Living With Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that primarily attacks the big toe and causes redness, inflammation, and pain in the area. An initial attack of gout tends to last several days and may even disappear without treatment, but future attacks are typically more severe. To prevent repeated attacks of gout, several lifestyle choices should be made. Because gout is typically caused by an impaired ability to process uric acid, avoiding purine-rich foods like meat can help prevent episodes. Drinking enough decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages (water, juices) and losing weight, if necessary, can help patients manage gout. Reducing alcohol consumption and taking medications as prescribed are also recommended. Following your doctor’s recommendations and treatment plan for gout is important to reduce painful attacks.
While our specialty at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY is feet, our work in podiatry can affect all parts of the body. And as podiatrists, we have a unique opportunity to get an insight into how other systems of the body are working. With our knowledge and experience, your cooperation, teamwork with other medical caregivers, and the wonderful power of podiatry, we’ll have you once again walking with a smile. When gout or other foot aches and pains have you wincing with every step, it’s time to call our complete foot care facility, where same day appointments are often accommodated.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,
Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Ninety-five percent of gout patients are men

Pregnancy And Your Feet

Two common foot ailments associated with pregnancy are arch pain and swelling.

The weight gain naturally occurs during pregnancy completely shifts a woman’s center of gravity and places extra stress on the knees and feet. The arch may flatten out, or overpronate, and feet may roll in when walking. The plantar fascia often becomes strained or inflamed as a result, leading to pain in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot. Edema, or swelling of the legs and feet, occurs when the growing uterus pressures surrounding blood vessels and slows circulation. Blood pools in the lower extremities and causes swelling and discoloration. Varicose veins and leg cramping are also common during pregnancy because of weight gain.

Just as you put prenatal care in the hands of a specialist, so should you entrust your hard-working feet to a specialist— a highly trained, specially skilled podiatrist. It’s time to pay attention to what your feet are trying to tell you when each step is more painful than the one before. Don’t ignore foot problems, whether caused by pregnancy, injuries, diseases, or inherited conditions. Call us instead at SHENANDOAH PODIATRY.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Resting frequently with their feet up is good advice for pregnant women.

For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com

Healthy Nail Polish?

Are you ready to get your toes sandal ready? Do you worry about the chemicals in nail polish such as formaldehyde (a chemical which has been proven to cause cancer), toluene ( a chemical that the EPA restricts in our drinking water because it can cause nervous system disorders as well as damage to the liver and kidneys)and DBP (a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause birth defects and is banned in Europe)? There is a healthier alternative for your nails.

Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is formulated without these harmful chemicals. Better yet, it is enriched with naturally occurring antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract, as well as vitamins C & E and wheat protein. This enhanced nail polish promotes healthier, stronger, more beautiful nails. The chic yet affordable polish strips put harmful toxins without sacrificing effectiveness, quality or beauty!

Developed by podiatrists, Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is recommended by doctors nationwide. Isn't it nice to know that you no longer have to sacrifice fashion and beauty for health and well-being?

Nail Salons- Should I Be Worried About Infections?

Two weeks ago I published an article: Nails Salons-Should I Be Worried About Infections?

Yesterday, WDBJ7 aired a story about MRSA infection after a manicure. This again has stirred the debate...are nail salons safe?

I would suggest erring on the side of caution and paint your nails at home.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

For more information visit our website www.roanokefoot.com

What Is A Pedorthist?

You know that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for any foot ailments or injuries. But have you heard of a pedorthist? Many podiatric practices now engage the services of pedorthists to extend the value they provide patients. The field of pedorthics encompasses the design, manufacture, modification, and fit of footwear, orthotics, and devices to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, or injury. Pedorthists are certified by the Board for Certification in Pedorthics and must fulfill and maintain specific educational requirements to practice. Some of the more common disorders that pedorthists address with footwear treatment include heel pain, flat feet, high arches, hammer toes, pain or calluses in the balls of the feet, fallen arches, diabetes and arthritis.

At SHENANDOAH PODIATRY, we use today's high-tech diagnostic tools to fit orthotics and to detect foot imbalances, problems, and disorders, and to help determine the most appropriate treatment with more accuracy than ever possible before. We also use the most up-to-date materials for orthotics and other treatment modalities, always with the comfort of our patients in mind. Find out the many ways available today to keep your feet in the best of shape. Call us for comprehensive, family foot care.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Improperly fitting footwear is one of the leading causes of foot pain.

The Foot's Complex Structure

The foot's intricate structure combined with the heavy demands we place on our feet make preventive foot care a necessity. The ankles, for example, serve as the foot's foundation. When they are swollen, strained, or sprained, proper treatment will get you back to your routine and pain-free more quickly. Heels are the first point of contact with the ground during walking and running and form the base of the arch, which supports your body during activity. Each foot includes 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 ligaments that require care and attention when symptoms occur. Toenails— often a neglected foot part— can be a source of problems, and the foot's skin plays a key role in maintaining maximum mobility.

The components of the foot, ankle, and leg are designed to work together, sharing the tremendous pressures of day-to-day living. When they don't work properly, through, it can cause pain and other troubles for the rest of the body, and it's time to get help. The specialized care and treatment a podiatrist provides can make an important contribution to an individual's total health and well-being. SHENANDOAH PODIATRY offers comprehensive foot care by appointment .

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Corns, calluses, blisters, warts, and infections on the foot's skin can make daily activities uncomfortable.

Selecting the Correct Shoe Size

To help find the appropriate shoe fit, it is important to keep certain things in mind when shopping for shoes. So you like the color, style and price, what else is there to know, you ask? There are a few things that you may not know that can help you make smarter choices in your shoe selection. If the appropriate shoe size and/or shoe type are not correct for your foot type, it can cause hammertoes, bunions, corns, calluses, or heel pain. Many times the size that is on the box is not necessarily the correct size for your foot. So ladies, don't be in denial about your shoe size, get the correct size and prevent future foot problems. As we age, men and women, our waist size may increase a little, well so does our foot size. Here are a few points to remember:

• Heel to toe length: this is commonly used to determine your shoe size, but this is not the most accurate measurement. Reason is that the great toe joint may not always be at the ball of the shoe, so foot problems may occur.

• Heel to ball length: this is the most important factor in determining the size of the shoe. This measurement helps determine the correct position for the arch of the shoe and for the foot to bend in the proper position as well.

• Width: measure from the first metatarsal head to the fifth metatarsal head (widest part of the foot). Wearing a shoe that is too wide for a narrow foot type, allows the foot to move around in the shoe, which can cause injury due to increased mobility of your foot inside the shoe. Wearing a shoe that is too narrow for a wider foot type, can cause areas of pressure and not allow the toes to extend fully in the toe box. The excessive pressure can cause corns and calluses and the toes can develop into hammer, claw or mallet toes.

• Girth: thickness of the foot; measure from the top of the foot to the sole of the foot. A thicker foot will require an increased depth of shoe. A thinner foot may require extra padding to take up space in the shoe.

• Shape: take into account the shape of your foot, not just the shape of the shoe.

Many patients may have foot conditions that will not allow them to wear over the counter shoes without modifications. Their condition may require custom made shoes. If you have questions, regarding your shoe gear, schedule an appointment at Shenandoah Podiatry. I'd be glad to help you.

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny