shoe with BioMoGo, a compound used for the midsoles that biodegrades at a much faster rate than other synthetics. Earth Neutral Design, or END, is a shoe brand based out of Portland, Oregon. The shoe brand uses bamboo fibers and recycled soda bottles in their design, creating a more eco-friendly shoe. The shoes are available at retailer REI.

Plenty of green products, including footwear, are now available. If you’ve been meaning to go green, let green footwear be your first step forward. You can check out any of these brands or retailers online, or go to your local shoe store and ask about environmentally-sound footwear.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

2009-07-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection commonly found in children that is very easily spread. The culprit in this disease is the Coxsackie virus. The transmissible nature of this disease is due to person to person contact with the unwashed hands of an individual with the virus and contaminated surfaces.

This disease usually arises in the summer or early fall in the northern hemisphere. The signs of this disease include a child with fever, rashes, and mouth sores – however, all three do not have to be present!

Some indications that your child may have hand-foot-and-mouth disease include:
- Decreased appetite for solids
- Fever and/or sore throat
- Mouth sores in and around the mouth – the sores may appear on the mucous membranes, gums, or tongue
- Non-itchy spotted skin rashes on the palms of hands, soles of the feet and/or on the buttocks

The disease is much more severe in infants and children than in adults and usually the disease has a mild course. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a condition that may be confused with chickenpox because they both have blisters; however, the rashes in this disease are not itchy unlike chickenpox. The virus that causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease is found in both respiratory secretions and stool. Therefore the virus may be spread via fecal-oral transmission, airborne droplet transmission, direct contact with an infected person, and contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus may be present in the patient’s stool for over 1 month and to reduce the incidence of the virus spreading, do not rupture the raised lesions.

The best way to reduce the transmission of this disease is to practice a good hand washing routine especially after diapering children and before eating.

Since this disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics will be ineffective in treating it! In most instances, medical care is not necessary. The most important factors to treat would be the fever and sore throat. Tylenol is a good fever reducer and popsicles and cold liquids are soothing to the sore throat. Ensure that the affected individual is adequately hydrated during the course of the disease.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Yoga for the Mind, Yoga for the Soul, Yoga for the Foot!

2009-07-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Think about all that our feet do for us – they help us movement, shock absorption, balance and hold up our body weight. What does this means spiritually? In the holistic sense, did you ever think about the impact of your feet upon your mind, body and soul?

In the spiritual sense, our feet connect us to the Earth and are our very foundation. They are a mirror into our body – when your feet are taut and tight, our entire body is also engulfed in tension. Many circulatory, musculoskeletal and neurological diseases such as diabetes and arthritis first manifest themselves in the feet!

These facts are just a small fraction of the reasoning behind foot yoga. Yoga for the body enhances well-being and positive energy flow throughout the body and so does yoga for the feet. There are a series of exercises you can do to encourage the well-being of your feet!

Virsana
Hero Pose

This important pose stretches the top of the foot and ankle and tones the sole of the foot simultaneously. It is very therapeutic for flat feet as strengthening the muscles in the feet helps recreate the arches.

Adho Mukha Svanasana
Downward Facing Dog Pose

This well-known pose involves your entire lower extremity. As your aches lift, your feet muscles work and stretch the soles of your feet.

Baddha Konasana
Cobbler Pose

The Baddha Konasana pose involves pressing the four corners of the feet together and drawing the toes away from each other. The foot muscles are strengthened and the arches activated.

If you find these exercises too difficult, there are simple movements that you can do to still reap the same benefits!
- Slow moving ankle circles in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions while sitting will keep your foot and ankle mobile and strengthen the muscles in those areas
- Pick up marbles with your toes to increase the muscle strength of foot muscles especially those of the toes
- Roll a tennis ball across the entire bottom surface of your foot to relieve tension in your feet by accessing pressure points

Try the different maneuvers to keep your feet healthy and happy which will in turn keep you healthy and happy! Enroll into a yoga class to help you achieve harmony with your mind, soul and body – especially with your feet!
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Dried Up Feet!

2009-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

The seasons of summer and winter are the harshest time for feet! You may have noticed that your feet become exceptionally dry in the summer due to too much sun and chapped and cracked in the winter due to the cold. In both instances, the lack of moisture in your skin lead to the unsightly and uncomfortable conditions mentioned above.

Your feet are accustomed to staying moist and supple; there are over 250,000 sweat glands in each foot! In one day, your feet may produce up to a pint of sweat!

The medical term for rough, dry skin on your feet (or in any other bodily area) is xerosis and it may not just arise due to seasonal conditions. Xerosis may also occur if you wash your body and feet too often or may occur due to malnourishment. Basically, xerosis comes about when the natural oils in the outer layer of your skin become depleted. The oils function to retain water, and in the absence of oil your skin loses water or dehydrates.

Xerosis affects anyone and everyone regardless of gender, race or age; however incidence rises with increased age. In some cases, other medical conditions may cause xerosis: HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, diabetes or Down syndrome. Xerosis is dry skin and may be accompanied by other signs such as scaling skin, cracking, and red/pink patches due to inflammation. Itching may or may not be associated with xerosis.

If you find that you are experiencing these symptoms, there are several care guidelines that you can follow to diminish the discomfort:
-Take short lukewarm showers just once a day to prevent dehydration
- After bathing, make sure to dry your skin by patting with a towel rather than rubbing
- While skin is still moist, apply a oil-based moisturizer (Oil-based moisturizers function to keep your skin hydrated better by preventing water escape from your skin and they work better than water-based moisturizers in that respect.)
- Use a humidifier in seasons where you notice dry skin occurring (A humidifier will put water into the air and reduce the rate of your skin drying out.)
- Drink plenty of water

If you find that your condition of xerosis is still bothersome, make an appointment with your podiatrist. They may prescribe lotions with alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, urea, or propylene glycol. Book an appointment to find relief!

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

A Garden Variety of Problems

2009-07-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Gardening is a time-intensive yet rewarding hobby. Growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants takes calculation, scheduling and maintenance. However, those tasks do not just apply to gardening; it applies to your body as well! It is imperative to figure out how much time you will devote to gardening as that will determine how and when you will stretch your feet and body! If you are new to gardening, gradually increase the time you spend with the activity! After gardening, it is important to wash and survey your feet and ensure that no problems have arisen from gardening!

Like any sport, gardening is a physical activity which can cause injury if you do not condition and protect yourself! Problems that may arise from gardening may range from toenail injury to aches, cramping and swelling!

Toenail injuries like bruising and ingrown toenails can be due to a variety of causes.
-Dropping a heavy object on your toes such a shovel or rake will cause bruising of the nail
-Wearing a shoe with a narrow toe box cramps your toes and causes ingrown toenails and/or bruising

Aching feet after gardening may be due to
-Lacking a warm-up routine or incomplete stretching before starting the activity will cause pain in the muscle groups not accustomed to gardening
-Using run-down, ill-fitting shoes to garden will cause achiness because you have confined your toes into an uncomfortable position

The sensation of cramping pain could be caused by
-Wearing socks that fit too tightly around your leg, reducing circulation to your feet stopping oxygen from reaching your muscles and lead to cramps
-Using a small size shoe to garden and thus jamming your feet into a narrow space will cause cramps
-Kneeling or squatting for extended bouts of time will diminish blood flow to the feet leading to a lack of oxygen to your muscles
-Not taking numerous breaks to walk around will lead to cramps, your muscles should not stay in one position for too long – so walking them out allows blood flow to go back to the places it may not have been able to before

Swelling
-Standing or sitting for too long results in gravity pulling body fluids (lymph and blood) to your feet and ankles, so be sure to change your position frequently
-Wearing socks that compress your leg too tightly blocks blood and lymph from returning upwards causing swelling

If you encounter any of these problems, seek your podiatrist to help you manage them!
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Growing Pains!

2009-07-13T06:53:00.001-07:00

When foot or leg pain strikes, the first idea that comes to mind when determining its cause is inquiring about recent strenuous activity such as running, swimming, skiing or other high-motion sport. However, did you ever stop to think that under-the-radar activities can contribute to or be the source of lower extremity pain? Gardening is a commonly overlooked activity that requires the manipulation of the body to bend, crouch, and kneel and involves the movement of the foot, leg, thigh, and back! With the height of summer upon us – many gardeners are probably feeling the effects of their seasonal toil!

Gardening is a labor-intensive, weight-bearing hobby and like any strenuous activity, should involve warm-up and adequate protection to protect the enthusiast. Your feet play a variety of roles when it comes to the body: they are essential for mobility, help with preserving balance, bear the full body weight, and act as shock absorbers. Gardening requires all the above foot functions when it comes to bending and kneeling to plant seeds, crouching and squatting to weed, and standing to mulch, fertilize and water your vegetation. Gardening is intense exercise and coupled with the sun and the lifting of various tools such as shovels and hoses, you will burn serious calories!

What can you do to make sure that you have a comfortable, pain-free gardening experience?

- Stretch your feet and body completely before starting to garden

- Wear socks made of acrylic or a cotton/lycra blend - they work to wick sweat off your feet and keep your feet from rubbing inside your shoes

- Choose to wear loose-fitting socks – this allows blood flow to your feet without restriction

- Buy gardening shoes or boots with rubber soles for shock absorption – this reduces the risk of heel bruising when walking on stones or undergrowth

- Ensure that your gardening shoes are close-toed and have a deep, round toe box – this will prevent the formation of corns and bunions, ingrown toenails and blisters

- Use a gardening pad to cushion your knees when kneeling

- Thoroughly wash and dry your feet after gardening and carefully inspect them for red, swollen or inflamed areas

Talk to your podiatrist at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center about the best way to approach gardening – they will show you the correct way to stretch your muscles to prevent aches and pains. If you happen to find a problem after gardening, your podiatrist will take the right measures to treat your problem and make recommendations for preventing its reoccurrence!
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com