Frostbite

As the winter season begins, A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center wants to remind you of the very real potential for frostbite injuries. The feet are among the most commonly affected body parts for these injuries. Skiers, ice-skaters, joggers, mountain climbers and outdoor enthusiasts are all prone to frostbite, as well as those that must work outdoors to make a living. In addition, anyone with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease is at particularly high risk.

The danger of frostbite must be considered very strongly whenever there is exposure to extreme cold. It is caused by actual freezing of the soft tissues. Frostbite can be classified into four stages based on the degree of injury. First-degree frostbite produces white patches on the skin’s surface. There is often numbness and swelling, but no tissue loss. Second-degree frostbite is represented by pale skin that does not blanch (turn white) when pressure is applied. Clear colored blisters, swelling and redness may develop. If any numbness occurs that does not clear in a few hours, then deeper tissue damage is likely. In cases of third-degree frostbite, the blisters are larger, deeper and purplish with blood. The swelling and redness can be dramatic, and there is a high probability of deep tissue injury with some permanent loss. Fourth-degree frostbite involves the deep soft tissues including bone and can result in mummification of the tissues and require amputation.

Patients who have frostbite injuries that are greater than first degree should be observed in a hospital. The accepted therapy for frostbite is re-warming, but care must be taken not to burn the area with excessive heat as tissues are often numb. Rubbing or massaging of frostbitten areas is strongly discouraged because it can lead to further damage. Once the body part has been re-warmed and blood flow returns, the injured area may appear mottled, blue or purple. There may also be swelling, resulting in large blisters or gangrenous areas several days after treatment. Tetanus vaccination, antibiotics and surgery may be required.

Ultimately, the best way to treat any cold-related injury is through prevention. This requires awareness of not only the actual temperature, but also the wind chill factor. Remember to wear clothing which allows sweat to evaporate and protects against the cold. Wool and wicking synthetics, such as polyester, are good materials to wear. Cotton is not recommended as it will actually retain moisture and facilitate heat loss due to convection. Keep shoe gear dry. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption when venturing out into extreme temperatures. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow to the feet, and alcohol hinders the body’s ability to sense temperature accurately and can cause heat loss. Go inside when feeling too cold. Do not ignore your body’s warning signs.

If you suspect that you have a cold-related injury such as frostbite, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. Get out of the cold and into a warm environment as quickly as possible. Keep your feet dry and warm. Do not expose the flesh to extremely warm or hot temperatures (such as a fire or a portable heater). A gradual and steady warming procedure should be followed.

For all your foot-related healthcare needs, please contact our office for an appointment.

Welcome Dr. Kate Johnson!

We’re so excited to announce our new doctor who joined A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center; Dr. Kate Johnson, DPM.  She has been with us since August, but we had to wait for the green light before making the announcement official. 🙂  Dr. Johnson comes to us from Arizona and currently accepts most insurances.  Please call our office to schedule an appointment.  You’re going to love her!

WELCOME DR. JOHNSON!

 

Our Patients are Helping the Community

We, at a A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, are excited to announce a new partnership!  We have become a proud Business Member with Realities For Children.  RFC is an amazing organization that has brought area businesses and the community together to serve the needs of abused and neglected children all over Larimer County.  As a Business Member (or BM), we help underwrite the administration of all programs and services, which makes the charity able to ensure that 100% of every dollar donated directly benefits the children.  How awesome is that? 

RFC is partnered in service with 22 local youth agencies, creating a safety net of services when these children would have nowhere else to turn to.  Anytime someone shops, dines or hires a RFCBM, they are becoming part of the solution to this problem.  (For a complete list of all the BM, please visit the Realities For Children website at www.realitiesforchildren.com.)

Of course, we always thank you for your trust in us, and now, every time you choose A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, you are also helping the Larimer County Community (in more ways than one).  Now you can feel twice as good about having to see the doctor!  Go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back.

DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend doing what this person is doing in this photo!

I, too, love the snow, but never would you catch my bare skin coming into contact with these frigid flakes. 

Bundle up your tootsies when going out in the cold and/or snow, please.  Keeping your feet warm and cozy takes the proper attire to do so.  Just wearing any ol’ socks and shoes isn’t good enough (but surely it’s better than going barefoot 🙂 ).  If you are enjoying the beautiful snow (as well you should), be sure to cover your peds with socks made of synthetic fibers.  Unlike natural fabrics, such as cotton, synthetic fibers will wick away moisture keeping your peddlers dry.  And don’t layer up…one pair of socks will do the trick. Wearing multiple pairs will do much the same as what natural fibers will – cause your feet to sweat, therefore rendering them wet and cold.   As far as shoes, your best bet is to go with a waterproof pair.  Of course, not everyone owns a pair of waterproof shoes.  In that case, just make sure you aren’t IN the snow for more than a few minutes.  If your feet won’t be submurged in snow, you should be fine for a longer period of time.

Stay warm…and on a completely unrelated note…GO BRONCOS!!! 

Combination Electroanalgesia Therapy for Neuropathies

Do you suffer from pain, numbness, leg cramping, sharp electrical-like pain, pain with walking, difficulty sleeping from leg & foot discomfort, and prickling or tingling feelings of the feet?  Do you suffer from poor balance or any muscle weakness?  If you have any of these symptoms, you may suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy.  At A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and pain.  We take a holistic approach to treating the pain. 

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition in which the smaller nerves (the ones that branch off from your spinal cord and brain) of your body are damaged or not working correctly.  There are close to 300 causes of neuropathy and approximately 21 million Americans are affected.  While diabetes remains the leading cause, it only represents 30-40% of all patients who suffer from the pain related to neuropathy.  Peripheral Neuropathy is a progressive disease of the nerves that worsens with time.

At a Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, we will diagnose and treat you with the least invasive, most effective therapy available.  We have had exceptional results with this treatment in our offices in Fort Collins and Loveland Colorado.  Our goal is the successful management of your acute (short term) and chronic (long term) pain resulting in improved quality of life for you.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for this treatment, please call one of our offices today to make your appointment; Fort Collins, 970-493-4660 and Loveland, 970-667-0769.  Or if you have questions about this treatment, please call our office.  We care about your overal long-term health and well-being.  You don’t have to live with this disease – call and visit us to see if we can help you.

DRIVE On In with Your Unwanted Shoes

We are proud to, once again, participate in the

24th Annual Shoes for the Homeless Shoe Drive.

For the entire month of December, you can help by donating your new and gently used shoes to someone in need.  Just bring them into either of our locations in Fort Collins or Loveland by December 31st and we’ll do the rest.

Happy Holidays!

Podiatrist warns of high heels risk in pregnancy

But are flat shoes OK? Click the picture below to find out.

Shopping for children’s shoes

When shopping for a young child’s shoes, it’s important to consider more than just how cute the miniature footwear is.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these tips for shoe-shopping parents:

• Your child’s feet may grow quickly, and sock and shoe sizes can change rapidly.
• Poorly fitted shoes can cause irritation and pain, so always measure the foot before a shoe purchase and make sure shoes feel comfortable.
• Don’t share shoes or have your child wear secondhand shoes.
• Once your child begins wearing the shoes, frequently inspect the heels, which often wear most quickly. Uneven wear may indicate a foot problem.
• Let your child participate in shoe shopping.
• Always try on shoes while wearing socks or tights.
• If feet are different sizes, buy the size that fits the larger foot.

Making strides for good health: Why taking care of your feet matters

When’s the last time you thought about your foot health? Read this article to find out some great tips.

Just click on the picture below.

Practical, protective foot health steps for people with diabetes

Healthy feet are essential for overall good health, no matter your age, fitness level or physical challenges. For people with diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is especially vital. More than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide are related to complications from the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.

A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics with diabetes are particularly in danger since more than 90 percent of those with the disease or at risk for it have never seen a podiatrist as part of their health care.

“Regardless of ethnicity, foot ulcers and infections are the leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes, but most of those problems are largely preventable,” says Dr. Joseph Caporusso, a podiatrist and president of the APMA. It’s important for those with the disease to ‘knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot exams by today’s podiatrists.”

While ulcers – open sores on the foot – are the most common diabetes-related foot problem, several others are also serious and prevalent, including neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, poor circulation and infection. The nerve damage that diabetes causes may mean a person with an ulcer or injury may be unaware of it until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg.

The good news is, regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, the APMA says.

People with diabetes need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels) or drainage on their socks.

Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe. If you discover an ulcer or have any symptoms, see a podiatrist immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment.

In addition to examining your feet every day, and keeping your blood glucose in your target range, make sure to follow these foot health tips:

* Discuss your diabetes and the risks with your family. Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health.

* Never go barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure both socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well.

* Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection.

* Keep your feet elevated while sitting.

* Wiggle toes and move your feet and ankles up and down for five minute sessions throughout the day.

“Successfully managing diabetes is a team effort, and today’s podiatrist is an integral player on that team.