Items filtered by date: March 2015

Ankle-foot orthosis are braces worn at the ankle that encompass some or all of the foot. Diseases that affect the musculature or weaken the affected area require orthosis to strengthen the muscles or rehabilitate them and other joints of the foot and ankle. Tight muscles that need to be lengthened and loosened also benefit from orthosis.

When we think of diseases that affect the musculature we think of the big boys: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio and multiple sclerosis. We rarely think that arthritis and stroke can affect the musculature, but these are both conditions that can negatively affect the muscles in your foot and ankle.

However, the good news is that whatever trauma there is that affects those muscles, there is a way to correct it. The orthosis helps to control range of motion, provide support by stabilizing walking, correct deformities, and manage pain loads. A podiatrist would be consulted for those who have experienced direct trauma to the foot or ankle, have an arthritic condition that is affecting their joints, or has developed another kind of muscular disease.

Before the advent of modern orthosis devices, it wasn’t uncommon to see polio victims wearing metal braces from mid thigh to the bottom of the foot, or children wearing metal braces around their ankle and foot. However, both designs and materials have improved dramatically, allowing for new levels of comfort, functionality, and appearance. Many orthosis are now made from plastics in the shape of an L and designed to fit inside a corrective shoe. These can be rigid, buckling at the calf and extending the length of the foot to support the ankle. This same design except with a hinged ankle provides support while walking by normalizing the gait. In the past, boots lined with leather and fiberboard provided the rigidity needed for correction and support. Now corrective shoes are available with built up soles to correct the gait or manage pain by sharing it with another area when the foot spreads during walking.

The podiatrist would prescribe this orthosis in the rigid L shape because the foot moves on a hinge. If the hinge isn't functioning as intended due to an injury or malformation, the muscles tighten up, thus making it difficult to flex the foot. When we walk, the foot flexes and muscles stretch. This brace or orthosis would support the ankle and musculature during flexion of the foot, in much the same way a knee brace works. Corrective shoes are for people whose feet hit the ground backward, causing tight muscles and arch problems. Wedges and rocker bars on the heels correct the step to heel first and rock onto the ball of the foot, resulting in relaxed musculature and strengthened ankles.

Appearance also counts when we consider a particular support device, especially if the item is intended for regular, daily wear. The L shaped orthosis is contoured to the calf and flesh-colored, fitting into a sneaker or dress shoe. At present, corrective shoes are more attractive than past models, enabling patients wear such devices with greater comfort and confidence.

For many people, toenail fungus can be not only unsightly but also embarrassing. The condition is frustrating as it can be very persistent and difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, there is a number of available treatment options for toenail fungus.

Lamisil is considered to be the most effective treatment for toenail fungus though any anti-fungal treatment can be used. Look for the ingredient terbinafine when it comes to products that focus on killing fungal growth. Utilizing a product containing terbinafine will damage the cell membrane of the fungus organism even though the results are not immediate. Apply the medication on a routine basis and be sure to wash and dry the affected area thoroughly. The fungus requires air, moisture, and your skin to live.

It may also help to take other precautions when it comes to fungal nails. Applying talcum powder inside shoes can absorb sweat and moisture. Also be sure to wear sandals or loose-fitting, open-toed shoes which can improve air-flow around the feet and keep them dry. These types of shoes also expose your feet to light, which is not favorable for fungus growth. Wear socks that dry quickly and wick moisture can also help control fungal growth.

Though Lamisil and other terbinafine-based medications are effective, they may also cause a variety of undesirable side effects. If this kind of medication does not sync with you, there are several natural remedies to try. Regular applications of tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or Vicks VapoRub to the affected area may also solve the problem.

Your physician can also recommend soaking your toenails in a gentle bleach solution, with anecdotal evidence suggests that Listerine and vinegar are possible effective soaking solutions. They may be simple treatments but require consistency and of course patience. Your local pharmacy may also carry topical products manufactured specifically for toenail fungus.

Laser surgery is a more immediate treatment if you are looking for a quick removal of the toenail fungus. However, do not cut the toenail fungus using any kind of scissors, even toenail scissors. It should be advised that once your fungus infection is cured, you will need to throw out old pairs of shoes to avoid reinfection.

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is usually the result of a build up of plaque in the arteries. Plaque build up, or atherosclerosis, can be the result of excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream, which restricts how much blood can flow through arteries. Reduced blood flow to a certain area of the body severely limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that part of the body receives, causing degeneration in the muscles and other tissues. Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by other conditions, such as damage to or inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

The lack of oxygen and nutrients caused by poor blood circulation can restrict muscle growth and development, as well as cause muscle pain and cramps, weakness, and stiffness. Other common symptoms include numbness in the legs and feet, skin discoloration in the affected limbs, slower nail and hair growth, and erectile dysfunction in men. In more severe cases of PAD, pain can be present even when a person isn't exercising, and may range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is more common in those who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or who have a family history of PAD or related conditions (heart attack, stroke, etc.). Diabetes and smoking place a person at greatest risk for developing poor blood circulation, although advanced age (over 50) can also increase risk.

If you are experiencing poor blood circulation in the feet and legs caused by PAD, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke caused by this condition. If you smoke, quit completely -- this will increase the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Exercising and reducing the saturated fats in your diet (which come from fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk, etc.) can make a difference in improving blood circulation in feet. It is also important to avoid developing influenza and to carefully control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Your doctor may recommend combining lifestyle changes with a prescription medication regimen to improve blood circulation. The most commonly-used medications for PAD are called statins and work by blocking the amount of enzymes in your body that produce cholesterol. They are known by the brand names Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others.